
Man City’s bogey team?
Manchester City have won just four of their last 12 matches against Tottenham, while Spurs have won two of their last four visits to the Etihad in the Premier League.
That includes a stunning 4-0 win last November, as City endured a remarkable winless run under Pep Guardiola.
Tottenham, of course, are now led by Thomas Frank, who defeated City at the Etihad as Brentford boss in November 2022.
Jamie Braidwood23 August 2025 10:25
Pep Guardiola gives fitness updates on Rodri and Phil Foden ahead of Tottenham test
Rodri missed most of last season with an ACL injury and then damaged his groin at the Club World Cup, ruling him out of much of City’s preseason.
A setback in his recovery meant he also sat out last weekend’s Premier League opener against Wolves, which City won 4-0, but Rodri is available for the game against Spurs – as is Phil Foden, who missed the match with a fitness issue.
“Rodri and Phil, last game, they were out for a lack of training and rhythm,” Pep Guardiola said. “They are ready for tomorrow.”
Guardiola hailed Rodri, who won the 2024 Ballon d’Or, as the “best player in the world”.
Jamie Braidwood23 August 2025 10:12
Thomas Frank sends strong message after Eberechi Eze transfer snub
Thomas Frank has said he only wants to sign players who are desperate to play for Tottenham, after Eberechi Eze snubbed the club for Arsenal.
The blow leaves Frank with few attacking options. Richarlison scored two goals against Burnley last weekend and is set to continue in attack at Manchester City on Saturday, while new signing Mohammed Kudus made an impressive league debut. Mathys Tel and Brennan Johnson are also options on the wings, and Dominic Solanke is fit, but injuries to James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, and the departure of Heung min-Son, leave Spurs short of resources.
Jamie Braidwood23 August 2025 10:11
Man City set to welcome back Rodri
Manchester City are set to welcome back Rodri and Phil Foden for the visit of Tottenham as Pep Guardiola confirmed he will make a late decision over whether to restore Ederson in goal.
Rodri and Foden missed City’s 4-0 win at Wolves in an impressive start to their Premier League campaign but Guardiola revealed the midfield pair are in contention to feature in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off.
Their only absentees are Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovacic and Savinho, who has been linked with a move to Spurs, with Ederson available again after illness ruled him out of last weekend’s trip to Molineux.

Jamie Braidwood23 August 2025 10:10
Good morning
Hello and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of Saturday’s early kick-off between Manchester City and Tottenham.
Both sides started off with impressive wins but face a tough test in their second game of the season, with City the early favourites to grab a win over Thomas Frank’s new-look Spurs side.
And we’ll have all the latest team news and updates right here.
Chris Wilson23 August 2025 10:07