Premier League preview: Tottenham v Manchester City

Table-toppers Manchester City visit Tottenham aiming to maintain their perfect start to the English Premier League season.

Roberto Mancini’s men have shown they are a serious threat to United with consecutive wins, netting seven times in two games.

City’s attacking play has been exceptional with new signing Sergio Aguero, in-form forward Edin Dzeko and playmaker David Silva all scoring twice in as many outings.

Silva has been the centre of much of their best forays forward in what is looking to be a breakout season in England for the Spaniard.

Samir Nasri, who is a similar player to Silva, has arrived from Arsenal and could debut at White Hart Lane on Sunday.

Mancini will have Dutchman Nigel de Jong returning from injury to screen his back four after he missed their 3-2 win over Bolton.

City have scored just once in their past three matches against Tottenham, but their in-form attack should have enough firepower this time around.

Tottenham, who are coming off a disappointing 3-0 loss to Manchester United and a 0-0 draw against Hearts in the second leg of their Europa League playoff, are bottom after having their opening-day fixture against Everton postponed.

They were disappointing at Old Trafford, but there will be no panicking from Harry Redknapp just yet.

Their start to the season will get easier with trips to Wolverhampton and Wigan to come, but they also host Liverpool and Arsenal in the next five weeks.

The inclusion of striker Emmanuel Adebayor on a season-long loan from Manchester City will give them a boost up front, although he may not play on Sunday.

The drawn-out transfer saga involving midfielder Luka Modric will continue right up until the window closes on August 31, but Redknapp has said he could include the Croatian in his squad for Sunday’s game.

Modric would add some much-needed creativity for Tottenham, who have now reportedly missed out on signing Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra.

It remains to be seen whether Modric’s countryman Niko Kranjcar can fill his void if he is allowed to leave, but with Rafael van der Vaart and Aaron Lennon, Tottenham still have a strong middle third.

Injuries have hit them hard with Wilson Palacios, Ledley King and Steven Pienaar among those likely to be unavailable for the clash against City.

Just as they struggled to contain United on Monday, Tottenham will find it difficult to keep out a rampant Manchester City.