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via Reuters

via Reuters

This season’s English Premier League couldn’t end any better. Treble winners Manchester City have been pushed to the final game to retain their title from last year. However, they have possibly their fiercest challenge in between facing Tottenham Hotspur next, not for the strength of Spurs’ squad, but for their fortress at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in North London. However, struck with injuries this season, it will be interesting to see who’s ready to make it into the starting lineup. Also, do Spurs have their best players back for a crucial clash? What else can we expect from the match?

Moreover, none of the teams can afford to drop points. The game is pivotal to keep Spurs in contention for the Champions League spot next season. On the other hand, with Arsenal leading the goal difference, wins in the last two games could be needed from City.

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Manchester City: All you need to know

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Injury updates

Manchester City: This season has been quite stressful for Pep Guardiola to handle. Losing Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland for a few months, the Sky Blues had to use their immaculate bench strength to manage to win. The game against Fulham saw Ruben Dias back after missing three games. And now most of the team looks okay, except for a couple of players. Nathan Ake was substituted in the 22nd minute at Craven Cottage with what looked like a leg issue. His place is in doubt for the clash.

However, in a piece of positive news, Jack Grealish, who suffered repeated minor injuries this season, is back after illness, according to the coach.

Tottenham Hotspur: The Lilywhites have been one of the most affected teams because of injuries this season. The major players, Richarlison and James Maddison were sidelined with knee and ankle injuries. But after his return for a brief period, the Brazilian has once again faced a calf injury during training and will miss the rest of the season.

In addition, midfielder Yves Bissouma is also out of the last two games with a knee issue. Other players who will miss the home game are Timo Werner (hamstring), Destiny Udogie (quadriceps), Manor Solomon (knee), Ben Davies (calf), Ryan Sessegnon (hamstring) and Fraser Forster (foot).

via Reuters

Team News and Predicted Lineups

Manchester City: Since Ake’s place is the only doubt, Pep could make just one change from Fulham, bringing Walker back and moving Akanji into the center. Jack Grealish may take the place of Mateo Kovacic for an attacking edge.

Expected XI: Ederson; Kyle Walker, Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Bernardo Silva, Rodri, De Bruyne; Jack Grealish, Erling Haaland, Phil Foden.

Tottenham Hotspur: On the other hand, Spurs are expected to bring in Emerson Royal for Bissouma instead of Giovani Lo Celso, who may arrive from the bench. With many injuries, Ange Postecoglou will not try to experiment too much.

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Expected XI: Vicario; Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky Van de Ven, Emerson Royal, Oliver Skipp, Rodrigo Bentancur; Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Brennan Johnson, Son Heung-min.

Head to head

Although Manchester City goes in as the favorite, history is on the side of the London club. Both faced off 157 times against each other, which City won on 53 occasions but lost 57 times, with 30 games ending in a draw. More interestingly, Guardiola has never won against Spurs at this stadium in any other game except the recent FA Cup win, making this a mouth-watering clash.

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When and where to watch the match

Notably, the match will kick off on the 14th of May 2024 at 1500hrs ET, 1200hrs PST and 2000hrs UK time. The match will be broadcast on the USA Network in the States, Sky Sports Main Event, the Sky Sports Premier League channels in the UK, and FuboTV in Canada. The streaming will be available in the Fubo App.