Manchester Evening News

Manchester City return to Premier League action tonight with Tottenham the visitors to the Etihad.

The Blues are in the midst of a four-game losing streak but have been bolstered over the international break by Pep Guardiola penning a new two-year contract and a number of injured players returning to training. Those positives have been tempered a touch by the news that Mateo Kovacic faces up to a month on the sidelines with an injury sustained on international duty with Croatia.

His absence will be keenly felt given Rodri's season is already over. Kovacic has been filling in admirably in the middle of midfield and it could see Guardiola spring something of a selection surprise.

ALSO READ: Kovacic, Akanji, Ake - Man City injury latest and return dates

ALSO READ: City suffer injury blow but three set to return as Pep takes swipe at England

John Stones, back in training but light on minutes, could be pressed into action in the middle of midfield. It's a role he has performed before, and well too. But it would be asking a lot of a player who has missed the last few weeks with a foot issue to slot in against a team of Tottenham's potential.

Yet the options facing Guardiola are slim and a midfield base of Stones and Ilkay Gundogan would offer a ball playing ability and defensive nous. Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden, fit again after withdrawing from the England squad, are likely starters while the remaining role behind Erling Haaland could go to Jack Grealish.

He has been hampered by injury issues this term but his ball retention could be crucial against a side such as Spurs who thrive on transition. Kevin De Bruyne must be close to returning to the starting XI but perhaps next week's European encounter with Feyenoord offers the more sensible choice.

Savinho has had a lengthy international break trip with Brazil so may have to make do with a a place on the bench while Jeremy Doku has been nursing an injury and remains a doubt.

Erling Haaland will start up front fresh from four goals in two games for Norway during the international break while Ederson, despite also being away with Brazil, will continue in goal as one of City's best performing players this season.

Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji are back in training and if both are fit then they surely start at centre back with Ruben Dias sidelined and Stones pushed further forward. Josko Gvardiol has made the left back slot his own while Rico Lewis could get the nod on the right having sat out the second of England's Nations League games while Kyle Walker played 150 minutes across two fixtures despite having been short of form and fitness at club level.

Manchester City welcome Tottenham Hotspur to the Etihad Stadium this evening looking to get their season back on track.

City lost four successive games in all competitions heading into the international break and find themselves five points adrift of Premier League leaders Liverpool.

But they will be buoyed by the news this week that manager Pep Guardiola has penned a contract extension until 2027 and that new found certainty should help things pick up on the pitch.

That will hopefully begin with the visit of Ange Postecoglou's side and it has certainly been reflected in the predictions of three prominent Premier League pundits.

Chris Sutton

The former Celtic and Blackburn forward told BBC Sport: "It's safe to say Pep Guardiola has severely irritated the rest of the footballing public by agreeing his contract extension with Manchester City.

"You can just imagine the groans from Liverpool, north London and the red half of Manchester, because they know how dominant City have been under him.

"City are not playing well at the moment, which is why they are on this run of four straight defeats in all competitions. People have been looking at them as if the wheels are coming off, but they are still second and only five points off the top.

"I do think Pep's new deal will give them a boost, and I am expecting them to bounce back. Tottenham have also been described as a 'crisis club' this season but they are still only three points off third place.

"The table is so congested that anyone in mid-table who wins a couple of games in a row is going to be right up there, but I don’t see Spurs getting anything at the Etihad Stadium.

"There will be goals in this game, because Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou will not change his approach. He has already beaten City once this season, in the Carabao Cup, but I think Pep will come out on top this time."

Sutton's prediction: Man City 3-1 Tottenham

Mark Lawrenson

The former BBC Sport pundit told Paddy Power: "Manchester City playing Tottenham at home feels like a banker. We know that Spurs might score but they’ll get beat on the road, they always seem to do so.

"With Pep Guardiola signing his new contract that could breathe life into them, I know they’ve lost four in a row but only two of those were in the league. City’s post-Christmas charge might start early this year."

Lawrenson's prediction: Man City 2-0 Tottenham

Paul Merson

The former Arsenal star told Sportskeeda: "If someone would have said to me at the start of the season that Manchester City would lose four games in a row, I would have said never in a million years! Yet, here we are. It doesn't get any easier for them this weekend, Tottenham are a tough opponent.

"But then again, Tottenham are Spursy. Who would have thought they would get beat by Ipswich? Still, it wouldn't shock me if Spurs get a result here simply because Manchester City have not been Manchester City for a while now.

"Since the draw against Newcastle, barring the wins over Slovan Bratislava and Sparta Praha, City have not wiped the floor with anyone like we are used to seeing. I just can't imagine them losing five in a row, that's why I'm going for a City win here. But I can assure you it won't be an easy win.

"Tottenham have history of getting results against City, it goes back a long time. I remember them getting a result under Harry Redknapp to qualify for Europe, thanks to a goal from Peter Crouch. So it's a tricky game. There is no pressure on Tottenham this week and if they click, I think they have a chance. That's why I say I wouldn't be shocked if Spurs get a result.

"Manchester City not being their usual self is entirely down to Rodri's absence and not because Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan are firing. Rodri moves the ball quickly and that opens up space, City are missing that now. But I certainly think Gundogan looks nowhere near the player he was before, he is struggling."

Merson's prediction: Man City 2-1 Tottenham

Harry Redknapp

The former Tottenham manager told Bet Victor: "What a game this could be. Two sides who can score plenty, but two sides who’ve been sloppy at the back.

"I can’t believe Manchester City’s form right now; it shows how much they miss Rodri. I don’t care how good he is, a side with this talent should manage to survive. I think they’ll improve as the season goes on, particularly because I think they’ll be busy in the January window.

"I can’t make this Tottenham side out either, it’s unbelievable. They get a fantastic win at home to Aston Villa and then go and lose at home to Ipswich the next week! I like Ange Postecoglou, but there’s a lot of pressure on him now.

"It sounds like Pep Guardiola has agreed a new deal and that’s bound to give everyone a lift. I think City win this."

Manchester City midfielder Rodri returned to training to see his teammates on Friday ahead of Saturday evening's clash with Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.

The Spaniard has been missing from the City squad since September when he suffered a cruciate ligament tear during the draw with Arsenal. The injury ruled the 28-year-old out of action for what is likely to be the remainder of the season.

However Rodri has set himself the optimistic timeline of returning for the Club World Cup next summer. While out of action, the midfielder claimed one of the biggest accolades in world football as he won the Ballon d'Or last month pipping Real Madrid duo Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham to the prize.

Sadly when a player is sidelined with injury, they are often cut adrift from their teammates on a day-to-day basis as they continue their recovery away from the main group. But, in a nice boost for City, Rodri visited the group with his Ballon d'Or.

He was embraced by his teammates, including Erling Haaland and manager Pep Guardiola, who signed a new contract this week. After reacquainting himself with them, Rodri joined the coaching staff on the training pitch as the Blues went through their final drills before this evening's big clash with Spurs in the Premier League.

In a clip shared on X, previously Twitter, the midfielder told the rest of the City squad: "I don't know what to say guys, it's a privilege to meet with you. I was missing you a lot, two months without coming here.

"It's a privilege for us to win this. So, so happy to come back, I follow you. You guys are my family, and this [the Ballon d'Or] is for the club, for you guys."

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has been ruled out of next month's Carabao Cup quarter-final with Manchester United after being handed a seven-game ban by the Football Association [FA].

The Uruguayan international has been banned for seven domestic fixtures and fined £100,000 for using a racial slur about Spurs teammate Son Heung-min during the summer.

Bentancur, 27, was charged by the FA in September after comments he made about Son while appearing on Uruguayan TV.

During the TV appearance in question, Bentancur was asked by a presenter for a Tottenham shirt. Answering the question, the midfielder said: "Sonny's? It could be Sonny's cousin too as they all look the same."

Bentancur later apologised to Son, who said he would "not mean to ever intentionally say something offensive."

Charging the midfielder earlier this year, the FA said it was "an alleged breach of FA rule E3 for misconduct in relation to a media interview".

Issuing a statement in response to their decision to give Bentancur a seven-game ban and fine him £100,000 the FA said: "Rodrigo Bentancur denied this charge, but the independent regulatory commission found it to be proven and imposed his sanctions following a hearing."

The nature of Bentancur's ban means he will miss Spurs' next six Premier League fixtures and the Carabao Cup quarter-final against United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 19. He will still be available for selection for the Londoners' Europa League assignments.

Bentancur, who has played every minute of Spurs' Carabao Cup campaign thus far, has made 15 appearances across all competitions so far this season, scoring one goal. He has featured in 10 of Spurs' first 11 Premier League matches this term.

Tottenham Hotspur will be without midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur for Saturday's Premier League clash with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium after he was handed a seven-match ban.

The Uruguayan international has been banned by the Football Association [FA] and fined £100,000 for using a racial slur about Spurs teammate Son Heung-min during the summer.

Bentancur, 27, was charged by the FA in September after comments he made about Son while appearing on Uruguayan TV.

During the TV appearance in question, Bentancur was asked by a presenter for a Tottenham shirt. Answering the question, the midfielder said: "Sonny's? It could be Sonny's cousin too as they all look the same."

Bentancur later apologised to Son, who said he would "not mean to ever intentionally say something offensive."

Charging the midfielder earlier this year, the FA said it was "an alleged breach of FA rule E3 for misconduct in relation to a media interview".

Issuing a statement in response to their decision to give Bentancur a seven-game ban and fine him £100,000 the FA said: "Rodrigo Bentancur denied this charge, but the independent regulatory commission found it to be proven and imposed his sanctions following a hearing."

The 27-year-old's seven-game ban will only apply to domestic matches, ruling him out of six Premier League fixtures and Spurs' Carabao Cup quarter-final against Manchester United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next month. He will still be available for selection for the Londoners' Europa League assignments.

Bentancur has made 15 appearances for Spurs across all competitions so far this season, scoring one goal. He has featured in 10 of their first 11 Premier League matches this term.

Manchester United face the prospect of playing twice in less than 48 hours after the EFL announced the details of their Carabao Cup quarter-final with Tottenham Hotspur next month.

United progressed to the last-eight of the competition last week with a 5-2 win over Leicester City and their reward is a trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium less than a week before Christmas.

It was confirmed that quarter-final ties will be played in the week commencing Monday, December 16, meaning it was presumed United's clash with the Londoners would be played on either Tuesday, December 17 or Wednesday, December 18, as per Carabao Cup tradition.

However, it has been announced United's clash with Ange Postecoglou's side will take place on Thursday, December 19, kicking-off at 8pm. The other three quarter-final ties will all be staged the night before. The contest has, unsurprisingly, been selected to be broadcast live on Sky Sports.

However, United, as things currently stand, are scheduled to play Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Saturday, December 21, kick-off 3pm, meaning Ruben Amorim faces the prospect of having to get his team ready for two matches in less than 48 hours.

The Premier League announced its TV picks for the Christmas and New Year period last month, and United's clash with the Cherries was not selected for live broadcast in the UK, meaning it remained in its original slot of 3pm on December 21.

The fact United must now prepare for two fixtures less than 48 hours apart means the squad risks being pushed to its limits. Furthermore, United face Manchester City on Sunday, December 15, meaning they will now play three times in less than a week.

Interestingly, Tottenham's Premier League clash with Liverpool, that follows their Carabao Cup meeting with United, was selected for TV broadcast last month and was handed the 4.30pm slot on Sunday, December 22, meaning they will have two full days to prepare for the clash with Arne Slot's side.

United have not said if they will be requesting for the clash with Bournemouth to be pushed back.

Dejan Kulusevski openly admits he relishes the challenge of facing Manchester City, suggesting he takes it "personally" when facing the Premier League champions.

The Spurs winger contributed two assists against City in Wednesday's 2-1 Carabao Cup win, helping set up a quarter-final clash with Manchester United.

The Swedish forward, flourishing in a creative role under Ange Postecoglou, has been particularly prolific against City, tallying more goals and assists against them than against any other team during Pep Guardiola's time in charge.

Following his pivotal role in Tottenham's midweek success, Kulusevski told the Mirror: "I knew I had to do something important as it's an amazing game to play against this team.

"I take it personally to play against City, I promised myself that I was going to have a good game and I think I did."

He stressed that his dynamic performance was not a response to Spurs' loss at Crystal Palace last Sunday, but rather, it stemmed from his ambition to test himself against top teams.

Kulusevski added: "It wasn't about Palace, no, it's just because it's City. I love to play against the best because it's extra-motivating.

"It's a personal thing, everybody that is close to me knows it and I knew that I was going to shine because I prepared for this game for a long time. I knew I had to perform and I did. I've played City away three times and scored three times. There is no fear. In fact, it's the complete opposite of fear.

Kulusevski has set his sights on Aston Villa but is not glossing over Tottenham's defensive issues, especially after a close call against Manchester City.

Reflecting on the match, he expressed frustration at conceding just before the break: "I'm very angry that we conceded the goal in the last second of the half, we can't do that.

"It changes everything when you're going to go in at half-time at 2-0 and then it's 2-1. But we handled it well in the second half, we created so many chances and if we killed the game before it would be all over.

"In the end we stayed strong and everybody contributed."

Spurs' key player under Ange Postecoglou is urging the team to find consistency to make the most of their season.

He continued: "We don't want to be up and down. If you want to be a champion you have to be there every game - that's the main part that everyone has to understand.

"We have to improve away from home against teams that play physically and don't play the football that was played against City. We want to win every trophy and this is a great opportunity to win a cup.

"It will be fun to play against a legendary team next in United."

Manchester City are out of the Carabao Cup after a 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

Pep Guardiola's side were plagued by injuries going into the game and suffered two more over the course of the night, Manu Akanji injuring himself in the warm-up and Savinho going off in the second half. Early goals from Timo Werner and Pape Matar Sarr looked to have Spurs cruising through.

However, City fought back with a goal from the in-form Matheus Nunes and had a few chances to equalise in the second half.

Here are the player ratings from the game.

Ortega: Will maybe feel he could have kept the second out, but made two excellent saves after the break to keep City in it. 7

Lewis: Picking up an unfortunate habit of being a few yards shy of the goalscorer. Better when pushing forward. 6

Stones: An uncertain start before getting a hold of the game. Stepped up to lead the team amid plenty of changes in the second half. 6

Dias: Too high up the pitch to allow Spurs to break for the first, but some rustiness was allowed given he wasn't expected to start. 5

Ake: Another who was caught out for the first goal, although he settled after that and kept things ticking from the middle once Gvardiol came on. 6

Gundogan: Not the comeback he wanted so far and this was another off-night, unable to give City the control and possession they needed. 4

O'Reilly: Survived an early injury scare and as he pushed forwards he showed some nice play with McAtee as they harried the Spurs defenders. Nearly grabbed an equaliser late on. 7

McAtee: Good. Did not look out of place as he drove at Spurs players and pushed to get City back in the game. Plenty of running too. 7

Savinho: Lively all game and a lovely ball for the assist before he was forced off on a stretcher with what looked a worrying injury. 7

Nunes: City's brightest spark for much of the game, impressing on the left and showing composure to score for the second time in a week. 7

Foden: Could have done better with a few half-chances but his pace and energy were a worry for Tottenham all night. 6

Substitutes

Gvardiol (for Dias, 46) Some enterprising runs into the box, although one particularly bad throw that put Richarlison through on goal. 6

Kovacic (for Gundogan, 46) Looked more solid in the middle with Lewis alongside him, although City still struggled for control. 6

Silva (for Foden, 58) Made himself an option constantly on the right and had some bright moments. 7

Wright (for Savinho, 63) Inches away from equalising and was unfazed by playing so high. 6

Simpson-Pusey (for Ake, 74) Rock solid on debut. 6

Mixed memories

The last time United played Tottenham in the League Cup was back in 2009, when a brace from Darron Gibson handed the hosts a 2-0 win.

United have won just three of the eight League Cup ties against Spurs.

The last time United played Spurs away in the competition was in 1998, when Tottenham won 3-1, Teddy Sheringham getting United's only goal.

When is the draw?

Sky Sports have confirmed that the live draw will take place at around 10.40pm, so not long to go.

This year, it's an all-Premier League last eight for the first time in 14 seasons. United have reached the quarter-finals for the fourth time in six seasons.

When are the quarter final matches?

The next round of games will be played in the week of December 16.

The semis are set to be over two legs - as normal - with first legs over the week of January 6 and the second leg almost one month later.

The final is on Sunday, March 16.

Defeat for Man City

Eight-times League Cup winners Manchester City fall to Tottenham 2-1 and fail to make the quarter-finals for the second year running.

Matheus Nunes grabbed City's only goal of the game, with the Blues acquiring new injury concerns with Savinho and Manuel Akanji.

United victorious

The only goal of the second half came from Bruno Fernandes, who led United to a 5-2 victory over Leicester City.

They move into the quarter-finals, the draw for which is coming up soon.

Stay tuned to find out who United will face.

Manchester United ahead

United went into the break against Leicester 4-2 up thanks to a brace from Casemiro and goals from Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho.

It's going well in Ruud van Nistelrooy's first game as interim boss.

Second half is underway...

When will the quarter final ties be played?

The matches are due to take place in the week commencing Monday, December 16, meaning that they will likely be on December 17 or 18.

The semi-finals, which are two-legged, are then set for January 6 and the second leg in the week of February 3.

The final will be at Wembley on March 16.

What are the competition rules for tonight?

Matches tonight will be played to 90 minutes with no extra time if it ends as a draw.

There are no replays in the Carabao Cup with matches instead going straight to a penalty shootout.

United agree deal with Sporting for Ruben Amorim

Just breaking off from the Carabao Cup updates for a second...

Manchester United have agreed a fee with Sporting Lisbon for Ruben Amorim.

Sporting confirmed on Tuesday that United had expressed an interest in triggering Amorim's release clause of €10million (£8.3m) as talks over a compensation package progressed.

The Manchester Evening News can reveal United have agreed a fee to appoint Amorim and the club are now working on a deal to bring his Sporting first-team coaches to Old Trafford.

Who is in the Carabao Cup quarter-final draw?

So far only Brentford and Southampton. They both played last night.

Brentford went to penalties after a 1-1 draw with Sheffield Wednesday whilst Saints beat Stoke 3-2.

The fourth round ties tonight will determine who enters the quarter final draw.

The matches are: Brighton vs Liverpool, Preston North End vs Arsenal, Newcastle vs Chelsea, Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace, Manchester United vs Leicester City, and Tottenham vs Manchester City.

When is the draw?

Starting off simply.

There is no set time but it will take place after the Spurs vs City match, which is scheduled to be last of the night to kick off, down for 8:15pm.

If there are no penalties then it should be finished by 10:15pm at the latest, really, unless there are some seriously long stoppages.

The draw, then, will hopefully be starting by 10:30pm (again, at the latest), and finished by 10:45pm.

If it goes to penalties then we're probably looking at another 20 minute delay on top of this.

Good afternoon

We're into the final few hours before team news will start to come out for the 7:30pm and 7:45pm matches tonight, whilst there will be a longer wait for Tottenham and Manchester City.

It's the Carabao Cup fourth round with a place in the quarter final up for grabs and plenty of the Premier League's top sides all in action.

We'll have all the details you need to watch, stream, follow, keep up to date, and live through the night up towards the draw. Don't go anywhere!

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium hoodoo is finally over

After so much misery in this stadium, City have actually won their last two here without conceding a goal. Both games were significant last season and the heroes from both - Nathan Ake in the FA Cup and Stefan Ortega in the league - will likely start this evening.

For all the pain City have endured in this stadium, not too many in the team tonight will bear too many scars.

City's record at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium now reads:

Played - 7

Lost - 5

Won - 2

Scored - 3

Conceded - 7

Spurs need the win - and a cup - more than ever

There is no question over which team most needs a win tonight.

The Carabao Cup is at the bottom of City’s priority list at the best of times and with their injury list there is little enthusiasm for the game. When even Guardiola is announcing pre-match he has one eye on Bournemouth on Saturday you know things are strained.

Things are strained at Spurs, but that is more down to the patience for Ange Postecoglou wearing thin for some Spurs fans with them desperate to end their trophy drought and show progress.

A limp defeat to Crystal Palace on Sunday has only sharpened the knives for the manager tonight and there can’t be many better opportunities to beat City.

Why did Guardiola change his mind on the academy?

Guardiola appears to have done his usual trick of saying he will play the kids and then remembering that the ones most capable of stepping up were bought by other first teams in the summer. It is a big night for James McAtee and Nico O’Reilly and there will be a sprinkling of youngsters in the squad but there will still be plenty of experienced faces in the team tonight.

Which academy players could feature - if any?

So Pep Guardiola won't commit to playing a team full of academy players, but we can probably assume that Nico O'Reilly and James McAtee will start, or at least play a significant part.

Both started the last round and are full-time members of the first team squad.

Then there is Jacob Wright, with three senior appearances already and a cameo off the bench against Watford. He turned down a loan move away this summer after Guardiola said he wanted him around the first team.

Finally, we could see two possible debutants in Jahmai Simpson-Pusey and Farid Alfa-Ruprecht who were missing from the under-21s' EFL Trophy fixture last night along with O'Reilly and Wright. They have both featured in training recently and could be in the squad to boost numbers.

Centre-back Simpson-Pusey started two games on tour in the summer, while winger Alfa-Ruprecht has begun the season on fire for the EDS with a host of goals and assists.

O'Reilly, Wright, Simpson-Pusey and Alfa-Ruprecht were pictured leaving the CFA with the first team earlier today so will be included in the squad.

Pep's backtracking on academy call-ups

After City beat Watford in the last round - when 16-year-old Kaden Braithwaite was handed a surprise debut - Guardiola said he would play the second team in this fixture as the Carabao Cup was not the priority.

He backed that up on Saturday when he insisted the most important game this week is Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday... but then rolled back his academy promise in yesterday's press conference.

He said:

"There is some [academy players] but we play against Spurs, they're coming from defeat and I know what it is mentally for managers and players playing against City - the last four Premier League in a row winners. I know they will be the best.

"We also won the Carabao Cup four in a row and I always used the first rounds to play guys who didn't play regularly and when we arrived in the semi-finals we thought we were going to win it. Now we have a problem that we have a lot of injured players and I cannot rotate like I would and I don't want to put much pressure on the young players on this stage for this opponents for the way I play so that's why I have to make a mix for the players, split minutes with 45 minutes-45 minutes.

What time is kick-off?

Kick-off is at the later time of 8:15pm this evening. It is the only game kicking off at that time, with Brighton vs Liverpool starting at 7:30pm and the other four matches this evening getting under way at 7:45pm.