On Wednesday, two of England’s premier clubs face off in the EFL Cup, creating what is likely the standout match of the round. Manchester City’s strong domestic performance gives them an advantage, but is that warranted? Discover more in our preview and prediction for Tottenham vs. Manchester City.
Tottenham vs Manchester City: Preview
Tottenham hosts Premier League leaders Manchester City at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday for a fourth-round clash in the EFL Cup.
This marks the first League Cup encounter between the two sides since Manchester City claimed a 1-0 victory in the 2021 final at Wembley. Tottenham has triumphed in their previous three EFL Cup meetings, winning 1-0 in 1992, 3-1 in 2003, and 2-0 in 2007.
The two teams experienced contrasting results over the weekend. Spurs struggled away at Crystal Palace, suffering a 1-0 defeat. A lackluster performance from the visitors saw Jean-Philippe Mateta’s first-half goal secure all three points for the Eagles.
This loss highlighted Tottenham’s inconsistency under Ange Postecoglou, as they have alternated between victories against West Ham and AZ Alkmaar and disappointing defeats to Brighton and Crystal Palace.
Currently positioned ninth in the Premier League, Spurs are expected to finish sixth. While winning the Europa League is a priority for them, the EFL Cup presents arguably their best chance to secure a trophy this season, with only four matches left to navigate.
Manchester City enter this match riding a five-game winning streak across all competitions since their 1-1 draw with Newcastle. Their latest opponents, Southampton, likely feared the worst as Erling Haaland opened the scoring with his 11th league goal of the season.
Despite taking 22 shots and creating nearly three expected goals, Pep Guardiola’s squad had to be content with a narrow victory. Nevertheless, they remain heavy favorites to secure a record fifth consecutive Premier League title.
City have already improved on last season’s EFL Cup performance. After being knocked out by Newcastle in the third round in 2023-24, they advanced smoothly past Watford this year, with goals from Jérémy Doku and Matheus Nunes.
In terms of team updates, Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish, and Doku are all unavailable for City. Meanwhile, Son Heung-min, who missed Spurs’ recent defeat to Palace, has not recovered in time for this clash.
Tottenham vs Manchester City: Head-to-head
The two teams have faced each other 20 times previously, with the defending EPL champions holding the edge, winning 11 of those encounters. Spurs have won six matches, while three ended in draws.
Tottenham vs Manchester City: Team News and Predicted Lineup
Tottenham: Team News
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has hinted at making adjustments to his lineup for their Carabao Cup match against Manchester City.
In the previous round, Postecoglou made eight changes for the narrow win over Coventry, but he is expected to field a stronger team against the reigning champions.
Tottenham have limited options up front, with Heung-min Son targeting a return against Aston Villa on Sunday. Wilson Odobert is ruled out, and it’s unlikely 17-year-old Mikely Moore will start his third game in a week.
Richarlison is pressing for his first start since August, though Timo Werner and Brennan Johnson are expected to line up alongside Dominic Solanke once again.
Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Sarr, who have not started in the last two league games, may step into the midfield without impacting Spurs’ overall level.
Dejan Kulusevski may be favored over compatriot Lucas Bergvall as the second attacking No.8 alongside Sarr, given Kulusevski’s recent strong performances.
Pedro Porro, who was rested against AZ Alkmaar last week, is likely to start against his former club, while Radu Dragusin may join the defense at center-half.
Postecoglou has options at left-back, with Djed Spence, Ben Davies, and Archie Gray all contenders to fill in if Destiny Udogie is rested.
Guglielmo Vicario is expected to retain his position in goal over No.2 Fraser Forster, who started against Coventry and impressed against Alkmaar last week.
Tottenham: Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)
- Goalkeeper – Vicario
- Defenders – Porro, Romero, Dragusin, Davies
- Midfielders – Bentancur, Sarr, Kulusevski
- Forwards – Johnson, Werner, Solanke
Manchester City: Team News
Guardiola has indicated he won’t risk players’ fitness, potentially opting to field several young talents at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Following Saturday’s 1-0 win over Southampton, he hinted at bringing in academy players, with Nico O’Reilly, Kaden Braithwaite, and James McAtee likely contenders to feature.
Stefan Ortega will start in goal, while Erling Haaland, Ruben Dias, and Bernardo Silva are expected to be rested.
Although Kevin De Bruyne has resumed training, he isn’t ready for first-team action yet. When asked about De Bruyne’s potential return, Guardiola said on Tuesday, “I would like to tell you, and especially I would like to know it, but I don’t know right now.”
“He’s feeling better in training, but to reach the competitive level we need, he still experiences some pain when kicking the ball.”
“Kevin doesn’t feel quite right, and he needs to feel fully fit to showcase his immense talent. He’s improving, but he’s not at his best yet.”
Oscar Bobb is unlikely to return until January, and Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish, and Jeremy Doku remain doubtful.
Manchester City: Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper – Ortega
- Defenders – Lewis, Stones, Braithwaite, Ake
- Midfielders – O’Reilly, Gundogan, Nunes
- Forwards – McAtee, Savinho, Foden
Tottenham vs Manchester City: Prediction
City’s likely lineup offers Tottenham a strong chance to advance to the quarter-finals on Wednesday. While Guardiola’s teams once dominated this competition, the manager has deprioritized it in recent years, and he’s unlikely to be overly concerned by a loss here given City’s busy schedule.
Ange Postecoglou will be looking for a response from his players after Sunday’s poor display at Palace, and Spurs have shown solid form at home this season. However, the team’s performance can drop off significantly when the lineup is rotated, due to a lack of familiarity rather than talent, so they may not overwhelm City’s young squad on Wednesday.
This matchup could go either way, and a penalty shootout may ultimately decide the winner.
Prediction: Tottenham 2-2 Man City (Tottenham win on penalties)
When is Tottenham vs Manchester City?
Tottenham face Manchester City at home on Thursday, October 31 from 1:45 am (IST).
