Spurs vs Manchester City – 5 Duels That Will Decide The Match

Article by Richard O'Connor

Wedensday, January 29th, sees the clash of two of England’s most in-form sides, when Tottenham host Manchester City at White Hart Lane. Tottenham, rejuvenated under Tim Sherwood, are unbeaten in their last 6 games, drawing 1 and winning 5 - including a victory at Old Trafford. Meanwhile, title hopefuls Manchester City are unbeaten in their last 11 league games and currently lie just a point behind league leaders, Arsenal. Below are 5 key duels, where the match will be won or lost for either side.

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Navas vs Rose:

Between injuries and suspect performances, even the most staunch of Danny Rose supporters would have to admit that the first choice left back has, at best, had a mixed season for Spurs. Indeed Rose has accumulated just 14 appearances in all competitons this season, amassing 1 goal and 2 assists. While always showing great heart going forward, his lack of concentration at times, coupled with defensive errors, have cost Spurs on a number of occasions this season - Arsenal’s second goal against Spurs in the FA-Cup being the most stand out example of his lack of awareness at times. For Spurs to be able to contain the Man City onslaught on the wings, Rose will have to play at his very best for the full 90 minutes and quickly iron the mistakes out of his game.

Meanwhile, Jesus Navas has been in scintillating form this season, posing a constant headache for opposing defenders when playing on Manchester City’s right wing. When City demolished Spurs 6-0 at the Etihad in Novemeber, Navas was key to the victory. Indeed after only a minute into the encounter, the former Sevilla winger found the back of the net. Couple this with an assist for Aguero in the 41st minute along with another goal of his own in the 92nd minute, and you see why Manuel Pellegrini snapped up the Spaniard so quickly last summer. Navas has 5 goals and 11 assists in total this season and there is no doubt that if on form, he will make short work of an inexperienced left back.

Negredo vs Dawson & Chiriches:

In contrast to Spurs’ “Beast” in Sandro, it is clear that Man City have a beast of their own this season in Alvaro Negrado. Having already notched 21 goals and 7 assists in all competitions, it is fair to say that the 27 year old has been simply unstoppable. Similarly to Navas, Negredo left Sevilla for Manchester City in the summer in the hunt for silverware, glory and of course mouth watering wages. Tasked with leading City’s frontline following the departure of Carlos Tevez to Juventus, the Spanish international has torn opposing defences to shreds almost at will and there is no sign of him letting up any time soon.

No one knows of Negredo’s prowess this season better than Michael Dawson. Indeed Spurs’ long term Captain looked second best against Negredo for large periods of the game at the Etihad and could only watch on as his opponent took the shot that led to Sandro’s own goal in the 34th minute, before the City hitman scored in the 55th minute to put City up 5-0. Fortunatly for Dawson, his defensive partner Vlad Chiriches has been growing in prowess as he gets more minutes under his belt and has often looked the more consistent of the defensive pairing. This has led many a pundit to insist that once Vertonghen returns from injury, the first choice centre back pairing should be Vertonghen and Chiriches, with Dawson relegated to the bench. Indeed, after missing out on many of Spurs’ opening games during the start of the season, the £7.8 million summer signing will be more determined than ever to try and shut down City’s attack, thus cementing his starting role.

Bentaleb vs Y. Touré:

A classic tale of the young up and comer versus the World class seasoned professional. If there was ever a time for Nabil Bentaleb to showcase his talents on the centre stage, it is surely now. Described by veteran goalkeeper Brad Friedel as “having everything”, the 19 year old has burst onto the scene under the tutelage of former Spurs U-21 coach, Tim Sherwood. With an increasingly impressive passing game, seemingly limitless energy, and ability to win the ball back for his team it seems clear that the youngster has a bright future ahead.

While implementing such a game against Mile Jedinak of Crystal Palace and Jordi Amat of Swansea, is admittedly impressive, replicating such form against Yaya Touré is a whole different story. A Champions League winner, 2 time La Liga winner, a FIFA World Club Cup winner and a Premier League winner among countless other accolades, the Ivorian sweeps up everything before him. Described by Manchester City teammate Pablo Zabaleta as “One of the best in the World”, Touré has lived up to such praise season after season. Irresistable going forward and astute in picking passes, the former Barcelona favourite has 14 goals and 5 assists already this season. Can Bentaleb stop this steam train in it’s tracks? Or will he be outmuscled, out-thought, and out played by the man dubbed ‘The Professor’ of football.

Adebayor vs Kompany

Once a forgotten man playing with the Spurs reserve side, Adebayor has gained a new lease of life under new senior team manager, Tim Sherwood. Spurs have reaped the rewards of bringing the Togolese hitman back into the fold, with Adebayor registering 6 goals and 2 assists in just 9 games since his return. Aided by the creative talents of Eriksen, Adebayor has once again proved his critics wrong and will no doubt be looking to get one over on his former employers on January 29th, whom he left in less than amicable circumstances two years ago. Adebayor has completely eclipsed Spurs’ £26million summer signing Roberto Soldado, with not only his pace, power and eye for goal, but also with his willingness to track back and help his team defend. Truly a handful for any defender, when on form.

Vincent Kompany is to Manchester City’s defence what Yaya Touré is to their midfield - the very heart and driving force of the formation. Having now fully shaken off groin and hamstring injuries respectively, the City Captain has been a rock at the back for his side, and is a key player behind ‘the Citizens’ title charge. His strength and focus will be key if he is to adequately out muscle and dominate such a powerful player in Adebayor for the full 90 minutes. This will be a physical and aerial duel like no other. Both side’s forutnes hang in the balance of this duel.

Eriksen vs Manchester City Back 4:

Under Sherwood, Christian Eriksen has been given a new lease of life in order to show off his creative talents to the fullest. The Danish international has been given an increasingly generous license to roam as of late and can often be found swapping positions with team mates in order to evade his markers and spark lightning quick attacks. In his last 3 games alone, Eriksen has registered 2 goals and 2 assists. If there is a weak spot in Manchester City’s defensive armour, you can be guranteed that Eriksen will try to exploit it to the fullest. For City to contain Eriksen, he must be given as little space as possible between the back four and the central midfield line. If Eriksen is to succeed in his endeavors, he must adequately capitalise on the spaces created by City’s marauding full backs, Kolarov and Zabaleta.

No doubt there will be fireworks in a game that football fans will not want to miss!

Predicted Lineups:

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