In one of the biggest matches in the early stages of the EPL season, undefeated Tottenham travels to the Etihad, where they’ll take on fellow undefeated side Manchester City. Spurs have played like a top side this season, grounding out results at times when they have not their best attacking selves. And as mentioned on this week’s After Extra Time podcast, there is plenty of scope for improvement yet, as we’re waiting for Heung Min-Son to hit his top form.
Antonio Conte’s men actually did the double over City last year. They have an impressive record against the all-conquering Sky Blues, in fact. They enter this match having won four of their last five Premier League matches against Pep Guardiola’s men.
Tottenham at Manchester City FYIs
Kick Off: Saturday, September 10 at 5:30 pm, Etihad Stadium
Man City Preview Material: Team News Starting XI Prediction
Tottenham Preview Material: Team News Starting XI Prediction
After Extra Time Pod: Spotify Apple
Google Result Probability: Manchester City 70% Draw 17% Tottenham 13%
PL Position, Form Guide: Man City 2nd, 14pts WDWWD Spurs 3rd, 14pts DWWDW
Team News
The next couple of weeks will define Tottenham’s status as a title contender. Here is the latest team news for the North London club.
The injury gods so far this season have blessed Spurs. As things stand, Tottenham has just one injury concern. That is Brazilian forward Lucas Moura. Here is what Antonio Conte had to say about his return from the treatment room.
‘We only have one player who we need to recover, Lucas. I know tomorrow he is starting training again on the pitch, and that’s good news.’
Starting XI Prediction
There is not an immense need for Antonio Conte to change things up drastically. Maybe some slight rotation to keep players fresh, but there won’t be anything too severe in terms of who starts in this one. Hugo Lloris starts between the sticks. The Frenchman has made a superb start to the season and has been crucial to the fantastic start that Spurs have made. The back three remain unchanged from the UCL encounter with Marseille. That means Eric Dier plays in the middle of Clement Lenglet and Cristian Romero.
At wing-back, Emerson Royal keeps his place, whilst Ryan Sessegnon comes in for Ivan Perisic. In the center of the park, Pierre Emile Hojbjerg drops out for Yves Bissouma, with Rodrigo Bentancur starting alongside the Malian.
Harry Kane remains the focal point of the spurs attack, with Heung Min-Son dropping to the bench and Dejan Kulusevski replacing him. Richarlison’s brace in midweek action versus Marseille sees him keep his spot.
Stuey’s Two Cents
This is going to be a titanic battle. I don’t think it is hyperbole to say that this is a clash between the two hottest teams in the league. I like Spurs a lot and I think they will get goals, but City is too strong for me. Erling Haaland is a cheat code. He is the difference between these two sides.
Manchester City 3-2.
Stuart Kavanagh is a journalist currently residing in Broken Hill, Australia. He writes for the Barrier Truth newspaper, along with being the owner of the sports and entertainment website thepyrrhic.com, He also co-hosts the ‘After Extra Time’ podcast and contributes at edgeofthecrowd.com when time permits.
Football mad, he is always down for debate and discussion at @stueyissickofit on Twitter.