Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur – Premier League – Preview, Team News and Updates

The Premier League returns at last, ending what felt like an eternity during the international break. With domestic action now set to flow uninterrupted until March, fans can rejoice in the non-stop drama of English football. And what better way to kick off the festive season than with a blockbuster clash? Reigning champions Manchester City take on Tottenham Hotspur in a match destined to light up the weekend.

Neither Manchester City nor Tottenham have had the smoothest start to the 2024/25 season. After years of consistent displays, the Cityzens have looked off-the-pace so far this season. T Already five points adrift of league leaders Liverpool, the Cityzens know they can’t afford any more slip-ups. Saturday’s clash against Tottenham is a must-win if Pep Guardiola’s side wants to stay in the title hunt and keep pace with their Merseyside rivals. But Tottenham won’t make it easy. Sure, their mid-table position might suggest mediocrity, but the stats tell a different story. Spurs have been one of the most impressive teams in the league on paper, yet their inability to turn dominance into results has held them back. 

That’s the hurdle they need to overcome if they want to be seen as genuine contenders. And what better way to make a statement than by toppling City at the Etihad? A win for Spurs would do more than just shake up the table—it would send a loud message to their rivals: Tottenham are not here to linger on the sidelines of the title race. On the flip side, City will be desperate to bounce back and regain momentum, especially against a team that has often been a thorn in Guardiola’s side. So, will City find their rhythm and secure a much-needed victory, or will Spurs continue to play the role of Guardiola’s bogey team? 

Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur – Match Preview 

Four defeats on the bounce – Now, that’s a sentence no one would associate with Pep Guardiola’s City. However, that’s exactly how things have transpired this season. Successive defeats to Tottenham, Bournemouth, Sporting CP and Brighton have left City’s campaign in tatters. They’ve already been dumped out of the Carabao Cup, trail Liverpool by five points in the Premier League title race, and find themselves in a tricky spot in the Champions League. With just 7 points from their first four group-stage games, they’re currently sitting outside the guaranteed Round of 16 places. 

However, City fans and players have been handed a huge lift with the news that Pep Guardiola has signed a one-year contract extension. After putting pen to paper, Pep didn’t shy away from addressing the timing of his decision. Reflecting on the team’s recent struggles, he revealed, “Why staying? Well, I felt I could not leave now. It’s as simple as that. Don’t ask me the reason why. Maybe the four defeats was the reason why I felt I cannot leave.” It’s a classic Guardiola move—turning adversity into motivation. His new deal sends a powerful message: he’s not ready to walk away from the challenge. For the players, having their leader recommit at such a pivotal moment is sure to reignite their fire. And for the fans? It’s a reassurance that Pep is ready to fight for more success, even in the face of setbacks.  

Having said that, his first game after signing the extension is against Spurs. If there’s a team that consistently gives him headaches, it’s Tottenham. He’s lost more matches against them than any other club in his managerial career. Spurs have already sent City packing from the Carabao Cup this season, adding extra spice to this weekend’s clash as the Sky Blues look to settle the score. That said, Spurs are licking their wounds too. They head into this encounter on the back of a shocking home defeat to newly promoted Ipswich Town—a result that left fans stunned and confidence shaken. 

In their previous trip to the Etihad, Spurs came out with a point after a thrilling 3-3 draw. Dejan Kulusevski played a pivotal role in that result, and Tottenham fans will look to him to unlock City’s defense. However, Tottenham’s away form in the Premier League has been abysmal over the last 12 months. In fact, the Lilywhites have only secured four wins in their 18 away trips over the past 12 months. This season, Spurs have picked up just four points from five games on the road. With the reigning champions up next, the odds seem firmly stacked against Ange Postecoglou’s men. Can Tottenham overcome their away day blues at the Etihad, or will it be business as usual? 

Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur – Team News and Updates 

Spurs will have to navigate Saturday’s clash without Rodrigo Bentancur, who is facing a seven-match ban handed down by the FA for comments made about teammate Son Heung-min earlier this year. The club has appealed the length of the ban, but for now, Bentancur is unavailable. Adding to their woes, Micky van de Ven, Richarlison, and Wilson Odobert are sidelined with hamstring injuries. Van de Ven, in particular, remains a "good couple of weeks" away from returning. Meanwhile, Cristian Romero is a doubt as well, nursing a foot problem while celebrating the arrival of his newborn daughter. In Romero’s potential absence, Ben Davies might step into central defense alongside Radu Dragusin. In midfield, Yves Bissouma could return to fill Bentancur’s void, partnering Dejan Kulusevski and either Pape Matar Sarr or James Maddison in a restructured engine room. 

As for City, Ballon d’Or winner Rodri will grace the Etihad to showcase his new accolade, but fans will have to wait a bit longer to see him back in action as he continues his recovery from an ACL injury. Oscar Bobb also remains out with a leg fracture. However, there’s some positive news for Guardiola’s side. Jack Grealish, Kevin De Bruyne, John Stones, Manuel Akanji, and Phil Foden have all been in training this week and face late fitness checks ahead of kickoff. Ruben Dias, Jeremy Doku, Nathan Ake, and Matheus Nunes are also being monitored for potential involvement. 

If Stones, Akanji, and Dias are deemed fit, we could see two of them anchoring the defense, possibly pushing Josko Gvardiol to left-back while Jahmai Simpson-Pusey makes way. At right-back, Rico Lewis and Kyle Walker are set to compete for a starting spot. Up front, Erling Haaland, fresh off a four-goal international break with Norway, is a near-certain starter. Meanwhile, Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gundogan, and Bernardo Silva are all in contention to line up in midfield, giving Guardiola plenty of options to work with. 

Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur – Kick-Off Time and Date 

The game is scheduled to take place on 23rd November 2024 (Saturday) at Etihad Stadium in Manchester. The match will kick off at 11:00 PM (Indian Standard Time).  

Also Read: Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur Match Prediction, Fantasy Football Tips and Possible Starting XI