Tottenham Hotspurs host Premier League leaders Manchester City on Saturday afternoon, following their North London derby in the Capital One Cup on Wednesday night.
Spurs manager, Pocchettino will have to cope with his side back-to-back heap of tough games, coupled with poor form.
Man City recovered from a poor and disappointing games against Juventus in the Uefa Champions League opener and a shocking defeat to low rated West Ham at the Etihad stadium.
But City got back to winning ways following an emphatic 4-1 bashing to Sunderland in the Capital One Cup.
City manager, Manuel Pelligrini will be hoping his side reignites their Premier League form that saw them go five matches unbeaten before their slip to West Ham last weekend.
City are faced with injury worries for midfielder, David Silva and captain Vincent Kompany ahead of the trip to White Hart Lane.
Pelligini hopes his injured players will be fit in time to return against Spurs on Saturday.
The Premier League leaders have been without the pair for the last two games with calf injuries, with World Cup winner Silva’s problem flaring up in the warm-up before the 2-1 defeat to West Ham and club captain Kompany’s sustained in the 2-1 loss to Juventus.
Pellegrini was thrilled after watching his team bash Sunderland at the Capital One Cup.
The win have spring plenty of positives for the Blues as four first-half goals ensured they comfortably made it through to the next round of the tournament.
City will be banking on the fine form of Sergio Aguero, record-breaking summer signing Kevin De Bruyne and inspiring Rahem Starling to wreck havoc to Totenham’s defence as seen against Sunderland.
The duo of De Bruyne and Rahem Starling are justifying the mega sum paid to secure their signatures.
Pocchettino and his team need to wake up and up their performance against City to avoid catch up in league table.
It is vital they pull of a nice game and take all three points at White hart Lane.
Spurs need to carry a winning mindset into the Man City tie, they of course have a chance in front of their home crowd, however they have a tough task in stopping the likes of Aguero, Silva and De Bruyne; who are all in top form and banging goals.
Last years young talisman Harry Kane was crucial Spurs success throughout, however the young English prospect is yet to get himself on the score sheet this season, making way for a couple of solid performances from new man Heung-Min Son. This may leave the Lily Whites’ boss with some confidence, as if he can get both of these men firing along side Dele Alli, they’ll look a complete different outfit.
Verdict
Manuel Pellegrini’s men go into this game on the back of a comfortable 4-1 away win at Sunderland, following a poor performance at the Etihad last weekend.
The Blue Half are fully aware that they can not afford to slip up again in the League.
One worrying factor for Pelligrini is the availability of captain Vincent Kompany, and David Sylva who is currently recovering from a calf injury. The presence of Kompany in City’s defense will help stabilize the back four and could be an added advantage to his side.
Anthony Nlebem
