Head-to-Head

It’s second vs fourth in the Premier League title race at the Etihad in Sunday’s late game, with both sides playing catch-up to Leicester City, and this clash is likely to be one of the decisive games in the run-in.

Nicolas Otamendi has endured a difficult time in Manchester since his big-money transfer from Valencia last summer.

The £32 million man has been regularly criticised in recent weeks, but manager Manuel Pellegrini will be hoping the Argentine defender has a more convincing performance against an in-form Harry Kane.

In contrast, Alderweireld has been one of the signings of the season for Mauricio Pochettino’s men.

He has brought a new-found defensive solidity to a Spurs side often considered soft. The Belgian has been an ever-present as the North Londoners have conceded a league-low 19 goals in 25 games this season.

He will once again need to be on the top of his game if he is to contain the red-hot Sergio Agüero.

Both sides know the importance of this fixture and they won’t want to give anything away – both centre-halves will need to have a good game at the Etihad on Sunday.

We compare how the summer signings’ have fared in the Premier League this season…

Nicolas Otamendi

• Club:
  Man City

fact file

• Position:
  Defender
• Height:
  1.83m
• Birth Date:
  February 12, 1988
• Birth Place:
  Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Clubs:
  Velez Sarsfield, Porto, Atletico Mineiro (loan), Valencia, Manchester City
• International:
  Argentina (30 caps, 1 goal)

what he says

“What excites me about this league and football in England is the physical aspect.” (Source = Independent)

did you know

Otamendi was named in La Liga's Team of the Season ahead of Sergio Ramos last year.

2015/16 Premier League

• Games:
  19
• Goals:
  1
• Key passes:
  3
• Pass accuracy:
  84%
• Tackle success:
  60%
• Aerial Duels Won:
  60
• Clearances:
  153
• Interceptions:
  59

Toby Alderweireld

• Club:
  Tottenham

fact file

• Position:
  Defender
• Height:
  1.87m
• Birth Date:
  March 2, 1989
• Birth Place:
  Antwerp, Belgium
• Clubs:
  Ajax, Atletico Madrid, Southampton (loan), Tottenham Hotspur
• International:
  Belgium (52 caps, 1 goal)

what he says

"A lot of guys have left the club. If you don't follow the path you don't belong in Tottenham.” (Source = Evening Standard)

did you know

Alderweireld has made the most clearances (197) in the Premier League this season.

2015/16 Premier League

• Games:
  25
• Goals:
  2
• Key passes:
  5
• Pass accuracy:
  81%
• Tackle success:
  44%
• Aerial Duels Won:
  43
• Clearances:
  197
• Interceptions:
  43