Man City Clash with Tottenham: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
Two of the most commanding victors from the inaugural weekend of the 2025–26 Premier League campaign clash this weekend as Manchester City welcome Tottenham Hotspur.
Following a silverware-free 2024–25 season, Man City are determined to recapture their domestic title, having watched Liverpool cruise to glory last campaign. A stable finish saw Pep Guardiola's squad end in a frustrating third position, but measures have been implemented in 2025 to assist the Spanish tactician in transforming his team.
The Citizens, following their early Club World Cup elimination during the summer, delivered an outstanding performance at Molineux last weekend and currently lead the league standings after a commanding 4–0 triumph. Erling Haaland netted a brace, though Premier League newcomer Tijjani Reijnders captured the spotlight.
Spurs newcomer Mohammed Kudus delivered an equally spectacular display in their comprehensive 3–0 home victory over Burnley, which came three days following Thomas Frank's team's heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup.
The field performances have shown promise under the new manager, though fans are becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the club's transfer market activities. Insufficient progress has been made to adequately equip this Spurs roster for the upcoming campaign.
Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of this Saturday afternoon encounter.
What Time Does Man City vs. Tottenham Kick-Off?
Man City vs. Tottenham Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Man City | Tottenham |
|---|---|
Wolves 0–4 Man City - 16/08/25 | Tottenham 3–0 Burnley - 16/08/25 |
Palermo 0–3 Man City - 09/08/25 | PSG 2–2 (4–3p) Tottenham - 13/08/25 |
Man City 3–4 Al Hilal (A.E.T) - 01/07/25 | Bayern Munich 4–0 Tottenham - 07/08/25 |
Juventus 2–5 Man City - 26/06/25 | Tottenham 1–1 Newcastle - 03/08/25 |
Man City 6–0 Al Ain - 23/06/25 | Arsenal 0–1 Tottenham - 31/07/25 |
How to Watch Man City vs. Tottenham on TV
Country | TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
United States | fuboTV, nbcsports.com, NBC Sports App, UNIVERSO NOW, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, USA Network, UNIVERSO |
United Kingdom | discovery+, Amazon Prime Video, discovery+ App, TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate |
Canada | DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada, Amazon Prime Video, Fubo Sports Network Canada |
Mexico | Tubi Mexico, Caliente TV, Amazon Prime Video, FOX Mexico |
Man City Team News
The fitness concerns that sidelined Rodri, Phil Foden and Joško Gvardiol from City's opening weekend triumph at Molineux aren't severe. However, the trio are doubtful to feature in Guardiola's starting eleven on Saturday.
The City manager has revealed that Ederson and Savinho are absent from the season's beginning due to 'injuries', though both players have been connected with potential departures from the Etihad, alongside Manuel Akanji in recent days.
James Trafford will therefore retain his position in goal, while Oscar Bobb maintains his spot on the right wing. Omar Marmoush may feature on the left flank.
Mateo Kovačić faces an extended absence.
Man City Predicted Lineup vs. Tottenham
Man City predicted lineup vs. Tottenham (4-3-3): Trafford; Nunes, Dias, Stones, Aït-Nouri; Nico, Reijnders, Bernardo; Bobb, Haaland, Marmoush
Tottenham Team News
Dominic Solanke struggled with an ankle problem during preseason, but made his comeback as a substitute in the UEFA Super Cup. Nevertheless, Richarlison's excellent beginning to 2025–26 suggests the English striker will probably be restricted to another brief appearance this weekend.
Frank is expected to return to the 3-5-2 formation that delivered outstanding results against Paris Saint-Germain, so Kevin Danso will rejoin Spurs' backline. It may be the identical starting eleven that took the field in Udine, indicating João Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur will resume their midfield partnership, alongside Pape Matar Sarr.
Destiny Udogie continues to be sidelined with a knee problem, while James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Radu Drăgușin are all facing lengthy spells on the sidelines.
Tottenham Predicted Lineup vs. Man City
Tottenham predicted lineup vs. Man City (3-5-2): Vicario; Danso, Romero, Van de Ven; Porro, Palhinha, Bentancur, Sarr, Spence; Kudus, Richarlison
Man City vs. Tottenham Score Prediction
Spurs delivered an outstanding performance in this formation against an unprepared PSG ten days prior, and they should at minimum force the home side to work hard during stretches of this match.
Their forward-thinking approach in possession and intensity without the ball suggests we're set for a fiercely contested encounter at the Etihad, though City are seeking revenge for the 4–0 humiliation the visitors delivered last season.
With that devastating night still lingering in their minds, Guardiola's squad could flourish once more here. An opening strike could unlock the match, despite Frank's team likely proving troublesome throughout.