The 3 key battles as Manchester City take on Tottenham in the Premier League

Danny Rose vs Bacary Sagna

Pochettino’s use of wing-backs in recent weeks have been a revelation, such is their excellent form, so it’s likely that he’ll persist with that against City.

What will be interesting is how Guardiola responds to that, and whether he himself plays three at the back to match up, or four at the back like in the last few games.

Given how poorly they’ve defended in recent times, he may change a few things, but one thing he has to be wary of is Danny Rose’s role as Spurs’ left wing-back.

The England international has been in sensational form this season, scoring twice and laying on two assists, while the likely starter for City, Bacary Sagna, has arguably been their best defender this season, even though that’s not anything to shout home about.

Rose’s athleticism and desire to get up and down the flanks will be a nuisance to Sagna, who will need to be at his best defensively to thwart Spurs down the left, but also look to give City an outlet when they need to avert pressure.

It’ll be a fascinating battle down the Spurs left.