Prediction: Manchester City vs Tottenham

Verdict: Manchester City win & Both teams to score

Best Odds: 6/4

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Hoping to find a route back to the top of the Premier League table, Manchester City will welcome Tottenham to the Etihad on Sunday afternoon.

Manchester City

Starting with the hosts, mounting a stellar Champions League comeback earlier in the week as they secured a thrilling 3-2 victory at the Etihad, Manchester City have breezed their way to the knockout stage. Making real history last season as they became the first English club since 1999 to be crowned treble champions, Pep Guardiola’s men will know the importance of making a domestic statement here. Dropping points against Liverpool and Chelsea on either side of November’s international break, the Sky Blues have also lost their top at the top of the Premier League table. However, still tipped as a standout contender to defend both their domestic and European crowns this season, the former Barcelona boss will be excited by his side’s rampant record at the Etihad. Despite eventually settling for a 1-1 stalemate against Liverpool last weekend, City have not suffered a single defeat in the blue half of Manchester over the past 12 months.

Team News

While Kevin De Bruyne might be inching towards a return from his long-term hamstring injury, the Belgium international is not expected to feature again until the New Year. Likewise, both missing out against RB Leipzig earlier in the week, Guardiola is once again sweating over the fitness of both Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes here.

Breaking yet another Premier League record against Liverpool last weekend, attacking talisman Erling Haaland will spearhead City’s charge on Sunday afternoon. England international John Stones could make a first Premier League start since November 4th this weekend.

Tottenham

As for the visitors, while Tottenham might have come flying out of the traps when opening up the 2023/24 campaign, Spurs have largely come crashing back down to earth. Marking their return from November’s international break with a real collapse on home soil as they slumped to a 2-1 loss at the hands of Aston Villa, Ange Postecoglou’s men do have the feel of a squad seeking a recent boost. Heading into the fortnight interval with a shock 2-1 defeat away at Wolves, the former Celtic boss has seen his squad los each of their previous three Premier League appearances. Dealing with a stacked injury list in north London, Tottenham have also come tumbling out the top-four. Facing what will be another stern examination here, Spurs have gained a reputation for their recent defensive issues. Along with opening November with a 4-1 drumming against London rivals Chelsea, Spurs have recorded just a pair of domestic clean sheets since the end of August.

Team News

In what is the latest blow to Tottenham, Spurs will be without Rodrigo Bentancur until at least February after the former Juventus midfielder picked up an ankle injury against Aston Villa last weekend. Likewise, Postecoglou’s side are also without summer recruits James Maddison and Mickey van de Ven for the foreseeable future.

Notching eight Premier League strikes in his 13 appearances this season, South Korean ace Heung-Min Son will have a leading role to play here. Tottenham’s skipper will be joined in the final third by former Nottingham Forest star Brennan Johnson.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Manchester City and Arsenal last met back on February 5th, Spurs picked up a 1-0 victory in north London.
• However, Sunday’s guests have collected just a single victory at the Etihad since way back in May 2010.
• Manchester City have not suffered a single competitive defeat at the Etihad over the past 12 months.
• Erling Haaland has notched 14 goals in his first 13 Premier League appearances so far this season.
• The Sky Blues have recorded just a pair of clean sheets in their previous 12 appearances across all competitions.

Conclusion

Mounting a stellar Champions League comeback at home against RB Leipzig in midweek, Manchester City will know the importance of making a domestic marker here. Dropping points on either side of November’s international break, Guardiola’s men will be looking to cash in on a Tottenham squad who find themselves in the midst of a recent rut. Losing each of their last three Premier League appearances and showing some extended issues at the back, it should also be noted that Spurs have collected just a single win at the Etihad since way back in May 2010. In what could be an action-packed affair here, we are backing a home victory on Sunday afternoon.

Verdict: Manchester City win & Both teams to score

Best Odds: 6/4

Bookmaker: Olympusbet