Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur

One of the most exciting fixtures in the Premier League calendar pits Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur against each other at the Etihad Stadium.

After winning an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title last term, Manchester City could finally lose the stranglehold on the division after falling five points behind pacesetters Liverpool. Trophy-laden manager Pep Guardiola has lost four consecutive matches for the first time in his illustrious career, including a 2-1 defeat at Brighton last time out, which marked the fourth straight game in which the Citizens conceded at least two goals. A 2-1 loss to upcoming rivals Tottenham in October’s EFL Cup tie forms part of that run. Revenge could be a powerful motive, especially considering Guardiola’s men seek to extend their formidable 34-game unbeaten Premier League streak at the Etihad (W28, D6), dating back to November 2022!

However, Tottenham’s recent fortunes on this ground suggest the visitors could pour more misery on Guardiola’s team, with Spurs holding Man City winless in their last three away top-flight H2Hs (W1, D1, L1). They notably scored precisely three goals in both unbeaten duels in that sequence. That’s music to Ange Postecoglou’s ears after his side unfathomably slumped to a 2-1 home defeat to newly promoted Ipswich Town before the international break, maintaining a see-saw form in the Premier League. Indeed, their last five league outings have fluctuated between victories (2) and defeats (3), resulting in the North London outfit sliding to 10th in the table, three points off the top-four pace.