Manchester City welcome Tottenham Hotspur to the Etihad Stadium in a rearranged Premier League clash.
Victory will see Man City return to second in the table, whilst Tottenham can reduce their deficit to fourth-placed Newcastle to two points with a win.
Team News
John Stones is set to return for Man City after he missed their last two matches due to fitness issues.
Ruben Dias could also be in contention for selection after he missed their last seven matches in all competitions with a hamstring injury.
Tottenham could welcome Rodrigo Bentancur back from a groin injury which has kept him sidelined in recent weeks.
Lucas Moura (tendon) remains the only absentee.
When is Kick-Off?
Man City host Tottenham Hotspur at Etihad Stadium on Thursday 19 January, with the match broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK with a 8pm GMT kick-off.
Stat Attack
- Man City have avoided defeat in two of their last six meetings against Tottenham (W1, D1, L4).
- Tottenham have won just one of their last six visits to Man City (W1, D2, L3).
- Ilkay Gundogan has scored three goals in City’s last two home meetings against Spurs (W1, L1).
- Erling Haaland has been booked in each of City’s last three home matches in Premier League (W1, D1, L1).
- Harry Kane has scored three goals in Spurs’ last two away matches in all competitions (W1, D1).
Prediction
Having endured two sloppy performances in the last week, City now need to deliver a strong game with limited wasteful finishing and a more solid defence if they’re to reignite their title hopes, otherwise defeat here could well hand Arsenal the title come end of season.
Tottenham however will have a point to prove themselves after suffering an embarrassing home loss to Arsenal on Sunday, in a game where they were totally outclassed with poor attacking quality amidst some inconsistent goalkeeping from Hugo Lloris.
This game also comes after both clubs suffered local derby defeats at the weekend so I do expect both teams to be fired up to chase a result, yet the first half has often been Spurs’ Achilles heel in recent months which could prove crucial if City can take full advantage.
Prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur
Result: Manchester City 4-2 Tottenham Hotspur