Tottenham vs Man City: Premier League team news and prediction

Manchester City kick off their title defence at Tottenham today at a stadium where they have endured rotten luck. Since moving to their new stadium in 2019, Spurs have won all three meetings with City, scoring five and conceding none in the process. After seeing Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea collect all three points on Saturday, City need to improve that record in order to keep up with the early pacesetters. 

Ahead of this clash, we provide all the necessary pre-match information, including what time the game kicks off, where to watch the match, team news and probable XIs... 

When is kick off?     

Sunday 15th August, 16:30 GMT     

Where is the match?     

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London 

What TV channel is it on?     

Sky Sports Premier League / Sky Sports Main Event 

2020/21 Season Recap 

Tottenham endured a sub-par 2020/21. The season started brightly under Jose Mourinho, but the north London side started to fade with their inability to hold onto a lead ultimately costing Spurs a top-four finish and Mourinho his job in the week leading up to the Carabao Cup final. Ryan Mason took interim charge until the end of the campaign and guided the club to a Europa Conference League finish, however supporters are hoping for a better season. 

Manchester City made light work of their league rivals to reclaim their Premier League crown last season, finishing 12 points ahead of second-placed Manchester United and 17 clear of 2019/20 champions Liverpool. City added yet another Carabao Cup success to the collection, but will have been disappointed at their Champions League final defeat to Chelsea. 

Team News 

Harry Kane has been linked with a high profile move to Manchester City, but the England captain remains a Spurs player leading into this monster meeting at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Kane returned late to pre-season training, however, Nuno Espirito Santo has suggested that the striker could be available in some capacity. Centre-back Cristian Romero will be assessed due to a knee injury sustained at the Copa America, while Bryan Gil only joined up with his new teammates last week following the Olympics so is unlikely to feature. 

Key midfield duo Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden both miss the trip to the capital due to injury, while Aymeric Laporte must self-isolate after it was confirmed he was on a flight with a passenger that tested positive for COVID-19. Ederson, Gabriel Jesus, John Stones, Kyle Walker and Raheem Sterling only returned to training last week, so they may be given another week off until they return to the starting XI. Jack Grealish is set to come into the side to make his full debut for Manchester City following his big money arrival from Aston Villa.   

Probable XIs 

Tottenham (4231) - Lloris; Tanganga, Sanchez, Dier, Reguilon; Hojbjerg, Skipp; Lucas, Dele, Bergwijn; Son

Man City (433) - Steffen; Cancelo, Dias, Ake, Mendy; Gundogan, Fernandinho, Rodri; Mahrez, Torres, Grealish

Key Battle: Son Heung-Min vs Jack Grealish

Considering the question marks over Harry Kane's future in north London, there is now more pressure than ever on Son Heung-Min's shoulders to carry the goalscoring burden for Nuno's side. The South Koren put pen to paper on a new deal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last month and having registered double figures for both goals and assists last term, supporters are expecting similar again in 2021/22.

Similarly, Manchester City fans will be hoping for that sort of return from big money arrival Jack Grealish. The 25-year-old provided 10 assists for Aston Villa last season and ranked second behind new teammate Kevin De Bruyne (3.6) for key passes per 90 (3.3) in England's top tier last term. He couldn't help City to Community Shield success off the bench last week, but Grealish has the means to turn a game in his side's favour when needed as the Cityzens look to get their title defence off to a winning start.

Score Prediction: Tottenham 1-1 Man City