However, of all the history made by Guardiola in east Manchester, he must now turn his attention towards nipping an unwanted piece of it in the bud.
A much-changed City lost 2-1 at Tottenham in the Carabao Cup last month, a reverse that began a run of four consecutive defeats in all competition. Guardiola has never experienced such a pronounced downturn in his coaching career.
Ange Postecoglou and Spurs now get the chance to try to prolong that, having shared a pulsating 3-3 draw with City in Manchester last season. However, their ‘one step forward, two steps back’ season continued in their most recent Premier League match when Ipswich Town left the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with a 2-1 win.A much-changed City lost 2-1 at Tottenham in the Carabao Cup last month, a reverse that began a run of four consecutive defeats in all competition. Guardiola has never experienced such a pronounced downturn in his coaching career.
Ange Postecoglou and Spurs now get the chance to try to prolong that, having shared a pulsating 3-3 draw with City in Manchester last season. However, their ‘one step forward, two steps back’ season continued in their most recent Premier League match when Ipswich Town left the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with a 2-1 win.
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The international break came at the right time for City, and not just because of their dire run of results. The key factor in their malaise has been an injury list that is particularly weighty in the context of Guardiola’s preferred small senior squad size. Mateo Kovacic suffering an injury blow during Croatia’s draw with Portugal that will keep him out for a month this therefore less than ideal.
Rodri (ACL) and Oscar Bobb (broken leg) remain sidelined, but Jeremy Doku (thigh), Jack Grealish (groin), Phil Foden, Nathan Ake, John Stones, Manuel Akanji and Matheus Nunes could all be ready to play some part after sitting out the internationals. Ruben Dias is expected to be out for a little while longer.Spurs are dealing with their own injury crisis. Star centre-back duo Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven remain sidelined, while attackers Wilson Odobert and Richarlison are also out with long-term injuries. Additionally, promising youngster Mikey Moore is unavailable due to a virus.
Postecoglou’s side is coming off a shock defeat to Ipswich Town and will be eager to bounce back. Despite their injury woes, Spurs will look to capitalise on City’s poor form and depleted midfield.
Both sides have much to prove going into the weekend. Guardiola’s men will aim to stop their losing streak and close the gap between them and first placed Liverpool. While Tottenham will hope to get back to winning ways and climb up the table to continue challenging for the top 4.