Manchester City will be seeking to close the gap to Premier League leaders Liverpool when they welcome Tottenham Hotspur to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening. Both teams are desperate for a rebound after defeats in their last league outings.
Match Preview
Manchester City:
Manchester City arrives into this fixture with a revenge mission, after a 2-1 loss against Brighton marked Pep Guardiola’s fourth consecutive defeat for the first time in his career. This slump has left the reigning champions five points behind Liverpool after 11 matches, and by all reasons, it’s a must-win encounter if their title defense has got to live on.
After recent setbacks, City fans will be delighted to hear during the international break that reports say Guardiola has extended his contract and a number of their key players have returned to training. The Etihad has been a fortress for City, who are undefeated in 52 games in all competitions and on a 35-game unbeaten run in the Premier League.
City’s recent struggles against Spurs will be a worry, having won just three of their last 10 league meetings (D2, L5). However, Guardiola will hope to use the advantage of playing at home as they begin a manic 29-day period that will see them play eight testing encounters.
Tottenham Hotspur:
Tottenham’s season so far has been erratic, with five wins, five losses, and a draw from their 11 league games. Ange Postecoglou’s men currently lie 10th-10 points worse off than at this stage last term-but they are only three points behind third-placed Chelsea, keeping hope alive of a top-four challenge.
Recent Spurs record against City a psychological advantage as they beat the Citizens 2-1 in the EFL Cup only weeks ago, scoring at least twice in their last three visits to the Etihad, including a thrilling 3-3 draw last season. However, their overall away form is alarming, with just four wins in their last 18 league matches on the road.
Form Guide
Manchester City Premier League form: DWWWLL
Manchester City all competitions: WWLLLL
Tottenham Hotspur Premier League form: WLWLWL
Tottenham Hotspur all competitions: WLWWLL
Team News
Manchester City:
Ballon d’Or winner Rodri is still out with an ACL problem while long-term absentee Oscar Bobb remains out with a fractured leg. The City may be boosted by the return of Jack Grealish, Kevin De Bruyne, John Stones, Manuel Akanji, and Phil Foden after the quartet resumed training.
Erling Haaland, fresh from scoring four goals for Norway, is likely to spearhead the attacking unit. Defensive changes may be made as Stones, Akanji, or Ruben Dias may come back into the starting XI to shift Josko Gvardiol into the left-back role.
Predicted City Lineup:
Ederson; Walker, Stones, Akanji, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Gundogan; Bernardo, Foden, Savinho; Haaland
Tottenham Hotspur:
Rodrigo Bentancur is suspended by the seven-match ban, and Micky van de Ven, Richarlison, and Wilson Odobert are also out through hamstring injuries. Cristian Romero, with his foot problem, is doubtful but likely to be omitted as well.
Postecoglou could opt for the presence of Ben Davies and Radu Dragusin in the central defense trio. Yves Bissouma returns in midfield, while Son Heung-min, Dominic Solanke, and Brennan Johnson start up front.
Predicted Spurs Lineup:
Vicario; Porro, Dragusin, Davies, Udogie; Kulusevski, Bissouma, Sarr; Johnson, Solanke, Son
Prediction
Manchester City 3-2 Tottenham Hotspur
Such is Tottenham’s form against him, as they have six wins and 22 goals scored against the Citizens in the Premier League under the Catalan coach. Spurs will likely score past the City defense in what promises to be a high-scoring affair. Should City key players return, though, their depth and home advantage will likely see them push this encounter in a thrilling contest.
