Sports Mole

Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City have lost their fifth consecutive game in all competitions after suffering a chastening 4-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening.

Despite losing each of their last four matches prior to the international break, the Citizens entered this contest in buoyant mood following the announcement of Pep Guardiola's new two-year contract extension on Thursday.

However, it was Spurs who made the brighter start and were by no means affected by the drizzly Manchester weather, as they put themselves two goals to the good inside the opening 20 minutes, courtesy of two delicate finishes from birthday boy James Maddison.

Tottenham rightly had their tails up and pushed for a third against a vulnerable Man City side, who conceded chances in clusters and failed to convert any of their own at the other end - Erling Haaland was denied on two occasions by Guglielmo Vicario.

Man City were trailing by two goals at half time in a league match for the first time since their 4-2 comeback win against none other than Spurs in January 2023, and they were tasked with replicating a similar comeback to preserve their club-record 52-game unbeaten home run lasting over two years.

However, Spurs burst out of the blocks after the interval and scored a third in the 52nd minute when Dominic Solanke teed up Pedro Porro - once on the books at Man City - to fire a first-time strike into the far corner following a free-flowing counter-attack.

Tottenham rubbed salt into Man City's wounds when they added a fourth in stoppage time, with Timo Werner bursting down the left and fizzing a low cross to the back post for fellow substitute Brennan Johnson to slide the ball home.

Although Ange Postecoglou's side never once considered parking the bus and continued to play with a high line, Spurs made themselves difficult to break down throughout the second half and Man City lacked a cutting edge in the final third, while Vicario was in fine form between the sticks and made three superb saves to deny Ilkay Gundogan and Haaland - the latter also clipped the top of the crossbar on the hour mark.

Defeat for City not only represents their third in a row in the Premier League, it means they have set a new unwanted record and it also comes as a huge blow in their quest to retain the title, as they remain five points behind leaders Liverpool, who can move eight points clear with a win over basement club Southampton on Sunday.

As for Spurs, they have returned to winning ways after losing their previous two matches and have climbed to sixth in the table, three points behind Chelsea in third and four behind Man City in second.

MAN CITY VS. TOTTENHAM HIGHLIGHTS

James Maddison goal vs. Man City (13th min, Man City 0-1 Tottenham)

Just a few minutes after Vicario made a superb reaction save with his right boot to deny Haaland at his near post, James Maddison burst up the other end and met a delightful cross from Dejan Kulusevski, cushioning a volley from just a few yards out beyond Ederson.

James Maddison goal vs. Man City (20th min, Man City 0-2 Tottenham)

Maddison added to his tally and put Spurs two goals ahead inside the opening 20 minutes with a delicate chip over Ederson from close range, after receiving an incisive cutback pass from Son Heung-min inside the area, following a intricate passing sequence from the visitors.

Pedro Porro goal vs. Man City (52nd min, Man City 0-3 Tottenham)

Tottenham continued to punish Man City on the transition and a free-flowing counter-attack resulted in Pedro Porro firing a first-time strike from inside the area into the far corner, after receiving a cutback from Dominic Solanke.

Brennan Johnson goal vs. Man City (90 + 3 min, Man City 0-4 Tottenham)

Spurs rounded off a memorable victory at the Etihad with a fourth goal in second-half stoppage time thanks to two substitutes combining. Werner burst down the left flank and fizzed a low delivery towards the back post for Johnson to slide the ball home from just a yard out.

MAN OF THE MATCH - DEJAN KULUSEVSKI

James Maddison understandably deserves a special mention for his first-half brace and impressive display, as does Vicario who made a number of important saves, but Dejan Kulusevski was Tottenham's standout performer and ran the show on the right while also drifting into midfield.

The silky Swede produced a delightful assist for Maddison's opener, while he also completed 100% of his dribbles (4/4), produced three key passes and won five ground duels during a majestic performance.

MAN CITY VS. TOTTENHAM MATCH STATS

Possession: Man City 59%-41% Tottenham

Shots: Man City 23-9 Tottenham

Shots on target: Man City 5-7 Tottenham

Corners: Man City 9-3 Tottenham

Fouls: Man City 19-9 Tottenham

BEST STATS

WHAT NEXT?

Man City will now turn their attention to the Champions League as they will face Dutch outfit Feyenoord at the Etihad Stadium next Tuesday.

Leicester vs. Chelsea (Saturday, 12.30pm)

© Imago

Kicking off the return of Premier League action after the international break, Leicester City and Chelsea butt heads at the King Power Stadium on Saturday lunchtime.

The 12.30pm kickoff sees Blues boss Enzo Maresca reunite with the club he led back into the top flight at the first time of asking last season, and his successor Steve Cooper is on track to keep them there.

We say: Leicester City 0-3 Chelsea

With Fatawu missing, Buonanotte suspended and four other attackers not at full fitness, Leicester's perfect goalscoring record at home will surely be snapped at the hands of their former manager, whose side are the most potent away outfit the Premier League has to offer.

Given the Foxes' recent vulnerabilities at the back too, Saturday's affair is at risk of turning into an onslaught, and a straightforward win for Chelsea is the only outcome we can picture.

> Click here to read our full preview for this match

> Cooper's attacking crisis: Leicester predicted XI against Chelsea

> James blow, Palmer decision, Lavia to start? Chelsea predicted XI against Leicester

> Will Lavia, Gusto, Fofana be fit? Chelsea injury, suspension list vs. Leicester

Bournemouth vs. Brighton (Saturday, 3.00pm)

© Imago

Two South Coast outfits collide at the Vitality Stadium in Saturday's Premier League battle, as Bournemouth scrap it out with Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Cherries entered the international hiatus on the back of an agonising 3-2 loss to Brentford, while Fabian Hurzeler's men prolonged Manchester City's misery two weekends ago.

We say: Bournemouth 2-2 Brighton & Hove Albion

The international break has the potential to harm both sides' offensive exploits, but their respective play styles should lead to plenty of goalmouth action at the Vitality, where Bournemouth have often had the Seagulls' number.

Neither side inspires much confidence defensively either, so we can envisage the goals being shared about equally in an entertaining stalemate.

> Click here to read our full preview for this match

> Doubts among doubts: How Brighton could line up against Bournemouth

> Key man banned, will Semenyo play? Bournemouth predicted XI against Brighton

Arsenal vs. Nott'm Forest (Saturday, 3.00pm)

© IconSport

Remarkably only separated by goal difference in the Premier League standings, ailing Arsenal and high-flying Nottingham Forest prepare for an intriguing battle at the Emirates on Saturday afternoon.

Mikel Arteta's troops have failed to win any of their last four matches in the top flight, but their visitors also enter the North London battle fresh from their own setback at home to Newcastle United.

We say: Arsenal 2-1 Nottingham Forest

Both sets of players should be feeling rejuvenated and ready to go again after a welcome domestic break, and Forest's exceptional away record offers hope of a Tricky Trees surprise at the Emirates.

Any more dropped points on Saturday and Arsenal's title defence may be as good as dead in the water, but with Odegaard pulling the strings again, we have faith in Arteta's men to edge a tight battle and revive their faltering bid for glory.

> Click here to read our full preview for this match

> Wood or Awoniyi up front? Predicted Forest XI against Arsenal

> Saka decision, who replaces White? Predicted Arsenal XI against Forest

> Will Saka, Rice, Trossard return? Arsenal injury list for Forest clash

Aston Villa vs. Crystal Palace (Saturday, 3.00pm)

© Imago

Two sides that were glad to see international football intervene will return from a much-needed break on Saturday, as Aston Villa and Crystal Palace meet at Villa Park.

The hosts lost four games on the bounce before club competition was paused, while their visitors have won just once in the Premier League this season.

We say: Aston Villa 2-0 Crystal Palace

After taking a brief break from the daily grind, Aston Villa should return to Premier League action feeling suitably refreshed.

As Crystal Palace have picked up just two points on the road so far, taking anything back to the capital on Saturday evening will be a bonus.

> Click here to read our full preview for this match

> Captain McGinn comes back in? Predicted Aston Villa lineup vs. Crystal Palace

> Kamada out, Eze in? Predicted Crystal Palace lineup vs. Aston Villa

Everton vs. Brentford (Saturday, 3.00pm)

© Imago

Brentford will look to pick up their first away points of the season when they travel to Goodison Park to face Everton in the Premier League on Saturday.

The hosts have regressed heavily in their performance levels recently, slipping back towards the bottom three after seemingly pulling away following a promising unbeaten run through October.

We say: Everton 1-3 Brentford

Brentford's pointless start on the road will not go on forever, and the Bees will see this as their best chance yet to get off the mark against an underwhelming Everton.

The hosts have sleepwalked back into trouble after a good spell of results either side of the break in October, and with a devilishly difficult run of games ahead in December, unless they drastically improve their performance levels here, they could be in serious danger.

> Click here to read our full preview for this match

> Will McNeil and Branthwaite be fit? Everton predicted lineup vs. Brentford

> Are Mbeumo and Wissa fit to feature? Brentford predicted lineup vs. Everton

Fulham vs. Wolves (Saturday, 3.00pm)

© Imago

Wolverhampton Wanderers will be looking to climb out of the Premier League relegation zone when they travel to Craven Cottage to face Fulham on Saturday afternoon.

The two teams meet for the first time since March when Gary O'Neil's side secured a 2-1 top-flight victory at Molineux.

We say: Fulham 2-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers

Goals are to be expected in Saturday's contest as both teams have scored in each of Fulham's opening five home matches this term, while Wolves have scored in all of their last 10 league games, netting at least twice in four of their last five.

Both teams will view this match as a winnable one, but Fulham will be regarded as slight favourites at Craven Cottage and may just do enough to edge out the Old Gold on this occasion, as they did in this fixture last season.

> Click here to read our full preview for this match

> Who will join Cunha, Strand Larsen in attack? Predicted Wolves lineup vs. Fulham

> Nelson or Wilson to start? Predicted Fulham lineup vs. Wolves

Man City vs. Spurs (Saturday, 5.30pm)

© Imago

Manchester City will endeavour to close the five-point gap to Premier League leaders Liverpool when they welcome Tottenham Hotspur to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening.

Both the Citizens and Spurs are looking to get back on track after suffering 2-1 defeats to Brighton & Hove Albion and Ipswich Town respectively prior to the international break.

We say: Manchester City 3-2 Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham have been somewhat of a bogey team for Guardiola over the years, as Man City have lost more Premier League games (six) and have conceded more Premier League goals (22) against Spurs than they have against any other opponent under the Catalan coach.

Spurs will fancy their chances of breaching City's backline once again this weekend in what could turn out to be another entertaining, action-packed contest filled with goalmouth activity, but if the Citizens are to welcome back some of their key players, they should get the job done in front of a carnival atmosphere at the Etihad following Guardiola's contract renewal.

> Click here to read our full preview for this match

> Bissouma or Maddison to replace Bentancur? Predicted Spurs lineup vs. Man City

> Will Foden, De Bruyne start? Predicted Man City lineup vs. Spurs

> Romero, Van de Ven updates: Tottenham injury, suspension list vs. Man City

> Grealish, Dias, Stones, Foden: Man City injury updates ahead of Spurs clash

> "A real banana skin": Man City's tricky fixtures up to Christmas analysed

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has provided a fresh update on the fitness of his squad ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola, who has signed a two-year contract extension at the club, has been working with a depleted squad for the last few months due to the club's injury crisis, and Citizens supporters had hoped that November's international break would provide some of those players with an opportunity to step up their recovery.

Others remain out long term including star midfielder Rodri, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season after sustaining an ACL injury in September, although Guardiola has offered an update on the Spaniard's recovery.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Guardiola said: "I think in January he will come back to Man City to make a recovery, but I think, from what I hear from the doctors, it's going really, really well, and his mood is good and it's nice to see him."

"He's unique in our club, one player who has played here has got this amazing, amazing Ballon d'Or award and shares it with our people (at the Etihad on Saturday).

Oscar Bobb (leg fracture) also remains a long-term absentee and is targeting a return between January and February, while Guardiola has confirmed that three more players will not be involved against Tottenham.

© Imago

Kovacic, Dias ruled out of Spurs clash

Guardiola has revealed the extend of Mateo Kovacic's injury, while Ruben Dias - who has missed Man City's last three games with an apparent calf problems - remains sidelined.

"Ruben [Dias] is out but hopefully back soon," said Guardiola, who has also revealed that academy starlet Max Alleyne has returned from international duty with England Under-20s with an injury.

"Max Alleyne is not fit as well was injured from national team because they push our limits and come back injured," the Catalan added.

"Players go to the national team and train - Under-21 in the morning - afternoon with Under-20 after training two games. He is not fit, we will lose him. It is what it is."

© Imago

Guardiola confirms triple boost as five others also train

On a positive note, Guardiola has revealed that defensive trio John Stones, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake - who all missed Man City's 2-1 loss at Brighton prior to the international break - have all returned to training and could be in contention to face Spurs this weekend.

"Some of them [could be available], yes," said Guardiola. "John [Stones] trained good, Manu [Akanji] trained good. Nathan [Ake] is coming back to training, so we didn't have any centre-backs and now we have three.

"Some players recover better. These 10 days some players recovered a little. I don't know if they are ready to play 90 minutes or play from the beginning but to see the training session and see their faces was a really good boost for all of us."

Meanwhile, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Jeremy Doku, Matheus Nunes and Kevin De Bruyne have all trained this week - some of whom withdrew from their national team squads - and they could be available for selection, although Guardiola did not specifically mention the quintet at Friday's press conference.

Man City enter Saturday's game with Spurs on the back of losing four games in a row across all competitions for the first time under Guardiola and currently sit five points behind Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table.

No Data Analysis info

Pedro Porro's agent is reportedly 'convinced' that Ruben Amorim will attempt to bring the Tottenham Hotspur defender to Manchester United following his arrival at Old Trafford.

Amorim is widely expected to implement a 3-4-3 formation at Man United, with the Portuguese having so much success with that system during his time in charge of Sporting Lisbon.

Porro played under Amorim at Sporting, with the Spain international thriving down the right, and according to AS, Pedro's representative believes that Man United will now make an attempt to sign the defender.

The report claims that Amorim has an 'excellent relationship' with Porro, and the Red Devils could potentially move ahead of Real Madrid to the top of the queue for his signature.

Real Madrid are in the market for a new right-back, and it is believed that Porro is their number one alternative to Trent Alexander-Arnold, should the Englishman sign a new contract at Anfield.

© Imago

Porro's camp 'expecting interest from Man United'

Tottenham allegedly value Porro at a minimum of €70m (£58m), which makes a deal difficult, but the Spaniard could potentially attempt to force a switch to Old Trafford next summer.

The 25-year-old has scored once and provided two assists in 13 appearances for Tottenham during the 2024-25 campaign, while he has a record of eight goals and 12 assists in 67 matches for the North London club in total.

Porro scored 12 goals and registered 20 assists in 98 matches for Sporting, meanwhile, and it is believed that Amorim could target him as his new right-sided wing-back at Man United.

Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui are options in that area of the field, but Amorim allegedly has reservations over their suitability for the role, with Porro viewed as more productive in the final third of the field.

© Imago

Man United are 'also in the market for a left-sided wing-back'

Two wing-backs could potentially arrive at Man United next year, with the 20-time English champions also said to be determined to bring in a new left-sided player to fit Amorim's system.

Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are both now back to full fitness, but concerns remain over the duo, with the former struggling with multiple muscular problems, while the latter has not played for the first team in 18 months.

Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies is thought to be Man United's leading target in that area of the field, but Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez and Wolverhampton Wanderers' Rayan Ait-Nouri are also allegedly admired.

Amorim has stopped short of confirming that he will implement a 3-4-3 system at Man United, but that is widely expected to be the case, and the Portuguese is currently preparing his side for Sunday's Premier League clash against Ipswich Town.

Premier League champions Manchester City will be looking to return to winning ways when they welcome Tottenham Hotspur to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening.

The Citizens were beaten 2-1 by Brighton & Hove Albion prior to the international break, while Spurs suffered defeat by the same scoreline at home to Ipswich Town last time out, and here, Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest team news for the two clubs.

MANCHESTER CITY vs. TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

MANCHESTER CITY

Out: Rodri (ACL), Oscar Bobb (leg fracture)

Doubtful: Phil Foden (knock), Jeremy Doku (muscle), Ruben Dias (calf), John Stones (foot), Manuel Akanji (groin), Jack Grealish (unspecified), Matheus Nunes (unspecified), Nathan Ake (fitness)

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Akanji, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Gundogan; Bernardo, Foden, Savinho; Haaland

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Out: Rodrigo Bentancur (suspended), Micky van de Ven (hamstring), Richarlison (hamstring), Wilson Odobert (hamstring)

Doubtful: Cristian Romero (foot)

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Vicario; Porro, Dragusin, Davies, Udogie; Kulusevski, Bissouma, Sarr; Johnson, Solanke, Son

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here. body check tags ::

Manchester City could be boosted by the return of several first-team stars for Saturday's Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium.

The Citizens, who lost each of their last four games prior to the international break, have received a welcome injury boost this week as Jack Grealish, Kevin De Bruyne, John Stones and Manuel Akanji have all taken part in training along with Phil Foden.

Ruben Dias has spent time in Lisbon working on his recovery from a calf problem and he along with Jeremy Doku (muscle), Nathan Ake (fitness) and Matheus Nunes (unspecified) will all be assessed ahead of kickoff. Rodri (ACL) and Oscar Bobb (leg fracture) remain long-term absentees, though.

Pep Guardiola, who has allegedly agreed to sign a one-year contract extension at the Etihad, handed a Jahmai Simpson-Pusey his Premier League debut in a 2-1 defeat at Brighton last time out, but the 19-year-old could be replaced in central defence by one of Stones, Akanji or Dias if they are deemed fit to start.

Josko Gvardiol was also handed a start at centre-back against Brighton, but he will likely move over to left-back as Rico Lewis and ex-Spurs man Kyle Walker - who both represented England last week - battle for a start at right-back.

Having now retired from international football with Germany, a well-rested Ilkay Gundogan is in contention to start in centre-midfield alongside Mateo Kovacic, while Guardiola will weigh up whether to start one, or even both, of Foden and De Bruyne in advanced roles.

Bernardo Silva could operate out wide if he is not deployed centrally, while Savinho and Erling Haaland - the latter scored four goals in two games for Norway over the international break - are both set to start in the final third.

Manchester City possible starting lineup: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Akanji, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Gundogan; Bernardo, Foden, Savinho; Haaland

Manchester City will endeavour to close the five-point gap to Premier League leaders Liverpool when they welcome Tottenham Hotspur to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening.

Both the Citizens and Spurs are looking to get back on track after suffering 2-1 defeats to Brighton & Hove Albion and Ipswich Town respectively prior to the international break.

Match preview

Man City's aforementioned loss away against Brighton a fortnight ago condemned Pep Guardiola to a fourth successive defeat for the first time in his illustrious managerial career, while the Citizens have not lost this many games consecutively in all competitions since 2006 (six) under former boss Stuart Pearce.

Back-to-back top-flight defeats, including a 2-1 loss at Bournemouth, have seen Man City fall five points behind an in-form Liverpool outfit at the top of the table after 11 matches. While it would be nonsensical to write the reigning champions off at this early stage, they can ill-afford to slip further behind if they wish to continue pushing for a record fifth straight title.

Man City supporters entered November's international break dejected, but they are now in high spirits after reports emerged on Tuesday claiming that Guardiola has agreed to extend his contract at the club by at least another year, while a number of first-team stars have stepped up their recovery from injury and have made a timely return to training this week.

The Citizens are now gearing up for eight challenging fixtures - six in the Premier League and two in the Champions League - over a 29-day period leading up to Christmas, starting off with Saturday's clash against Tottenham whom they have beaten just three times in their last 10 league meetings (D2 L5).

After losing all of their last four games away from home, Man City will welcome this weekend's return to the Etihad where they have not lost any of their last 52 matches across all competitions, boasting a 35-game unbeaten home run in the Premier League, with 13 points from a possible 15 available collected so far this season.

This time last year, Spurs were flying in Ange Postecoglou's debut season and were sitting second in the Premier League table, just one point behind Man City at the summit. Fast forward 12 months and they are 10 points and eight places worse off following a frustratingly erratic start to the current campaign.

Inconsistency has indeed been a real issue for Spurs, who have won five, drawn one and lost five of their opening 11 Premier League games this term, while they have also won four and lost four of their last eight matches across all competitions, most recently losing to Galatasaray and Ipswich.

Tottenham may be down in 10th place in the top-flight standings, but there is no need to panic for Postecoglou and co, as they are only three points behind Chelsea in third, while their recent record against Saturday's opponents Man City - who they beat 2-1 in the EFL Cup just over three weeks ago - should provide them with a psychological boost.

Indeed, the North Londoners have accumulated 17 points across their last 10 Premier League meetings with the Citizens, while they have scored at least twice in each of their last three visits to the Etihad, including three in a thrilling 3-3 draw last season - no team has ever scored multiple goals in four consecutive Premier League trips to Man City.

Tottenham's overall away form leave little to be desired, though, as they have won just four of their last 18 Premier League matches on the road over the last 12 months. Since the start of March, no top-flight team has lost more games than Spurs (seven) who have picked up just four points from their opening five away fixtures so far this season.

Manchester City Premier League form:

Manchester City form (all competitions):

Tottenham Hotspur Premier League form:

Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions):

Team News

Ballon d'Or winner Rodri will be in attendance at the Etihad this weekend to parade his prestigious accolade, but the midfielder remains sidelined as he continues to recover from an ACL injury, while Oscar Bobb (leg fracture) is another long-term absentee.

However, Jack Grealish, Kevin De Bruyne, John Stones, Manuel Akanji and Phil Foden have all taken part in training this week, and will be assessed ahead of kickoff along with Ruben Dias, Jeremy Doku, Nathan Ake and Matheus Nunes.

The potential return of Stones, Akanji and Dias could see two of those start in central defence, with Jahmai Simpson-Pusey making way and Josko Gvardiol moving over to left-back, while Rico Lewis and Kyle Walker battle for a start at right-back.

Erling Haaland scored four goals across two games for Norway over the international break and is expected to lead the line this weekend, while Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva are all in contention to start in midfield.

As for Tottenham, they will be without Rodrigo Bentancur who has been handed a seven-match ban by the Football Association for comments he made about teammate Son Heung-min a few months ago. Spurs have since lodged an appeal against the length of the ban.

Richarlison and Wilson Odobert are also ruled out with hamstring injuries, while centre-back duo Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero are both major doubts with respective hamstring and foot problems.

The potential absence of both Van de Ven and Romero could see Ben Davies partner Radu Dragusin at the heart of defence, while Yves Bissouma could be recalled to replace Bentancur and start in centre-midfield alongside Dejan Kulusevski and either Pape Matar Sarr or James Maddison.

Manchester City possible starting lineup:

Ederson; Walker, Stones, Akanji, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Gundogan; Bernardo, Foden, Savinho; Haaland

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Porro, Dragusin, Davies, Udogie; Kulusevski, Bissouma, Sarr; Johnson, Solanke, Son

We say: Manchester City 3-2 Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham have been somewhat of a bogey team for Guardiola over the years, as Man City have lost more Premier League games (six) and have conceded more Premier League goals (22) against Spurs than they have against any other opponent under the Catalan coach.

Spurs will fancy their chances of breaching City's backline once again this weekend in what could turn out to be another entertaining, action-packed contest filled with goalmouth activity, but if the Citizens are to welcome back some of their key players, they should get the job done at the Etihad.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

body check tags ::

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!

Manchester City attacker Jack Grealish was among four injury concerns who were pictured in training on Wednesday.

Grealish has not played for Man City since he featured as a substitute in a 2-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on October 20.

Despite being forced to miss the last six games, Grealish was named in Lee Carsley's initial squad for England's UEFA Nations League games against Greece and the Republic of Ireland.

However, he was one of nine players to withdraw from the squad, giving him time to recover ahead of a hectic schedule at club level.

© Imago

Grealish returns to training ahead of Spurs fixture

Grealish now looks set to return to competitive action after he posted a picture on Instagram of him taking part in Man City's training session on Wednesday.

The 29-year-old shared a story with a short but positive message as he wrote: "Finally back with the boys".

Having returned to training, Grealish could now have a role to play in Saturday's home clash against Tottenham Hotspur - a club that is said to have an interest in the England international.

Grealish will be hoping to help his current employers return to winning ways after Man City lost four consecutive matches before the international break.

Key trio join Grealish in training return

In addition to Grealish, John Stones, Kevin De Bruyne and Manuel Akanji were pictured in Wednesday's training session, handing a huge boost to manager Pep Guardiola.

Stones has missed the last three matches with a foot issue, while De Bruyne was restricted to a substitute appearance in the final two matches before the international break after he spent time on the sidelines with a muscular injury.

As for Akanji, he sat out Switzerland's recent international fixtures after being an unused subsitute for Man City's defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion.

While Man City have received a quadruple boost, it remains to be seen what role the quartet will play in Saturday's contest at the Etihad Stadium.

Tottenham Hotspur will be bidding to bounce back from successive defeats when they head to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening to tackle Manchester City.

Spurs, who are down in 10th spot in the Premier League table, have lost their last two matches to Galatasaray and Ipswich Town in the Europa League and Premier League respectively.

Ange Postecoglou's side were beaten 2-1 by Ipswich in the league before the international break, and there will be pressure on the North London club to bounce back in Manchester this weekend.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Tottenham's latest injury and suspension news ahead of their showdown with Man City, who are second in the table, five points behind the leaders Liverpool.

Cristian Romero

© Imago

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Unknown

Possible return date: November 23 (vs. Man City)

Romero is a major doubt for the clash with the champions on Saturday due to the problem which forced him off the field in Argentina's 2-1 defeat to Paraguay in a World Cup qualifier during the recent international break.

Richarlison

© Imago

Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: December 5 (vs. Bournemouth)

Richarlison will once again be unavailable for selection this weekend due to a hamstring problem, with the Brazil international not expected to be back for Spurs until the early stages of December.

Micky van de Ven

© Imago

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: November 23 (vs. Man City)

Tottenham will be hoping to recover Van de Ven from a hamstring injury in time to take on the champions this weekend, but the centre-back will face a late fitness test for his North London club.

Wilson Odobert

© Imago

Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: Unknown

Odobert had just battled back from one hamstring problem before picking up another one, and it was recently confirmed that he has undergone an operation, with the attacker facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

TOTTENHAM'S SUSPENSION LIST

Rodrigo Bentancur

© Imago

Status: Out

Possible return date: November 28 (vs. Roma)

Bentancur will be suspended for Tottenham's next seven domestic matches due to a ban imposed by the Football Association following comments made about his Spurs teammate Son Heung-min.

However, the midfielder will be able to feature in Europe.

No Data Analysis info

Manchester City will be bidding to avoid a fifth straight defeat in all competitions when they resume their Premier League campaign at home to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday evening.

Pep Guardiola's side have lost each of their last four matches, including their last two in the Premier League to Bournemouth and Brighton & Hove Albion, with the reigning champions in a very difficult period.

The Citizens still sit second in the Premier League table, but they are now five points behind leaders Liverpool, who have proven to be the best side that England have to offer thus far this season.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Man City's latest injury and suspension news ahead of the contest with Tottenham, who sit 10th in the table, boasting 16 points from 11 matches.

Rodri

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Man City will be missing vital midfielder Rodri for the remainder of the campaign due to the serious knee injury that the Spaniard suffered during the Premier League clash with Arsenal towards the end of September.

Oscar Bobb

Status: Out

Type of injury: Leg fracture

Possible return date: January 4 (vs. West Ham United)

Bobb remains on the road to recovery from the leg fracture that he sustained in pre-season, and Guardiola recently said that the attacker is eyeing a comeback in either January or February.

Jack Grealish

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Unspecified

Possible return date: November 23 (vs. Tottenham)

Grealish withdrew form the recent England squad due to an unspecified issue which has sidelined him for the last month, but he is back in training and has a slight chance of being in the squad this weekend.

Ruben Dias

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Calf

Possible return date: November 23 (vs. Tottenham)

Dias has not featured for Man City since the end of October due to a calf problem, but the Portugal international has a chance of being back in the squad for the clash with Tottenham.

John Stones

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Foot

Possible return date: November 23 (vs. Tottenham)

Stones has been battling a foot problem this season, and he has not been involved in Man City's last three matches in all competitions, but the centre-back has a chance of returning to action at Spurs.

Phil Foden

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Foot

Possible return date: November 23 (vs. Tottenham)

Foden withdrew from the England squad due to a knock that he sustained against Brighton last time out, but the attacker is expected to be available for selection against Tottenham.

Jeremy Doku

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Muscle

Possible return date: November 23 (vs. Tottenham)

Doku pulled out of the Belgium squad due to a muscular problem, which saw him miss out against Brighton last time out, but the forward should have recovered in time to feature here.

Manuel Akanji

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Groin

Possible return date: November 23 (vs. Tottenham)

Akanji was also absent against Brighton before the international break due to a groin problem, and the centre-back will need to be assessed before it is determined whether he is available this weekend.

Matheus Nunes

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Unknown

Possible return date: November 23 (vs. Tottenham)

Nunes pulled out of the Portugal squad due to a fitness problem, and the midfielder is another who will require a fitness test before it is decided whether he will feature at the Etihad Stadium.

MANCHESTER CITY'S SUSPENSION LIST

Man City have no suspended players for this match.

body check tags ::