Two of the top six meet during the opening weekend, as Manchester City travel to the capital to face Tottenham. It is the first competitive fixture in charge for Nuno Espirito Santo and he couldn’t have chosen a more difficult one. City started slowly last season, but they are unlikely to face similar issues in the 2021/22 campaign. The Harry Kane transfer saga continues to rumble on. It will be interesting to see if he features against the team trying to sign him.
Tottenham had a mixed season last year. They were excellent at the beginning of the campaign before things went sour under Jose Mourinho. Although they managed to reach a cup final, they were a long way from finishing in the top four. After moving to their new stadium, the aim was to consolidate their position at the top of the division. They have failed to do this, which is why Kane wants to move away. Spurs have been boosted by Son Heung-min signing a new contract. He will be key to their hopes this season.
Jack Grealish will make his Premier League debut for Manchester City this weekend. He was the talk of the country during the summer and he now has the chance to prove himself at one of the best club teams in the Premier League. Manchester City will be looking to retain their Premier League title. In Grealish, they have added another jewel to their attack and are clearly the favourites to finish top of the pile. The title race should be tighter this year, but they have the experience that other teams lack.
Interesting stats
Son Heung-min has scored six goals against Manchester City. In every meeting at the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the South Korean has found the back of the net.
Manchester City have won their last ten opening day fixtures.
Key men
Son
Depending on what happens with Harry Kane, Son could be the talisman for Tottenham this season. He has taken major strides over the last 24 months and he is one of the most devastating players in the league. Last season, he contributed 17 goals and ten assists. The link-up with Kane was great to watch. Son will be hoping to challenge for individual honours this season. He has the potential to challenge to be the top scorer, especially if Kane leaves the club. It was a major boost for Tottenham to tie him down to a longer contract. Manchester City will dominate the ball, which means Tottenham will have to threaten on the counter attack. There are few more dangerous in such a game than Son. He has proven this before against Manchester City.
Mahrez
There will be an opportunity for Riyad Mahrez to start his season off with a bang. There are injuries to Phil Foden and Kevin de Bruyne, which means the Algerian international is likely to start. He has an excellent record when he is on the pitch. During the last two seasons, he averages a goal involvement every 111.3 minutes. Tottenham do have issues at full back. None of the options in the squad are great at the back and Mahrez will look to run at them. He is one of the best at beating opposition defenders and he is excellent at getting his shots away. His direct approach will cause Tottenham a lot of problems and it could prove to be decisive on Sunday.
Team news
Cristian Romero and Bryan Gil are both in contention to make their debuts for Tottenham. Harry Kane may feature, but a decision won’t be made on his inclusion until Saturday. Dele Alli could begin the season in the starting eleven as he tries to get his career back on track.
Phil Foden and Kevin de Bruyne will be missing through injury. Grealish will make his Premier League debut. John Stones and Raheem Sterling may be eased back into things following their exploits with England.
Verdict
It will be interesting to see how Tottenham play under Nuno. The fans are expecting a better style of play than they witnessed under Mourinho. Tottenham managed to win their fixture last season, but it is difficult to see a similar result this weekend. Manchester City are usually very quick starters and their record in previous opening days shows that. They should have enough quality to beat Tottenham.
Tottenham 0-2 Manchester City
