The Daily Star Ireland
After three consecutive league triumphs, Manchester City endured a disappointing campaign last season, missing out on silverware altogether. Despite setbacks, Pep Guardiola’s side managed to secure a third-place finish in the Premier League, ensuring qualification for the Champions League. However, their struggles stretched across competitions: elimination at the Champions League playoff stage, a painful FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace, and a Club World Cup exit at the hands of Al-Hilal.
Compounding their difficulties, City’s pre-season was cut short due to the Club World Cup schedule, leaving them with just one friendly match, a 3–0 win over Palermo. Even so, their new campaign started brightly with a commanding 4–0 away win over Wolves, offering signs that Guardiola’s side may be ready to put last season’s woes behind them.
Tottenham, meanwhile, faced an even rougher domestic journey. The North London club endured a nightmare Premier League season, finishing 17th. While they avoided relegation comfortably, such a lowly position was a shock for a team of their stature. Their saving grace came in Europe, where they beat Manchester United in the Europa League final, securing a return to the Champions League.
Squad Changes and Summer Business
This summer marked significant turnover at both clubs. City waved goodbye to club icons Kevin De Bruyne (who joined Napoli) and Kyle Walker (who signed with Burnley), while Jack Grealish departed on loan. Goalkeeper Ederson and winger Savinho are also doubts heading into this fixture. In their place, City invested heavily, bringing in James Trafford from Burnley, full-back Rayan Aït-Nouri from Wolves, Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan, and midfield talent Nypan from Rosenborg. Early signs are promising, with both Reijnders and Nypan scoring on the opening weekend.
Of course, Erling Haaland remains the focal point of Guardiola’s attack. After netting 22 league goals last season, the Norwegian opened this campaign with a brace against Wolves. Midfield maestro Rodri, last season’s Ballon d’Or winner, is recovering from a long injury layoff and could miss out again, alongside Kovacic and Gvardiol.
Tottenham have also reshaped their squad under new boss Thomas Frank, who replaced Ange Postecoglou. Captain Son Heung-min left for LAFC in MLS, while James Maddison suffered a serious knee injury during pre-season. On the transfer front, Spurs strengthened with the arrivals of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham, João Palhinha from Bayern Munich, Luka Vušković from Hajduk Split, and Takai from Kawasaki.
Despite injuries to Kulusevski, Dragusin, Bryan Gil, Solomon, and newcomer Takai, Spurs showed promise in their opener, defeating Burnley 3–0 with Richarlison scoring twice—one of which was a spectacular strike—while Brennan Johnson added another.
Tactical Outlook
Guardiola is expected to field Trafford in goal, with a back line of Lewis, Stones, Rúben Dias, and Aït-Nouri. Reijnders and Nico González should anchor midfield, while the attacking trio of Doku, Silva, and Bobb will support Haaland up front.
For Spurs, Thomas Frank may opt for a setup of Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, and Spence in defense, Bergvall and Gray in midfield, with Kudus, Sarr, and Johnson playing behind Richarlison.
This clash promises to pit City’s refined possession play against Tottenham’s pressing and direct counterattacks. The midfield battle, in particular, could decide the tempo, with Reijnders tasked with dictating play under City’s colors and Kudus expected to inject creativity for Spurs.
Prediction
City boast an impressive home record, collecting 19 points from a possible 21 at the Etihad in recent Premier League matches. Tottenham, conversely, have struggled on the road, suffering four defeats in their last seven away games.
Given City’s attacking depth and home advantage, Guardiola’s side are favorites. Spurs’ resilience under Frank should keep the game competitive, but defensive vulnerabilities could be costly against Haaland and company.
Prediction: Manchester City 3:1 Tottenham
