Tottenham Predicted Line-Up against Manchester City

As the 2025-26 Premier League season heats up, Tottenham Hotspur face a stern test against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. Coming off a triumphant UEFA Europa League victory last season and a strong start to the new campaign, Spurs are looking to build momentum.

A fan-predicted lineup shared by @COYS_com on X has sparked discussions among supporters, proposing an aggressive 4-3-3 formation that could either unlock City's defense or leave Tottenham exposed.

My team against Man City. Thoughts? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/CGbf3bmQVb

— COYS.com (@COYS_com) August 22, 2025

Recent Form and Context

Tottenham's summer has been transformative. After securing their first major trophy in 17 years by winning the 2024-25 UEFA Europa League with a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the final, courtesy of Brennan Johnson's decisive goal, Spurs entered the new season with renewed confidence. They followed this up with a spirited performance in the UEFA Super Cup against PSG on August 13, 2025, where they drew 2-2 before losing 4-3 on penalties despite late goals from the French side.

The Premier League opener saw Tottenham dominate Burnley with a 3-0 home win, highlighting the impact of their new signings. Manchester City, meanwhile, are eager to rebound from a disappointing third-place finish last term and have also bolstered their squad significantly.

The Predicted Lineup: A Closer Look

Our Predicted Line-up (Shown Above), has Spurs in a 4-3-3 formation, however, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Thomas Frank revert to a 5-3-2 like he did in the Super Cup Final vs PSG.

• Goalkeeper: Guglielmo Vicario
• Defenders: Djed Spence (left-back), Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Pedro Porro (right-back)
• Midfielders: Pape Matar Sarr, João Palhinha, Rodrigo Bentancur
• Forwards: Brennan Johnson (left wing), Richarlison (striker), Mohammed Kudus (right wing)

This setup contrasts with the back-five system deployed against PSG in the Super Cup, which provided extra defensive solidity. Opting for a back-four could expose the flanks to City's dynamic wingers, but it allows for more attacking freedom.

Key Players and Tactical Insights

• Defense: With regular left-back Destiny Udogie sidelined due to a minor hamstring issue from the Super Cup, Djed Spence steps in at left-back, showcasing tactical flexibility. The central pairing of van de Ven and Romero remains a rock-solid foundation, while Porro's overlapping runs on the right could be crucial for creating width.
• Midfield: João Palhinha, on loan from Bayern Munich with an option to buy for £27m, anchors the midfield in a defensive role. His impressive average of 4.2 tackles per game from his Fulham days provides cover for the advancing Sarr and Bentancur. This trio blends tenacity, creativity, and energy, potentially disrupting City's midfield control led by Rodri.
• Attack: Mohammed Kudus, who joined from West Ham on July 10, 2025, starts on the right wing, bringing his dribbling prowess and chance creation—having notched 12 big chances in his final West Ham season. Brennan Johnson on the left and Richarlison up top complete the front three. Richarlison, after injury-hit campaigns, has shown improved form in pre-season, scoring key goals.

This lineup emphasizes counter-attacking speed and directness, ideal for exploiting transitions against a possession-heavy City side.

Contrasting Predictions and Expert Views

While this prediction favours a 4-3-3, many previews suggest manager Thomas Frank might stick to a 3-5-2 or back-five for added protection against City's attack. For instance, Sports Mole anticipates a back-three with Kevin Danso included.

On the City side, predictions include new signings like James Trafford in goal and Rayan Aït-Nouri at left-back, with Erling Haaland leading the line. Pep Guardiola's side is expected to dominate possession, making Tottenham's defensive resilience key.

Match Details and Outlook

Both teams have invested heavily this summer, with Tottenham aiming for a top-four finish following their Europa success. A positive result here could signal Spurs' intent to challenge the elite.

In a league where fine margins decide outcomes, this predicted lineup represents an ambitious statement from Tottenham. Whether Frank opts for it remains to be seen, but it underscores the squad's growing depth and versatility.