Tottenham Hotspur Starting XI vs Man City: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup

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·23 August 2025

Tottenham Hotspur Starting XI vs Man City: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup

Tottenham face Man City test with tactical shift on the cards

When Tottenham walk into the Etihad Stadium on Saturday lunchtime, it will not just be another Premier League fixture. It will be a test of ideas, of resilience, and of whether Thomas Frank’s Spurs can bend to the rhythm of Pep Guardiola’s Man City without breaking.

Formation dilemma at the Etihad

Frank has been clear that his side must be flexible. “I treat every game a little bit different, but it’s definitely in my mind the 3-5-2,” he admitted ahead of the clash. “It’s [also] definitely in my mind the 4-2-3-1 and I will take a decision on what we do and you’ll see that tomorrow.”

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The last time he turned to a back three, against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup, Spurs were 2-0 up on the Champions League holders with minutes to spare. It was a reminder that this squad, even without its brightest playmakers, can hold shape and strike. Against Man City, that discipline could prove essential.

Key absences and midfield energy

James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski remain out, stripping Spurs of creativity. With Eberechi Eze not arriving in the summer, it falls to Pape Matar Sarr to inject energy into midfield. Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha are expected to return, their experience crucial in stifling City’s passing carousel.

Frank’s defensive trio of Kevin Danso, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven will also be central to the plan. Behind them, Guglielmo Vicario faces what may be his busiest afternoon of the season.

Attack led by Richarlison

Richarlison, fresh from a brace against Burnley — one of which was a scissor kick of audacious brilliance — is set to lead the line again. Dominic Solanke continues to edge towards full fitness, but the Brazilian’s form makes him difficult to drop. Mohammed Kudus is expected to shift into a central role, offering Spurs another dimension in attack.

Injury picture

There is some encouragement on the fitness front. “Destiny is better,” Frank confirmed of Udogie. “He’s trained with the team twice, full trainings, and also other trainings. Just too short to be involved for City.” Yves Bissouma, Radu Dragusin, and James Maddison remain sidelined.