City analysis with Michael Brown

A player with a foot in both camps, Michael Brown came through City's youth scheme to play over 100 games for the light blue half of Manchester between 1995-1999, helping them back from the brink and League One in 1998-99 to the road that has led to the very top. He later played 64 times for us between 2004-2005 and played on until the age of 39, eventually reaching 650 career appearances.

A fiery, competitive, all-action midfielder with an eye for goal in his day, 'Browny' is currently working as a pundit on various media platforms and was at the first leg of our quarter-final against City for BBC Five Live.

Here are his views on the second leg at the Etihad on Wednesday night...

What did you think of the first leg?

Michael: “I thought Spurs were very much on the front foot, they wanted to press and Dele Alli caused some problems in that little area off Fernandinho, supporting Harry Kane. Everyone was asking how Spurs were going to set up, what areas were they going to hit with their rotation to the front? Would it be Christian Eriksen? Heung-Min Son? They were very brave and pressed in good areas. Dele got into good positions and caused City a few problems, areas City would normally have under control. Spurs also limited City to few chances on the night. City huffed and puffed and yes, the penalty was a huge decision and a huge save. City had possession later but at the point of Harry Kane going off (60 minutes), where was the game going? I think City might have missed a beat in not putting Kevin de Bruyne and Leroy Sane on earlier and that suited Spurs, they saw the game out well.”

Approach for the second leg - City

Michael: “I think City will look to start quickly and attack early. Pep Guardiola took Sergio Aguero (75) and David Silva (65) off early at Palace. Kevin de Bruyne - will he start? Bernardo Silva came on at Palace and I think he’ll start with the energy and guile he brings. He’ll come off the right, Raheem Sterling off the left. He might go Fernandinho, de Bruyne and David Silva. What’s interesting for City is that left-back position. They seem reluctant to play Benjamin Mendy two games in a row, so they’ll probably go back to Fabian Delph. He wasn’t even on the bench at Palace. For me, that’s a key area."

Approach for the second leg - Spurs

Michael: “For Spurs, it’s fascinating to think about who will start. Lucas Moura did superbly at the weekend, will he play as a 'nine'? But he had a foil in Fernando Llorente against Huddersfield. It’s all food for thought. You might see Mauricio Pochettino wanting that presence of a Llorente. That’s what’s so interesting. I love watching Son, I think he’s brilliant. I was asked what it is about Son on Five Live and I just explained how he can go both ways at such speed. You can’t shut him off right or left. He’s a wonderful player and a proper team player. I just think Spurs are in a good place at the moment. The stadium has come at a good time and confidence will be flowing.”

Key men

Michael: “For City, Sergio Aguero. Sometimes you don’t see him but against Liverpool, in the biggest game so far (City's win in the Premier League in January), he ran, he harried, he pressed. It was almost like he said ‘I’ll show you’. If he plays anywhere near that, Spurs have a problem. For me, you don’t always see him as an all-rounder. Yes, he puts the ball in the net, but that night, he had more to his game. Fernandinho will hold, Kevin de Bruyne makes things happen. Full-back areas are key for City. For Spurs, I think they just go and do their job - press, keep a good shape, good out of possession, show composure with the likes of Christian Eriksen stepping up. As I said, it’s fascinating.”