Tottenham Hotspur host Manchester City in the FA Cup fourth round. Betting.com bring you all of the information you need ahead of the kick off.
- Date: Friday January 26 – 20:00 GMT
- Location: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London
- Teams: Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City
Tottenham look to take advantage of superb record against City
Tottenham have an excellent record against Manchester City since the opening of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. City have visited five times in all competitions they have lost all five and have not managed a single goal. The last meeting between the two sides, in the Premier League at the Etihad Stadium saw a pulsating 3-3 draw.
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham are playing an exciting brand of football which has put them in the thick of the race for European competition. However, despite their excellent record against City in recent years, Ange Postegoglou will know that his side face a tough task.
Pape Sarr , Yves Bissouma and Son Heung-min are all unavailable due to international call-ups. Dane Scarlett (unspecified), Alejo Veliz (knee), Giovani Lo Celso (thigh) and Ben Davies (thigh) all look set to miss out, however, James Maddison (ankle) and Manor Solomon (knee) are close to a return and may be involved. Dejan Kulusevski (illness) and Ryan Sessegnon (thigh) both missed the draw at Manchester United, however, should be fit to return. Micky van de Ven was forced off the field at Old Trafford, however, this was simply due to cramp.
As for the holders, Guardiola was forced into an unwanted goalkeeping alteration in the early exchanges of his side’s triumph over Newcastle, as Ederson came off worse in a collision with Sean Longstaff and was swiftly replaced by Stefan Ortega.
Updates on Ederson’s condition have been scarce, but Ortega will most likely retain possession of the gloves for Friday’s game, where Erling Haaland (foot) is not expected to make his comeback after suffering a small setback in his rehabilitation.
Defensive duo John Stones (ankle) and Manuel Akanji (knock) also have question marks hanging over their heads, although Guardiola stated earlier this month that the later might be in with a chance of making the matchday squad on Friday.
Manchester City
After dropping a number of points in the run up to Christmas, City appear to be back in form. Pep Guardiola’s side have been boosted by the return to action of Kevin de Bruyne and the FA Cup holders will be looking to push their poor record against Spurs to one side and ensure progress to the fifth round in their quest to retain the trophy.
Goalkeeper Ederson was injured against Newcastle United and was replaced by Stefan Ortega. It is likely that Ortega will continue in goal against Spurs with it being a cup match, whether Ederson is recovered or not. At the time of writing, it is not certain how long the Brazilian will be out. Erling Haaland (foot) is unlikely to be risked after he suffered a small setback in his rehab. Defenders John Stones (ankle) and Manuel Akanji (knock) are doubtful.
Prediction
Tottenham are strong at home and have a great record against City. However, City are in superb form and I expect them to come away from North London with some sort of result. I expect a win for City. More cautious punters might want to go double chance on City, given. Equally, if you were to correctly back a Spurs win the odds would prove more favourable so given the recent history it may be worth a speculative punt.
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, UK
I do, however, feel that City will progress to the next round, even if they require a replay. I am tipping them to put recent poor results at this venue behind them and get the job done on the night. Away win.
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