Tottenham vs Manchester City Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Sunday, 1 February

Tottenham and Manchester City are set to clash in a highly anticipated Premier League encounter on Sunday, 1 February. The match will take place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, providing a thrilling backdrop for this top-tier English football showdown. As both teams vie for crucial points in the league standings, this fixture promises to be a captivating contest.

Tottenham will be looking to leverage their home advantage against a formidable Manchester City side known for their attacking prowess. With both teams boasting strong line-ups, this match could have significant implications for their respective positions in the Premier League table. Fans and bettors alike will be keen to see how these two football giants perform on the day.

Tottenham vs Manchester City Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
More than 2.5 goals in the first half	5.5

Given the attacking prowess and high tempo of both teams, our recommended betting tip is ‘Over 2.5 goals in the first half’. Tottenham’s aggressive pressing and Manchester City’s relentless attacks are expected to create an open game with numerous scoring opportunities.

• Tottenham’s high-tempo, pressing game often leads to early goals.
• Manchester City frequently converts early chances through quick combinations.
• Both teams have shown a tendency to score early, increasing the likelihood of multiple first-half goals.

Betting Odds

Tottenham are hosting Manchester City at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and the betting odds are leaning heavily towards the visitors. With Manchester City priced at 1.71, the bookmakers clearly favour them to take all three points. However, Tottenham at 4.43 could be a tempting underdog bet for those who believe in home advantage.

Betting Tip	Odds
Tottenham to win	4.43
Draw	4.07
Manchester City to win	1.71

The draw is priced at 4.07, suggesting that while City are favourites, a stalemate is not out of the question. For those looking at goal markets, considering both teams’ attacking prowess, the over 2.5 goals market could be worth exploring.

Tottenham Analysis & Past Performance

Tottenham have displayed a mixed bag of results in their recent fixtures, securing two victories, two defeats, and one draw in their last five matches. A notable performance was their 2-0 Champions League victory against Eintracht Frankfurt, demonstrating their capability on the European stage.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Eintracht Frankfurt	Tottenham	0 – 2 (Win)	Champions League	28 Jan 2026
Burnley	Tottenham	2 – 2 (Draw)	Premier League	24 Jan 2026
Tottenham	Borussia Dortmund	2 – 0 (Win)	Champions League	20 Jan 2026
Tottenham	West Ham	1 – 2 (Loss)	Premier League	17 Jan 2026
Tottenham	Aston Villa	1 – 2 (Loss)	FA Cup	10 Jan 2026

Recent Form:
In terms of attacking prowess, Tottenham average 1.60 goals per game, with Richarlison being their top scorer this season, having netted 7 goals. However, defensively, they have conceded an average of 1.20 goals per game over their last five matches, managing two clean sheets. Their defensive solidity remains inconsistent, with a need to tighten up at the back.

Tottenham’s home form has been less impressive, with only one win in their last five home fixtures, resulting in a win ratio of 0.20 at home. They currently sit 14th in the Premier League standings, with 28 points, indicating room for improvement in their league campaign. Their ability to score in four out of their last five matches is promising, yet their defensive lapses have proved costly in maintaining leads.

• WDWLL

Tottenham Suspensions & Injuries

Tottenham face a significant challenge with several key players unavailable due to injuries. Dejan Kulusevski’s absence with a knee injury until late February 2026 is a notable blow, as his creativity and pace are vital to Tottenham’s offensive play. The midfield will also feel the impact of James Maddison’s absence due to a cruciate ligament injury, with his return not expected until early May 2026. This could lead to increased pressure on Yves Bissouma and Conor Gallagher to fill the creative void.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Dejan Kulusevski	Knee injury	Late February 2026
James Maddison	Cruciate ligament injury	Early May 2026
Mohammed Kudus	Muscle injury	Mid April 2026
Richarlison	Hamstring injury	Early March 2026
Rodrigo Bentancur	Hamstring injury	Mid April 2026
Ben Davies	Ankle injury	Mid April 2026
Lucas Bergvall	Leg injury	Late April 2026
Micky van de Ven	Knock	Early February 2026

Richarlison’s hamstring injury, sidelining him until early March 2026, further weakens Tottenham’s attacking options. With Mohammed Kudus also out until mid-April 2026, the forward line lacks depth, putting the onus on Wilson Odobert and Xavi Simons to step up. Ben Davies’ absence due to an ankle injury until mid-April 2026 forces adjustments in the defensive setup, likely necessitating a more conservative approach from the back three.

The unavailability of these players could necessitate tactical adjustments from coach Thomas Frank. He may opt for a more conservative approach, focusing on counter-attacks and utilising the pace of Simons and Odobert. Given these absences, the betting markets might see Tottenham as underdogs against Manchester City, reflecting their reduced squad depth and creative options.

Tottenham Key Players

Dominic Solanke will be a crucial figure in Tottenham’s attacking lineup against Manchester City. His versatility and ability to find the back of the net make him a vital player in the absence of their top scorer, Richarlison. Solanke’s movement and finishing skills will be key to penetrating City’s defence.

In midfield, Conor Gallagher and Yves Bissouma hold significant tactical importance. Gallagher’s energy and ability to drive forward with the ball can create opportunities, while Bissouma’s defensive coverage and ball recovery skills will be essential in breaking up City’s attacking plays.

Defensively, Cristian Romero stands out with his aggressive tackling and aerial prowess. His leadership at the back will be critical in organising the defence against City’s formidable attack.

Expected lineup for Tottenham

• Goalkeeper: Guglielmo Vicario
• Defence: Kevin Danso, Cristian Romero, Radu Dragusin
• Midfield: Conor Gallagher, Yves Bissouma, Djed Spence, Archie Gray
• Forward: Wilson Odobert, Xavi Simons, Dominic Solanke

Tottenham Tactics and Formation

Tottenham Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-3
• Key Forward: Dominic Solanke
• Midfield Pivot: Yves Bissouma and Conor Gallagher
• Defensive Setup: Three-man defence with Kevin Danso, Cristian Romero, and Radu Dragusin
• Notable Strategy: High pressing and wing play through Djed Spence and Archie Gray.

Tottenham’s 3-4-3 formation under Thomas Frank is designed to offer width and balance between attack and defence. The absence of key players like James Maddison and Richarlison has necessitated a tactical shift, with Yves Bissouma and Conor Gallagher taking on pivotal roles in the midfield, focusing on ball retention and transition play.

The defensive trio of Kevin Danso, Cristian Romero, and Radu Dragusin is tasked with maintaining solidity at the back, a crucial aspect given Tottenham’s recent defensive performances, which have yielded inconsistent results with only two clean sheets in their last five matches.

Offensively, the team relies heavily on the dynamism of their wing-backs, Djed Spence and Archie Gray, to create width and support the forward line. Dominic Solanke’s presence as a central striker is vital for finishing and linking play, while Xavi Simons and Wilson Odobert add creativity and pace on the flanks.

Manchester City Analysis & Past Performance

Manchester City enter this fixture with a mixed bag of recent performances, having won three and lost two of their last five matches. Notably, they’ve secured victories against Galatasaray (2-0) and Wolverhampton (2-0), showcasing their capacity to maintain clean sheets and control matches.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Manchester City	Galatasaray	2 – 0 (Win)	Champions League	28 Jan 2026
Manchester City	Wolverhampton	2 – 0 (Win)	Premier League	24 Jan 2026
Bodoe/Glimt	Manchester City	3 – 1 (Loss)	Champions League	20 Jan 2026
Manchester United	Manchester City	2 – 0 (Loss)	Premier League	17 Jan 2026
Newcastle	Manchester City	0 – 2 (Win)	EFL Cup	13 Jan 2026

Recent Form:
City have averaged 1.40 goals per game over their last five outings while conceding an average of 1.00 goal per match. Their defensive solidity is evident with three clean sheets in this period, highlighting a well-structured backline. However, their away form has been slightly inconsistent, with a win ratio of 40% in their last five away games. Despite these fluctuations, City remain second in the Premier League standings, emphasising their overall strong season performance.

Erling Haaland continues to be a pivotal figure, having netted 20 goals this season, reinforcing City’s attacking prowess. Their tactical setup focuses on possession-based play, evidenced by a 52% possession rate in their latest Champions League win. Yet, the team must address issues in away fixtures, where they’ve struggled to maintain leads and secure wins consistently.

• WWLLW

Manchester City Suspensions & Injuries

Manchester City face a challenging fixture against Tottenham with several key players sidelined due to injuries. The absence of Rúben Dias and John Stones significantly impacts the defensive solidity that City typically rely on. Both players are expected back in early February, but their absence will force Pep Guardiola to rethink his defensive setup. Marc Guéhi and Abdukodir Khusanov are likely to step in, though they might not replicate the same level of defensive assurance.

The midfield also takes a hit with Mateo Kovačić out due to an ankle injury. His absence might see Tijjani Reijnders stepping into a more central role alongside Rodri and Bernardo Silva. This could slightly alter City’s midfield dynamics, potentially affecting their transition play.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Mateo Kovačić	Ankle injury	Early February 2026
John Stones	Muscle injury	Early February 2026
Oscar Bobb	Hamstring injury	Early February 2026
Sávio	Knock	Late February 2026
Rúben Dias	Hamstring injury	Late February 2026
Joško Gvardiol	Ankle injury	Early May 2026

Oscar Bobb and Sávio’s injuries further limit the attacking depth, although with Rayan Cherki and Omar Marmoush available, City still possess a potent forward line. The tactical adjustments necessitated by these injuries could influence City’s typically aggressive style, possibly leading to a more cautious approach against a formidable Tottenham side.

With these key absences, betting markets may see Manchester City as slightly less dominant than usual, although their depth and talent remain formidable. Punters might consider the impact of these injuries on City’s defensive and midfield cohesion when assessing potential outcomes.

Manchester City Key Players

Erling Haaland stands out as Manchester City’s top scorer with an impressive tally of 20 goals this season. His clinical finishing and physical prowess up front will be pivotal in breaking down Tottenham’s defence. Haaland’s ability to find space and his lethal presence in the box make him a constant threat, capable of altering the course of the match with a single strike.

In midfield, Rodri and Bernardo Silva are expected to orchestrate play, with Rodri providing the crucial defensive shield and Silva injecting creativity and pace. Rodri’s defensive acumen and ability to intercept play are vital for City’s transitional game, while Silva’s flair and dribbling skills can unlock defences. In defence, the presence of Marc Guéhi is instrumental in maintaining solidity, relying on his positional awareness and tackling ability to thwart Tottenham’s attack.

Expected lineup for Manchester City

• Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma
• Defence: Matheus Nunes, Nico O’Reilly, Abdukodir Khusanov, Marc Guéhi
• Midfield: Antoine Semenyo, Tijjani Reijnders, Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Rayan Cherki
• Forward: Omar Marmoush

Tactically, Manchester City’s approach will likely revolve around controlling possession and exploiting spaces, with Haaland spearheading the attack. The interplay between midfield and forward lines, facilitated by Silva’s vision, could prove decisive. The robustness of Rodri and Guéhi at the back ensures a balanced setup, making City a formidable opponent.

Manchester City Tactics and Formation

Manchester City Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-1-4-1
• Key Forward: Omar Marmoush
• Midfield Pivot: Rodri
• Defensive Strength: Three clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High possession play with quick transitions.

In the absence of key players like Erling Haaland and Jérémy Doku, Manchester City are expected to adapt with a 4-1-4-1 formation. Rodri will serve as the midfield anchor, tasked with breaking up opposition play and distributing the ball to the advanced midfielders. The presence of creative players like Bernardo Silva and Rayan Cherki in midfield allows for dynamic attacking movements.

Defensively, the team relies on the experience of Matheus Nunes and Marc Guéhi in the backline. This tactical setup has helped City maintain three clean sheets in their last five matches, underscoring their defensive stability. The inclusion of Gianluigi Donnarumma as goalkeeper further strengthens their defensive capabilities.

Offensively, Manchester City’s strategy hinges on maintaining high possession and executing quick transitions. Omar Marmoush, leading the line, is expected to capitalise on the creative support from midfielders like Tijjani Reijnders and Antoine Semenyo, aiming to exploit space behind Tottenham’s defence.

Tottenham vs Manchester City Head-to-Head Record

In their last 50 head-to-head encounters, Tottenham have secured 25 victories, while Manchester City have won 20 times, with 5 matches ending in a draw. The most recent clash saw Tottenham triumph 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League, showcasing their ability to perform on the road.

The last time these two met at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, City managed a narrow 1-0 win in the Premier League back in February 2025. Historically, Tottenham have been strong at home, but City’s recent success here could be a sign of shifting dynamics.

Home Team	Away Team	Score	Competition	Date
Manchester City	Tottenham Hotspur	0 – 2	Premier League	2025-08-23
Tottenham Hotspur	Manchester City	0 – 1	Premier League	2025-02-26
Manchester City	Tottenham Hotspur	0 – 4	Premier League	2024-11-23
Tottenham Hotspur	Manchester City	2 – 1	Carabao Cup	2024-10-30
Tottenham Hotspur	Manchester City	0 – 2	Premier League	2024-05-14