Premier League analysis: Man City vs Tottenham - five key battles and score prediction

Premier League football returns and there is a cracker to get us back up to speed on Saturday night (5.30pm kick-off), when defending champions Manchester City host Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium.

Tottenham beat City in the Carabao Cup at the end of October and have a good record against the men from Manchester in recent years.

This fixture last season produced a classic as they could not be separated in a 3-3 draw.

Here, Sports News Blitz writer Jon Shea takes a look at five key battles in the much-anticipated match-up - and gives a score prediction.

Erling Haaland vs Radu Dragusin

Erling Haaland is still comfortably in the lead for the Premier League’s Golden Boot with 12 goals already.

However, the Norwegian only has one in his last five games, mirroring his team's recent dip.

He did get back up to speed during the international break, scoring four goals including a hat-trick against Kazakhstan.

Many struggle to deal with the power and ruthlessness of the Manchester City forward, and it is up to Romanian hardman Radu Dragusin and co to do so.

Tottenham are expected to be without Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven due to injuries the pair picked up in October, meaning Ange Postecoglu is likely to start a makeshift pairing of Ben Davies and Dragusin.

Dragusin has not played a lot of football this season - but he did play the full 90 against City in the cup as centre-back so he will be well aware of the challenges they pose.

READ MORE: Swansea City vs Leeds United: Five key battles and score prediction

Kyle Walker vs Heung-Min Son

Heung-Min Son has been a regular thorn against Man City, with eight career goals against them - but he effectively won City the league last year, missing a huge chance late on in Tottenham’s defeat in May.

He has been one of the most consistent performers in the Premier League, with his blistering speed and deadly finishing.

He has had a dip this season with just three goals, but he poses a threat to any defence when he is on it.

Kyle Walker has struggled to deal with the South Korean in the past, but he has the capabilities to deal with any winger thanks to the blistering pace that he possesses.

Savinho vs Destiny Udogie

Savinho looks like another gem that Pep Guardiola has found.

He is a very tricky player with an immaculate first touch, while also having an eye for creativity, and at just 20 years old we may be in store for years of Savinho magic.

He will cause havoc for many defenders this season, and Destiny Udogie is the next man who has to try and live with the Brazilian.

Udogie has been a mainstay in the Tottenham defence, starting all 11 of Spurs’ league matches and averaging a 7/10 this season.

He is a very consistent performer in Spurs’ side and does have the qualities to be a very good right-back, and has made himself undroppable in the team.

The Italian full-back will have to use all his qualities to deal with a player like Savinho, who could give him a torrid time.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Premier League betting tips: Jamie Vardy to see yellow, Darwin Nunez to sink Saints

Kevin De Bruyne vs Yves Bissouma

Kevin De Bruyne’s season has been blighted by his injuries once again - but when he is playing, he is arguably the best player in the league.

De Bruyne has ridiculous passing ability which we have seen for many seasons as well as a special connection with the man up top; Erling Haaland.

When he came back from injury last season it certainly gave Manchester City a boost in their attack and City need that boost again.

If he is back and fully-fit, he can be a very hard customer to deal with.

Yves Bissouma has been shining this season - after many question marks against his transfer fee last season, he has answered them emphatically.

He is a leggy midfielder who gets about the grass well and can break up play. He also has an eye for a goal as he has shown from his deep midfield role.

But he will have to be at his absolute best to keep De Bruyne quiet.

Pep Guardiola vs Ange Postecoglou

This is the fifth meeting between these two managers in just over a year since Tottenham appointed the Australian.

Guardiola has struggled against Tottenham in the past, having only scored their first goals at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last season.

Postecoglou has the most recent win as mentioned, but Guardiola was unbeaten against him last season across three competitions.

Guardiola is on the worst losing streak of his entire career, with City having lost their last four games.

This is unfamiliar territory for him and his side but when you begin to doubt Man City, they usually put together a run towards a league title.

They are struggling without Rodri in midfield, as the hole the Ballon d’Or winner has left is yet to be filled - and Man City do look gettable at times, so you’d imagine Spurs will cause them problems.

Tottenham have a huge problem with consistency, beating Villa comfortably one week and then losing to Crystal Palace the next.

They do have a very attractive style of play that has been implemented - but it can leave them very open at times.

Postecoglou has called for consistency in the performances and will want to get back to winning ways, but he will be without their two best defenders again, so it’s a big task.

Score prediction: Manchester 3 Tottenham 1

READ NEXT: Autumn internationals 2024: Score predictions for England, Scotland and Wales