KEY ISSUES FOR BLUES

SOLVING THE GROWING STERLING PROBLEM

It’s now seven games in all competitions without a goal or assist for Raheem Sterling.

However, what will be more concerning to Pep Guardiola is the drop in performances from Sterling, who looked in desperate need of a rest against United this week. It’s not much of a surprise given he’s played in 34 of City’s 38 fixtures so far this season.

It might be time to give Sterling a week or two out of the firing line so he can return fresh and firing after the winter break.

HOW TO MANAGE LAPORTE

The decision to ease Aymeric Laporte back to action is a very understandable one, so Pep Guardiola’s admission that the Frenchman was suffering from fatigue for the last two games is no surprise.

There were no guarantees Laporte will be ready to face Tottenham, but that could simply be down to Guardiola keeping his cards close to his chest.

It would be tempting to play Laporte, but if he is not fully fit then Guardiola must prioritise his long-term fitness.

REPLACING ANGELINO

The departure of Angelino won’t leave too much of a dent in the City squad, but it does create another space in the matchday squad.

Benjamin Mendy is not guaranteed to be available, so Aleks Zinchenko would be favourite to play on the left side of defence. However, Joao Cancelo filled in on the left side of a back three against United.

Guardiola’s left-back choice at Tottenham will give a big hint over his new hierarchy.

A BIG GAME FOR JOHN STONES?

The teamsheet against United threw up a talking point for Guardiola’s makeshift back three of Kyle Walker, Nicolas Otamendi and Joao Cancelo. Fernandinho had been rested, and Laporte was not fit.

A penny for John Stones’ thoughts from the bench, then, as two full-backs were picked ahead of him in central defence. It’s another position where Pep will make his hierarchy clear this weekend.