Manchester City welcome Tottenham Hotspur to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday lunchtime in a clash between two sides who opened their Premier League campaigns with great victories. City crushed Wolves 4-0 away, while Spurs thrashed Burnley 3-0 at home in Thomas Frank’s debut league match.
Pep Guardiola’s side looked back to their ruthless best last weekend, with new signing Tijjani Reijnders stealing the show alongside a Haaland brace and a Rayan Cherki debut strike. City’s form since April has been the best in the league, but Guardiola remains wary of squad depth and has highlighted Tottenham’s threat.
For Spurs, Frank could not have wished for a better start. Richarlison’s brace and Kudus’ sparkling debut lifted spirits, but injuries remain a concern. The North Londoners now face a tough trip to a ground where City have dominated, though history shows Spurs have occasionally found joy at the Etihad.
Man City vs Tottenham: Key Stats
Head-to-head: Man City 23 wins, Spurs 28 wins, 9 draws
City are unbeaten in their last 10 Premier League matches (W8 D2)
Spurs are winless in their last 11 PL games vs non-promoted teams (D2 L9)
Tottenham have lost 8 of their last 13 league away games
What to Expect From Both Teams
Guardiola will lean on Reijnders’ creativity and Haaland’s clinical edge. With Rodri and Ederson unlikely to feature, James Trafford could continue in goal after his debut clean sheet. Bernardo and Nico Gonzalez anchor midfield, while Bobb may start wide if Foden isn’t fully fit.
Tottenham;
Frank may adjust to a back five at the Etihad, with Danso, Romero, and Van de Ven at the core. Kudus and Richarlison remain the attacking spearhead, supported by Bentancur and Palhinha in midfield. Injuries to Maddison, Kulusevski, and Udogie limit options, but Spurs carry pace and threat on transitions.
Predicted Lineups
Manchester City (4-2-3-1) 🔵⚪ Trafford; Nunes, Stones, Dias, Ait-Nouri; Bernardo, Gonzalez; Bobb, Reijnders, Marmoush; Haaland
Tottenham (3-4-2-1) ⚪⚫ Vicario; Danso, Romero, Van de Ven; Porro, Bentancur, Palhinha, Spence; Sarr, Kudus; Richarlison
Players and Matchups to Watch
Odds Market on MSport
💵 Spurs to win: 6.08
💵 Over 2.5 goals: 1.48
💵 Haaland Anytime Goalscorer: 1.68
City look sharp and confident, but Spurs showed promise under Frank’s new system. History suggests Tottenham can trouble City, yet Guardiola’s side have momentum and home advantage. Expect goals, but City remain favourites.
