Pep readies for Poch's Spurs

Manchester City's boss Pep Guardiola has hailed his Tottenham counterpart Mauricio Pochettino as one of the best managers in the world ahead of his team's Premier League trip to White Hart Lane tomorrow.

"I don't think he (Pochettino) is one of the best managers in England - I think he is one of the best in the world," said Guardiola of the man who led Espanyol to a win over his then unbeaten Barcelona team at the Nou Camp in 2009.

"I enjoy watching Tottenham play now, and since last year, he has been doing an amazing job.

"The way they play, he is so aggressive and he has a lot of quality players and the basis of the national team in (Eric) Dier, (Dele) Alli and Harry Kane.

"If I was a fan or a young person wanting to become a coach, I would see Tottenham and say 'I really want to play that way'."

Guardiola added: "When he (Pochettino) arrived at Espanyol from his first game, he was so aggressive and high-pressing and many more things, and the way Mauricio plays is quite similar. The difference now, of course, is the quality of the individual players - they are all so good."

City, who are perfect in the league-winning all of their six games to date, will be looking to get back to winning ways against second-place Tottenham after a midweek draw at Celtic in the Champions League.

They will have to do it without Kevin De Bruyne and Vincent Kompany, who are still absent with hamstring and groin issues, respectively.

SCOUT REPORT:

Tottenham

Attacking down the wins - Strong

Creating long shot opportunities - Strong

Creating scoring chances - Strong

Defending set pieces - Strong

Aerial duels - Strong

Protecting the lead - Strong

Manchester City

Shooting from direct free kicks - Very Strong

Finishing scoring chances - Very Strong

Counter attacks - Very Strong

Creating chances using through balls - Very Strong

Defending set pieces - Very Strong

Creating chances through individual skill - Strong

Attacking down the wing - Strong

Creating scoring chances - Strong