Stones and Doku to start in predicted Man City lineup vs Tottenham

Pep Guardiola could welcome fit-again England star John Stones back into his starting XI for the Premier League showdown with Tottenham at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon (4.30pm).

Stones has been nursing a troublesome hip injury this season. He has only played six times for the treble-winners across all competitions while totting up 258 minutes in their top-flight charge.

The 29-year-old has been held back in recent games to limit the chances of a setback. However, when sharing an update during his pre-match press conference, Guardiola said Stones is nearing a proper comeback.

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Second-guessing Guardiola when it comes to selection is never the easiest thing to do, but should Stones come back into the side he could dislodge Manuel Akanji in their hybrid position. Akanji will then compete for a spot in the back three along with Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol and Nathan Ake.

Further up the pitch, Jack Grealish was replaced by Jeremy Doku for their second-half rescue mission on Tuesday night in the Champions League against RB Leipzig. City were 2-0 down in that Group G contest before goals from Erling Haaland, Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez earned them a memorable win.

First-choice goalkeeper Ederson found himself rested for that match with Stefan Ortega deputising between the posts. Guardiola will recall Ederson against Tottenham, while other players are pushing for a start.

Ake, Doku and Alvarez were named on the substitutes bench against the German outfit. Ake replaced Dias at half-time with Doku and Alvarez summoned in a double change.

IN: Ederson, Nathan Ake, John Stones, Julian Alvarez, Jeremy Doku.