Sporting News

Liverpool hope to turn around their recent slip at the top of the Premier League table as they visit London to face Tottenham on Sunday.

The Reds sit atop both the league standings and the Champions League table in an explosive first season for Arne Slot. It's been over three months since their only loss of the season, but they have drawn each of their last two in Premier League play, seeing the lead slim to just two points, albeit with a game in hand.

Add in the harder-than-expected 90 minutes in victory over Southampton in the EFL Cup midweek, and there's worry that a blip could become a trend with a few more poor performances.

BET NOW:Latest odds for Premier League games and best bets for the Tottenham vs. Liverpool match on BetMGM

Tottenham, meanwhile, have shown little consistency at all this season as they sit 11th in the table. They smashed Southampton in their last league game, but made life difficult on themselves in a mistake-filled win over Man United in the League Cup on Thursday.

MORE: A complete guide to betting on soccer in the United States

Tottenham vs. Liverpool prediction, odds

Moneyline lean: Liverpool (-135 on BetMGM)

Score prediction: Tottenham 1-3 Liverpool

The Reds don't look quite as dominant as they were earlier in the season, but they are quite clearly good enough to punish Spurs for the many mistakes they make week-in and week-out. Ange Postecoglou's inability to sway from his style of play despite his team's frailties will give Liverpool a number of opportunities to capitalize on throughout the 90 minutes.

Spurs have been strong in the attacking third too, and they should be able to beat Alisson to make the game competitive, but in the end they just aren't at the necessary level to take points off the league leaders.

BetMGM

(USA)Tottenham win+310Draw+320Liverpool win-135Both teams

to scoreY: -300

N: +210Over / Under

U: +100Liverpool

-0.5 goals-145Tottenham

+0.5 goals+105

Tottenham vs. Liverpool match facts

Date: Sunday, December 22, 2024

Kickoff Time: 4:30 p.m. local (11:30 a.m. ET / 8:30 a.m. PT)

Location: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (London, England)

Referee: Sam Barrett, VAR: Paul Tierney

Last meeting: Liverpool 4-2 Tottenham (May 5, 2024 | Premier League)

Tottenham vs. Liverpool best bet

Pick: Liverpool 18+ total shots

Odds: -110 on FanDuel

This would usually be an extremely high bar to clear, but for the league leaders against one of the most chaotic teams in England, it's a no-brainer.

Tottenham, with their injury-riddled back line, have conceded 12 or more shots in all but two of their last eight Premier League games, with both single-digit defensive efforts coming against relegation opponents. They gave up 17 to Chelsea, 21 to Bournemouth, 23 to Manchester City, and 14 to Fulham across that span, plus 20 to a rotated Manchester United side midweek in the Carabao Cup.

Liverpool, meanwhile, have put up at least 16 shots in each of their last four league games and got past 18 in two of those, as they've ramped up the attacking pressure in recent weeks. The Reds also saw themselves not just past 18 shots in both of last season's meetings, but actually beat the 20-shot mark in both games. Fraser Forster will be under siege.

Tottenham vs. Liverpool prop bet

Pick: Cody Gakpo anytime goal scorer

Odds: +150 on BetMGM

As Darwin Nunez struggles for finishing form, Cody Gakpo has muscled his way into the starting lineup, and has delivered exactly what the Reds needed opposite Mohamed Salah.

With the Egyptian superstar receiving more and more attention from opposition defenses, Gakpo has been able to exploit the extra space in the attacking third. He has a history against Spurs, with a goal in each of their two Premier League meetings last season, and he's in good form at the moment as well with three goals in his last five Premier League starts.

Tottenham, meanwhile, have been so committed to forcing Ange Postecoglou's system that they fail to adapt to their opponents as necessary. Pedro Porro was caught high up the pitch numerous times against Manchester United, which allowed Bruno Fernandes to take advantage against a scrambling Radu Dragusin and Archie Gray. There will be acres of room for Gakpo to operate, just like he capitalized on against Fulham last time out against Kenny Tete.

Tottenham host Manchester United on Thursday in the final Carabao Cup quarterfinal tie of the week.

Spurs thrashed Southampton 5-0 away from home last Sunday in the Premier League to ease some of the pressure on manager Ange Postecoglou, but his pledge to deliver trophies in his second season at the club makes this meeting with the Red Devils one of the most significant games of the north Londoners' campaign.

United are still adjusting to life under head coach Ruben Amorim, appointed last month as Erik ten Hag's replacement. Their dramatic derby win over Manchester City on Sunday means they will head into this contest in good spirits despite sitting a point behind Spurs in the league standings and having lost 3-0 when these teams last met at Old Trafford.

The Sporting News looks at the latest team news and predicted lineups.

MORE: Garnacho wins Puskas Award | Maddison claims Spurs can 'blow any team away'

Tottenham vs. Man United lineups, predicted starting 11, team news

Spurs are likely to be without first-choice centre-backs Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, while Ben Davies is also a major doubt.

Son Heung-min sustained a knock in the 5-0 thrashing of Southampton and is a doubt, while Destiny Udogie felt muscle tightness in that game and could also miss United's visit. However, Yves Bissouma can return to midfield after serving a one-game suspension.

First-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario will be sidelined until around March, while Richarlison is not expected back until January. Rodrigo Bentancur is serving a seven-match FA suspension.

Tottenham predicted lineup (4-3-3, right to left): Forster (GK) — Porro, Dragusin, Gray, Spence — Maddison, Sarr, Bissouma — Kulusevski, Solanke, Johnson

Injured: Van de Ven (hamstring), Romero (hamstring), Odobert (thigh), Son (knock), Richarlison (thigh), Davies (thigh), Vicario (foot)

Suspended: Bentancur

MORE: All the latest Tottenham news | Premier League schedule for 2024/25 | Latest Premier League top scorer rankings

United are without Luke Shaw and Mason Mount, who suffered a muscle problem early on in the 2-1 win over Man City.

Noussair Mazraoui suffered a knock in that game and is also a doubt for the trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Otherwise, the Red Devils' injury picture is looking far rosier than it has in some time.

It remains to be seen whether Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho will be recalled after being dropped from the squad for the Manchester derby.

Man United predicted lineup (3-4-3, right to left): Onana (GK) — De Ligt, Maguire, Martinez — Antony, Mainoo, Ugarte, Dalot — Amad Diallo, Hojlund, Fernandes

Injured: Shaw (undisc.), Mount (muscle), Mazraoui (knock)

Suspended: None

Tottenham vs. Man United live stream, TV channel

Here's how to watch this Carabao Cup match across selected areas of the world's major regions:

Chelsea will aim to maintain their pursuit of Premier League leaders Liverpool when they make the short trip to face London rivals Tottenham on Sunday.

The Blues moved to within seven points of the summit when a much-changed team brushed past Southampton 5-1.

Tottenham suffered a contrasting midweek as a section of their travelling supporters barracked boss Ange Postecoglou after a listless showing in the 1-0 defeat at Bournemouth.

Nevertheless, Spurs have fared well against the division's heavyweights this season, while Chelsea have dropped points against Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool.

MORE: All the latest Tottenham news | Premier League schedule for 2024/25 | Latest Premier League top scorer rankings

Tottenham vs. Chelsea lineups, confirmed starting 11, team news

In a huge boost for Tottenham, centre-backs Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven were both passed fit to start the match. With Ben Davies having suffered an injury at Bournemouth, the return of his first-choice defenders came as a real relief to Postecoglou.

Captain Son Heung-min featured as a substitute in midweek and returned to the starting lineup. Rodrigo Bentancur (suspended), Guglielmo Vicario (ankle), Richarlison (hamstring), Mikey Moore (illness) and Wilson Odobert (hamstring) all remain on the sidelines.

Tottenham starting lineup (4-3-3, right to left): Forster (GK) — Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie — Kulusevski, Bissouma, Sarr — Johnson, Solanke, Son

Tottenham subs: Austin, Spence, Dragusin, Reguilon, Gray, Bergvall, Maddison, Werner, Lankshear

Injured: Davies, Vicario, Richarlison, Moore, Odobert

Suspended: Bentancur

MORE: All the latest Chelsea news | Premier League schedule for 2024/25 | Latest Premier League top scorer rankings

Enzo Maresca started a number of those players who have primarily featured in the UEFA Conference League this season at Southampton. Despite the resounding scoreline, he reverts to a more familiar XI here.

That includes Robert Sanchez resuming goalkeeping duties ahead of Filip Jorgensen after Maresca confirmed the Spaniard remains his No. 1.

Defensive duo Reece James and Wesley Fofana remain sidelined with hamstring injuries, so Moises Caicedo is fielded as a makeshift full-back, which allows him to select the Ecuador midfielder in the same side as Enzo Fernandez and Romeo Lavia.

There is a start for Jadon Sancho, while Nicolas Jackson is also back.

Chelsea confirmed lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): Sanchez (GK) — Caicedo, Badiashile, Colwill, Cucurella — Lavia, Fernandez — Neto, Palmer, Sancho — Jackson

Chelsea subs: Jorgensen, Adarabioyo, Disasi, Gusto, Veiga, Dewsbury-Hall, Madueke, Joao Felix, Nkunku

Injured: James, Fofana

Suspended: None

WATCH: Best of Premier League action on Peacock

Tottenham vs. Chelsea live stream, TV channel

Here's how to watch this Premier League match across selected areas of the world's major regions:

ETIHAD STADIUM, MANCHESTER — Manchester City's losing streak was extended to five matches as Tottenham hammered the forlorn Premier League champions 4-0, James Maddison starring with a first-half brace.

City were beaten in each of their past two top-flight matches at Bournemouth and Brighton but made a more assured start on home turf as Erling Haaland twice went close during the opening stages.

But Spurs drew first blood as Josko Gvardiol hesitated under a high ball and Dejan Kulusevski sent in a delightful cross from the right for the recalled James Maddison to volley home at the back post.

Maddison doubled his delight and City's misery shortly afterwards. Gvardiol, one of City's better performers this season, was again culpable with a dreadful pass across his own third. Son Heung-min cleverly dummied a shot and tickled through a pass for Maddison to dink home.

City 0-4 Spurs as it happened | Team news and lineups | Where to watch where you are

The earlier celebratory feel, after ACL victim Rodri paraded his Ballon d'Or on the pitch and the City fans saluted Guardiola's latest contract extension, was stripped away and a team low on confidence, goal threat and physicality looked exposed and vulnerable.

It could have been 3-0 before Pedro Porro gleefully slammed past Ederson early in the second half. Tottenham then bettered the margin of victory they enjoyed on the other side of Manchester at Old Trafford when substitutes Timo Werner and Brennan Johnson combined in stoppage time.

Ange Postecolgou's team remain a mystery wrapped in an enigma, but they're up to sixth after bouncing back from a loss to Ipswich Town that feels even more inexplicable. City remain second but could be eight points behind Liverpool by the end of tomorrow before a daunting trip to Anfield next weekend.

Ederson's opposite number Guglielmo Vicario did well to preserve his clean sheet but City never truly threatened the sort of stirring comeback that has become a hallmark under Guardiola. If the new contract marks the start of a new cycle for the Catalan tactician, this vintage of his great side looks very much like it is coming towards the end of one. That impression might be confirmed in the brutal fashion imaginable on Merseyside next weekend.

MORE: All the latest Man City news | Premier League schedule for 2024/25 | Latest Premier League top scorer rankings

Man City vs. Tottenham score

FulltimeGoal scorersMan City0Tottenham4Maddison 13', 20', Porro, Johnson 90+3'

Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester

Referee: John Brooks

Keep track of every game and every goal via SN's live Premier League scoreboard

Lineups:

Man City (4-3-3, right to left): 31. Ederson (GK) — 2. Kyle Walker, 5. John Stones (6. Nathan Ake), 25. Manuel Akanji, 24. Josko Gvardiol — 82. Rico Lewis (17. Kevin De Bruyne), 19. Ilkay Gundogan, 20. Bernardo Silva — 47. Phil Foden, 9. Erling Haaland, 26. Savinho (10. Jack Grealish)

Tottenham (4-3-3, right to left): 1. Guglielmo Vicario (GK) — 23. Pedro Porro, 6. Radu Dragusin, 33. Ben Davies, 13. Destiny Udogie — 10. James Maddison (16. Timo Werner), 8. Yves Bissouma, 29. Pape Sarr (15. Lucas Bergvall) — 21. Dejan Kulusevski, 19. Dominic Solanke, 7. Son Heung-min (22. Brennan Johnson)

MORE: All the latest Tottenham news | Premier League schedule for 2024/25 | Latest Premier League top scorer rankings

Man City vs Tottenham stats

Man CityStatTottenham23Shots95Shots on target72.15Expected goals2.5159%Possession41%559Passes4109Corners319Fouls94Yellow cards22Offsides3

Man City vs. Tottenham live updates, highlights, and commentary

Fulltime

It's five defeats in a row for City but you have to go all the way back to Pep Guardiola's first season in charge for the last time his team were hammered to such an extent. Maybe even further back than that. City are a shadow of the team that have won six out of the past seven Premier League titles and Tottenham brutally took them apart. Ange Postecoglou's side were fantastic, James Maddison's brace hopefully kick-starting a fine player who has been in a rut. Liverpool at Anfield up next for City, by which point Arne Slot's men could be eight points clear of them at the top of the table. Welp.

City's misery is complete. Grealish plays a ball towards where he thinks Walker might be. He isn't and the famously pacy defender is left for dirt by Timo Werner. His cross is slid home at the back post by Johnson.

Surely no way back for City now. Tottenham storm forward, they look physically miles ahead of their opponents. The ball for Solanke is overhit but he retrieves it and the on-rushing Porro lashes a fine finish past Ederson.

Kickoff: 2nd Half

City get us back underway. Ake is on for Stones. In the present circumstances for Guardiola's side there's really no way of knowing whether that's tactical or because of an injury. Kevin De Bruyne is warming up and surely we'll see him soon.

Halftime

Pep Guardiola said this week that it was not the right time for him to leave Manchester City. Increasingly that looks like it's because he recognises the rebuilding job his all-conquering side now needs. They're plummeting towards a fifth consecutive defeat after being picked off by a James Maddison brace. City could have scored a couple, but Spurs look good for a couple more against the forlorn champions.

Manchester City's title defence is completely falling apart! Gvardiol is culpable again with a dreadful ball back into traffic inside his own third. Son dummies to shoot but slips a clever ball to Maddison, who dinks home smartly.

Spurs lead at the Etihad again! Kulusevski is second favourite to a ball out to the right but picks Gvardiol's pocket. That's really poor from the City left-back. What isn't poor is Kulusevski's sumptuous left-footed cross that Maddison volleys home at the back post on his return to the starting line-up.

Kickoff: 1st Half

Tottenham get us underway. Gundogan snaps in to win a challenge in midfield to set Foden running at the Spurs defence. Bissouma chops him down to earn a booking inside a minute. That doesn't feel ideal.

Erling Haaland has certainly felt the weight of De Bruyne's absence. During the first four Premier League games of the season that they started together, Haaland scored a ridiculous nine goals including two hat-tricks. In his 11 games since, the two-time Golden Boot winner has amassed a far more mortal tally of six goals.

James Maddison gets a start in the midfield three, meaning a move to the right wing for Dejan Kulusevski. The Sweden star has a superb record against City, with three goals and four assists in seven appearances.

Confused? Well, Bertie Magoo the Bitter Blue was a character created by a Manchester United fanzine to mock their near neighbours, who were much more of a down-on-their-luck team prior to 2008. The term has since been appropriated by City fans, calling their own "Berts". Any act of petty or derisive — ideally both — humour at United's expense can be referred to as "Bertying".

Man City vs. Tottenham kick off time

This Premier League match kicks off in Manchester, UK at 5:30 p.m. local time.

Here's how that time translates across some of the major territories:

DateKickoff timeUSASat, Nov 2312:30 p.m. ETCanadaSat, Nov 2312:30 p.m. ETUKSat, Nov 235:30 p.m. GMTAustraliaSun, Nov 244:30 a.m. AEDTIndiaSat, Nov 2311:00 p.m. IST

Man City vs. Tottenham lineups, team news

The international break came at the right time for City, and not just because of their dire run of results. The key factor in their malaise has been an injury list that is particularly weighty in the context of Guardiola's preferred small senior squad size. Mateo Kovacic suffering an injury blow during Croatia's draw with Portugal that will keep him out for a month this therefore less than ideal.

Rodri (ACL) and Oscar Bobb (broken leg) remain sidelined, as does Jeremy Doku. John Stones and Manuel Akanji return to a previously injury-hir defence, while Phil Foden is fit to start after sitting out England duty. Jack Grealish, Kevin De Bruyne and Nathan Ake are all among the substitutes.

Man City (4-3-3, right to left): Ederson (GK) — Walker, Stones, Akanji, Gvardiol — Lewis, Gundogan, Silva — Foden, Haaland, Savinho

Injured: Ake, Rodri, Bobb, Dias, Kovacic, Doku

Suspended: None

MORE: All the latest Tottenham news | Premier League schedule for 2024/25 | Latest Premier League top scorer rankings

Tottenham could be without two key defenders. Micky van de Ven is on the mend from the hamstring issue he suffered during the Carabao Cup win over City. Cristian Romero withdrew from Argentina's 1-0 win over Peru and will be assessed.

The attacking picture is a lot rosier for Postecoglou, although he will be without Wilson Odobert and Richarlison due to hamstring injuries and Mikey Moore is laid low following a virus. Rodrigo Bentancur begins a seven-game ban for racist remarks made about team-mate Son Heung-min.

Tottenham (4-3-3, right to left): Vicario (GK) — Porro, Dragusin, Dav ies Udogie — Maddison, Bissouma, Sarr — Kulusevski, Solanke, Son

Injured: Odobert, Van de Ven, Richarlison, Moore, Romero

Suspended: Bentancur

Man City vs. Tottenham live stream, TV channel

Here's how to watch this Premier League match across selected areas of the world's major regions:

With their head man now locked in for at least another full season, Man City will put their heads down and charge into the meat of the Premier League season as they return from the international break to host Tottenham on Saturday.

Man City have sputtered through the first 11 games of the campaign, sitting second in the table but staring at a five-point gap between themselves and leaders Liverpool. Even their victories have looked like a struggle as they cope with the season-long injury to Ballon d'Or winner Rodri.

A matchup with Tottenham out of the international break would provide a decent litmus test for their chances of pushing Liverpool for the title.

BET NOW:Latest odds for Premier League games and best bets for the Man City vs. Tottenham match on BetMGM

The stakes are, however, quite high for the hosts, as Pep Guardiola is amid the first four-match losing streak in his entire managerial career, and five straight defeats would be quite the splash of cold water after signing his recent contract extension.

MORE: Full team news & lineups for Man City vs. Tottenham

Man City vs. Tottenham prediction, odds

Moneyline lean: Man City (-275 on BetMGM)

Score prediction: Man City 3-1 Tottenham

Spurs managed to knock Man City out of the EFL Cup at the end of last month, but it didn't appear that Pep Guardiola had any interest in giving that competition his full attention. Here, he'll likely deploy a much more powerful lineup within reason given the international break just ended.

Tottenham have not faced an opponent like this since their 1-0 North London derby defeat back in mid-September, and are not yet at the point where they can get results consistently.

MORE: A complete guide to betting on soccer in the United States

BetMGM

(USA)Man City win-275Draw+450Tottenham win+626Both teams

to scoreY: -225

N: +150Over / Under

U: +105Man City

-1.5 goals-120Tottenham

+1.5 goals-120

Man City vs. Tottenham match facts

Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024

Kickoff Time: 5:30 p.m. local (12:30 p.m. ET / 9:30 a.m. PT)

Location: Etihad Stadium (Manchester, England)

Referee: John Brooks, VAR: Michael Salisbury

Last meeting: Tottenham 2-1 Man City (Oct. 30, 2024 | EFL Cup)

MORE: All the latest Man City news | Tottenham news | Premier League schedule for 2024/25 | Latest Premier League top scorer rankings

Man City vs. Tottenham best bet

Pick: Man City 20+ total shots

Odds: -110 on FanDuel

This matchup features an intriguing statistical disparity — Man City and Tottenham are the Premier League's leading shot-takers and are also the two sides who have conceded the fewest shots to opponents. Yet there's reason to believe City can rack up a high total.

Even as Man City appeared toothless for stretches this season, they still managed to accumulate a high total of efforts on the opposition's net. They have breached the 20-shot mark five times already this season in Premier League play, including a massive 33-shot total against Arsenal while up a man for the second half — and that's largely without Kevin de Bruyne, who could potentially return in this game.

Tottenham, meanwhile, haven't played many of the league's highest shot-takers yet, including Fulham and Bournemouth, and conceded 15 shots to a second-choice Man City lineup in their EFL Cup win. The totals are massively inflated for this game, but it's still worth a play while we have yet to see if Man City are really going to struggle with the end product for the entire season.

Man City vs. Tottenham prop bet

Pick: Erling Haaland first goal scorer

Odds: +220 (BetMGM)

The Man City talisman has looked stuck in the mud over the past month or so, but he's still owned the first stage of games. While we don't often get suckered into taking fluky picks like first goal scorer, a prolific player like Haaland can sometimes present a rare opportunity.

Erling Haaland has scored in seven Premier League matches so far this season. Incredibly, in all seven of those matches, he has found the net in the opening 20 minutes, and in six of them, it marked the game's first goal (only Yoan Wissa's first-minute goal for Brentford ruined the perfect record). Even in the games he didn't score, he presented an early threat, such as against Fulham when all four of his shots came in the first 15 minutes, or against Newcastle when he saw a shot saved seven minutes in.

After scoring four goals over the international break (including a 23rd-minute strike against Kazakhstan that, yes, was the first of the match and began his hat-trick), he appears ready to take renewed form back to the club level and press on with the heart of the Premier League season.

Tottenham Hotspur’s injury list just got longer, and fans are feeling the heat.

Cristian Romero, one of the team’s key defenders, is back in the spotlight — but for all the wrong reasons.

The 26-year-old center-back, who recently recovered from a toe injury, was forced off at halftime during Argentina’s World Cup qualifying match against Paraguay.

Despite battling through pain and even requiring injections to play, Romero couldn’t continue, leaving supporters and his club in suspense about his fitness.

This setback comes at a tough time for Tottenham.

With crucial matches ahead, including a Premier League clash with Manchester City, Romero’s absence could leave a big hole in the defense.

MORE: All the latest Tottenham news | Premier League schedule for 2024/25 | Latest Premier League top scorer rankings

Scaloni’s update on Cristian Romero

Argentina’s coach, Lionel Scaloni, confirmed Romero’s withdrawal after the match.

“Cuti [Romero] couldn’t continue,” Scaloni shared, offering little detail but enough to raise alarm bells.

Reports suggest the issue is tied to his right foot—the same one that gave him trouble earlier this season.

Tottenham will be eagerly awaiting updates as Romero undergoes further assessments.

His condition could have a major impact on their upcoming fixtures, including Europa League action and a London derby.

Who steps up to replace Romero for Spurs?

Manager Ange Postecoglou may have to dig deep into his squad. With fellow center-back Micky van de Ven sidelined, the options are limited.

Ben Davies and Radu Dragusin have filled in before, but the lack of consistency in defense is a growing concern.

Spurs are also juggling other setbacks. Richarlison and Wilson Odobert remain out, while Rodrigo Bentancur faces disciplinary action.

On the brighter side, Timo Werner and Mikey Moore are expected to return soon.

As Tottenham prepare for a tough stretch, fans will be hoping for a quick recovery for Romero — or a miracle — to steady the ship.

Tottenham Hotspur's recent run has left fans disheartened, especially after an unexpected home loss to Ipswich Town. That 2-1 defeat followed a disappointing showing against Galatasaray, and the frustrations around Spurs' inconsistency are mounting.

Despite Tottenham’s apparent control of the game, especially in terms of possession, Ipswich capitalized on a couple of costly defensive lapses to secure their first Premier League win in more than two decades.

It was a result few saw coming, and it has sparked a response from Pedro Porro, who has urged his teammates to take accountability.

In a match where Tottenham could only manage two shots on target in the first half, they failed to bounce back, falling to a team many expected them to beat easily.

As the game ended, boos echoed through the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, signalling fans' disappointment.

What Pedro Porro said to Tottenham fans?

Amid this slump in form, Porro has emerged as a voice of reason, calling for his team to do better for their loyal supporters. Despite contributing with an assist in the Ipswich game and one in the previous Galatasaray match, Porro posted on Instagram to share his frustration and determination.

"As a team, we have to take accountability for these results," he wrote. "We must come together to be better and will now look forward to coming back stronger after the break. The effort you put into supporting us must be reflected in our effort on the pitch."

Porro's words will have resonated with fans who want to see players taking responsibility for poor performances and showing unity.

For now, though, the pressure builds on manager Ange Postecoglou to find solutions and make the adjustments needed to restore consistency.

A path forward for Spurs

The pressure on Tottenham and Postecoglou is evident, with criticism also mounting on individual players.

Porro himself has faced blame for losing possession, even though he was the only player to set up a goal-scoring opportunity in the Ipswich match. But Porro’s message is clear – improvement will require all players to give their best, regardless of individual challenges.

Spurs fans will hope their team returns with renewed energy and focus after the international break.

As has been expected for some time, Tottenham Hotspur seem set to confirm the activation of a clause on Son Heung-min's contract that will extend his stay another year.

The team option on Son's deal would take it from the summer of 2025 to the summer of 2026, and move the South Korean's generational spell at the North London club into a second decade.

Son joined Spurs from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015 and went on to become the top Asian goalscorer in both Premier League and Champions League history, as well as the club's all-time assists leader and a top-5 all-time goalscorer for the side.

And following months of reports from a multitude of sources suggesting that the one-year extension will be triggered, The Telegraph published on Monday that it is indeed set to happen imminently.

MORE: All the latest Tottenham news | Premier League schedule for 2024/25 | Latest Premier League top scorer rankings

Even now at the age of 32, Son's importance to current boss Ange Postecoglou's plans has been underscored since his return from injury.

Manchester City had just secured their third Premier League title in a row and a fifth in the past six seasons.

A treble beckoned, with Manchester United and Inter Milan ultimately taken down at Wembley and the Ataturk Olympic Stadium to seal a place in history for Pep Guardiola and his players.

In an interview with Sky Sports in late May 2023, Guardiola was asked what could be the next challenge after a campaign in which his team won almost everything.

"Score a goal against Spurs away," he joked. "I stay because I want to beat Spurs away."

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium opened in April 2019, with Spurs hosting City for the first time at their new home a week later. During a period when Guardiola's men were a dominant force, scoring goals by the bucketful and hoarding trophies, their record at this state-of-the-art north London venue was absolutely abysmal.

Their fortunes belatedly turned last season, thanks to an FA Cup victory and a nerveless Erling Haaland brace in the final week of the season that took City to the brink of a fourth consecutive Premier League title. However, normal service resumed in the Carabao Cup Round of 16 in 2024/25.

MORE: All the latest Man City news | Premier League schedule for 2024/25 | Latest Premier League top scorer rankings

Man City record at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Man City have won twice at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in eight attempts in all competitions.

On their first five visits, City lost five times to four different Spurs managers and failed to even score a goal, missing a couple of penalties along the way. On January 26, Nathan Ake scrambled a late goal to secure a 1-0 win in the fourth round of the FA Cup. But it was the 2-0 triumph that put one hand on the Premier League trophy on May 14 that truly felt like an exorcism.

Tottenham 1-0 Man City (Champions League: April 9, 2019)

Six days on from the inaugural game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Mauricio Pochettino’s Spurs welcomed their Premier League counterparts for the first leg of a Champions League quarterfinal. City actually had a golden opportunity to become the first visiting team to score at the new ground after 12 minutes, but Hugo Lloris guessed correctly and saved Sergio Aguero’s penalty.

A tense encounter unfolded and Guardiola kept Kevin De Bruyne and Leroy Sane on the bench until the 89th minute as he juggled the demands of battling for trophies on four fronts. Eleven minutes before that, Son Heung-min caught out Fabian Delph and fired a shot through Ederson to seal victory on the night. It would be the only game City lost in their final 23 matches of the campaign as they won a domestic treble but bowed out of the Champions League on away goals after a remarkable 4-3 victory over Spurs in the following week’s return clash.

Tottenham 2-0 Man City (Premier League: February 2, 2020)

Aguero won a first-half penalty, drawing a foul from Serge Aurier, but passed on responsibilities to Ilkay Gundogan following his mishap at the same end 10 months earlier. The result was the same, with Lloris diving to his left to repel the Germany midfielder’s attempt.

In what would become a common theme of these encounters, City proceeded to dominate possession and couldn’t find a way through. Oleksandr Zinchenko then brought down Harry Winks with an hour played to earn his second booking and Spurs led shortly afterwards through a fabulous volley from debutant Steven Bergwijn. Picking up another repeated narrative thread, Son thumped into the bottom corner to seal the points.

Tottenham 2-0 Man City (Premier League: November 21, 2020)

Mourinho made it back-to-back wins over his former Clasico rival, with Son on target once more to give Tottenham an early lead. City thought they had that elusive goal when Aymeric Laporte drilled beyond Lloris from a Gabriel Jesus knockdown, although replays showed the Brazilian handled to make the assist possible.

Giovani Lo Celso crowned a Harry Kane-orchestrated counter-attack to put Spurs top of the table after nine games, with City languishing in 12th having played one fewer. Guardiola’s side still managed to finish English football’s behind-closed-doors season as champions and beat Spurs a few days after Mourinho’s sacking in the Carabao Cup final, with Laporte the man on target in a 1-0 win.

Tottenham 1-0 Man City (Premier League: August 15, 2021)

It’s sometimes easy to forget Nuno Espirito Santo’s 17-game tenure at Spurs happened at all, but it started in fine fashion with a win over the Premier League champions. Guardiola handed a full debut to £100m man Jack Grealish, with a slightly mix-and-match feel to his line-up following their European Championship commitments.

Once again, City were left to rue missed chances after dominating possession. Once again, Son rattled a shot past Ederson. Rinse and repeat.

Tottenham 1-0 Man City (Premier League: February 5, 2023)

Antonio Conte’s most notable success against City came amid a Kane masterclass at the Etihad Stadium in February 2022, when the England captain responded to Riyad Mahrez’s injury-time equaliser from the penalty spot with an even later winner to seal a 3-2 triumph. Spurs were also 2-0 up in the corresponding fixture in 2022/23 before Mahrez inspired a rip-roaring 4-2 win for the hosts.

All of that counted for nothing as an off-colour City reverted to type in a match where there was a sense of peculiar inevitability after Kane opening the scoring in the 15th minute. Even Erling Haaland, on his way to a record-breaking Premier League season, could not break the spell. The only unusual thing was Son not finding the net before being substituted in the 84th minute. Cristian Romero was then sent off but Guardiola’s team ran out of time

Tottenham 0-1 Man City (FA Cup: January 26, 2024)

When Oscar Bobb had an early goal ruled out for a wafer-thin offside verdict, it seemed City's Tottenham curse might be about to hold strong. However, Ange Postecoglou's more expansive approach when compared to his immediate predecessors in the Spurs dugout created the sort of contest that Guardiola's side enjoy, and they had the upper hand for long periods.

De Bruyne missed a glorious chance as the minutes ticked away but, from the Belgium playmaker's 88th-minute corner, Ake was on the spot to capitalise when Ruben Dias got to the near-post delivery ahead of Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.

Tottenham 0-2 Man City (Premier League: May 14, 2024)

It was a strange night in north London, with the unusual spectacle of some Spurs fans at best being unsure whether or not they wanted their team to win. If they denied City a victory it would put the title on a plate for bitter rivals Arsenal.

Following a tense first half that stuttered against this backdrop, Erling Haaland gave City a second-half lead. The key moment arrived four minutes from time, though, when City's arch-tormentor Son was sent through on goal and substitute goalkeeper Stefan Ortega - on for the injured Ederson - made a stunning save. Haaland then made the points safe from the penalty spot after Pedro Porro fouled another of City's replacements, Jeremy Doku.

Tottenham 2-1 Man City (Premier League: October 30, 2024)

An injury-hit City found themselves 2-0 down inside half an hour thanks to fine finishes from Timo Werner and Pape Sarr. Matheus Nunes reduced the arrears and youngster Nico O'Reilly almost forced penalties with a late equaliser. Guardiola praised his team for an "exceptional" performance afterwards, although further injuries sustained by Manuel Akanji and Savinho added to another story of woe at Tottenham.

Tottenham host eight-time winners Manchester City in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.

Spurs have been a tricky opponent for Pep Guardiola's side over recent years but City have also enjoyed notable domestic cup success at the north Londoners' expense.

After a run of five games, five defeats and no goals scored in all competitions at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Nathan Ake's goal gave City a 1-0 FA Cup fourth-round win last season.

The last time these sides met in this competition, City won by the same margin at Wembley when Aymeric Laporte sealed their most recent League Cup triumph.

MORE: All the latest Tottenham news | Premier League schedule for 2024/25 | Latest Premier League top scorer rankings

Tottenham vs. Man City lineups, confirmed starting 11, team news

Ange Postecoglou has named a strong line-up for this one. Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Sarr come into the midfield alongside Dejan Kulusevski after not starting the past two Premier League games.

Son Heung-min remains out in attack along with Wilson Odobert, while Richarlison is on the bench as Dominic Solanke gets the nod at centre-forward once more.

Archie Gray and Radu Dragusin get outings in the backline, with Micky van der Ven shifting over to right-back.

Tottenham (4-3-3, right to left): Vicario (GK) — Gray, Romero, Dragusin, Van der Ven — Bentancur, Sarr, Kulusevski — Johnson, Solanke, Werner

Injured: Son, Odobert

Suspended: None

MORE: All the latest Man City news | Premier League schedule for 2024/25 | Latest Premier League top scorer rankings

City's injury situation and relatively small first-team, squad means Guardiola has probably not make as many changes as he would have liked.

John Stones, Ilkay Gundogan and Nathan Ake were all substitutes for the 1-0 weekend win over Southampton and start alongside England Under-21 international James McAtee and fellow youngster Nico O'Reilly. Erling Haaland is on the bench, meaning McAtee and Phil Foden are likely to share false-nine duties.

Kevin De Bruyne (thigh), Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku remain out alongside long-term absentees Rodri (ACL) and Oscar Bobb (broken leg).

Manuel Akanji was added to that list when he pulled up during the warm-up. Ruben Dias came in to captain the side.

Man City (4-2-4, right to left): Ortega (GK) — Lewis, Dias, Stones, Ake — O'Reilly, Gundogan — Savinho, Foden, McAtee, Nunes

Injured: De Bruyne, Walker, Grealish, Doku, Rodri, Bobb

Suspended: None

What time does Tottenham vs. Man City kick off?

This Carabao Cup fourth-round clash takes place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, United Kingdom and kicks off on Wednesday, October 30 at 8:15 p.m. local time.

Here's how that time translates across some of the major global territories: