Predicted XI

Rodri to make it? How Man City could line up against Tottenham

The Spaniard was forced off with an injury during the FA Cup match against Swansea, but is expected to be okay to feature

 
9:41am on Friday 12th February 2021
By
Martin Macdonald

Man City boss Pep Guardiola should be able to call upon the services of Spanish midfielder Rodri for his side's crunch Premier League clash versus Tottenham on Saturday.

City successfully progressed in the FA Cup during the week with an away victory over Championship side Swansea, but the win was soured slightly in the second period after Rodri was forced off after a robust challenge by Yan Dhanda.

Guardiola confirmed that the Man City medical staff had not informed him of any major issues, though, so it is believed Rodri will be able to feature against Spurs.

One expected absentee is Ruben Dias, however, as he is currently ill.

Guardiola said of his defender:

"Ruben had a fever.

"He still has some problems with the stomach. That’s why he couldn’t train yesterday."

With Dias having not trained, it will likely mean a return to the starting XI in the Premier League for Aymeric Laporte, who will partner John Stones.

Fernandinho is injured, with Guardiola saying he had issues with his quad.

Where possible this weekend, the former Barcelona and Bayern head coach will likely field a similar XI to the one that humbled Liverpool last weekend.

So, Rodri should be joined in a midfield three by the in-form Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva.

Phil Foden, who is basically undroppable at the moment due to his excellent performances, will start in the central striker role dropping deeper, with Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez on either side.

Sergio Aguero isn't match fit as he continues his recovery from coronavirus isolation, but it is possible that he could make the bench.

Kevin De Bruyne will miss out, as will Nathan Ake.

The victory against Swansea was Man City's record-breaking 15th in a row in all competitions. The last team to defeat Pep Guardiola's side?

Jose Mourinho's Tottenham.

Man City predicted XI against Tottenham

Latest news

Serie A

Capello carries Juve back to the summit of Italian football - Serie A 2004-05

The Bianconeri would later be stripped of this Serie A title...

  • 11 hours
Ligue 1

Montpellier stun French football to claim maiden title - Ligue 1 in 2011/12

Olivier Giroud and co. put themselves on the map by winning the French top flight for the very first time

  • 12 hours
Bundesliga

When Magath guided Bayern to another Bundesliga crown - the Bundesliga in 2005/06

The Bavarian giants claimed the double in Germany, further solidifying their dominance under Felix Magath

  • 13 hours
La Liga

When Ronaldinho moved onto another level - La Liga in 2005/06

The Brazilian moved into the realm of greatness in a near-flawless season

  • 14 hours
Premier League

When Ronaldinho sent Barcelona on their journey to greatness - La Liga in 2004/05

The arrival of the Brazilian the previous year was the catalyst for a return to the top at Camp Nou

  • 15 hours
Premier League

When Man Utd blew Arsenal away to win three in a row - the Premier League in 2000/01

The Red Devils hammered their nearest rivals 6-1 during a season where everyone else trailed in their wake

  • 16 hours

Most read