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Marquee matchup: Slighted Spurs to consult Celtic handbook in City test

Craig Brough / Reuters

Amid the furor surrounding Wayne Rooney's leaden-footed loitering, Antonio Conte's tactical trials at Chelsea, and West Ham United's all-around uselessness, Tottenham Hotspur's gentle, mechanic chug to the Premier League's upper reaches has gone largely undetected.

And with the impeccably balanced Heung-Min Son fuelling its recent drive to title contention, along with the tightened cogs of Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen in defence, there's a chance Spurs could derail the Manchester City freight train on Sunday - with help from Brendan Rodgers' instruction manual.

For Wednesday's Champions League group match, Celtic - like a load of souped-up Minis - ran at Pep Guardiola's juggernaut, and left the likes of Aleksandar Kolarov and Gael Clichy spluttering.

Whatever you think of the much-mocked Rodgers' management, when it comes to breaking down City, he may have penned the blueprint.

Injuries and suspensions

With the exception of Harry Kane, who may be out with his ankle issue until mid-to-late November, Mauricio Pochettino is hopeful of positive results from the late fitness tests for Danny Rose, Eric Dier, Mousa Dembele, and Moussa Sissoko.

The injury to the hitherto flawless Kevin De Bruyne and suspension for Nolito means Guardiola needs to reshuffle the midfield. Vincent Kompany and Fabian Delph remain on the sidelines, and Yaya Toure is out of contention as long as his agent revels in the media spotlight.

Projected lineups

Tottenham starting XI: Lloris; Walker, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Rose; Dier, Wanyama; Eriksen, Alli, Son; Janssen

Manchester City starting XI: Bravo; Sagna, Otamendi, Stones, Kolarov; Fernandinho; Navas, Gundogan, Silva, Sterling; Aguero

What to watch

The 3-3 draw at Celtic left Guardiola with plenty to ponder. Kolarov's defensive inadequacies were laid bare for the first time this season, while Clichy didn't acquit himself well either. John Stones should be reunited with Nicolas Otamendi at centre-half, with Fernandinho ready to slot back on their forays forward, or - in a more probable scenario - in anticipation of when Kolarov doesn't scamper back in time from a wing wander.

The biggest danger for the home side is undoubtedly Son, and his ability to cut inside from the left means an experienced full-back is needed on that side of the back four to shepherd him down the flank. Both Bacary Sagna and Pablo Zabaleta fill that quota, but the latter could struggle due to looking off the pace since last season's knee issues.

Whatever happens - keep Son in your fantasy lineup.

Vincent Janssen hasn't exactly taken to English football in free-scoring fashion - he has just one goal against third-tier Gillingham in 453 minutes - but he has been quietly valuable as a distraction and selfless worker in the attack. With City's defence busying themselves with Son, Dele Alli, and Christian Eriksen's potential, this could be the Dutchman's chance to carve out space.

The game could hinge on what Guardiola does to his midfield. De Bruyne and Nolito are unavailable, and the right-wing role has a longer requirement list due to Son's threat. Whether it's Raheem Sterling, Jesus Navas, or Leroy Sane hugging that touchline, that player will have to track back.

The middle of the midfield and attack should be nailed on, though. Fernandinho will safeguard the defence, with Ilkay Gundogan's legs and David Silva's inventiveness operating behind the irrepressible Sergio Aguero. Spurs' deep-lying duo cannot afford to switch off.

There is also a fresh romance to be set in north London this weekend: Guardiola and Pochettino.

"I don't think he's one of the best managers in England - he's one of the best football managers in the world," gushed a doe-eyed Guardiola on Friday.

It's a love story that has matured since they pitted themselves against one another as players and then managers; but whatever sweet nothings are whispered off the pitch Sunday, let's hope a heated, top-of-the-table rivalry blossoms on it.

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