Man City Starting XI vs Tottenham Hotspur: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Man City vs Tottenham: Team News and Predicted Lineups for Premier League Clash

History weighs on Guardiola’s side

Manchester City may have opened their Premier League campaign with a flourish, brushing aside Wolves 4-0, yet the memory of Tottenham’s resilience lingers. Pep Guardiola knows all too well that Spurs remain one of the trickiest puzzles for his team to solve. In their last 12 league meetings, City have only managed four victories, with six defeats—including a bruising 4-0 reverse at the Etihad last season.

City did claim a narrow 1-0 win in February, Erling Haaland providing the decisive goal, but the scars of those setbacks ensure that confidence will be tempered with caution.

Injury picture and returning stars

The champions were handed a timely boost ahead of this encounter. Guardiola confirmed that Phil Foden and Rodri, both absent in the win over Wolves, are fit to return. Their presence brings added stability to a midfield already bolstered by Tijjani Reijnders, who impressed on his competitive debut.

Photo: IMAGO

Not everyone is available, however. Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic remain sidelined, with the latter still recovering from an Achilles problem. Savinho, the young winger linked with a switch to Spurs, also misses out.

Goalkeeping dilemma continues

One of the more intriguing selections comes between the posts. James Trafford is expected to keep his place after deputising against Wolves, despite Ederson now being fit. The Brazilian’s situation has been clouded by speculation over a move to Galatasaray, while rumours swirl about City’s interest in Gianluigi Donnarumma. For now, Trafford appears to have Guardiola’s trust.

Predicted XI and match details

City are unlikely to deviate from their fluid 4-2-3-1 system. Haaland will once again spearhead the attack, supported by the likes of Jérémy Doku and Oscar Bobb. With Foden and Rodri returning, the midfield looks set for balance and control.

Predicted Man City XI (4-2-3-1): Trafford; Lewis, Stones, Dias, Ait-Nouri; Nico Gonzalez, Silva, Reijnders; Doku, Bobb; HaalandInjured: Kovacic, Gvardiol, SavinhoKick-off: 12.30pm BST, Saturday 23 August 2025Venue: Etihad Stadium

Haaland’s goalscoring presence ensures City will enter as favourites, but Tottenham’s history in this fixture warns against any assumptions. For Guardiola, pragmatism may be just as vital as flair.