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England and Tottenham Hotspur cult hero Eric Dier has described one of Manchester City’s teams under Pep Guardiola as “the scariest” he has faced to this day.

Manchester City have had numerous vintage teams over the years, from Roberto Mancini’s pioneers of 2010-12 to several Pep Guardiola iterations.

As a veteran of club and international football, Eric Dier has played alongside, and against, the very best players of his generation.

And despite having a huge selection of opponents he can call upon, the Man City side from one particular era remains firmly in his memory.

Eric Dier says late-2010s Manchester City team remain the ‘scariest’ he has ever faced

Dier was the latest guest on the Fozcast, Ben Foster’s podcast, and he discussed various aspects of his career.

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When asked about the scariest team he faced, Dier went with the Man City side from the late 2010s.

Dier named a host of players from those days, including former Spurs teammate Kyle Walker.

“Yeah, that was the scariest team… I can name the team, you know? For me, that was the best.”

Foster asked Dier whether he meant the teams in which David Silva played, to which he agreed.

The retired goalkeeper mentioned the 2016/17 campaign, but Dier named Walker, whose first season at City was the 2017/18 campaign.

“Walks played right-back then, Walker,” said Dier.

“And then it was like, obviously [Vincent] Kompany had his fitness thing, but it was like [Nicolas] Otamendi, Kompany and Stones.

“And then it was Fabian Delph left-back, and then Fernandinho, Silva, [Kevin] De Bruyne, and then [Leroy] Sane, Sterling, Aguero.

“That was by far the scariest team I played against!”

How Eric Dier fared against Manchester City

Eric Dier’s overall record against Man City is not too bad – he has eight wins, one draw and nine defeats under his belt.

However, there were two seasons in which Dier’s Tottenham lost both league games against City – the 2017/18 and 2018/19 campaigns.

Indeed, Spurs were hammered 4-1 and 3-1 in the 2017/18 season, so Dier is likely referring to that particular City side.

Tottenham also lost to City in both league fixtures the following season, but they were more respectable from Spurs’ perspective – both 1-0 defeats.

Theo Walcott has shared his prediction for Manchester City’s Premier League meeting with Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

Manchester City will hope to make it two Premier League victories in a row after running out 4-0 winners over Wolverhampton Wanderers last week.

The Citizens are playing at home for the first time since 20 May and will be eager to give a packed Etihad Stadium a great display and result.

However, Tottenham have also started the season well, running out 3-0 winners over Burnley last week.

Theo Walcott tips Manchester City for 3-0 win over Tottenham

Walcott, speaking on the It’s Called Soccer! podcast, backed Man City to run rampant against Spurs at the Etihad Stadium.

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The former Arsenal, Everton and Southampton man also tipped Erling Haaland to find the back of the net for the third time this term.

“I’m going to go for a 3-0 Man City and Haaland (to score),” Walcott said when asked for his prediction for Saturday’s fixture.

Early Manchester City team news vs Tottenham

Man City have a number of doubts for the game which Pep Guardiola is expected to address at his press conference on Friday.

Ederson, Phil Foden, Rodri, Josko Gvardiol and Savinho all missed the Wolves game and are likely to be discussed at Guardiola’s presser.

It remains to be seen whether Ederson and Savinho will feature even if fit, as both are being linked with a move away from City this summer.

Ederson could be on the way to Galatasaray, while Spurs have set their sights on Savinho.

Mateo Kovacic is a long-term absentee as he continues to recover from an Achilles injury that is expected to keep him out until at least September.

Based on the constant speculation surrounding Savinho’s future, it seems unlikely that his links to Tottenham Hotspur will die down anytime soon.

Tottenham bid £69 million to sign Savinho after missing out on Arsenal-bound Eberechi Eze as they seem desperate to secure his services.

However, Manchester City cannot just let the Brazilian leave with a few days left in the summer transfer window.

Pep Guardiola’s side hope Savinho kicks on this season and he certainly has the talent to have a breakout campaign.

Daniel Levy hoping to hold Savinho talks with Man City officials during Tottenham clash

However, for Savinho to have a memorable season as a Manchester City player, a resolution must be found about his future.

Savinho was hoping to join Tottenham as he felt Thomas Frank could hand him regular minutes ahead of the 2026 World Cup but whether his potential move to the Lilywhites goes through remains questionable.

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While an unnamed figure at Manchester City reportedly blocked Savinho’s transfer to Tottenham, Daniel Levy and other decision-makers at Spurs feel hold face-to-face talks with Sky Blues officials at the Etihad Stadium during Saturday’s contest between the two clubs could help — as reported by GiveMeSport.

With James Maddison sustaining an ACL injury and Dejan Kulusevski currently being sidelined through injury as well, the report claims Thomas Frank does not want his side to lack sufficient attackers this season.

As a result, since Tottenham missed out on Eze’s arrival, their focus is expected to be towards signing Savinho over the next 48 hours — to the extent that they are contemplating whether to hold direct talks with Manchester City on the day of their second game of the 2025/2026 Premier League season.

What everyone at Tottenham keeps saying about Savinho

After Spurs refused to sell Harry Kane to City in 2021, it will be interesting to see whether Pep Guardiola’s men are willing to entertain further transfer negotiations or seek revenge four years later.

Tottenham believe Savinho has superstar potential, which is why they have remained keen on signing him from Manchester City this summer.

Journalist George Sessions revealed: “They’re going into the Champions League, they need something to bring a wow factor.”

“Savinho is very young, but then everyone you talk to says he’s going to be an absolute star. His numbers last season, he didn’t score many goals, but I think it was 14 assists (eight) in the Premier League.”

Sessions concluded: “I guess Thomas Frank does traditionally like attackers that just can all dovetail between different positions.”

After Manchester City’s 4-0 loss at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium last season, the hosts have a chance to seek revenge for their dismal defeat on Saturday.

Both sides have kickstarted their respective Premier League campaigns in style, with Pep Guardiola’s men beating Wolves 4-0 and Spurs cruising past Burnley 3-0 on Sunday.

With Son Heung-min joining LA FC, Manchester City’s camp have every reason to breathe a sigh of relief ahead of the fixture — considering the former Tottenham skipper registered eight goals and five assists in 21 games against the Sky Blues.

The upcoming contest between the two sides could be a potential blockbuster affair, considering Tottenham have launched a bid to sign Savinho worth £69 million ahead of the clash.

Peter Crouch predicts Man City to beat Tottenham

Thomas Frank heaped praise on Pep Guardiola by naming him as the greatest manager in history and having faced his Brentford sides, the Catalan tactician must also hold the Dane in high esteem.

However, this weekend, there will be no love lost between the two sides as Guardiola is motivated for the new season and he will be determined to lead his City side to victory.

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Previewing Manchester City and Tottenham’s much-awaited battle on The Peter Crouch Podcast, the former Spurs striker predicted the hosts to win 3-2 at the Etihad Stadium.

“I’m going to go 3-2. I think Tottenham are going to give a really good account of themselves, loads of goals.”

Man City’s record vs Tottenham at home in the last 10 games

Peter Crouch’s prediction about a potential goal-fest occurring when Manchester City and Tottenham go toe-to-toe with each other could come true, considering both defences were quite leaky last season.

The last 10 games at the Etihad Stadium between the two sides have made for box-office matches.

Manchester City have won five, drawn three and lost two out of their last 10 games at home against Tottenham in all competitions.

Based on history, City should be considered the favourites to come out on top but as their record against the Lilywhites suggests, one should also expect the unexpected from the game.

With Eberechi Eze set to sign for Arsenal after looking destined to become a Tottenham Hotspur player, Thomas Frank’s side will need to get their act together before the summer transfer window closes.

Tottenham launched a £69m bid to sign Savinho as Crystal Palace and the Gunners have struck a verbal agreement over Eze’s move to Mikel Arteta’s side.

Maghnes Akliouche was on Tottenham’s radar as an alternative to the Brazilian but Spurs have decided to ramp their efforts up to secure the Brazilian’s services after initially considering the AS Monaco attacker his alternative.

Whether Manchester City are willing to do business with the Lilywhites after their latest bid or decide to keep the 21-year-old is a development that remains a mystery for now.

Tottenham have made calls to sign Man City target Tyler Dibling

Manchester City News confirmed that Pep Guardiola’s side were targeting Rodrygo in the event that Savinho signed for Tottenham.

However, it seemed like Manchester City were willing to keep Savinho this season, with the youngster and Oscar Bobb looking set to be their options on the right-wing.

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Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that Tottenham have “made calls” to sign Manchester City target Tyler Dibling.

Southampton’s asking price for Dibling is £45m alongside £5m in add-ons as Spurs are looking at signing him, with Savinho still in their thinking.

Tyler Dibling has already been compared to Man City superstar

Manchester City have several big decisions on their hands to make when it comes to the state of their attack.

Some of them include whether to do a U-turn on their stance and sell Savinho to Tottenham as well as deciding which player to make a move for out of Tyler Dibling and Rodrygo if they let the former Troyes wideman go.

Ian Wright compared Dibling to Jack Grealish in terms of his style of play.

It seemed like Savinho was set to stay at Manchester City after several reports emerged that his potential move to Tottenham Hotspur was dead in the water.

Manchester City blocked Savinho’s move to Tottenham as it is believed there are fears within the Sky Blues camp that letting such a talented youngster leave could be a risk.

As a result, Manchester City’s pursuit of Rodrygo was considered off as well.

However, since then, plenty of twists seem to be in the tale.

Tottenham bid £69 million to sign Savinho after missing out on Eberechi Eze

On Wednesday, Fabrizio Romano revealed that Tottenham are set to miss out on the signing of Eberechi Eze to Arsenal, with the Gunners striking a verbal agreement with Crystal Palace to sign him for £60 million.

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Romano mentioned that Spurs had been in advanced talks to sign the FA Cup winner for days but ultimately, it is Mikel Arteta’s side who have won the race for his signature.

After missing out on Eze, journalist Cahe Mota has claimed that after Tottenham bid £60 million to sign Savinho, they have increased their third bid to €80 million (£69 million).

Savinho’s agents are believed to still be in the UK to negotiate a potential deal between Manchester City and Spurs.

Manchester City wish to keep Savinho but Pep Guardiola has a track record of letting players leave if their desire is to play for another club and the Brazilian may be no different.

Fabrizio Romano revealed what Savinho needs to do to seal Tottenham move

City’s verdict on the Lilywhites’ fresh approach is yet to be revealed.

However, Savinho hasn’t told Guardiola he wants to leave and unless he has a direct conversation with him, his move to Tottenham might remain on hold.

Fabrizio Romano revealed on Sunday: “Guys, Man City want Rodrygo. But only if Savinho leaves. Now, the situation at Manchester City is quite clear. If Tottenham put big money, 50, 60, €70 million (£60.4 million) or the bid is more than €70 million or Savinho stays at Manchester City. Manchester City are not desperate to let Savinho go.”

“If Savinho goes to Pep Guardiola’s office and says, ‘Coach, I want to go. Pep, let me go’, in that case, you’ll remember what happened with Julian Alvarez and other players, Man City could try to find a solution with Tottenham.”

Whether Savinho is willing to tell Pep Guardiola he would like to become a Tottenham player and be Spurs’ remedy to bolstering their attack after Eze’s decision to join Arsenal remains to be seen.

It will be interesting to discover whether Savinho’s relationship with Manchester City has become frosty after he was strongly linked with a surprise move to Tottenham Hotspur.

Tottenham are eyeing Maghnes Akliouche as an alternative to the Brazilian as it looks like the potential move has broken down.

Manchester City blocked Savinho’s switch to Spurs as an unnamed figure within the Etihad Stadium supposedly felt that he could become a superstar like Cole Palmer after being sold.

The 21-year-old finds himself in a tricky situation at City now.

Savinho could be integrated back at Man City despite eyeing Tottenham move

On one hand, Savinho will be hoping to leave the past behind and focus on having an excellent season at Manchester City.

However, considering Savinho was keen on joining Tottenham, he might be frustrated that the transfer failing to go through.

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Manchester Evening News reported that despite Savinho’s interest in becoming a Spurs player, he has not burned any bridges with the Sky Blues and could be integrated back into their first-team.

A few days ago, Pep Guardiola described Savinho as an “extraordinary” player and considering he has spoke glowingly about him in the press, the manager still seem to hold the youngster in high esteem.

However, Manchester City could still sell the Brazilian international for the right fee, a rule that applies to every player in their squad.

The real reason Savinho wanted to play for Thomas Frank

In the past, the Catalan has had tumultuous relationships with his former players. For instance, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Guardiola had disagreements in the past.

While the former Troyes attacker seems to be on amicable terms with Pep Guardiola, Savinho wanted to play for Thomas Frank at Tottenham as he felt he would become a regular starter under the Dane.

Furthermore, the highly-rated dribbler was especially keen on playing regularly with the 2026 World Cup in mind.

Manchester City are set to lock horns with Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

While Pep Guardiola and Co may be considered the favourites to come out on top, the Catalan boss’ record against Spurs is far from perfect — with 11 wins, nine defeats and three draws against them in 23 games.

As a result, the Manchester City boss will not be getting carried away in the slightest after his side’s 4-0 win against Wolves as the Lilywhites have often caused upsets against the Sky Blues.

Thomas Frank hailed Pep Guardiola as the greatest manager to have ever graced the game and he will also be wary of City’s threat ahead of the blockbuster contest between the two sides.

Man City should be wary of Brennan Johnson ahead of Tottenham clash

With Mohammed Kudus proving to be an instant hit for Spurs by registering two assists against Burnley, all eyes could be on the Ghanaian winger to be the visitors’ difference-maker at the Etihad Stadium.

However, Guardiola should perhaps be even more worried about Brennan Johnson than Kudus as he prepares his Manchester City side to take on Tottenham for multiple reasons.

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Much like Son Heung-min, who often hurt Manchester City, Johnson is also a player who is adept at running in behind defences and scoring goals for fun — which could especially help the visitors as the hosts have struggled to defend against counter-attacks since last season.

With Pep Guardiola employing a high defensive line, the £47.5 million (Sky Sports) man could wreak havoc with his blistering pace and intelligent movement — much like he did against Burnley to score the North Londoners’ third goal during the weekend.

Last season as well, Johnson scored in Tottenham’s 4-0 mauling of Manchester City by being perfectly positioned to tap the ball into the back of the net.

While the Sky Blues’ emphatic victory against Wolves was encouraging, they had their fair share of issues in curbing Vitor Pereira’s side’s attack and with Bernardo Silva admitting Manchester City struggle defensively against quick breaks, the Welshman could be Spurs’ danger man this weekend.

Thomas Frank’s Brentford sides caused Manchester City issues on the break as well and unless the hosts’ defence steps up to the plate, a potential upset could be on the cards.

Brennan Johnson’s record vs Man City

The good news for City during their latest triumph was that Nico Gonzalez looked excellent against Wolves.

Furthermore, Johnson’s record against Manchester City is far from flawless, despite the potential threat he poses from Tottenham’s standpoint in the much-awaited fixture.

In eight appearances against Pep Guardiola’s side, the Europa League winner has won and lost two games apiece while sharing the spoils on four occasions.

With just a goal and an assist each to his name as well, the numbers may not be in the 24-year-old’s favour but taking the winger’s strengths into account, Manchester City must find ways to limit his influence.

It seems like Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur do not have the best business relationship.

Manchester City’s pursuit of Harry Kane in 2021 was a saga that must have frustrated the decision-makers at the Etihad Stadium.

However, this summer, it seems like Pep Guardiola’s men have exacted revenge, with Manchester City deciding to keep Savinho despite Spurs’ interest in signing him.

Especially due to the latest development surrounding the Brazilian, the upcoming contest between both sides on Saturday has the makings of a box-office encounter.

Man City will be hoping Tottenham don’t sign Eberechi Eze in time for Etihad clash

While Manchester City perhaps enter the showdown as the favourites after their resounding 4-0 victory against Wolves, Tottenham could be bolstered in time for the clash — with journalist Ben Jacobs revealing that the Lilywhites have reached an agreement with Crystal Palace to sign Eberechi Eze.

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Pep Guardiola would have every reason to hope that the Englishman is not available for Thomas Frank’s side if he makes the move to North London as he has scored in successive games against City.

Eze’s goal in the FA Cup final will haunt Manchester City fans for years but even in Crystal Palace’s 5-2 defeat to Guardiola’s side, the Tottenham target opened the scoring.

While Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders impressed against Wolves, so did the likes of Mohammed Kudus, Pape Sarr and Richarlison against Burnley — and the 27-year-old’s inclusion could further bolster the visitors’ ranks.

Erling Haaland praised Eze as well while previewing the FA Cup final, saying: “Eze is an amazing player, and I really like him.”

City supporters will still remember how Steven Bergwijn scored against them on his debut for Tottenham in 2020 — something the Crystal Palace icon has the quality to do as well.

Eberechi Eze’s record vs Manchester City

Tottenham will be hoping Eze can improve his record against Manchester City, having won just once in nine games, drawn two and lost six.

With two goals and one assist against City as well, he only seems to have found his feet against the Sky Blues recently but Pep Guardiola will be fully aware of the threat that the former Queens Park Rangers attacker possesses.

Recently, it seemed like a matter of time until Savinho would become a Tottenham Hotspur player this summer.

With Savinho hoping to work under Thomas Frank and Pep Guardiola’s history of letting unsettled players depart, it seemed like Spurs would get their hands on the Brazilian.

However, the 2025/2026 season has begun and the 21-year-old still remains a Manchester City player.

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank is a big fan of Savinho and the Lilywhites have made approaches to sign him as well.

Someone at Man City is blocking Savinho’s move to Tottenham

So much that in the recent days, Tottenham made a £60.4 million approach for Savinho but Manchester City rebuffed their proposal.

Despite his reported desire to make a move to North London, Savinho has not told Guardiola he wants to leave.

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Fabrizio Romano has revealed on his YouTube channel that the reason a move is yet to get over the line is because an unnamed figure within the Manchester City camp aims to keep the winger: “As of today, there is someone specific, very important at Manchester City blocking the deal for Savinho to Tottenham. The player is keen on a move to Tottenham but the player is not breaking his relationship with Manchester City. So, the player is kind of in a position where he’s like, if I can go to Tottenham, I’m happy because Thomas Frank wants to make him one of the faces of the project, because he could play on a regular basis, so Savinho would like to go to Tottenham.”

Romano revealed that due to Cole Palmer’s success at Chelsea, there seems to be a degree of hesitance when it comes to letting Savinho join Tottenham, adding: “But Savinho’s not like, Tottenham or nothing. It’s not that sort of a situation. But there is someone in the management of Manchester City, the board of Manchester City with a strong desire to keep the player. Probably also because we also saw what happened with Cole Palmer.”

“Cole Palmer to Chelsea is still something that remains in the eyes of Manchester City.”

“For Savinho, there is someone at Man City believing it could be the same case. Savinho is still very young, did quite well in his first season at Manchester City, still a lot of potential, a lot to develop, so maybe someone at the club, from what I’m hearing is still saying wait before selling Savinho, he can still develop here.”

Man City have taken a clear stance about Savinho’s future

Much like Palmer, Savinho is hugely talented and he has the potential to become a top player for Manchester City if he chooses to reject Tottenham’s interest.

Pep Guardiola described Savinho as an “incredible” talent and if he does end up staying, the Catalan boss would perhaps remain keen on working with.

After all, the Sao Mateus-born speedster remains the only natural right-winger on their books.

Manchester City have decided to keep Savinho as it seems they deem him as a special talent.

Only time will tell whether the youngster can pull his socks up and have a season to remember in the coming weeks and months.