Match Preview for Manchester City v Tottenham
Manchester City host Tottenham at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday lunchtime, with both sides looking to build on opening-day victories in the Premier League.
Pep Guardiola’s men brushed aside Wolves 4-0 last weekend, with new signing Tijjani Reijnders starring on debut by scoring and assisting.
Erling Haaland netted twice, while Rayan Cherki added a fourth to complete a dominant display. City, who endured a disappointing 2024-25 campaign by their high standards, appear rejuvenated and already sit top of the table.
However, Guardiola has voiced concerns over the size of his squad, warning it could affect their rhythm over the course of the season.
Tottenham also began brightly, beating Burnley 3-0 in Thomas Frank’s first league game in charge.
Richarlison scored a brace, including a spectacular bicycle kick, both assisted by Mohammed Kudus, before Brennan Johnson sealed the win.
Spirits are high in North London, though Frank has admitted the club remain active in the transfer market after losing out on Eberechi Eze to Arsenal.
The fixture has a recent history of drama. Spurs stunned City 4-0 at the Etihad last November and have often proven a difficult opponent for Guardiola, who has lost to them nine times in his career.
With both sides boasting attacking talent, another high-scoring encounter could be on the cards.
Team news for Manchester City v Tottenham
City remain without Mateo Kovacic, Kalvin Phillips and Savinho due to injury, while doubts linger over Rodri, Ederson, Phil Foden and Josko Gvardiol.
James Trafford may keep his place in goal after a clean sheet on debut, while Reijnders looks set to continue in midfield alongside Bernardo Silva and Nico Gonzalez.
Haaland, who has 48 goals in 48 home league games, will once again lead the line.
Tottenham, meanwhile, are without James Maddison, Radu Dragusin, Dejan Kulusevski, Bryan Gil, Manor Solomon and Kota Takai.
Yves Bissouma and Destiny Udogie could return after missing the Burnley game.
Frank may switch to a back five, with Kevin Danso in contention to start alongside Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven. Kudus and Richarlison are expected to spearhead the attack, while Johnson could drop to the bench if the system changes.
Expected line-ups for Manchester City v Tottenham
Manchester City: Trafford; Nunes, Stones, Dias, Ait-Nouri; Bernardo, Gonzalez; Bobb, Reijnders, Marmoush; Haaland
Tottenham Hotspur: Vicario; Danso, Romero, Van de Ven; Porro, Bentancur, Palhinha, Spence; Sarr, Kudus; Richarlison
How to watch Manchester City v Tottenham: TV channel, online stream
The game will be shown live in the UK on TNT Sports 1 with coverage also available via the discovery+ app.
International viewers can watch via official Premier League broadcast partners. It will kick-off at 12:30pm BST.
The stats for Manchester City v Tottenham
- Man City have lost only 2 of their last 10 league games (W8 D2)
- Spurs are looking to win their opening two league matches for the first time since 2021-22
- Guardiola has lost 9 times to Tottenham — more than against any side except Liverpool (10)
- Spurs’ last Etihad win came in November 2024 (4-0)
- The last four league meetings at the Etihad have produced 21 goals
Prediction
This fixture rarely disappoints, with both sides finding joy in recent Etihad encounters.
Spurs, under Frank, look sharp and will believe they can cause another upset, especially with Richarlison in form.
However, City’s firepower, midfield creativity and home record should give them the edge in what promises to be another goal-filled contest.
Prediction: Manchester City 3-2 Tottenham
