Tottenham take on Man City this weekend in the Premier League, and although Spurs usually win this fixture there’s no denying which team is actually stronger.
It’s become almost a tradition now that, no matter how good City are and how poorly Spurs are playing, the Lilywhites will come out on top in a freak result every year.
Indeed, Tottenham have long been Pep Guardiola’s bogey team, especially when it comes to games in North London.
You could say Guardiola has broken that curse to some degree now, and Man City are big favourites to win this weekend. But, which players are the best of the best from both sides?
- READ MORE: How to watch Tottenham vs Man City in the Premier League, kick-off time, TV channel and team news
Which Tottenham stars make it into combined XI with Man City?
Gianluigi Donnarumma
Starting between the sticks in our combined XI for these two teams, it’s a pretty easy decision to put Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal. The big Italian has all the elements you’d look for in a top goalkeeper; he’s big, commanding, has great reactions and good distribution. Unfortunately, Guglielmo Vicario is just too erratic to compete with his compatriot here.
Pedro Porro
Admittedly, City do have some quality options in the full-back areas, with Matheus Nunes doing a good job there this season. But, for his natural talent in going forward and creating chances, plus his relatively solid defensive work, we’ll give the nod to Pedro Porro at right-back.
Cristian Romero
We couldn’t not include the Spurs skipper, and to be honest, Cristian Romero might just be the best centre-back across both sides. City do have the likes of Marc Guehi and Ruben Dias, but Romero is, at his best, composed, impressive on the ball, and physically imposing. He’s a beast, frankly.
Josko Gvardiol
Despite the aforementioned centre-halves at City’s disposal, we’re going to partner Romero with Josko Gvardiol. The Croatian would be the perfect partner for Romero, with Gvardiol also having a natural ability to take the ball at his feet and progress up the pitch, as well as being dominant in the air.
Micky van de Ven
I was so close to putting Nico O’Reilly here; I’ve been so impressed with the City youngster this season. However, it feels ludicrous to not find a space for Micky van de Ven. He’s better-suited to the left centre-back role, but the speedy Dutchman has also put in some top displays at left-back and has the athleticism to make it work.
Tijjani Reijnders
He may go under the radar at times, but Tijjani Reijnders is a crucial cog in City’s system. He’s basically taken over from Rodri in that regard. The Dutchman makes everything tick for Guardiola’s team; he breaks up opposition play, dictates the tempo, and turns defence into attack brilliantly.
Lucas Bergvall
This is possibly the most rogue pick, but I cannot overstate how highly I rate Lucas Bergvall. The young Swede is a dynamic number eight who offers everytihng you want in a midfield three; he’s combative, has good feet, knows how to find a pass, and loves bursting forward.
Rayan Cherki
How Man City managed to sign Rayan Cherki for £25m is beyond me. The Frenchman has made an instant impact since coming to the Premier League and already has eight goals and nine assists in all competitions. There is an argument to be made for the likes of James Maddison or Xavi Simons, but Cherki has done enough to prove himself already.
Antoine Semenyo
City’s new boy, Antoine Semenyo, is someone Spurs wanted to sign, and it’s easy to see why. He was outstanding at Bournemouth, but has already shown he can hold his own in a team of superstars. Semenyo poses such a threat from wide areas and is also excellent at getting into the box and on the end of crosses, too.
Erling Haaland
I mean, I like Dominic Solanke but he never stood a chance here, did he? Erling Haaland is the most natural and prolific goalscorer in the Premier League and maybe even the world (although Harry Kane might want a word about that).
Phil Foden
I was going to push Mohammed Kudus out to the left side here, and I do love what he can do. I think he’s the kind of player how is constantly looking to make things happen and make life difficult for defenders. But, is he really better than Phil Foden? When the City man is at his best, he’s unplayable.