Man City are set for a crunch 2025/2026 Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, 23 August 2025.
The two English sides are looking to go top of the league standings outright, as they are currently level on points after the conclusion of the opening match week, with City ahead on goal difference.
Build-Up To The Early Kick-Off Clash
Man City
Following a sub-par 2024/25 season which ended trophy-less for the first time since Pep Guardiola’s debut campaign in England, Man City are determined to reclaim the Premier League crown.
Also Read: Reijnders: My Dream Is To Win EPL Title With Man City
The Cityzens have embarked on a lavish summer spending spree, signing Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki and James Trafford for a combined £150 million. These deals came after the January arrivals of Omar Marmoush, Nico González, Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis.
Club stalwarts Kyle Walker, Kevin De Bruyne and Jack Grealish have all departed, with Guardiola continuing his major squad rebuild following years of dominance domestically and in Europe.
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham ended last season on a bittersweet note. Despite enduring injury crises and inconsistent form in the league, they lifted the Europa League trophy, rescuing a campaign in which they finished just one place above the relegation zone.
Spurs parted ways with Ange Postecoglou, appointing Thomas Frank, who left Brentford by mutual consent, as their new manager.
Summer reinforcements include Mohammed Kudus, Jooo Palhinha, Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso. The latter two made their initial impact during loan spells last season before signing permanent deals.
However, Spurs bid farewell to club legend Son Heung-min after a decade of service that ended with Europa League glory.
Form and Recent Performances
Man City
City kicked off the 2025/26 campaign emphatically with a 4-0 thrashing of Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux.
Also Read: Guardiola Admits Fears Over Man City Squad
Erling Haaland bagged a brace to underline his prolific form, while summer signings Reijnders and Cherki both scored on debut, with the former also providing an assist.
Tottenham
Spurs mirrored City’s bright start with a 3-0 home win over newly promoted Burnley, giving Frank the perfect start in the dugout.
Richarlison struck twice from Mohammed Kudus assists, while Brennan Johnson added the third to cap a commanding display.
Head-To-Head Statistics
The two Premier League giants have faced each other 164 times across all competitions. Tottenham hold a narrow edge with 65 victories compared to City’s 64, while 35 matches have ended in draws.
Spurs have also enjoyed success in recent meetings, winning six of their last 12 league encounters against City — including a stunning 4-0 triumph at the Etihad last season, Guardiola’s heaviest-ever home defeat as a manager.
Key Players Analysis
Erling Haaland (Man City)
Since his 2022 arrival from Borussia Dortmund, Haaland has been a phenomenon at City, amassing 147 goal contributions in as many matches in Sky Blue colours.
Also read: Postecoglou Reacts After Getting Sacked By Tottenham
The Norwegian has wasted no time in reigniting that form, starting the new campaign with a brace against Wolves.
Richarlison (Tottenham)
Richarlison shone in Spurs’ opener with two well-taken goals. His sharp movement and finishing will be pivotal at the Etihad if Tottenham are to sustain their bright start.
Team News
Man City
Several City stars were absent against Wolves. Josko Gvardiol did not feature, while Phil Foden and Rodri also missed out. Guardiola hinted last week that both Foden and Rodri were close to returning, and he is expected to give a definitive update in his Friday press conference.
Mateo Kovacic remains sidelined until September with an Achilles injury. Savinho — linked with a move to Tottenham — is also unavailable after missing preseason and City’s league opener.
Tottenham
Spurs too have injury concerns.
Yves Bissouma sat out last weekend’s win after sustaining a training injury, while James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Radu Drăgușin are long-term absentees. Destiny Udogie is unlikely to feature, having missed the entire preseason tour.
New signing Kota Takai continues his rehabilitation and is unavailable. Frank is expected to provide a squad update ahead of the lunchtime kick-off.
Possible Starting Line-Ups
Man City (4-3-3)
Trafford; Lewis, Stones, Dias, Aït-Nouri; Silva, Nico, Reijnders; Bobb, Haaland, Marmoush
Tottenham (4-3-3)
Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Bergvall, Palhinha, Sarr; Kudus, Richarlison, Johnson
By Habeeb Kuranga
