It Had to Be Haaland! The Norwegian Puts the Cityzens Ahead!

This Wednesday, February 26, 2025, Tottenham Hotspur will host Manchester City at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London for Matchday 27 of the Premier League. This encounter is pivotal for both teams: Tottenham aims to extend their winning streak, while Manchester City seeks to bounce back from recent setbacks and maintain their European aspirations.

Match Context

Tottenham Hotspur, led by Ange Postecoglou, has shown remarkable improvement, securing three consecutive Premier League victories, including a 1-0 win over Manchester United. This streak has revitalized their campaign, positioning them 12th in the standings. However, the coach has opted to rest Ben Davies for this fixture, preserving him for key upcoming matches. Meanwhile, Timo Werner has recovered from a thigh injury and is available for selection.

On the other hand, Manchester City, managed by Pep Guardiola, is going through a challenging period after being eliminated from the UEFA Champions League by Real Madrid and suffering a home defeat to Liverpool. These setbacks have raised concerns about the team's consistency, as they currently sit in 4th place. Adding to their worries, Erling Haaland's participation remains uncertain due to a knee issue. Although he trained without discomfort, his inclusion in the starting lineup will depend on further assessment.

Tottenham has won two encounters against Manchester City this season, including a commanding 4-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium, where James Maddison starred with a brace. This favorable record boosts Spurs' confidence heading into this match.

Key Players to Watch

Tottenham Hotspur:

• Son Heung-min – The South Korean forward remains a crucial figure in Spurs' attack, contributing 15 goal involvements this season despite speculation about a shift toward younger players.
• Brennan Johnson – The young forward has been in fine form, netting a brace in his last match, making him a constant threat to opposing defenses.

Manchester City:

• Phil Foden – With Haaland potentially missing out, Foden could take on a more significant attacking role. His versatility and ability to create chances make him a key player.
• Kevin De Bruyne – The Belgian playmaker is integral to City's midfield, and his vision could be the difference-maker in breaking down Tottenham’s defense.

Match Details & Broadcast Info

Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Kick-off Time: 2:30 PM ET / 11:30 AM PT