Not surprisingly, there’s plenty of talk in the media ahead of the build-up to the game, with pundits making their predictions and special praise for Raheem Sterling from a former City and England star.
And there’s also a fascinating catch-up with former City coach Domenec Torrent who is now in charge at our sister club New York City FC.
Predictions
BBC – Lawrenson tips City to edge it
Mark Lawrenson: “Tottenham were pretty unimpressive until the final 20 minutes of their win over Aston Villa, but that doesn’t matter - they got the win, which is what the top teams do when they don’t play well.
“City were a lot more like their usual selves in their big win against West Ham, but I am expecting a much tighter game here because Spurs have got the weapons to hurt them on the break.
“I still expect Pep Guardiola’s side to win, but it is not going to be straightforward.”
Lawrenson’s prediction: 2-1
SkySports - Nicholas backs ‘mind-blowing’ City
“It’s a cracking game again I loved the Manchester United game against Chelsea, the way the game unfolded and how expansive it was. This is one of those games.
“There is a spark in my brain that questions where Mauricio Pochettino thinks he is? It is a judgement of where his team is at. What team will Pep Guardiola pick?
“Christian Eriksen came off the bench last week and helped, but do they change the system or format? I think there are issues at Tottenham, but it is not the manager’s making.
“I see problems here for Tottenham. Man City, with Sterling having scored a hat-trick away from home, are mind-blowing.
Nicholas’s prediction: 4-1
Opinion
Daily Mail – Tottenham test a challenge for City
Tom Farmery: “There are perhaps only a handful of sides who can test City. Tottenham are absolutely one of those sides.
“It is what makes this match-up exciting. City won’t be dominant, they won’t stroll about knowing the opposition will struggle to hurt them, and they will, at times, be vulnerable.
“Raheem Sterling started the season brilliantly, scoring three of City’s five goals. Expect him again to be the player looking to pin back Tottenham’s defence. Tottenham’s issues in the full-back areas could help provide clear methods to goal for City.
“And don’t forget Sergio Aguero, who scored against West Ham, didn’t start last time out.
“Guardiola, no doubt, will have targeted the Tottenham game as the one where Aguero gets his first start of the season.
Manchester Evening News – Guardiola to make selection statement
Simon Bajkowski: “Pep Guardiola has transformed the City squad over a number of transfer windows to turn one of the oldest sides to one of the youngest to back up his words about building a team for success long after he has gone.
“At the same time, when the Blues were at their lowest ebb in the title race last season he turned to their most experienced leaders as Vincent Kompany, Sergio Aguero, and David Silva hauled them past Liverpool over the line.
“For the first home game of the season, the manager has at least two big decisions that can make a statement about his intentions for the season: Does the in-form Gabriel Jesus, 22, get the nod over 31-year-old and record goalscorer Aguero?
“And is new boy Rodrigo, 23, ready to be plunged into the starting XI for such a big game with 34-year-old veteran Fernandinho itching for a game?
“City will need all of their squad over the course of the season but Saturday’s teamsheet will give an early nod of how Guardiola intends the balance between youth and experience to play out.”
www.footballtransfertavern - Sterling a class apart, says Sinclair
Stephan Georgiou: “Former Manchester City midfielder Trevor Sinclair has heaped praise on Raheem Sterling, highlighting the devastating effect of the winger’s pace when reviewing City’s performance against West Ham at the weekend.
“Speaking on TalkSPORT, Sinclair felt that aside from Sterling’s finishing qualities, it is his pace that will make him a tricky customer for many a defender this season – and expects the England man to rack up a hefty amount of goals in the coming year as a result.
READ: Guardiola | More to come from game-changer Mahrez
WATCH: Fernandinho’s versatility will be key, says Guardiola
“He said: “Raheem is so good. Forget about his finishing and the way Manchester City play. Raheem can reproduce sprints time and time again in behind the back four.
“Now, unless you’re genetically set up where you can compete with that, I almost feel because they’ve got such good control in the midfield, if he times that run right, he’s almost impossible to mark – so I’m expecting him to score big numbers this season.”
From the coaches
TottenhamHotpsur.com – Pochettino: Spurs face a massive challenge
Mauricio Pochettino: “City are so impressive, a solid team, well-organised with a lot of quality. In the last few years they have showed their quality and it’s going to be a massive challenge for us at the Etihad. It’s tough - for both sides - and we’ll give our best and try to get a good result.”
“It’s always about quality and we need to show our best quality if we want to beat a team like Manchester City. You need to be at your best collectively and individually. You know very well that you face a team that is so talented.
“I always look forward to it (facing Pep Guardiola), yes, it’s good to face him. That means we are in the race. It’s always a pleasure to face someone who, for me, is the best coach in the world.”
sportwitness.co.uk – ‘Guardiola could be the best coach in history’
Sean Lunt: “Current New York City coach Domenec Torrent has worked with Guardiola throughout his career, following him from Barcelona B to Manchester City.
“Last summer saw a parting of the ways, though, as Torrent decided to leave the Etihad and start up his managerial career with New York City FC.
“His love for Guardiola has not diminished in their absence, though, and Torrent did not hesitate to enthuse about the Manchester City boss in an interview with El Diario New York.
“In a short time he has become the best coach in the world and possibly will be the best in history,” he said.
READ: Sterling’s Premier League half century
WATCH: West Ham 0-5 City | Extended highlights
“It was a total joy to work with him. “I have learned more from him than he did from me, but he will say no because he is a very person generous.”
“I don’t know if fate will bring us together again, but he knows that if he calls me, I’ll go,”he added.
“I am grateful in life, and I know that I owe everything to him; If I hadn’t been his assistant, I wouldn’t be here.
“I like being a manager, and I will only stop being it if Pep thinks I can be useful in any way.”
