Game Week 12 Predictions: Manchester City to beat Spurs

Manchester City vs. Tottenham: Key injuries, tactical insights, and predictions as Pep Guardiola's side seeks to end a losing streak at the Etihad.

Manchester City is primed to trouble Spurs at the Etihad, will the visitors survive the inevitable storm? (Photo credit: Sky Sports)

Manchester City vs. Tottenham Hotspur.

Etihad Stadium

6:30pm

In midweek, Pep Guardiola signed a two-year contract extension at the Etihad, ending speculation about his position at the club and confirming his permanent presence.

The results at the Etihad are not favorable; Manchester City has lost four games in a row, a first under Pep Guardiola, and it's the first time in history that a Guardiola side has done so. They need to improve.

Tottenham is in a difficult situation; their supporters are perplexed by the way they are currently playing; they are struggling to find their identity at both ends of the pitch, and they risk suffering severe consequences at the Etihad.

Tottenham has appealed the seven-match ban, but Rodrigo Bentancur will not be available for selection this weekend, and even if his appeal is considered, he would still be out for a considerable period.

Tottenham, known as Pep Guardiola's official nemesis in the Premier League, has emerged victorious six times against the Spaniard and scored 22 goals against Manchester City since Guardiola's arrival, surpassing all other teams.

Tottenham's performance has been lacking; they suffered a defeat at home against Ipswich Town prior to the break, and the rumored absence of Christian Romero and Micky Van De Ven could spell disaster for the struggling Spurs defense.

Rata Dragusin and Ben Davies are expected to be the guys at the heart of the Spurs defense, lining up against Erling Haaland and anyone else Pep Guardiola picks; the pressure won’t be an interesting one on Saturday for the visitors.

Attacking options available to Ange Postecoglou should warm his hearts, but can they deliver the goods? Heung Min Son is a shadow of himself, but Brennan Johnson can inspire with impressive stats in recent games; the problem will be at the other end.

Cities have their own problems.  An injury has ruled out Matteo Kovacic, adding to the growing list of injured players in the City treatment room. Ilkay Gundogan hasn’t been the same since his return to the Etihad; he would be required to fill in on Saturday.

Expect Kevin De Bruyne to start, which should alleviate pressure on Haaland; the other players to watch are Phil Foden and Savinho. If City needs to recover, this is their opportunity, and you can bet they won't miss it.

Verdict: Straight-Win City