The Premier League is back in action and we have a big match right from the start. Tottenham, under new management, will be looking to improve on a seventh-placed finish last season. Meanwhile, Man City will be looking to get their pursuit of a sixth Premier League crown off to a perfect start. All the spotlight will be on Spurs striker Harry Kane. The striker only returned to training on Friday as he tries to force a move to Sunday’s opponents.
When: Sunday, 15th August, 4:30 PM (BST)
Where: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London
How to watch in India: The match will be broadcasted on Star Sports Select 1/HD, and streamed on Hotstar VIP
Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City: H2H
Played: 48
Tottenham: 25
Draw: 7
Manchester City: 16
Opta Stats
- Manchester City have lost their last three away games against Tottenham in all competitions – against no side has manager Pep Guardiola lost four away games in a row in his managerial career. Indeed, Guardiola’s four away defeats to Tottenham is the joint-most he’s suffered as a manager (level with Chelsea and Liverpool).
- Spurs lost 1-0 against Everton in their opening league match last season, last losing such matches in consecutive seasons in 2011-12 (0-3 vs Manchester United) and 2012-13 (1-2 vs Newcastle United).
- Manchester City have won their first league match of the season in each of their last 10 top-flight campaigns stretching back to 2011-12, the joint-longest such run in top-flight history alongside Aston Villa between 1891-92 and 1900-01.
- Among managers to take charge of at least four matches on MD1 in Premier League history, Man City’s Pep Guardiola is the only manager to win all such games, winning five out of five while seeing City score 14 goals across those games.
- Since joining Tottenham, Heung-Min Son has only scored more goals in all competitions against Southampton (11) than he has against Manchester City (6). The South Korean has scored in all three of his appearances against the Citizens at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Team News
New boss Nuno Espirito Santo will have Japhet Tanganga back fit after picking up an injury in the last pre-season friendly. New signing Christian Romero is doubtful, but the biggest decision will be on Harry Kane, whether he features or not.
For Man City, Jack Grealish could be in contention to make his debut for the club. EURO and Copa America stars Kyle Walker, Raheem Sterling, Ederson, Gabriel Jesus and John Stones returned to training this week. Kevin De Bruyne (ankle) and Phil Foden (foot) are ruled out.
Prediction
Man City have won each of their last 10 opening day fixtures. The last time they didn’t win on the opening day was against Spurs. But times have changed drastically since then. Man City have 5 Premier League titles now and are the team to beat. On the other hand, it will be a managerial debut for Nuno Espirito Santo at Tottenham. While he has had some success in the past against Pep Guardiola, with a new team and new players, and in his first match, we really don’t know what to expect. It’s hard to look beyond an away win.
Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Manchester City