Manchester City aim to close the five-point gap to Premier League leaders Liverpool as they face Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening. Both teams seek redemption following 2-1 losses before the international break—City to Brighton & Hove Albion, and Spurs to Ipswich Town.

City’s defeat to Brighton marked Pep Guardiola’s fourth successive loss—a first in his managerial career. The last time the club suffered such a streak was in 2006 under Stuart Pearce. Meanwhile, Spurs’ campaign under Ange Postecoglou has taken a nosedive compared to this time last year, when they were second in the league, trailing City by a single point. They now sit 10th, 10 points worse off. Spurs’ inconsistency has been their undoing, with five wins, one draw, and five losses in their 11 league games. Across all competitions, they have alternated between victory and defeat, losing their last two matches to Galatasaray and Ipswich. Despite their dip in form, Spurs remain within reach of third-placed Chelsea, trailing by just three points. Additionally, their recent record against City, including a 2-1 EFL Cup win three weeks ago, offers hope. Spurs have tallied 17 points in their last 10 league meetings with City and scored at least twice in their last three visits to the Etihad, including a thrilling 3-3 draw last season. No Premier League side has ever scored multiple goals in four consecutive visits to City.

However, Tottenham’s away form is a concern. Over the past year, they’ve won only four of their 18 league games on the road. Since March, Spurs have suffered seven away losses—more than any other top-flight team—and have just four points from five away matches this season. City, too, have faltered, with back-to-back defeats leaving them five points adrift of Liverpool after 11 games. While it’s too early to dismiss their title hopes, further slip-ups could jeopardize their pursuit of a record fifth straight league title. City fans received uplifting news during the international break, as Guardiola signed a two-year contract extension. Additionally, several key players returned to training, offering a boost ahead of a grueling 29-day schedule that includes six league and two Champions League fixtures. The Etihad remains a fortress for City, who are unbeaten in their last 52 home matches across all competitions. Their 35-game unbeaten league run at home includes 13 points from a possible 15 this season.

Ballon d’Or winner Rodri will parade his accolade this weekend but remains sidelined with an ACL injury, alongside long-term absentee Oscar Bobb. However, Jack Grealish, Kevin De Bruyne, John Stones, Manuel Akanji, and Phil Foden have all returned to training and will undergo fitness assessments. Ruben Dias, Jeremy Doku, Nathan Ake, and Matheus Nunes are also in contention. City’s potential defensive reshuffle could see Stones, Akanji, and Dias return, with Josko Gvardiol shifting to left-back and either Rico Lewis or Kyle Walker starting at right-back. Erling Haaland, fresh off scoring four goals for Norway, is set to lead the attack, while Bernardo Silva, Mateo Kovacic, and Ilkay Gundogan compete for midfield spots. Tottenham will be without Rodrigo Bentancur, who begins a seven-match ban for comments made about Son Heung-min. Micky van de Ven, Richarlison, and Wilson Odobert are also sidelined with injuries, while Cristian Romero is doubtful after welcoming a new baby and sustaining a foot issue. Romero’s absence could see Ben Davies partner Radu Dragusin in defense, while Yves Bissouma is likely to replace Bentancur in midfield alongside Dejan Kulusevski and either Pape Matar Sarr or James Maddison.

Guardiola’s City have struggled against Spurs, losing six league matches and conceding 22 goals—the most against any team under his tenure. Tottenham’s attacking prowess could trouble City again in what promises to be an electrifying contest. However, with key players returning and a jubilant atmosphere following Guardiola’s contract extension, City are favored to emerge victorious.

Best tip : City win or draw

Correct score : 3:1