(Football news) Manchester City easily defeated Fulham 4-0 at Craven Cottage last Saturday, bolstering their chances of earning a record fourth straight Premier League title.
Man City briefly took the lead in the standings after goals from Josko Gvardiol (2), Phil Foden, and Julian Alvarez. However, after Arsenal defeated Manchester United 1-0 on Sunday, Man City dropped back to second place, although they are still only one point behind the Gunners who have played one more game.
The match between City and Arsenal’s North London rivals, Tottenham, will take place at their home, and Guardiola has given an update on the team’s fitness before the match.
One notable absentee from the Citizens side against Fulham was Grealish, who missed out through illness, while Ake was forced off in the first half with an unspecified injury.
There were initial concerns that Ake, in particular, would not be fit to recover in time for Wednesday’s trip to Spurs, but Guardiola has since offered a reassuring update on both the defender and Grealish.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Guardiola said: “Jack has recovered from illness. Nathan was much better yesterday, Now we are going to train and we will see if he can train later today.
“[His injury is] not serious, but it’s only three days since last game to tomorrow.”
Ake’s expected return to training comes as a huge boost for the Citizens and suggests he could therefore be in contention to feature in some capacity against Tottenham.
Gvardiol is seemingly set to continue at left-back, though, while Kyle Walker could be recalled at right-back, with Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias and John Stones all battling for a place in central defence, if Ake is not deemed fit to start.
Man City are aware that they will be crowned Premier League champions for the fourth season in a row and for the sixth time in seven seasons if they win their remaining two fixtures against Spurs and West Ham United.
The Citizens have struggled in recent away clashes with Spurs, failing to win or score in any of their previous four visits to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium since its opening in 2019.
Man City were successful in their most recent visit in the FA Cup, though, with Ake scoring the only goal in a 1-0 fourth-round victory in January.
Guardiola has acknowledged the challenges his City side will face on Wednesday, but he believes that his players will be as motivated as ever to end that unwanted league run at Spurs and ensure they remain in the driving seat for the title heading into the final day.
“Many times it happened, we play really good and we were not able to score and win,” Guardiola stated. It’s an opportunity to make a difference in this country where another squad has succeeded.
“Winning four titles in a row would be extraordinary. We have to do it this time since it has never happened in the Premier League. We have not completed it in front of us, and now is the moment to do so; if we don’t, Arsenal will win the title.”
Man City enters the match on Wednesday with a 21-game Premier League unbeaten streak, while Tottenham defeated Burnley 2-1 last weekend to snap a four-game losing streak.
Also read: Manchester United will play Arsenal in the Premier League
