Man City v Tottenham- Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Man City face Tottenham in the English Premier League on Sunday evening. Spurs have won five of the last eight meetings between these sides but that came with Harry Kane leading counter-attacks. Right now, the visitors are on a three-match losing streak with a depleted defensive unit against Erling Haaland and co.

Man City Form

Man City came from 2-0 down to beat RB Leipzig 3-2 in the Champions League in midweek. That win felt important as they had dropped points in their previous two league matches. Three leads were thrown away in a 4-4 draw at Chelsea before the FIFA break. They resumed action by giving up a 1-0 advantage in a 1-1 home draw vs Liverpool.

Before those setbacks, it had been five wins in a row in all competitions for Pep Guardiola’s men. They netted 17 goals during that streak including a 3-0 win at Old Trafford in the Derby and a 6-1 thrashing of Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium.

Man City Team News

Pep Guardiola has three injuries in midfield for this match. Key man Kevin De Bruyne remains absent for another two months whilst this match comes too soon for either Mateo Kovacic or Matheus Nunes. John Stones is back from injury but may only be fit enough for the bench.

Jeremy Doku, Nathan Ake, and Julian Alvarez are all set for recalls having features as substitutes in midweek. Jack Grealish, Josko Gvardiol, and Rico Lewis are expected to drop down to the bench.

Man City Motivation

After dropping four points in their last two league matches, motivation will be very high to win this one.

Guardiola knows his side have a poor record vs Tottenham and he may be a bit cautious. Nothing less than a win would be seen as a good result though.

Tottenham Form

Tottenham’s incredible start to the season saw eight wins, two draws, and 22 goals scored. Four victories in a row saw them top of the table as Liverpool (2-1), Luton (1-0), Fulham (2-0) and Crystal Palace (2-1) were all dispatched. Partly due to injuries and ill-discipline, Spurs have lost three matches in a row.

A 4-1 home defeat to Chelsea came with nine men as a naïve defensive line on the halfway line was exposed. Two late goals then saw a 2-1 loss at Wolves whilst they were beaten 2-1 at home by Aston Villa last weekend. Spurs missed four ‘big chances’ and put up 2.34 xG in the defeat.

Tottenham Team News

Ange Postecoglou should have Pape Sarr back from a knock whilst Yves Bissouma returns from suspension. Rodrigo Bentancur is ruled out and so is James Maddison. Gio Lo Celso and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg are both hoping to be handed a start.

Cristian Romero is out suspended at the back and Micky Van De Ven is injured. With Eric Dier out of favour, Emerson Royal and Ben Davies may form the centre-back pairing. In attack, all of Richarlison, Ivan Perisic, and Manor Solomon are ruled out due to injuries. Bryan Gil is unlikely to start this match.

Tottenham Motivation

Despite three losses on the trot, Spurs won’t change their style of play. Expect an attacking, open approach with a high defensive line.

Tottenham have a great record against Man City, but it’s come in a low-block, counter-attacking style. Postecoglou simply does not play that way.

Key Stats

Man City have won 6 of their last 8 matches

Man City have scored 25 goals in their last 8 matches

Spurs have lost 3 matches in a row

Tottenham have won 5 of their last 8 EPL matches vs Man City

Verdict

Spurs are a bogey side for City but that was under more pragmatic managers. This current Tottenham side could leak plenty of goals if they open up against the pace of Haaland, Doku, et al.