Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has said his players are "excited" by the challenge of attempting to end Manchester City's record winning run on Saturday evening.
City registered their 15th successive Premier League victory with a 4-0 win at Swansea City on Wednesday. Pep Guardiola's side hold an 11-point lead at the top of the table, while Tottenham - last season's runners-up - are in fourth place and trail by 18 points.
Having failed to win in four games, Tottenham returned to form with victory in their past two matches, and Pochettino believes his side are ready to face City.
______________________________________________
Read more:
- Exclusive: Eric Bailly injury caused by training challenge from teammate Zlatan Ibrahimovic
- Premier League predictions: Will Manchester City extend winning record against Tottenham?
- Pep Guardiola: Manchester City must not let up despite record 15th successive victory
______________________________________________
"So far no one can stop Manchester City, that is true. They are doing a fantastic season," Pochettino said. "I think they deserve all the praise. Credit first of all of course for the manager, for Pep, because he is doing a fantastic job with the coaching staff.
"Of course for us it will be a very tough game but in the same way it will be a massive challenge, exciting game. I think it is the game where you do not need to motivate the player, that you do not need to talk too much. Only design the plan, provide the plan to the player and train that day - only deliver that plan."
Guardiola, meanwhile, has reiterated his desire for City to sign a central defender in the January transfer market if the "right guy" is available.
Pep Guardiola: Manchester City in the market for central defender
Despite their enviable squad depth, City have found themselves stretched at centre-back, with John Stones ruled out with injury and captain Vincent Kompany in a constant battle for fitness.
City attempted to sign West Bromwich Albion defender - and former Manchester United player - Jonny Evans in the summer, but the deal ultimately failed to materialise.
"In the position of central defender we don't have many," Guardiola said. "Maybe we need one more guy in that position but of course in winter time it is so complicated because it is not just to take a guy for three months, four months, it is for the next years and we have to be sure that the guy is the right guy to help us. If it doesn't happen then we are not going to go to the market."
