Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur: Premier League Match Preview (23 August 2025, 13:30 BST)
Match Overview
The Premier League serves up a blockbuster Saturday afternoon encounter as Manchester City host Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium. Both teams are looking to build on winning starts to the 2025/26 campaign, making this one of the weekend's most eagerly awaited fixtures.
- Manchester City are fresh from a 4–0 thrashing of Wolves, where Erling Haaland netted a brace and new signing Tijjani Reijnders shone with a goal and an assist.
- Tottenham Hotspur started life under new manager Thomas Frank with a resounding 3–0 win over Burnley. Richarlison scored a fine double—an overhead kick was the pick of the goals—while newcomer Mohammed Kudus registered two assists.
With firepower at the front on both sides, fans can expect a hard-hitting, high-scoring encounter.
Kick-Off, Venue & Where to Watch
- Date: Saturday, 23 August 2025
- Kick-off: 13:30 BST (12:30 UK time), 07:30 ET, 15:30 EAT
- Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
- Live Broadcasts:
- UK: TNT Sports, Sky Sports, Discovery+ app (UHD)
- USA: USA Network, Fubo TV, NBC Sports coverage
- Global: Check Premier League official site for listings.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Manchester City
- Injuries/Out: Mateo Kovacic, Josko Gvardiol, Savinho.
- Returns: Rodri and Phil Foden are fit again; Ederson is fighting to return in goal.
- Likely XI: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Stones, Aït-Nouri; Rodri, Reijnders, Silva; Foden, Haaland, Nico González.
Tottenham Hotspur
- Unavailable: Destiny Udogie, Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Radu Dragusin.
- Key Picks: Frank may go with a five-man defence to suffocate City, with Richarlison upfront, supported by Kudus and Bentancur.
- Likely XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Emerson; Palhinha, Bentancur; Kudus, Johnson, Son; Richarlison.
Key Storylines to Watch
- Haaland vs Spurs' Defence – The Norwegian is already in top gear; Tottenham's reshuffled backline has a massive test.
- Reijnders' Impact – City's latest midfield signing excelled on debut. Can he dominate against elite opposition once more?
- Richarlison & Kudus Link-Up – Spurs' new-look attack clicked instantly. Everyone will be watching to see if Kudus can exploit City's high line.
- Guardiola vs Frank Tactical Battle – Pep's front-foot flexibility vs Frank's back-foot solidity setup will shape the game.
- Expected Goals – The last four Etihad meetings between these two teams have produced 21 goals. Another thriller in the offing.
Recent Head-to-Head (H2H Stats)
- Last 5 Meetings in All Competitions:
- Man City wins: 3
- Tottenham wins: 1
- Draws: 1
- Last Meeting at Etihad: Manchester City 3–2 Tottenham (Feb 2025).
Expert Predictions & Odds
- Evening Standard: 2–1 Manchester City win.
- Sports Mole: 3–2 Manchester City.
- FOX Sports: City win with Over 3.5 goals (possible 4–1).
- NBC Sports: Siding with Over 2.5 goals given the attacking form of both teams.
Final Verdict
Both teams enter the match in form, but Manchester City's depth and home advantage make them slight favourites. Spurs, however, have the creativity and counter-attacking pace to trouble the champions. Drama, goals, and end-to-end action can be anticipated in this heavyweight clash.
Prediction: Manchester City 3–2 Tottenham Hotspur
External Links for More Updates
- Premier League Official Website
- BBC Sport – Manchester City
- BBC Sport – Tottenham Hotspur
- Sky Sports Football