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Tottenham Hotspur at the Lane

Where do I start? At this point in time, there are so many variables to consider that it's almost impossible to come up with a starting eleven for the opening game of the season. Never mind the fact that both Milner and Balotelli look likely to join the squad imminently, one also has to consider the readiness of certain players (notably Tevez and Silva) to make the team to face Spurs on Saturday, and will the likes of Bellamy be in Mancini's plans for this (or any) game, especially when the Welshman has been openly admired by Harry Redknapp? Throw in the Given/Hart dilemma and other assorted sub-plots (Ireland - Robinho - the 25 player rule), and it becomes clear that Mancini has his work cut out to put together a side that can get a result at White Hart Lane this weekend.

Perhaps it makes sense to assess the pre-season form and fitness of the players in order to achieve some clarity. Most will agree that all the new additions look like quality signings, although the pace of the Premiership will be new to them. Aleksandar Kolarov, if 100% match-fit, looks like he'll settle in without many problems, and with Bridge unavailable through injury, the Serbian is first on the team sheet for me. Facing (presumably) Lennon will be a real welcome to the English game, that's for sure. Vinnie Kompany looked like the pick of the central defenders in recent games, but who will partner him? Kolo Toure looked a little shaky in pre-season, although Toure and Kompany were showing decent form at the tail-end of the last campaign. Lescott was not impressive - he looked off the pace, and perhaps a little heavy. Is it too soon to try Jerome Boateng alongside Kompany, I wonder, and will Mancini have the guts to drop the team captain? For me, I'd risk playing the young German at centre-half on Saturday, and although Boateng also looks great in the right-back position, I'd give the resurgent Micah Richards an opportunity to re-establish himself in the team. Richards will need to be at his best against Gareth Bale, and the quick, intelligent interchange and movement between Defoe and possibly Dos Santos or Keane will need maximum concentration from the City defense. The added aerial ability that this line-up brings will be useful against a big Tottenham side, especially if Crouch plays.

As for the goal-keeping conundrum, well that's an even tougher call. Given has the experience, and is perhaps the better shot-stopper, but Hart is a bit more commanding in his area and is a superior distributor of the ball. It really is a toss-up between these two, but if Given is 100% recovered from his shoulder injury, then I'd give him the nod, mainly due to his seniority and his established relationship with at least two of the defenders in front of him. However, if Hart does start against Spurs, I for one will be happy with that, although where that leaves Given's future is uncertain - c'est la vie.

Moving onto the attacking aspect of the team presents further issues. City seemed to play a 4-1-2-3 in the opening 30 minutes against Valencia, and the combination of De Jong, Yaya Toure and Barry in the engine room looked promising. Barry did seem a little heavy-legged in pre-season, but his reading of the game, disciplined play and overall ability is an asset. Expect Milner to challenge Barry for his position if and when he arrives, although the Spurs game is likely too soon for the Villa player to take part. Yaya Toure is the lynchpin of the team and, assuming that he can quickly adapt to the pace of the game, he is of vital importance against Tottenham. The Ivorian will come up against the equally sizable Tom Huddlestone in what may be the defining contest of the match - whoever can influence the game more could swing the result for their respective team. If Toure is being shut down, then it's vital that Barry is ready and able to get forward and find a telling pass. Finally, De Jong's defensive prowess will be key against Modric, but holding position will be crucial - Spurs are very good at opening channels for their forwards and midfielders to exploit - and the Dutchman also need to show continued improvement in linking play in an offensive sense as well.

For the front three, unless Mancini is being cute regarding Tevez and Silva (and that's quite possible), City are left with relatively few options. I will ignore Bellamy for this one due to his possible departure from the club - quite possibly to Spurs! That's a shame, because in different circumstances he would be ideal for an away fixture like this, but City do have excellent players to step in as required. Adam Johnson and SWP are both well-established in the Premiership, and will know what is needed to face Tottenham. They will be up against two decent full-back in our old favourite Charlie Corluka and Ekotto, but both the City wingers showed promise in pre-season and are capable of creating opportunities and will do the graft when required. If Tevez is not available, then realistically striker choices are limited to Adebayor or Jo, and despite Jo's surprising displays in pre-season, I have to go with Ade, although the lack of a genuine target-man like Djeko is a shortcoming in the squad. If Ade isn't giving 100%, allowing Jo an opportunity may prove beneficial, but I'm hoping that Tevez will play some part in the game and make this academic. Spurs do have some injury issues in central defense, so having our best forwards to pick from would be a bonus. In brief, I'd line up the team like this -

-----------------Given-------------------
Richards----Kompany----Boateng----Kolarov
---------------DeJong--------------------
----------Yaya----------Barry------------
--SWP-------------------------A.Johnson--
---------------Adebayor------------------

subs-Hart, Zaba, K.Toure, Lescott, Jo/Tevez?
Milner? Silva?

So, there are plenty of question marks as outlined earlier, especially on the bench, but the team above has a solid look about it, with SWP and AJ both able to tuck in and make a five man midfield when necessary. City's ability to change tactics and formation will likely prove useful, and having versatile players in both the starting eleven and on the bench should stand the team in good stead this season. Perhaps facing Spurs away for our first game is a little unfortunate, but a draw should be attainable and I'd consider that a very good result.

BLOOVIC