Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur: Big Spenders Clash in Early Premier League Test
Two of the Premier League’s biggest summer spenders collide this weekend as Manchester City host Tottenham Hotspur, with both sides looking to put last season’s struggles firmly behind them.
The Etihad Stadium showdown arrives in just the **second round of fixtures**, yet it already feels like a litmus test for two clubs aiming to re-establish themselves among England’s elite.
How did they fare last season?
City endured an uncharacteristically turbulent campaign in 2024/25. Pep Guardiola’s men stumbled out of the gates, lost their grip on the title race early, and only managed to scramble into the Champions League spots with a late surge.
Tottenham’s struggles were even more severe. They slumped to a finish just one place above the relegation zone, leading to Ange Postecoglou’s dismissal and the appointment of Thomas Franck. Spurs did, however, salvage their season with a surprise Europa League triumph, defeating Manchester United in the final to secure a Champions League berth.
Opening weekend form
Both clubs started this campaign strongly.
Man City dismantled Wolves 4-0 away, with Erling Haaland scoring twice, Tijjani Reijnders starring on debut with a goal, and substitute Rayan Cherki also getting on the scoresheet.
Spurs cruised past Burnley 3-0 at home, Richarlison bagging a brace before Brennan Johnson wrapped up the points.
Summer signings
City once again invested heavily, with spending passing the £300m (\$402m) mark across the year. Their standout additions include:
Tijjani Reijnders (midfield dynamo, already shining)
Rayan Aït-Nouri (left-back from Wolves)
Sverre Nypan and Rayan Cherki (creative talents)
Goalkeepers James Trafford (ex-City academy, via Burnley) and Marcus Bettinelli.
Spurs also splashed out, making eight signings. The headline arrival is Mohammed Kudus from West Ham for £55m (\$73.8m), joined by Mathys Tel from Bayern for £40.2m (\$53.9m) as they look to replace Son Heung-min, who left for LA. Defender Kevin Danso arrived from Lens to bolster a leaky back line.
Recent meetings
The sides shared contrasting fortunes last season:
February 2025 (North London): City edged a 1-0 win through Haaland.
November 2024 (Etihad): Spurs stunned the champions with a 4-0 rout, James Maddison scoring twice. That win followed Spurs’ 2-1 League Cup victory over City earlier in the season.
Historically, this will be the 165th meeting between the clubs. City have won 69, Spurs 68, with their first clash dating back to an FA Cup tie in 1909.
Team news
Manchester City
Out: Mateo Kovacic, Kalvin Phillips (Achilles), Savinho (injury).
Back in contention: Rodri, Ederson, Phil Foden, and Josko Gvardiol all returned to training after missing the Wolves game.
Tottenham Hotspur
Out: James Maddison, Radu Dragusin, Dejan Kulusevski, Bryan Gil, Manor Solomon, Kota Takai.
Doubts: Yves Bissouma and Destiny Udogie will be assessed after missing the Burnley win.
Predicted lineups
Man City: Trafford; Nunes, Stones, Dias, Aït-Nouri; Bernardo, Gonzalez; Bobb, Reijnders, Marmoush; Haaland
Spurs: Vicario; Danso, Romero, Van de Ven; Porro, Bentancur, Palhinha, Spence; Sarr, Kudus; Richarlison
What to expect
City looks sharper and deeper after last season’s wobble, with Reijnders already making a big impact. Spurs, meanwhile, are rebuilding under Franck and have dangerous new attacking weapons in Kudus and Tel, though Maddison’s absence could hurt.
Given recent history, this fixture has been unpredictable — but with both sides refreshed and reloaded, it could be an early Premier League classic.
