October 30. 22:15. London. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
EFL Cup. Round of 16
Tottenham (London) – Manchester City
Where to watch: Setanta Sports
Suspended: None
Injured: Jed Spence, Son Heung-min, Wilson Odobert - Jeremy Doku, Kevin De Bruyne, Oscar Bobb, Rodri, Jack Grealish, Kyle Walker
Tottenham vs Manchester City: Bookmakers' Odds
Manchester City has long struggled at the new Tottenham stadium, failing to even score a consolation goal. However, this year, Pep Guardiola’s side finally broke their losing streak in London, accomplishing this feat twice: in January, they dashed Spurs' hopes for the FA Cup (1:0), and four months later, they confidently secured victory in the Premier League (2:0). Currently, the Cityzens are more vulnerable than they were earlier this year. Nevertheless, doubts linger over Tottenham's ability to exploit the problems of Manchester City.
Manchester City
From a results standpoint, Pep Guardiola's team has had a perfect October: they won all five matches, three of which were clean sheets. The significance of this winning streak is heightened by the absence of two key players – Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri, who set the pace and direction of attack. However, the quality of football has been notably below Pep Guardiola's high standards. Even the Spanish manager acknowledged that luck played a significant role in their victories over Fulham (3:2) and Wolverhampton (2:1).
Manchester City was somewhat fortunate in their home match against Southampton (1:0). The Cityzens scored an early goal but then squandered numerous chances. Their profligacy nearly cost them in the second half when Cameron Archer hit the crossbar, and a minute before the end of regular time, Ederson saved a shot from Paul Onuachu.
Before the League Cup clash, Manchester City faces a major squad issue, with six first-team players in the treatment room. Key players like Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva need rest. Therefore, it’s possible Pep Guardiola will rely on some academy players in London, with 16-year-old Caden Braithewaite expected to appear in central defense and 19-year-old Nico O'Reilly in midfield.
Tottenham
Tottenham is currently one of the most unpredictable teams in the Premier League. When everything goes according to plan for Ange Postecoglou, they are capable of defeating any opponent, as demonstrated by their recent demolitions of Manchester United (3:0) and West Ham (4:1). However, following such successes, Spurs can suffer inexplicable yet entirely predictable setbacks. After triumphing at Old Trafford, Postecoglou’s men squandered a two-goal lead against Brighton, ultimately losing 2:3, and last weekend fell unexpectedly to one of the Premier League's underdogs – Crystal Palace (0:1). "We play good football, but perhaps we sometimes lack the determination to fight for the result," noted Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario after the match at Selhurst Park.
The injury situation at Tottenham is much better than at Manchester City. However, Spurs will still be without key players. Son Heung-min is definitely ruled out against the Cityzens, paving the way for Timo Werner or Richarlison to start.
Tottenham vs Manchester City: Author's Prediction
In no match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium between Spurs and the Cityzens has the bet on "both teams to score" ever emerged. However, this time all signs point to the teams finally breaking their duck. The Londoners' defensive lines have been unreliable, and Manchester City's defense may appear in experimental form. The attacking units are likely to have the upper hand, so my prediction is both teams to score + total over (2.5).