Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City Preview: Epic clash in store as Citizens aim at payback against in-form Spurs
Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City have had starkly contrasting runs so far in the Premier League. Jose Mourinho's men have won five of their eight games so far and are placed second on the points table. Pep Guardiola's Citizens have blown hot and cold so far and find themselves in tenth place. With the league set to return to action after two weeks of the international break, it will be City keen on getting some wins under its belt.
Ideally, the opportunity is perfect for City to get their revenge against the Spurs. The last time the two sides met, the Spurs got the better of the side with a 2-0 win. Steven Bergwijn and Heung-Min Son wreaked havoc and the former had a dream debut as the crowd roared with support at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The loss perhaps didn't sting City much as they eventually finished second in the 2019-20 season, but with their current campaign pretty wobbly, this win will be the start of their campaign getting back on track.
Guardiola's men have been at the receiving end in their 46 encounters so far against the Spurs. (Stats courtesy: Premier League official website) They have won just 15 games and have drawn seven games. This time around, they will have to face the triple threat of Heung-Min Son, Harry Kane, and Gareth Bale. In what comes as a boost for Guardiola, Sergio Aguero should be available for selection again after recovering from a hamstring injury. The Spurs will be without Matt Doherty who tested positive for coronavirus.
A win also helps in adding to the impressive CV that saw City extend Guardiola's contract until 2023. "Ever since I arrived at Manchester City I have been made to feel so welcome in the club and in the city itself, from the players, the staff, the supporters, the people of Manchester, and the chairman and owner," Guardiola said, according to ESPN.
"Since then we have achieved a great deal together, scored goals, won games and trophies, and we are all very proud of that success. Having that kind of support is the best thing any manager can have. I have everything I could possibly want to do my job well and I am humbled by the confidence the owner, chairman, Ferran [Soriano], and Txiki [Begiristain] have shown in me to continue for two more years after this season. The challenge for us is to continue improving and evolving, and I am very excited and about helping Manchester City do that."
For now, City bolstered by the extended run their manager has received will be eager to take a win away from Mourinho's men who have been on a winning streak. A draw against Liverpool would have left Guardiola disappointed, but a win on Saturday (November 21) will see them climb the rungs of the points table.
Kick-off is scheduled for 12.30 pm ET on Saturday, November 21, 2020.