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Premier League | Gameweek 35
Apr 20, 2019 at 12.30pm UK
 
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Foden (5')
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Mauricio Pochettino hints at changes for Manchester City showdown

Tottenham travel to the Etihad three days after their dramatic Champions League progression.

Tottenham have to shift their focus back to domestic matters when they meet Manchester City again on Saturday.

With the memory of their Champions League classic still fresh, Spurs can dent City's season further if they derail their title push at the Etihad.

Having knocked Pep Guardiola's men out of Europe's premier competition on Wednesday, Spurs can strengthen their hopes of making the top four with another win.

However, boss Mauricio Pochettino knows a change of mindset will be needed.

"The Premier League is different and we are fighting for different things," he told his club's official website.

"Manchester City are trying to win the Premier League and, for us, it's so important to be in the top four for next season."

With Liverpool having what appears on paper to be an easier run-in, City know that they can afford no slip-ups in a bid to defend their title.

There is considerable pressure on them as a result, but also on Spurs who, if they win, can put four points between themselves in third and Arsenal and Chelsea, who sit fourth and fifth and do not play until Sunday.

"We need to assess the players and need to be sure we are going there competing with fresh legs with the possibility to fight and challenge them again," Pochettino added.

"That's why we're working so hard now to try to assess the players in the right way and try to mix players who can be competitive and have the possibility to win."

To get the result he needs, after such a taxing night on Wednesday, the Argentinian admits he may have to field some fresh faces.

"City have an unbelievable squad, they can change and rotate the starting 11 and keep the same level on the pitch," he said.

"With all the circumstances and some injuries, maybe we need to think about playing with younger players, not without experience, but with plenty of energy and keeping the same ideas – to be brave and try to compete.

"It's going to be tough but we need to think about recovery and try to design the best strategy to try to be competitive."

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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool15113131131836
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1686229151430
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest168442119228
5Manchester CityMan City158342721627
6Aston Villa167452425-125
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Fulham166642422224
10Brentford157263128323
11Newcastle UnitedNewcastle166552321223
12Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Everton153661421-715
16Leicester CityLeicester163582134-1314
17Crystal Palace152761420-613
18Ipswich TownIpswich162681628-1212
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1623112440-169
20Southampton1512121131-205


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