Tottenham Hotspur are gearing up for a massive Premier League showdown as they prepare to host Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday. With three consecutive wins under their belt, Spurs are aiming to extend their impressive run and complete a league double over the reigning champions.
Ange Postecoglou’s side stunned City earlier in the season with a dominant 4-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium. That triumph was fueled by a brace from James Maddison, along with goals from Pedro Porro and Brennan Johnson. Now, with home advantage, Tottenham will be looking to replicate that success and further solidify their credentials in the top-four race.
So, how will Postecoglou set up his team for this crucial fixture? Let’s take a look at the predicted Tottenham XI to face Manchester City.
Goalkeeper – Guglielmo Vicario
Since returning from injury, Vicario has been in fine form, conceding just one goal in two appearances. His sharp reflexes and commanding presence were instrumental in Spurs’ clean sheet against Manchester United, while his early saves against Ipswich Town ensured the Lilywhites stayed in control. Against a relentless Manchester City attack, the Italian shot-stopper will need to be at his very best to keep Erling Haaland and company at bay.
Defenders
Right-back – Pedro Porro
Porro was rested over the weekend, a move that should leave him fresh and fully fit for this high-intensity fixture. Given his attacking contributions and defensive improvement under Postecoglou, the Spanish full-back will play a key role in Spurs’ bid to contain City’s dangerous wingers.
Centre-back – Ben Davies
The experienced Welsh defender was another notable absentee from the squad last weekend, with young Archie Gray stepping in. However, with Davies expected to be fit, his composure and leadership could be vital in handling City’s attacking threats.
Centre-back – Kevin Danso
Since joining the club, Danso has settled in seamlessly and proven to be a reliable option in Tottenham’s backline. With Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero still unavailable, the Austrian international will have his first big test against a top Premier League side. His aerial ability and physicality could be crucial in dealing with Haaland.
Left-back – Djed Spence
Spence has been in sensational form, forcing his way into the starting XI with a string of impressive performances. While Destiny Udogie has also been solid, Spence’s dynamism and defensive awareness make him the preferred choice for this game. He will need to be alert to City’s overlapping full-backs and wide attackers.
Midfielders
Pivot midfielder – Lucas Bergvall
At just 18 years old, Bergvall has emerged as a more consistent option than Yves Bissouma in recent matches. His maturity and ability to dictate the tempo of play have caught the eye, and Postecoglou may trust him to anchor the midfield against a high-pressing City side.
Central midfielder – Rodrigo Bentancur
Bentancur has looked more like his old self in recent outings, recovering from an inconsistent display against Liverpool. His ability to transition defense into attack will be vital against a team that thrives on controlling possession.
Central midfielder – James Maddison
Maddison has been Spurs’ creative heartbeat, registering ten goals and seven assists in 33 appearances this season. His assist at the weekend was another reminder of his influence, and with his history of tormenting City, he will be confident heading into this fixture. If Tottenham are to claim another win over Guardiola’s side, Maddison’s creativity and vision will be crucial.
Forwards
Left midfielder – Heung-min Son
Son continues to deliver when it matters most. His two assists against Ipswich Town took his goal contributions into double figures, with ten goals and ten assists this season. The Spurs captain has a history of causing problems for Manchester City, and his pace on the counter-attack could be a major weapon.
Striker – Mathys Tel
With both Dominic Solanke and Richarlison sidelined, Tel is set to lead the line once again. While he had a relatively quiet game against Ipswich, the young forward possesses the raw talent and finishing ability to trouble City’s backline. A big performance on Wednesday could cement his place in the squad moving forward.
Right midfielder – Dejan Kulusevski
Kulusevski has developed a habit of delivering in big games, particularly against Manchester City. In his six appearances against them, he has only failed to register a goal or assist on two occasions. His direct dribbling and ability to carve open defenses will be key in breaking down Guardiola’s side.
Final Thoughts
This game presents a massive opportunity for Tottenham to showcase their progress under Postecoglou and reinforce their top-four ambitions. A victory would not only mark their fourth consecutive win but also underline their ability to compete with the league’s elite. However, Manchester City will arrive determined to avenge their heavy defeat from earlier in the season, making this an intense and high-stakes encounter.
With the expected return of key players and an in-form attacking unit, Tottenham certainly have the tools to trouble the champions once again. The question now is—can they rise to the occasion and deliver another statement performance?
Red hot form Brennan John and two other first teamers out- Ange Postecoglou preferred Starting XI to dismantle Pep and win his 4th game in a row revealed
