HomeFeatured ArticlesManchester City vs Tottenham Preview | Predictions, Stats and Key Players

Manchester City vs Tottenham Preview | Predictions, Stats and Key Players

The biggest match taking place this weekend is taking place in Manchester. Tottenham travel to face Manchester City, in a match that will show a lot about the levels of both teams. This is City’s biggest test of the Premier League to date, while Spurs will be trying to prove that they can be title challengers. They have a good recent record against the champions, with five wins in their last eight meetings.

Manchester City have had an unbeaten start to the season, but they are yet to reach the summit of the table. They are one point below Arsenal and level on points with Saturday’s opposition. Many believe they are the overwhelming favourites to win the Premier League for yet another season. The signing of Erling Haaland has added an extra dimension to their game and he will be one of the key players this weekend. Pep Guardiola will be aware of the threat posed by Tottenham due to the recent matches between the two clubs. City will still be confident, despite this.

Tottenham have had a solid start to the season, matching the record of Manchester City. Despite their good start, Spurs have yet to set the world alight with their performances, but their points return has been very good. Supporters will believe there is much more to come and that could start this weekend. They have had a good record against City and that could give them confidence ahead of what is a daunting trip.

Interesting stats

Pep Guardiola has struggled against Antonio Conte, with three defeats in five matches against the Italian.

If Tottenham win, they will become the first team to beat a Pep Guardiola side in three successive league matches.

Key men

Haaland

It has been an excellent start to life in England for Erling Haaland. Some had doubted whether he could continue his goal-scoring form in England at the same rate. The early indications are that he will be the most prolific player in this league for years to come. He is very difficult to stop and he will be the player that Tottenham are most worried about. He has 10 goals across his opening six matches, at a rate of one every 48.5 minutes, which is a remarkable run of form. The Norwegian could produce a goal-scoring season that we have never seen in this country. If he avoids injury, 40+ is well within his capabilities. At some point, injuries and a drop in from seems inevitable, but with the City supply line, maybe it can be avoided. During the week, he showed that his form wasn’t exclusive to the league, as he scored twice in the Champions League. Tottenham have a good defensive record, with five goals conceded in six matches. Only Wolves have conceded fewer. It will be tough for Haaland to continue his form against a stubborn Spurs team. This is his chance to show his quality against an excellent team.

Kane

12 months ago, it could have been Harry Kane leading the line and scoring freely for Manchester City. However, he stayed with Tottenham and this weekend offers him a chance to outshine Haaland. For a player as competitive as Kane, he will want to play a starring role and remind the world that he remains an elite striker, who is at the same level as City’s new striking sensation. Usually, Kane starts seasons slowly, but he has had a very good start at the beginning of this season. He has five goals in the first six matches, finally dispelling the myth that he can’t score goals in August. With the World Cup on the horizon, Kane will want to have an excellent first half of the season, so he can go to Qatar in the best possible shape, physically and mentally. Conte will need to manage him wisely in the coming weeks, with the fixtures Tottenham have to play. However, Kane won’t be rested for this one. With the focus on Haaland, it could provide a stage for Spurs’ number ten to thrive.

Team news

Kyle Walker and John Stones are both doubts for this weekend. If they miss out, it could see Sergio Gomez make his first Premier League start. Aymeric Laporte will be unavailable for another month, at least.

Lucas Moura is the only doubt for Tottenham, but he could still be passed fit in time to feature. Richarlison will be desperate to start after his two goals during the week. There could be some rotation.

Verdict

Tottenham have a very good record against Manchester City and they will be confident that they can pose problems for the home side yet again. The attacking quality they have means they are perfectly set up to beat the current champions. Son Heung-min has done very well against City in recent years. Although he hasn’t scored this season, this could be the perfect chance to open his account. City are a good match-up for him. That said, City look to be on another level to any other team. If they perform as they have been, they should have the quality to win.

Manchester City 2-1 Tottenham

More News

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here