In a highly anticipated FA Cup fourth-round clash, Tottenham Hotspur faces defending champions Manchester City in an exciting North London showdown on Friday.
Tottenham narrowly beat Burnley 1-0, earning them a clash with the treble winners who dominated Huddersfield Town 5-0 in the third round.
Match preview
With no European competition and an early EFL Cup exit, the FA Cup is Tottenham’s best chance for silverware after a 16-year drought. Pedro Porro’s spectacular goal against Burnley extended Spurs’ home winning streak to four matches.
After a less convincing win over Burnley, Tottenham faced Manchester United in the Premier League. The Lilywhites drew 2-2, missing an opportunity against a struggling United side. Tottenham hasn’t suffered a fourth-round FA Cup exit since 2018-19.
Tottenham hasn’t been goalless at home since March 2023, but Friday’s match against reigning champions City will be their first FA Cup home tie since 1952.
City, aiming for back-to-back FA Cup titles, started with a 5-0 win over Huddersfield Town. Despite a challenging match against Newcastle, Kevin De Bruyne’s brilliance secured a 3-2 victory for City.
City faces a challenge at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where they’ve lost all five games without scoring a goal.
Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City form:
Tottenham Hotspur FA Cup form: W
Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions): W W L W W D
Manchester City FA Cup form: W
Manchester City form (all competitions): W W W W W W
Team News
Tottenham misses Pape Sarr, Yves Bissouma, and Son Heung-min due to international commitments. Injuries sideline Scarlett, Veliz, Lo Celso, and Davies. Maddison and Solomon may return, while Kulusevski and Sessegnon are expected back.
For City, Ederson’s condition is uncertain, likely leaving Ortega in goal. Haaland is not expected to return. Stones and Akanji face doubts, with Akanji potentially making the squad.
Possible starting lineups:
Tottenham Hotspur: (4-2-3-1)
Vicario;
Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie;
Hojbjerg, Bentancur;
Johnson, Kulusevski, Werner;
Richarlison
Manchester City: (4-2-3-1)
Ortega;
Walker, Dias, Ake, Gvardiol;
Rodri, Kovacic;
Silva, De Bruyne, Foden;
Alvarez
Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 2-2 Manchester City
Expect an action-packed game, reminiscent of their six-goal clash in December. Tottenham’s midfield issues may give City an edge, but a replay might be needed to determine the fifth-round qualifier.