Reliable journalist: Star enforcer to miss crunch Tottenham v Manchester City clash
Manchester City’s midfield enforcer Fernandinho is set to miss the crunch clash against Tottenham next Saturday after picking up his 10th yellow card of the season against Manchester United, according to a reliable journalist.
The Telegraph’s northern football correspondent James Ducker has claimed on his personal Twitter account that the Brazilian will be missing for City’s next two games after hitting double digits for league bookings, the punishment for which is a two game ban.
The cutoff which sees the rule ignored is 32 games, and the 3-2 defeat to Manchester United on Saturday, in which Fernandinho starred as one of the brightest talents on the pitch, was their 32nd match, meaning he will have to sit on the sidelines.
His absence will be a huge boost to Spurs, who will be looking to further delay City’s claiming of the Premier League title when the Sky Blues visit Wembley next weekend.
Football Insider verdict
Having Fernandinho missing might be a big blow to Pep Guardiola, as defensive midfielder is one position in which City are not exactly blessed with depth. You can be certain the Spanish manager will come up with a solution but his absence will disrupt their style of play, and it is up to Tottenham to capitalise. If the likes of Mousa Dembele and Eric Dier can replicate the finest form they have shown this season, then Spurs could well end up dominating the midfield battle and taking charge of the crunch clash. Still, City are topping the table for a reason, and Mauricio Pochettino’s men will have to be aware of the danger no matter who is starting.
In other Tottenham transfer news, the club are working on a deal to sign a 29-year-old left footer who would be a sensational signing.
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