Current Form
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola’s team has shown uncharacteristic inconsistency, losing their last two Premier League matches to Bournemouth and Brighton. Despite being the only team to score in every league game this season, City have struggled defensively without Rodri, who is out due to injury. City have dropped points from winning positions frequently this campaign, a sharp contrast to last season
Tottenham Hotspur
Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs started the season brightly but have faltered recently, losing three of their last six league matches. They sit mid-table but are still close to the top six. Injuries have forced Spurs into tactical adjustments, though their aggressive attacking style has remained intact. Spurs have played some wonderful free flowing football at times this season, and their fans will be hoping it is that version of the team that turns up on Saturday rather than the one who struggled last time out.
Key Players
Manchester City: Erling Haaland, fresh off a hat-trick for Norway, will be pivotal. He has 22 goals for club and country this season and remains City’s primary goal threat.
Tottenham Hotspur: Dejan Kulusevski has been a creative force, leading the league in open-play chances created. His counter-attacking potential could exploit City’s high line.
Tactical Outlook
Spurs are expected to maintain their high defensive line despite vulnerabilities, which could be risky against City’s attacking prowess. Meanwhile, City will aim to capitalize on Tottenham’s defensive injuries and maintain their strong home scoring record (26 goals in nine home games this season).
Predictions
It’s hard to see anything but goals in this game with both teams having such free scoring attacks. Spurs have been somewhat of a thorn in Man City’s side over the last few years and knocked them out of the League Cup three weeks ago.
City are likely to dominate the ball, and will put tremendous pressure on a Spurs defence that is expected to be missing key players including the pacey Van de Ven. Vicario still looks suspect from set pieces, particularly corners, and Pep will be keen to put him under as much pressure as possible.
In Kulusevski Spurs have one of the players of the season who has largely flown under the radar. Now he has been switched to a No.10 role he is able to have a more influential role in the game and he will be keen to exploit the gaps that Rodri would normally fill.
Tip
Over 3.5 goals [9/10]
Kulusevski anytime goalscorer [11/2]
Vicario to be booked [21/5]