Premier League team news and prediction: Man City vs Tottenham
Manchester City could be as many as eight points clear at the top of the Premier League by Saturday night if they beat Tottenham. Pep Guardiola's side look destined to reclaim the title but Jose Mourinho is an expert at ruining parties.
Ahead of the latest meeting between two of the modern greats of management, we have all your need-to-know matchday information in one place, including team news, probable XIs, scoreline prediction and where to catch the game.
When is kick off?
Saturday 13th February, 17:30 GMT
Where is the Match?
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Where can I watch it?
Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports Premier League
Form Guide
Manchester City set a new English top-flight record in midweek after recording their 15th straight victory in all competitions with a 3-1 win away to Swansea in the FA Cup fifth round. Pep Guardiola's side are back to their best after a stuttering start to the campaign and have impressively kept 10 clean sheets from those 15 triumphs.
Tottenham lost 5-4 to Everton after extra-time in their FA Cup fifth round tie on Wednesday and have lost three of their last four in the Premier League. Sheffield United have won as many Premier League matches as Tottenham in 2021.
Team News
Manchester City are sweating on the availability of key duo Rodri and Ruben Dias after the former limped off against Swansea injured and the latter missed out altogether through illness. The absence of both, or even one, would add an interesting plot twist to this fixture. With them both it's hard to see City dropping points on current form. Kevin De Bruyne and Sergio Aguero remain sidelined, with Phil Foden ready to take centre stage once again after his man of the match display against Liverpool last weekend.
Losing in extra-time is the last thing Jose Mourinho would have wanted as preparation for this tough game. Gareth Bale looks set to miss out once again for the away side, though he wouldn't have started anyway. Harry Kane is at least back to full fitness for the away side, but Mourinho has decisions to make behind him. He has admitted Eric Dier is suffering a lack of confidence, while he is yet to nail down a regular partner for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in midfield. Matt Doherty is on standby if Serge Aurier is not fit enough.
Probable XIs:
Man City (433): Ederson, Cancelo, Stones, Dias, Zinchenko; Silva, Rodri, Gundogan; Mahrez, Foden, Sterling
Tottenham (4231): Lloris; Aurier, Alderweireld, Rodon, Davies; Hojbjerg, Sissoko; Bergwijn, Ndombele, Son; Kane
Key Battle: Raheem Sterling vs Son Heung-Min
Raheem Sterling is the most in-form player in the Premier League heading into the weekend, according to our unique rating system, with Ilkay Gundogan second and Phil Foden third. Sterling has scored in three straight matches and in four of his last five, while also supplying an assist in that time. The 26-year-old has played a direct hand in 12 goals in 20 league appearances this season and has stepped up more recently with City playing without a recognised striker.
In order for Tottenham to get any joy on Saturday, Jose Mourinho will bank on the deadly duo of Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min combining as they did in the reverse fixture and as they have done all season. Son has been assisted by Kane for nine of his league goals this season, while Son has assisted Kane for four of his. Eight of Son's 13 league goals this season have come on the road and he will need another dazzling performance to help inspire Tottenham to a positive result on Saturday.
Scoreline Prediction: Man City 3-1 Tottenham