60 seconds on City | Michael Brown | OneFootball

Welcome to '60 seconds on...' a new match preview where we'll tap into the knowledge of the people who know our opponents inside out.

First up, Michael Brown on Manchester City...

The all-action midfielder progressed through City's youth ranks to make 103 appearances for the Sky Blues. He joined us in 2004 after a successful spell at Sheffield United and made 64 appearances before switching to Fulham in 2006. He went on to make 650 career appearances with further spells at Wigan, Portsmouth, Leeds and Port Vale before retiring, aged 40, in 2017.

He has since launched a successful career in the media and has worked for the likes of BBC Sport, BBC Radio 5 Live, Sky Sports, Quest TV and a number of international broadcasters. He's also a regular on City's in-house City TV - and will be at the Etihad on Saturday.

What did you make of City's 4-0 win at Wolves on Saturday?

Browny: "Yep, really good, a great team performance. Wolves tested them at times, defensive runs were good, mobility, youthfulness, they will be important - more high intensity runs is the message. There was a nice balance in the team, good to see. John Stones back as well - exceptional."

Which of the new signings have caught your eye?

Browny: "Tijjani Reijnders was really good, runs, disciplined, that finish on the run (for 2-0) made the difference. That won the game. Rayan Cherki came on - ridiculous. He did a flick around the corner, scored. He's a sublime player, it's now if he'll develop into a City all-rounder, we'll see. He could be a special one."

Who would be your one to watch on Saturday?

Browny: "You know what? Oscar Bobb coming back... will he start again? We need to see how he gets on. He's a special talent. You would also have to say Reijnders as well, let's see how he gets on in this game, a big test."

Are you seeing anything different tactically?

Browny: "Tactically, I don't think City are too different. We've seen Rico Lewis joining in midfield, that's normal. Rayan Ait-Nouri was quite disciplined at Wolves, maybe they'll push him on, although he'll be wary of the counter-attack. It's all about more tempo, more energy, the high line sometimes coming back in to try and squeeze and press."

Thoughts on Spurs?

Browny: "They're looking good, promising. Certainly in safe hands with Thomas Frank. Romero, van de Ven - key players in the centre of defence, so important for Spurs. He also demands something different, from structure to set pieces. Kudus - great signing."

Taking into account recent results, how wary are City when Spurs come to town?

Browny: "The bogey team! They're well aware of it - fans, players, everyone knows it. Spurs. However the games have gone, I've thoroughly enjoyed going to them, because something always happens, all action, late dramas. Sonny not being there will be strage. That's worth noting, especially with his record against City. What will it be like without him, particularly in the fixture!"

Finally, how do you think this will play out?

Browny: "I want to see goals. It will be interesting how City will be. I think Spurs will be very consistent. Expectations levels are high. Can City be title contenders? Can they take control of this game? This is their first real test."

Last time at the Etihad...