Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur – Combined XI | OneFootball

Manchester City face Tottenham Hotspur in a Premier League lunchtime showdown on Saturday.

Both sides made brilliant starts to the new campaign, securing emphatic opening-day wins last weekend. Another victory today will put either in a strong position to start the campaign positively.

Ahead of their clash at the Etihad, we’ve picked our Manchester City and Tottenham Combined XI.

Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur – Combined XI

Goalkeeper: James Trafford – Manchester City

Last season’s PFA Championship Players’ Player of the Year, after a record-breaking season at Burnley, Trafford has returned to Manchester City this summer.

Still just 22, the 6ft 6in shot-stopper has huge potential and produced an encouraging debut at Wolves last weekend.

Right-back: Pedro Porro – Tottenham Hotspur

A former product of the Manchester City academy, Pedro Porro has flourished since leaving Manchester. Since joining Spurs in 2023, the Spaniard has become one of the Premier League’s most effective attacking outlets. City, in contrast, lack an established senior right-back.

Centre-back: Cristian Romero – Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham have tied down Cristian Romero to a new contract in a huge boost. Atletico Madrid had targeted the World Cup winner, who has been a pivotal part of Argentina’s dominance on the international stage.

At his best, he’s one of the league’s leading defenders.

Centre-back: Micky van de Ven – Tottenham Hotspur

We’ve opted for an all-Spurs centre-back pairing, with Van de Ven and Romero a brilliantly complementary pair. The Dutchman adds blistering recovery pace and confident carry in possession to Romero’s robust approach and penetrative passing. Keeping that duo fit this season will be essential for Thomas Frank.

Left-back: Josko Gvardiol – Manchester City

A bright light in a relatively down season for Manchester City last term. Gvardiol was named the club’s Player of the Season after being a rare consistent presence in an up-and-down season.

The bullish defender’s long-term future is perhaps centrally, but he’s been impressive at full-back with charges forward and spectacular goals.

Midfield: Rodri – Manchester City

If Pep Guardiola believes Rodri is the best player in the world, who are we to disagree? The Spaniard’s return from a long-term injury might be bigger than any signing made by Premier League teams this season.

Midfield: Bernardo Silva – Manchester City

Bernardo Silva has entered his ninth season at Manchester City, and there’s good reason he remains a Pep Guardiola favourite. Silva is silky in possession and never stops running, with the Portugal international appointed captain this season.

Midfield: Tijjani Reijnders – Manchester City

What a player, what a debut! Reijnders made a huge impression on his first appearance for Manchester City last weekend, scoring a debut goal and being hugely involved in two more at Wolves. Last season’s Serie A Midfielder of the Year already looks like one of the best signings of the summer window.

Right-wing: Phil Foden – Manchester City

Phil Foden endured a down season last term by his sky-high standards. But even a forgettable campaign brought 13 goals and some brilliant moments.

City will hope to coax the very best back from Foden this season, with the 25-year-old having been untouchable in 2023/24.

Left-wing: Rayan Cherki – Manchester City

Another new arrival at the Etihad, Rayan Cherki, came off the bench to mark his debut with a goal at Wolves.

The Frenchman is a wonderful talent, full of flair and unpredictability. He’ll have defenders second-guessing all season.

Forward: Erling Haaland – Manchester City

A goalscoring phenomenon. Haaland started the season as he usually does, with two goals on the opening weekend.

It’s now 21 goals in just 12 appearances in the Premier League in August, as the Norwegian started with a bang.

He’s targeting a fourth consecutive campaign with 20+ goals in the Premier League and third Golden Boot this season. It would be a brave person to bet against him.

Read – Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur – Match preview and team news

See more – Premier League: Eight talking points ahead of the weekend

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