TOTTENHAM Hotspur welcome Manchester City to North London tomorrow as they attempt to halt a winless run in the English Premier League.
Since edging Crystal Palace 1-0 at the end of last year, Spurs have failed to beat any of their last five league opponents, drawing with Brentford, Sunderland and Burnley, and losing to Bournemouth and West Ham United.
Much of the scrutiny has centred on Thomas Frank’s tactical approach, with critics arguing that his system has become predictable and ill‑suited to the players on his roster.
Despite having creative talents like Xavi Simons, Spurs’ attacking play has often lacked variety, reflected in low expected goal figures and an over‑reliance on set pieces.
Injuries have compounded the problem, leaving Frank with limited room to adapt.
The Dane will again be without several key players.
Defenders Micky van de Ven, Pedro Porro and Ben Davies are sidelined, along with Mohammed Kudus, Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Bergvall and Richarlison also unavailable for one reason or another.
James Maddison, recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, is out for the season.
Guglielmo Vicario is expected to continue in goal, with Cristian Romero and Kevin Danso forming the centre‑back pairing.
Djed Spence may deputise for Porro at right‑back, while Destiny Udogie starts on the left.
New signing Conor Gallagher could join Pape Matar Sarr, Simons, Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert in midfield, with Randal Kolo Muani leading the line.
Frank will also be relieved to have Dominic Solanke available again after his recent Champions League scoring form.
Even so, Spurs face an uphill task.
Their home form has been poor – six defeats and only two wins from 11 league matches at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this season.
One source of optimism is their historically strong home record against City.
Spurs have beaten them six times in their last 10 meetings in North London across all competitions.
However, City won the last two league encounters at the venue, tempering any overconfidence.
City have also been strong away from home – 10 wins in 18 league matches on the road.
Yet, Pep Guardiola’s side have also shown signs of vulnerability, with just one win in their last five league outings.
Injuries have forced changes, prompting the recent signings of Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi.
City will be without Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, John Stones, Savinho, Oscar Bobb and Mateo Kovacic. But Semenyo and Guehi have made immediate impact.
Semenyo scored and assisted on his FA Cup debut against Exeter City and netted again against Wolves last week.
Guehi impressed in his first appearance, helping City keep a clean sheet and preventing a certain goal along the way.
Both players are expected to retain their places.
Gianluigi Donnarumma should continue as first‑choice goalkeeper, with Guehi likely partnered by Abdukodir Khusanov in central defence.
Matheus Nunes and Rayan Ait‑Nouri should operate as full‑backs, with Rodri anchoring the midfield.
Guardiola has an abundance of attacking options to support Erling Haaland, including Semenyo, Tijjani Reijnders, Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku, Rayan Cherki and Omar Marmoush.
Both Spurs and City head into the match buoyed by 2-0 wins in their final Champions League group fixtures – both securing progression to the tournament’s knockout stage.
With both sides in need of positive league results, the meeting promises intensity and urgency.
Elsewhere, title favourites Arsenal travel to Elland Road to face Leeds United.
After a disappointing defeat to Manchester United last week, the Gunners will be determined to maintain their grip on top spot.
Mikel Arteta’s side sit on 50 points, four ahead of City, and cannot afford further slip‑ups.
Arteta is only missing Jurrien Timber and William Saliba, both nursing minor knocks.
Leeds, without Gabriel Gudmundsson and Jaka Bijol, have been inconsistent but remain a formidable unit at home.
Their last defeat at Elland Road came in November against Aston Villa, and they could yet trouble Arsenal’s title charge.
