Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City – Carabao Cup – Preview, Team News and Updates

Tottenham Hotspur's quest to end their 16-year trophy drought continues tonight as they host reigning English champions Manchester City in a thrilling Carabao Cup 4th-round clash. With two determined sides facing off, fans can expect a captivating showdown where neither team will be willing to give an inch.

It’s hard to believe that a club of Tottenham’s stature has gone over 16 years without lifting a trophy. As one of English football’s most storied clubs and a member of the so-called “Big Six,” Spurs' lack of silverware remains a mystery to fans and critics alike. Several managers have come and gone in recent years, each attempting to bring glory to White Hart Lane, yet none have managed to end the drought. Now, it is the turn of Ange Postecoglou to give it a go. However, it doesn’t get much tougher for the Australian, as his side face the all-conquering Manchester City in Round of 16. 

Contrary to Tottenham’s current predicament, Manchester City are enjoying a golden era under Pep Guardiola’s leadership. The Catalan mastermind has guided the Cityzens to 18 trophies, including a remarkable run of four consecutive Carabao Cup victories from 2018 to 2021. Although they haven’t won the EFL Cup since their 2021 triumph, City are determined to reclaim their hold on the competition. But to do that, they'll first have to get past a hungry Tottenham side looking to finally end their own trophy wait.  

Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City – Match Preview 

Spurs were on the brink of an embarrassing 3rd round exit at the hands of Coventry City. However, late goals from Djed Spence and Brennan Johnson sparred their blushes and averted the ensuing media and fan uproar if Spurs had lost. That win over Coventry was the start of a five-game win streak, which had many fans believing that Spurs had finally turned a corner. But that optimism was short-lived, as the Lilywhites collapsed in spectacular fashion against Brighton, surrendering a 2-0 halftime lead to lose 3-2. Home victories over West Ham and AZ Alkmaar did help steady the ship, but the question of Tottenham’s season-long inconsistency was far from settled.  

However, Tottenham’s early season inconsistency reared its ugly head once again, as they put forth another disappointing performance away at Selhurst Park on Sunday. Spurs failed to create any chance of note, and as a result, Jean-Philippe Mateta’s first-half strike was enough to hand Palace their first win of the 2024/25 Premier League season. Now, with a massive fourth-round Carabao Cup clash against Manchester City on the horizon, Ange Postecoglou faces mounting pressure to stamp out the inconsistency that’s plagued Spurs. To end their 16-year trophy drought, his side will need to summon the kind of resolve that delivered their last piece of silverware—a dramatic 2-1 Carabao Cup final victory over Chelsea in 2008, thanks to goals from Jonathan Woodgate and Dimitar Berbatov. Spurs will need every ounce of that grit and determination to get past City and keep their trophy dreams alive.  

On the flip side, Manchester City have enjoyed a flawless October. In fact, since their 1-1 draw against Newcastle in late September, City have gone on to win five games on the bounce in October, scoring 15 goals in the process. Therefore, the Cityzens will be in confident mood when they face Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium later tonight. However, Tottenham have long been a thorn in Pep Guardiola’s side, proving to be the team that’s troubled him most throughout his managerial career. Remarkably, in the last 10 clashes with Spurs, City have managed just three wins, drawing twice and losing five times. The question now is, can the Lilywhites keep up their impressive record against Pep’s City, or will City finally turn the tide? 

Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City – Team News and Updates 

Viewing Wednesday’s clash at Tottenham as the least critical in a busy lineup of upcoming away games, Man City boss Pep Guardiola is planning to shake things up, potentially bringing in several academy players. Guardiola hinted at a youth-centric approach, with 16-year-old talents Kaden Braithwaite and Nico O'Reilly—who impressed in City’s previous round against Watford—possibly earning spots in the starting XI once again. 

City’s squad depth will be tested, with first-team regulars like Kevin De Bruyne (groin) and Kyle Walker (thigh) still sidelined indefinitely. Adding to the challenge, long-term injuries have ruled out Oscar Bobb until the New Year, while Rodri faces the season’s remainder on the sidelines after a serious knee injury. 

Meanwhile, Tottenham have injury concerns of their own. Son Heung-min, Spurs’ influential star, has been absent due to a thigh injury that kept him out against both AZ Alkmaar and Crystal Palace last week, making his return for Wednesday doubtful. Another blow for Spurs comes in the form of Djed Spence, who made headlines with his late winner over Coventry in the third round. Unfortunately, he’s set to remain on the sidelines with a groin issue until late November. 

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

The game is scheduled to take place on 31st October 2024 (Thursday) at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. The match will kick off at 1:45 AM (Indian Standard Time).   

Also Read: Carabao Cup Fourth Round: Everything You Need to Know About the Teams Involved, Start Time and Live Streaming Details