Manchester City’s upcoming contest against Tottenham Hotspur could be a true test of whether they are taking steps in the right direction off the back of a disappointing last season.
Pep Guardiola aims to win the Premier League this campaign and while a win against Spurs would not guarantee that being the case, it would suggest that City cannot be written off in the title race.
Regardless of the result, Guardiola would likely take stock of his squad after the clash and decide which players look best placed to help him win his seventh league title in England.
Ilkay Gundogan is considering a move to Germany and as things stand, his chance of leaving the Etihad Stadium are considered 50 per cent.
Manuel Akanji could play his last game for Man City vs Tottenham
Another player who could leave Manchester City before the summer transfer window slams shut is Manuel Akanji.
Galatasaray have agreed to sign Akanji with City but the player is yet to decide whether he is ready to sign for the Turkish club.
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Akanji is contemplating his future and as a result, he could play his final game in a Manchester City shirt against Tottenham.
Manuel Akanji warming up head of playing for Manchester City vs Al-Hilal.
Photo by Elsa – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Considering Manchester City kept a clean sheet against Wolves, perhaps Pep Guardiola sticks with John Stones and Ruben Dias as his centre-back pair but the Swiss defender could come off the bench if the hosts are winning comfortably or trying to preserve a slender lead.
Akanji, described as “outstanding” by Clinton Morrison would deserve a send off for being a key component to City’s side for three full seasons — especially when he helped the Sky Blues win the treble.
Considering Manchester City’s trip to Brighton is a day before deadline day, if the 30-year-old is indeed set to join Galatasaray, his final run out could very well be against Tottenham.
Pep Guardiola has hinted he wants Manuel Akanji to leave
Victor Osimhen has called Akanji to convince him to join Galatasaray and only time will tell whether he says yes to the move and is also given the chance to don the Manchester City shirt against Tottenham.
However, it was telling that Pep Guardiola brought the young Abdukodir Khusanov on to replace John Stones against Wolves instead of Akanji — which could suggest he is on board with his potential departure.