Tottenham vs Manchester City Preview

• City to qualify
• Both teams to score

Tottenham Hotspur will look to end a 16-year trophy drought when they host Manchester City in a high-stakes EFL Cup fourth-round clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday night.

Following their recent loss to Crystal Palace, the Lilywhites are keen to bounce back, while the Citizens aim to extend their recent unbeaten run after a narrow win over Southampton. Here’s a complete preview of this thrilling cup tie.

Recent Form and EFL Cup Journey So Far

Tottenham Hotspur’s Search for Consistency

Under Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham has shown flashes of brilliance but struggled to maintain consistent results.

After back-to-back wins over West Ham and AZ Alkmaar, the team’s momentum faltered with a surprising loss to Crystal Palace, where a mistake-laden buildup allowed the Eagles to snatch their first league win of the season.

Tottenham sits eighth in the Premier League, and with top-four aspirations, the team is eager to deliver on the domestic front. This EFL Cup fixture provides a golden chance for Postecoglou’s side to inch closer to their first major trophy since the 2008 EFL Cup win.

The team narrowly avoided an upset against Coventry City in the third round, with last-minute goals from Djed Spence and Brennan Johnson securing a 2-1 victory.

Manchester City’s Unbeaten October

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City has hit its stride, enjoying a perfect October with five straight wins in both the Premier League and Champions League.

Their latest league match saw them edge Southampton 1-0, courtesy of Erling Haaland’s early goal, bringing his tally to 11 goals in the Premier League this season.

However, with a tight schedule that includes four away games in just 11 days, City will be rotating heavily to manage player fitness.

After a third-round EFL Cup exit last season, the Citizens have already improved by defeating Watford 2-1 in September, with first-half goals from Jeremy Doku and Matheus Nunes.

Despite some key injuries, Guardiola’s depth and mix of seasoned players with young academy prospects could be the recipe for success against Tottenham.

Head-to-Head Record and Recent Encounters

Tottenham and Manchester City have a rich history, with close contests in recent years. City’s rotations and Tottenham’s push to capitalise on their home advantage could make this an evenly matched encounter.

Historically, however, City’s depth and tactical flexibility often give them the edge in knockout situations, although Tottenham has been a formidable force at home.

Team News and Predicted Lineups

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham’s lineup is impacted by several injuries. Talismanic forward Son Heung-min is expected to remain on the sidelines due to a thigh injury, missing both recent games against AZ Alkmaar and Crystal Palace.

Teenager Mikey Moore, who made his Premier League debut over the weekend, could see another start.

Spence, a hero in the third-round win, is sidelined with a groin injury, leaving Tottenham short on wing options. With rotation likely, Tottenham may call upon Richarlison, Maddison, and Bentancur to lead the charge in this crucial cup tie.

Tottenham Hotspur Predicted Starting XI:

Forster; Gray, Dragusin, Davies, Udogie; Sarr, Bentancur, Maddison; Werner, Johnson, Richarlison

Manchester City

Manchester City faces notable absences, including Kevin De Bruyne (groyne), Kyle Walker (thigh), Oscar Bobb, and Rodri, the latter two out for the long term.

Guardiola has hinted at significant rotation, likely featuring academy players like Kaden Braithwaite and Nico O’Reilly, who both played in the previous round against Watford.

Guardiola’s first-team mainstays, including Stones and Gundogan, will provide stability, while Foden could add his creativity to the lineup. Expect players like Lewis and Savio to see minutes as Guardiola prioritises rest for regular starters in this busy period.

Manchester City Predicted Starting XI:

Ortega; Lewis, Stones, Braithwaite, Ake; O’Reilly; Savio, McAtee, Gundogan, Nunes; Foden

Key Players to Watch

James Maddison (Tottenham Hotspur): Maddison’s creativity and ability to drive forward make him central to Tottenham’s attacking threats. With Son sidelined, Maddison’s vision and technical skills could be crucial in breaking down City’s defence.

Phil Foden (Manchester City): Known for his versatility and clinical edge, Foden can exploit spaces in Tottenham’s defense and create scoring chances. His playmaking could be the difference-maker for City as they seek a place in the quarter-finals.

Match Prediction

With a mix of youth and experience, both Tottenham and Manchester City will aim to secure their spot in the quarter-finals.

Tottenham’s home advantage and ambition to end their trophy drought should see them play with intensity, but City’s depth—even with academy players—could give them the upper hand.

Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Manchester City

While Tottenham will be keen to make a statement, City’s experience and quality across the squad are likely to carry them through to the next round in a close and competitive match.