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Manchester City entered last season with ambitions of defending their domestic and European dominance, but the campaign turned into one of the most disappointing in Pep Guardiola’s tenure. The Sky Blues ended trophyless, surrendering the Premier League title and crashing out of every other competition.
In Europe, City were eliminated early, failing to progress beyond the Champions League qualifying rounds. Domestically, they suffered a painful defeat in the FA Cup final at the hands of Crystal Palace, and their Club World Cup adventure ended abruptly in the round of 16 against Al-Hilal. These setbacks meant that securing a third-place finish in the league—and with it, a place in the upcoming Champions League—was the bare minimum salvaged from an otherwise wasted season.
Their pre-season preparations were also less than ideal. The Club World Cup commitments left Guardiola’s men with barely any time to regroup, managing just a single friendly, a 3-0 win over Palermo. Still, the Premier League opener brought optimism, with City sweeping Wolves aside 4-0 away from home.
Tottenham’s Wild Ride
While City had a frustrating year, Tottenham endured an even more turbulent campaign. In the league, Spurs slumped to a disastrous 17th-place finish, a shocking result for a club of their stature. Although relegation was never a true threat, the performance highlighted deep problems across the squad.
Yet Spurs rescued their season with a remarkable Europa League triumph, defeating Manchester United in the final to secure Champions League qualification. Despite this success, Ange Postecoglou was dismissed, replaced by Thomas Frank, who had impressed at Brentford. His tenure almost began with silverware, but Tottenham fell short in the UEFA Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain, losing on penalties after conceding a late equalizer.
The new era started on a positive note, however, with a 3-0 win over Burnley at home on opening day.
Summer Departures and Reinforcements
City experienced significant changes over the summer. Long-time stars Kevin De Bruyne, who joined Napoli, and Kyle Walker, who moved to Burnley, both departed. Jack Grealish was sent on loan, while goalkeeper Ederson and winger Savinho remain sidelined. The squad has been reshaped with new signings, including goalkeeper James Trafford from Burnley, full-back Rayan Aït-Nouri from Wolves, Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan, and Norwegian prospect Sverre Nypan from Rosenborg. These arrivals build on last summer’s additions such as Khusanov, Nico González, and Marmoush.
Erling Haaland, last year’s Premier League top scorer with 22 goals, has already started strongly, scoring twice in the opening match. Midfield linchpin Rodri, who missed much of last season through injury, remains uncertain to feature, alongside Mateo Kovačić and Joško Gvardiol.
Tottenham also lost key figures. Their long-serving captain departed for LAFC in Major League Soccer, while James Maddison suffered a serious knee injury during a farewell friendly. Timo Werner was released, though last year’s loanees have been signed permanently. In terms of reinforcements, Spurs invested wisely, bringing in winger Mohammed Kudus from West Ham, midfielder João Palhinha from Bayern, as well as defenders Luka Vušković (Hajduk Split) and Takai (Kawasaki Frontale).
Despite these additions, injuries remain a concern. Kulusevski, Dragusin, Gil, Solomon, and newcomer Takai are all expected to miss this weekend. Even so, Tottenham’s attack looks promising, with Brennan Johnson, Dominic Solanke, and Richarlison—who scored a brace against Burnley—ready to lead the line.
Probable Line-Ups
Manchester City: Trafford – Lewis, Stones, Rúben Dias, Aït-Nouri – Reijnders, Nico – Doku, Silva, Bobb – Haaland
Tottenham: Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence – Bergvall, Gray – Kudus, Sarr, Johnson – Richarlison
Prediction
Tottenham’s struggles away from home remain a major concern. In their last four Premier League trips, Spurs conceded ten goals without picking up a single point. Manchester City, on the other hand, boast a strong home record, with ten wins in their last 14 matches and six consecutive clean sheets at the Etihad.
Given their attacking firepower and defensive solidity, City appear well-placed to capitalize on Spurs’ vulnerability on the road. While Tottenham’s new signings may add balance in the long run, Frank’s men are still adjusting.
Prediction: Manchester City 3:1 Tottenham
