Manchester City dey prepare for wetin dem call “real challenge” this weekend as Pep Guardiola boys go jam Tottenham Hotspur for Etihad.
Football analyst wey dey follow City, Steven McInerney from Esteemed Kompany, don talk say Spurs under new coach Thomas Frank fit shake table wella this season, and dis Saturday clash na proper exam for City ambition to defend title.
Both teams dey come with ginger
City open dem season with loud 4-0 beating for Wolves side, and dat performance even make McInerney talk say if Guardiola men fit survive the tough run of fixtures wey dey come (Spurs, Brighton, Man United and Arsenal), dem fit win league sharp sharp again.
Spurs no dey carry last either – dem begin new life under Thomas Frank with solid 3-0 win against Burnley.
City vs Spurs head-to-head: e dey balance
History show say dis fixture dey always hot. From di last 18 meetings between both sides, City don win 8, lose 8, and draw 2.
The last time dem meet for Etihad, Tottenham shock everybody with 4-0 beating under Ange Postecoglou.
James Maddison score brace that day, but him no go dey for Saturday clash because injury don keep am out long term. Even without Maddison, McInerney still believe Spurs get enough talent to give City wahala.
“Spurs no be beans” – McInerney
According to McInerney: “I dey happy say the game dey Etihad. If na away game to Spurs at this stage, I for no too trust am. Spurs na tricky and aggressive side. Thomas Frank dey organise dem better, and the team get plenty players wey sabi ball.”
He come hail Spurs players: full-backs Djed Spence and Pedro Porro dey bomb forward, Romero and Van de Ven dey solid for centre defence, Vicario dey keep post steady, while midfielders like Pape Matar Sarr, Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall dey run things.
Attack sef get options – Brennan Johnson dey score steady, Kudus dey hot, Richarlison still be Brazil No. 9. Then for bench, Thomas Frank fit still call names like Mathys Tel, Palhinha, Solanke, Bentancur… na plenty headache for opponents.
Banana skin wey fit make City slip
Despite all di talent Spurs get, McInerney still dey tip City to win – but he warn say dis match fit turn “banana skin.” In him words: “Both teams dey direct and aggressive.
I expect City to concede first goal, but quality fit still carry us. Still, if City slip, I no go shock. Na early season game wey sometimes dey end in dropped points.”
Prediction? He talk City 3-1 win, even though he sure say Spurs go still score one.
Possible lineup changes for Guardiola
McInerney no expect heavy rotation from the team wey trash Wolves. New signing Tijjani Reijnders fit still partner Bernardo Silva and Nico Gonzalez for midfield after strong debut display.
He believe Matheus Nunes go return at right-back ahead of Rico Lewis to add physical presence against aggressive Spurs attack.
Omar Marmoush fit replace Jeremy Doku for left wing, while John Stones go likely hold central defence spot as Josko Gvardiol still dey regain full sharpness.
The bottom line
Na proper early-season test dey wait for Guardiola and City. Spurs under Frank dey look sharper and better organised than last season, but Etihad na fortress.
If City wan show say dem ready to dominate league again, dis na di kind of “banana skin” wey dem must avoid slip on. Saturday clash go tell us plenty about how both clubs go take run dis campaign.