Manchester City Predicted XI vs Tottenham: Injury Updates and Tactical Choices | OneFootball

Manchester City vs Spurs: Latest Team News and Predicted XI

Manchester City face a crucial Premier League clash against Tottenham on Wednesday evening, with Pep Guardiola’s side hoping to bounce back after a tough defeat to Liverpool. As City look to challenge for the title, they will be eager to get back to winning ways, but their squad remains plagued by injuries. Here’s the latest team news, injury updates, and a predicted starting XI for Manchester City ahead of their trip to North London.

Haaland’s Availability Still Uncertain

One of the key talking points ahead of the game is the fitness of Erling Haaland. The prolific striker has been sidelined recently due to a knee injury picked up in City’s 2-0 victory over Newcastle on February 15. Haaland was left out of the squad completely for the defeat to Liverpool, and although he was an unused substitute against Real Madrid in the Champions League, Guardiola is still unsure if the Norwegian will be available to face Spurs.

“Tonight, we will know it after training. I hope so but I don’t know yet,” Guardiola stated in his pre-match press conference. “He feels better but the last two games he could not play. We’ll see tomorrow.” While Haaland’s return would be a major boost for City, Guardiola may have to make a decision at the last minute. If Haaland fails to recover in time, Guardiola may be forced to deploy another striker, such as Omar Marmoush, who could fill in after Phil Foden’s struggles in the false nine role against Liverpool.

Defensive Concerns and Injury Updates

At the back, Manchester City are facing a number of significant injuries. John Stones is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a thigh injury, with surgery potentially on the cards. Meanwhile, Manuel Akanji is also set for an extended absence, after undergoing surgery that will keep him out for two months. The loss of both players leaves Guardiola with a defensive headache, but Ruben Dias, who made a return from injury against Liverpool, is expected to start against Spurs.

Guardiola could also be tempted to make changes in defence, with January signing Abdukodir Khusanov potentially making way for Dias in the starting XI. However, with Stones and Akanji out, City will need their remaining defensive players to step up and maintain solid form.

Midfield and Forward Options

Midfield has also been a cause for concern, with Rodri out due to long-term injury. Guardiola is likely to call on Ilkay Gundogan or Bernardo Silva to take up a more prominent role in midfield, with Kevin De Bruyne potentially dropping out of the starting XI after a quiet display against Liverpool. Gundogan, in particular, has been in good form this season and could be relied upon to provide stability in the middle of the park.

Photo: IMAGO

Up front, with Haaland’s availability uncertain, Foden could be deployed as a central forward once more, though his struggles against Liverpool may lead to a rethink. If Haaland is unavailable, Guardiola may look to his other attacking options, including Marmoush, to lead the line against Spurs.

Predicted Manchester City XI vs Tottenham

With a number of key players missing, Pep Guardiola will have to make some important decisions for the trip to Tottenham. Here’s how Manchester City could line up:

Predicted XI:Ederson, Lewis, Dias, Ake, Gvardiol, Gonzalez, Gundogan, Savinho, Foden, Doku, Haaland

Injured: Akanji, Stones, RodriDoubts: Haaland, Bobb

Date & Time: 7:30pm GMT, Wednesday, February 26, 2025Venue: Tottenham Hotspur StadiumHow to Watch: TNT Sports

With both teams in need of a strong performance, Manchester City’s squad will be under pressure to deliver. The absence of several key players means Guardiola will need to rely on his remaining stars to ensure that City leave North London with a crucial three points.