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This article is part of Football FanCast's Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba's haircuts to League Two relegation battles...

So after a summer in which Christian Eriksen looked likely to depart Tottenham, the north London side have gotten the season underway with the Denmark international still amongst their ranks.

The 27-year-old has been linked with a move away from the club after revealing that it could be time for a new challenge, but is not any closer to getting that wish.

Instead, Mauricio Pochettino had to drag him off the substitutes bench against Aston Villa last weekend in order to inspire his side to a comeback victory.

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A report from The Evening Standard claimed that Pochettino has assured his squad that he will still pick players for his first-team regardless of whether their future at the club is certain or not. If that truly is the case, then the Argentine simply must play Eriksen from the start against reigning Premier League champions Manchester City.

Against Villa, Spurs seemed to run out of ideas until Eriksen's timely arrival. The Dane livened things up for the home side and helped add a much-needed dose of creativity and spark from midfield. In his 26-minute cameo, the playmaker registered three shots and three key passes, and was a huge reason behind the side's greater intensity going forward.

The Lilywhites are simply a better team with Eriksen in it, and it gives them an added string to their bow with him as their number ten. His ability to both provide and score goals mark him out as one of the Premier League's most dangerous players in his position.

Coming up against Guardiola's rampant City side, Spurs will need all of their attacking weapons on the pitch to lay a hand on the Etihad juggernaut. So whilst all the talk surrounding Eriksen this summer has been whether he will stay or go, one thing is for sure on Saturday; the great Dane needs to start.

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