We look ahead to Saturday’s Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium with our Manchester City vs Tottenham prediction. Will the home side finally break their poor record against Spurs?
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Man City vs Tottenham: Preview
Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur both started the new Premier League season with victories and will look to maintain their momentum.
Pep Guardiola’s team topped the table after Matchday 1 following an impressive 4-0 win at Wolves on Saturday, while Spurs also began strongly with a 3-0 home victory over Burnley.
City’s Premier League form in recent months has been outstanding. They have collected more points than any other side (26) since early April and remain the only team to stay unbeaten in that period (W8 D2).
Their defensive strength has been key to this run. City have kept the most clean sheets (seven) and allowed the fewest shots per game of any team in the division (7.6) since April.
Despite opening their campaign with their second-largest opening-day victory, Guardiola will be cautious as Spurs have troubled him before.
The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager has lost nine matches against them across all competitions during his career, only losing more to Liverpool (10). Two of those defeats came last season – City lost 4-0 to Tottenham at the Etihad in the league and suffered a 2-1 away defeat in the EFL Cup fourth round.
Spurs are also one of three teams Guardiola has faced 10 or more times while winning fewer than half his matches against them (11/23, 48%), alongside Liverpool (6/24, 25%) and Real Madrid (13/27, 48%).
He will feel confident in his side’s attacking threat, though. Erling Haaland scored twice against Wolves and is looking to become just the second player in Premier League history to score 50 home goals in fewer than 50 appearances (48 in 48 so far).
Thomas Frank has made a promising start at Spurs. They played well in the UEFA Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain, despite losing on penalties after surrendering a 2-0 lead late on, then followed up with a confident win over Burnley.
Spurs are looking to win their first two Premier League games in a season for the first time since 2021-22. However, they are winless in their last 11 matches against non-newly promoted sides (D2 L9), since a 1-0 win over Manchester United in February.
Frank led Brentford to a 2-1 victory at the Etihad in November 2022. Only two managers have beaten Guardiola away in the league with two clubs: José Mourinho (Real Madrid, Man Utd) and Antonio Conte (Chelsea and Spurs).
This early Saturday kick-off could provide plenty of entertainment. The last four Premier League meetings between City and Spurs in Manchester have produced 21 goals (9 for City, 12 for Spurs), with the away side scoring at least twice in all four.
No away side has scored 2+ goals in five consecutive matches against City since 1980-2000 (Sunderland), but with Richarlison in form after scoring twice on Matchday 1, Frank will back his side to cause an upset.
Man City vs Tottenham: Head-to-Head
Manchester City have secured only four victories in their last 12 Premier League matches against Tottenham (D2 L6), although they did claim a 1-0 win in their most recent encounter in February.
City have not managed back-to-back league victories against Spurs since winning four straight between December 2017 and April 2019.
Tottenham have claimed two wins in their last four Premier League visits to the Etihad (D1 L1), which equals more victories than they managed in their previous 11 trips combined (D2 L8).
After their 4-0 triumph last season, Spurs are aiming for successive away wins at City for the first time since May 2010.
Man City vs Tottenham: Team News and Predicted Lineup
Man City – Team News
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola will be cautious about Tottenham’s strong record against his team as the clubs meet this weekend.
City demolished Wolves 4-0 in their season opener, with Erling Haaland netting twice and Tijjani Reijnders impressing on his competitive debut after his summer transfer from AC Milan. Spurs meanwhile beat Burnley 3-0 at home.
City won when these sides last met, beating Tottenham 1-0 in a Premier League match in February 2025, with Haaland scoring for the visitors.
But City have historically found Spurs difficult opponents, winning just four of their last 12 Premier League meetings while drawing twice and losing six, including a 4-0 home defeat in this same fixture last season.
City have received a double injury boost with Guardiola confirming in his pre-match press conference that Phil Foden and Rodri are fit to return after missing the Wolves victory.
Josko Gvardiol joins two other absentees – Mateo Kovacic, who is recovering from an Achilles injury, and Spurs-linked winger Savinho.
James Trafford is expected to keep his place in goal despite Ederson being available after missing the Wolves match.
The Brazilian has since been linked with a move to Galatasaray, while City have been connected with signing the exiled Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain.
Man City – Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: James Trafford
- Defenders: Rico Lewis, John Stones, Rúben Dias, Rayan Aït-Nouri
- Midfielders: Nico González, Tijjani Reijnders, Bernardo Silva
- Forwards: Oscar Bobb, Jérémy Doku, Erling Haaland
Tottenham – Team News
Thomas Frank could deploy a back-three system when Tottenham visit Manchester City on Saturday.
The Spurs manager used that approach against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup and it proved effective, with his team leading 2-0 against the Champions League holders with five minutes left.
That performance suggested Frank will use the formation again for the most challenging fixtures, and he hinted at his pre-match press conference that he might make that choice.
“I treat every game a little bit different, but it’s definitely in my mind the 3-5-2,” Frank said.
“It’s [also] definitely in my mind the 4-2-3-1 and I will take a decision on what we do and you’ll see that tomorrow.”
If he chooses the 3-5-2, Kevin Danso will likely start alongside Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven.
Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha both began on the bench against Burnley last weekend but are expected to feature here, with their experience and ball-winning skills crucial against City.
With James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski injured, and Spurs having missed out on signing Eberechi Eze, Pape Matar Sarr will likely provide the energy as the most advanced midfielder.
Up front, Dominic Solanke has had two substitute appearances as he builds toward full fitness, but Richarlison has been in excellent form and scored twice against Burnley, including a spectacular scissor kick.
The Brazilian will hope to retain his starting spot, with Mohammed Kudus moving into a central role to support.
Yves Bissouma remains unavailable and Destiny Udogie is also out, but the full-back is close to returning.
“Destiny is better,” Frank said. “He’s trained with the team twice, full trainings, and also other trainings.”
“Just too short to be involved for City. We want him to train tomorrow and have another good week next week as well, but he’s in a good place. Looks very positive about him.”
Tottenham – Predicted Lineup (3-5-2)
- Goalkeeper: Guglielmo Vicario
- Defenders: Kevin Danso, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven
- Midfielders: Rodrigo Bentancur, Joao Palhinha, Pedro Porro, Sarr, Spence
- Forwards: Kudus, Richarlison
Man City vs Tottenham: Prediction
Despite Tottenham’s excellent recent record at the Etihad Stadium, including that stunning 4-0 victory last season, Manchester City should edge this encounter. City are heavy favorites with bookmakers giving them around a 60-67% chance of victory, and their opening day form suggests they’re ready to bounce back from last season’s disappointments.
City’s dominant 4-0 victory over Wolves showcased their attacking threat, with Haaland scoring twice and new signing Tijjani Reijnders impressing. The Norwegian striker’s pursuit of becoming just the second player to score 50 home Premier League goals in fewer than 50 appearances adds extra motivation. With Phil Foden and Rodri potentially returning from injury, Guardiola will have more options to break down what’s likely to be a well-organized Spurs defense.
Thomas Frank’s tactical flexibility could keep Tottenham competitive – his willingness to switch between formations based on the opposition was evident in both the PSG clash and the Burnley victory. Frank may deploy the back-three system that nearly worked against PSG, with Kevin Danso coming in to help contain Haaland. Richarlison’s excellent form, including that spectacular scissor kick against Burnley, gives Spurs genuine attacking threat.
However, City’s home advantage and superior squad depth should prove decisive. The betting markets and expert predictions consistently favor a City victory with multiple goals expected. While Spurs will likely score given their recent record at the Etihad, City’s attacking firepower should ultimately prevail.
Prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Tottenham
Where and When to Watch Manchester City vs Tottenham in India? Broadcast and Streaming Details
Manchester City will host Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, August 23, 2025, with kick-off scheduled for 5:00 PM IST. Indian football fans can catch all the live action on the Star Sports Network, particularly Star Sports Select HD 1, which holds the broadcasting rights for Premier League matches in India. The match will also be available for streaming on JioHotstar (previously Disney+ Hotstar), which now holds the digital streaming rights for Premier League matches in the Indian subcontinent.
A valid subscription to JioHotstar will be required to access the live stream on mobile devices, tablets, or smart TVs. Given the early evening kick-off time, this presents an ideal viewing opportunity for Indian audiences, avoiding the typical late-night or early morning slots that Premier League matches often occupy. The match will feature comprehensive pre-match build-up starting from around 4:30 PM IST, with expert analysis and team news updates. All 380 Premier League matches of the 2025-26 season will be broadcast on Star Sports Network and streamed live on JioHotstar.
Read More: Tottenham 2025-26 Season Preview: Five Key Questions Under Thomas Frank
Also Read: Manchester City 2025-26 Season Preview: Five Key Questions as Guardiola’s Revamped Squad Eye to Reclaim Premier League Crown?
FAQs
What time does Manchester City vs Tottenham kick off
The match kicks off at 5:00 PM IST on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at the Etihad Stadium.
What are the main team news updates for both sides?
City welcome back Phil Foden and Rodri from injury, but remain without Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovacic, and Savinho. Spurs are missing James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Yves Bissouma, and Destiny Udogie.
How did both teams perform in their opening Premier League matches?
Manchester City thrashed Wolves 4-0 away from home with Erling Haaland scoring twice, while Tottenham beat Burnley 3-0 at home with Richarlison netting a brace.
What is Tottenham’s recent record against Manchester City?
Spurs have an impressive recent record, winning just four of their last 12 Premier League meetings but claiming two victories in their last four visits to the Etihad, including a memorable 4-0 win last season.
Will Thomas Frank change Tottenham’s formation for this match?
Frank is considering switching to a 3-5-2 system that worked well against PSG in the Super Cup, potentially bringing in Kevin Danso to help contain Haaland’s threat.
