Preview: All to know as Spurs host Man City in FA Cup 4th round
The FA Cup fourth-round match between Manchester City and Tottenham is expected to be an exciting one.
A spot in the fifth round is up for grabs, and both teams, having enjoyed nearly two weeks off due to the winter break, have renewed their fascinating rivalry.
Spurs appear to be City’s worst enemy despite their dominance in English football for the better part of a decade.
The teams have a long-standing rivalry dating back to 1909 when they first played each other in the FA Cup for the first time. Manchester City has been playing more dominantly lately, having won their last five games and allowed just three goals in their previous 17 goals scored.
In the past eight games, Manchester City has scored 25 goals, compared to 16 goals scored by Tottenham in the last seven games. The last meeting between these two teams resulted in a 3-3 draw.
TOTTENHAM VS MANCHESTER CITY TEAM NEWS
Giovani Lo Celso will likely miss the match, but James Maddison will be available for Tottenham after nearly three months away. Son, on the other hand, is in Doha with South Korea playing at the AFC Asian cup. Although centre backs Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero are first picks, January addition Radu Dragusin may start.
Maddison will support Richarlison in the middle while Dejan Kulusevski, who has a strong scoring record against City, returns from Illness .
Due to their absences for the Africa Cup of Nations, midfielders Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr will not be available. Ryan Sessegnon, Alejo Veliz, and Manor Solomon, are still not with Spurs too.
After several months on the sidelines, Kevin De Bruyne maintains he is still not match fit, but he could start the game for City. Haaland is not available for selection once more.
Ederson and John Stones are fit, but Manuel Akanji and the cup keeper are, Stefan Ortega might start.
TOTTENHAM vs MANCHESTER CITY TIME AND VENUE
Kick-off date is Friday 26th January, 2024.
Kick-off time is 9pm WAT
Venue is Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Referee will be Paul Tierney
TOTTENHAM PREDICTED STARTING LINE-UP
Vicario, Udogie, Dragusin, Emerson, Porro, Bentancur, Skipp, Johnson, Kulusevski, Richarlison and Werner
MANCHESTER CITY PREDICTED STARTING LINE-UP
Ortega, Ake, Gvardiol, Akanji, Walker, Rodri, Kovacic, Foden, Silva, Doku, and Alvarez.
TOTTENHAM VS MANCHESTER CITY PREDICTION
Two of the best teams in England will square off in this FA Cup match, which should be an exciting clash. Both teams want to advance. Tottenham’s home advantage and recent additions may be important factors, though Manchester City’s current form and attacking prowess make them the favourites for this match
We say 1:3 in favour of the visiting team.
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