90min

The Tottenham lineup that should start against Manchester City

By Sean Walsh

Tottenham come into this off the back of losing 5-4 to Everton after extra time in the FA Cup
Tottenham come into this off the back of losing 5-4 to Everton after extra time in the FA Cup / Pool/Getty Images
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Tottenham's trips to the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City have thrown up some classics in the recent past.

For Spurs fans, the most memorable nights came in 2010 when Champions League qualification was secured for the first time, and in 2019 when VAR drama ('VARma', if you will) saw them upset City and progress to the semi-finals of the European Cup.

They'll need to be at their very best in order to snatch a result at the Etihad this time around, with City looking to notch up their 16th win on the spin in all competitions (must be nice).

Here's who Jose Mourinho should start in order to have the best chance of claiming a result...

1. Goalkeeper & defenders

When you see Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden standing at the far post waiting for a tap-in
When you see Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden standing at the far post waiting for a tap-in / Pool/Getty Images

Hugo Lloris (GK) - A few errors have creeped back into his game recently, but he's still obviously better than Joe Hart.

Serge Aurier (RB) - Should be fit in time to start, and Spurs are going to need him - the Ivorian has been one of their most consistent players this season and has proven to be far more reliable than Matt Doherty.

Joe Rodon (CB) - Find it hard to believe Mourinho saw his team concede five goals and will think not to make a change in the heart of defence.

Toby Alderweireld (CB) - The best of a pretty mediocre bunch of centre-backs at Spurs right now.

Ben Davies (LB) - One of Mourinho's favourites, even if that feeling isn't universal among the fans.

2. Midfielders

'Ndombele, not Dembele' as my old mum says
'Ndombele, not Dembele' as my old mum says / Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (DM) - Made a couple of uncharacteristic mistakes against Everton, but he has been reliable all season so that's forgivable.

Tanguy Ndombele (CM) - Hasn't looked as fluid recently, will need extra help in order to play with freedom and lock down Manchester City's midfield.

Moussa Sissoko (CM) - What better form of extra protection than the services of Moussa Sissoko?

3. Forwards

What a lovely pair of boys
What a lovely pair of boys / MATT DUNHAM/Getty Images

Erik Lamela (RW) - Mourinho has revealed his love for the 'chaotic' Lamela. I know I feel the same way. Grabbed a goal and assist in this fixture last season but that's not as important.

Harry Kane (ST) - Only Jimmy Greaves has more goals for Tottenham now than Kane. Has somehow never scored from open play at the Etihad Stadium, however...

Son Heung-min (LW) - Loves a goal against City and you'd bank on him to make the most of any space in behind the back of the hosts' defence.

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