The Manchester City Lineup That Should Start Against Tottenham

Manchester City return to Premier League action this weekend when they visit high-flying Tottenham in a mouth-watering clash on Saturday afternoon.

Pep Guardiola's side have picked up just nine of the last 15 points available to them in the league, including three draws and two wins - a run of form which has seen them drop to tenth in the table after seven outings with a game in hand.

On the other hand, Spurs' title credentials are sure to face a stern test in the upcoming weeks with a difficult run of fixtures, starting with the visit of a City side that had started to find their form prior to the international break.

1. Goalkeeper and Defenders

Despite committing a couple of costly errors, Kyle Walker has been City's most consistent performer this season / Pool/Getty Images

Ederson (GK) - Ederson's improvement between the sticks this season has gone massively under the radar after a rather mediocre 2019/20 term. City haven't really excelled going forward but despite defensive issues hampering City's start to the new campaign, the Brazilian has been very reliable when called upon.

Kyle Walker (RB) - Walker has been an ever-present figure in the City squad and is brimming with confidence after a string of assured defensive displays for club and country. He's made the right-back position his own and drew high praise from Guardiola before the international break. With João Cancelo almost certain to keep his place on the left flank, Walker is set to feature against his former employers right from the off.

Rúben Dias (CB) - Dias has been a regular in the team this season since he signed and hasn't put a foot wrong yet. His commanding presence and leadership have rubbed off on the rest of the defence as he looks to build a solid partnership with Aymeric Laporte at the heart of the back four. He was at the double for Portugal in their 3-2 win over Croatia and his presence in both boxes will be crucial if City are to get a result in north London.

Aymeric Laporte (CB) - When fit, he starts. It's as simple as that. Though he continues to be looked past by his international manager, Pep has full faith in the Frenchman and his ability to play out from the back will be on display as City attempt to break down Spurs' deep-lying midfield pivot.

João Cancelo (LB) - Another individual whose displays aren't talked about as much. Cancelo's attacking nature adds an extra dimension to the side and willingness to overlap causes plenty of issues for the opposition. His trademark cut-back and feint and his link-up play has been instrumental for City this season. With Benjamin Mendy still out, Cancelo will nail down the LB spot sooner rather than later.

2. Midfielders

Tottenham will be wary of the threat posed by the majestic Kevin De Bruyne / James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images

Kevin De Bruyne (CM) - The most influential player in the City squad and the best player in the Premier League when he's fit. He is easily the first name on the team sheet and Pep will be relying heavily on the articulate Belgian to open up Spurs' defence. After delivering the goods for his country during the international break, De Bruyne will be looking to make his presence felt after an indifferent start to the season.

Rodri (CM) - The 24-year old Spaniard has grown into the Premier League and had been so reliable in the absence of Fernandinho. His distribution, ability to smell and clear danger and threat from set-pieces make him the most suitable contender for the Pep's number six role. He got in on the act in Spain's 6-0 thrashing of Germany and it's been a while since he found the net in the league. No pressure, though.

İlkay Gündoğan (CM) - The German has been a mainstay in the starting lineup this season and deservedly so. He started all of Germany's games during the international break and has proved in recent weeks that he can be menacing in front of goal on the odd occasion. With Pep seemingly liking a double-pivot in midfield in order to give De Bruyne the license to orchestrate the attack, he will provide the perfect balance between attack and defence and is likely to get the nod against Tottenham.

3. Forwards

Riyad Mahrez can make the difference for Manchester City with his trickery and skill down the right wing / James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images

Ferran Torres (LW) - After a patient start to life in Manchester, Torres has been nothing short of sensational for club and country in recent weeks. He's found the net in all of City's Champions League games so far this season and will be looking to score his first Premier League goal on Saturday. He's in outstanding form after recently bagging a hat-trick in Spain's 6-0 battering of Germany. City surely won't be missing Leroy Sané any time soon.

Gabriel Jesus (ST) - Since his return from injury, Jesus has been quite clinical for someone who receives a lot of stick for his profligacy in front of goal. In a period where City haven't created as much as they normally do, Jesus has caught the eye with an expertly-taken goal against Liverpool, though he should've gone on to score the winner. He may never be able to become Sergio Agüero's successor, but his all-round contribution brings an awful lot on the table.

Riyad Mahrez (RW) - Though fans would love to see local lad Phil Foden start for the Citizens after his dazzling display for the Three Lions in their 4-0 thumping of Iceland, Mahrez didn't make the squad against Liverpool and should be in contention for a starting berth after scoring an absolute worldie against Zimbabwe.