Manchester City are aiming to end their four-game losing streak and close the gap on table toppers Liverpool on Saturday when they host Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.

For the first time in his managerial career, Pep Guardiola – who has recently agreed a new contract at the Etihad – has overseen four straight defeats in all competitions, a run which started at the hands of Tottenham in the Carabao Cup fourth round. Disappointing losses to Bournemouth, Sporting CP and Brighton & Hove Albion followed as the defending Premier League champions find themselves in the midst of a rare crisis.

Currently five points behind Liverpool at the Premier League’s summit, the Cityzens must return to winning ways this weekend, but will have to conquer bogey side Spurs in order to do so. The Lilywhites have proven a thorn in City’s side over recent years, winning four of the last ten meetings.

Spurs are enduring their own sticky spell, however, with back-to-back defeats having dented confidence. The 3-2 loss to Galatasaray could be mitigated by a much-changed XI but there were simply no excuses for the 2-1 home defeat to struggling Ipswich Town last time out.

Here is 90min’s guide to a crucial clash at the Etihad.

Man City vs Tottenham H2H Record (Last Five Games)

Current form (all competitions)

The November international break came at a good time for Man City and Guardiola, who should have a number of players available after injuries. Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and John Stones missed teaming up with England but could all be available for Spurs’ visit.

Elsewhere, Manuel Akanji, Jeremy Doku, Matheus Nunes, Nico O’Reilly and Jahmai Simpson-Pusey all withdrew from their respective international squads. It remains to be seen how many will be available at the weekend but Akanji has been pictured in training.

Mateo Kovacic was a casualty of the international break, picking up an injury that is set to leave him sidelined for the next three to four weeks. Kevin De Bruyne could be drafted in to replace the Croatian in what would be a first start in over two months.

Rodri, Ruben Dias and Oscar Bobb are guaranteed to miss out, while centre-back Nathan Ake is a significant doubt after being unable to jet off on international duty with the Netherlands due to fitness concerns.

Man City predicted lineup vs Tottenham (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Walker, Stones, Akanji, Gvardiol; De Bruyne, Gundogan; Silva, Foden, Savinho; Haaland.

Ange Postecoglou has confirmed Cristian Romero won’t feature at the weekend after aggravating a previous foot injury on international duty with Argentina. The South American’s centre-back partner Micky van de Ven has been ruled out with a hamstring issue, too.

Wilson Odobert and Richarlison are both missing with hamstring problem of their own in the forward line but young Mikey Moore should return to the squad after struggling with illness.

Rodrigo Bentancur is suspended in midfield after he was handed a seven-game ban for racist comments made about Tottenham skipper Son Heung-min. Tottenham have appealed the ban but the Uruguayan is unavailable this weekend.

Tottenham predicted lineup vs Man City (4-3-3): Vicario; Porro, Dragusin, Davies, Udogie; Kulusevski, Bissouma, Sarr; Johnson, Solanke, Son.

Could a five-game losing run really be on the cards for Man City? Well, we don’t think so and we’re backing the reigning champions to bounce back having been able to reset over the international break.

Guardiola should welcome back some key personnel for the visit of Spurs and De Bruyne’s presence in the starting XI could be instrumental – as could playing in front of a home crowd for the first time in four matches.

Spurs have enjoyed recent trips to the Etihad but defensive injuries and their general porousness at the back should allow Erling Haaland and co to rediscover some form.

Prediction: Man City 3-1 Tottenham

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