'Never in a million years': Paul Merson predicts who'll win between Man City and Tottenham this evening
Today at 05:15 AM
Tottenham Hotspur return to Premier League action this weekend as they head to Manchester City for a 5:30pm kick-off.
Spurs have shown they can beat anyone convincingly on their day, as they did at Manchester United and against Aston Villa.
However, Tottenham have also fallen to shock defeats against teams they were favourites to beat, such as Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town.
The Lilywhites will be eager to silence their critics when they head to Man City, a team they have already beaten once before this season.
Tottenham knocked Pep Guardiola's side out of the Carabao Cup recently and, while the hosts will be stronger this time, Spurs will still be hopeful lightning can strike twice.
Paul Merson has now given his thoughts on the upcoming fixture between Man City and Tottenham, including who he thinks will win.
READ MORE: Midfield 'magician' wanted by Tottenham and Manchester United tells his club he's leaving in 2025
Paul Merson backs Manchester City for narrow win over Tottenham
Merson, writing on Sportskeeda, admits that Man City aren’t at the same level as they previously were in terms of hammering opponents.
However, he also says he doesn’t expect the Citizens to lose five in a row and, combined with Tottenham being “Spursy”, he predicted a 2-1 home win.
"If someone would have said to me at the start of the season that City would lose four games in a row, I would have said never in a million years! Yet, here we are," he said.
"It doesn't get any easier for them this weekend, Tottenham are a tough opponent. But then again, Tottenham are Spursy. Who would have thought they would get beat by Ipswich?
"Still, it wouldn't shock me if Spurs get a result here simply because Manchester City have not been Manchester City for a while now.
"Since the draw against Newcastle, barring the wins over Slovan Bratislava and Sparta Praha, City have not wiped the floor with anyone like we are used to seeing.
"I just can't imagine them losing five in a row, that's why I'm going for a City win here. But I can assure you it won't be an easy win.
"Tottenham have history of getting results against City, it goes back a long time. I remember them getting a result under Harry Redknapp to qualify for Europe, thanks to a goal from Peter Crouch.
"So it's a tricky game. There is no pressure on Tottenham this week and if they click, I think they have a chance. That's why I say I wouldn't be shocked if Spurs get a result."
Man City v Spurs team news
Man City’s injury crisis has eased somewhat after the international break and there are multiple potential boosts for Guardiola.
Defenders John Stones, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake could all come back in the picture after injury.
Meanwhile, the likes of Jeremy Doku, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish have all trained this week after withdrawing from international duty.
Mateo Kovacic, Ruben Dias, Rodri and Oscar Bobb are all sidelined for Guardiola, who recently penned a new Man City contract.
As for Tottenham, they now face being without their two first-choice centre-backs for the trip to the Etihad Stadium.
Cristian Romero has been ruled out of Saturday's game with a foot problem, joining Micky van de Ven on the sidelines.
Richarlison, Mikey Moore and Wilson Odobert also remain out, while Rodrigo Bentancur is suspended.
