It is a testament to the work Ange Postecoglou has done at Tottenham in his short time there that his team are already in the “must-see” category in the Premier League.
After seeing off Burnley 1-0 in the third round, Tottenham were rewarded with a home clash against Manchester City which is sure to be a treat for the neutral. Their last game ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw at the Etihad Stadium, with both managers tipping their hat to each other.
This one promises to be the same and with the Cityzens‘ less-than-stellar record away to Spurs, has a unique angle attached too.
Here’s the match preview, team news, and prediction for the game that provided a great first installment in the league and should be more of the same in the cup-
Spurs vs Manchester City preview
City come into the game on the back of five consecutive wins, with two of those wins sealing their maiden Club World Cup title. Huddersfield were barely an inconvenience in the third round when they were dispatched 5-0 but this is another level altogether.
City have lost all of their last five away games at Tottenham, with 84 shots in those games failing to find the net. Regardless of how much upheaval Spurs are going through, they always turn up against City at their home.
However, most of their wins have come due to backs on the wall defending and counterattacking.
Ange Postecoglou won’t do that. He went toe-to-toe with City in their league fixture at Etihad and almost came away with three points.
City also enjoy when the opposition doesn’t put men behind the ball which is why a thrilling affair is guaranteed.
If only either team was at full strength…
Spurs vs Manchester City predicted lineup
Spurs team news
On the injury front for Spurs, this game is all about the return of James Maddison. The elegant playmaker was thriving under the new manager before an injury stopped him in his tracks. He is set to return here and Spurs will need him too.
First-choice defensive duo Pape Sarr and Bissouma remain absent due to AFCON commitments, and the same is the case with Son Heun-Min.
On the positive side, Micky Van de Ven should be good to go for this one after he cramped off against Manchester United in the last game. It will allow Ange to play his preferred back four with Porro and Udogie as wingbacks and Romero partnering Van de Ven.
Kulusevski is also set to return after an illness ruled him out against United.
Predicted Spurs XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Hojbjerg, Bentancur; Johnson, Kulusevski, Werner; Richarlison
Man City team news
Erling Haaland’s injury has forced Pep to be creative but the embarrassment of riches at his disposal have made traversing that situation easier. De Bruyne returned from his layoff recently and he will start here.
Stefan Ortega will be in goal and a start for Nathan Ake is likely due to Manuel Akanji’s injury issue. Alvarez should lead the line in Haaland’s absence while much will be expected of Phil Foden who has been involved in 16 goals in 14 FA Cup games for City (11 goals, five assists).
Predicted City XI: Ortega; Walker, Dias, Stones, Gvardiol; Rodri, Kovacic; Silva, Foden, De Bruyne; Alvarez
Spurs vs Manchester City prediction
It is hard to separate these teams when at full strength but in the absence of Spurs’ base of midfield in Bissouma and Sarr, it is difficult to see beyond City for this one.
The Guardiola machine always starts purring in January and the signs of it were visible against Huddersfield.
Spurs won’t back down though, but without able defensive players, they could dragged around the pitch by the clever movement of City’s attackers.
City’s clean sheet will be spoiled, but they will emerge victorious nonetheless in a goal fest to exorcise the demons of a Spurs away game.
FootTheBall predicts Spurs 2-4 Manchester City.
