The iconic rival managers, Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola go head-to-head in the Premier League tomorrow. This will be Guardiola’s first game in charge after having signed a new two-year deal with the club.
Manchester City will be looking to redeem themselves this time in North London. The current Premier League runners-up faced a 2-0 defeat against Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham back in February 2020. Tottenham will be willing to carry on with their great form and maintain their place up top.
Manchester City’s poor goalscoring record
Despite having one of the best attacks in the league, the Cityzens have been struggling to score goals this season. They have scored 10 goals in 7 games, their fewest at this stage of the season since 2010-11 (9 goals).
The injury of their marquee striker, Sergio Aguero, must have been a massive blow to the attack. The Argentinian striker had suffered a hamstring injury in Manchester City’s 1-1 draw against West Ham United. Pep Guardiola must be hoping to have him back in the team as soon as possible.
Manchester City are unbeaten in their last 9 league games but are still placed 10th in the league table. It’s safe to say that their attack has been letting them down this season.
Tottenham to keep up their good form?
Tottenham haven’t lost a single game in the league since their home defeat against Everton in the opening fixture. Apart from a setback in the Europa League against Royal Antwerp, Mourinho’s men are on a roll.
Tottenham have won their last 3 league games. They also have a good record against Manchester City at their new stadium. They have won both of their meetings with City at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in all competitions.
Harry Kane has been one of the standout players for Tottenham this season. The England captain has been involved in 23 goals in just 14 games in all competitions (13 goals and 10 assists).
Another win against his biggest rival to add to Tottenham’s exquisite start will be the icing on the cake for Jose Mourinho.
Team News
Tottenham will be without Matt Doherty in this clash. The Irish right-back was tested positive for COVID-19 whilst on international duty. Gareth Bale was tested negative following his nation’s clash against the Republic of Ireland.
Steven Bergwijn, Tanguy Ndombele and Erik Lamela are doubtful to start as well.
As for Manchester City, Raheem Sterling and Nathan Ake picked up injuries with England and Netherlands respectively. Sterling can start tomorrow though.
Sergio Aguero has recovered from his injury and is eligible to start as well. Fernandinho and Benjamin Mendy are still out of contention.
Previous meetings
Manchester City were winless against Tottenham in the league last season. They drew at home but lost 2-0 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
*Tottenham vs Man City previous results*:
| RESULT | DATE |
| Spurs 2-0 Man City (Premier League 2019-20) | 02/02/2020 |
| Man City 2-2 Spurs (Premier League 2019-20) | 17/08/2019 |
| Man City 1-0 Spurs (Premier League 2018-19) | 20/04/2019 |
Predicted lineups
Tottenham are expected to start their full-strength lineup since they don’t really have any major injury concerns. Apart from Matt Doherty being out and Steven Bergwijn and Tanguy Ndombele being doubtful, the rest of the team is good to go.
Manchester City have a few injury concerns to worry about. Raheem Sterling is still expected to start despite having an injury concern with England. Nathan Ake is unlikely to feature, whilst Pep Guardiola might put Sergio Aguero on the bench following his recovery. He might also want to start Ferran Torres following his impressive display for Spain against Germany.
*Predicted Tottenham XI*: Lloris, Aurier, Alderweireld, Sanchez, Reguilon, Hojbjerg, Sissoko, Lo Celso, Bale, Son, Kane (4-3-3 formation)
*Predicted Manchester City XI*: Ederson, Walker, Dias, Laporte, Cancelo, Rodri, De Bruyne, Foden, Torres, Sterling, Jesus (4-3-3 formation)
Predicted result
Tottenham are having a great season in the league and have won 3 games in a row. Meanwhile, Manchester City have been struggling whilst sitting at 10th place.
Pep Guardiola does have a knack for being good against the big 6. One should not be surprised if he manages to pull off something special against Jose Mourinho’s in-form men.
*Final result*: Tottenham 2-2 Manchester City
Goalscorers: Kane and Son (Tottenham); Jesus and Foden (Manchester City)
