The international break came at a good time for Manchester City and the Premier League champions will be looking to get out of their rut when they return to action with a clash against inconsistent Tottenham Hotspur.
Pep Guardiola was left reeling for the first time in years as City lost four successive games in all competitions, a horror run that started with an EFL Cup loss to Spurs as Ange Postecoglou's side brought up a bet for me.
That defeat wasn't a major surprise, with the City boss resting most of his big hitters, but it was a shock to see the champions crashing to a 4-1 loss at Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League.
Bournemouth and Brighton also inflicted stunning league losses on Guardiola's side, leaving them five points behind leaders Liverpool, who are now 13/10 favourites for the crown.
Now Manchester City, boosted by the news their manager has signed a new one-year-deal, need to bounce back with a win over a Tottenham side who also went into the international break on a downer after losing 2-1 at home to Ipswich.
Postecoglou's side just can't find any consistency and if they suffer another loss at the Etihad, the Aussie might find himself coming under serious pressure for being all style and no substance.
How the bookies view it: City ready to roar again
Despite being in dismal form, Manchester City are red-hot favourites for this one at just 9/20 with Betano. Tottenham Hotspur are 9/2 outsiders and the draw pays 15/4.
Recent head to head: Will the curse strike again?
Spurs have been a bit of a bogey team for Guardiola's side, with Manchester City winning just five of the last 13 meetings. Most of the good results for Tottenham have come in London though and they've only won once in their last nine trips to the Etihad.
Players to watch: Kevin sent for Pep
One of the few positives in recent games for City was the return of talisman Kevin De Bruyne. After cameos off the bench in their last two matches, the Belgian playmaker could be unleashed from the start here. He's 85/40 with Betano for anytime scorer but an assist is more likely and that pays 13/8 at Bet365.
Dominic Solanke is showing signs of hitting top form for Spurs and will fancy his chances against a defence that has been leaking goals. The striker is 2/1 at Betano for anytime scorer.
Probable line-ups
Mateo Kovacic sit this one out for City after a knock on international duty. Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and John Stones all sat out England duty due to injuries and are doubts for this game. Guardiola is also sweating on the fitness of Matheus Nunes, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake, while Rodri, Oscar Bobb and Ruben Dias remain sidelined.
Rodrigo Betnacur starts his long suspension for racial comments while skipper Son Heung-min, Cristian Romero and Timo Werner have joined Mickey van de Ven, Richarlison and Wilson Odobert on the sidelines.
Manchester City: Ederson, Walker, Gvardiol, Ake, Lewis, Gundogan, B Silva, Savinho, De Bruyne, Foden, Haaland.
Tottenham Hotspur: Vicario, Dragusin, Udogie, Davies, Porro, Maddison, Johnson, Sarr, Bissouma, Solanke, Kulusevski.
Anything else catch the eye?
With both managers committed to attack we should always see goals when these sides collide, yet BTTS has failed to land in three of the last five meetings. Most of the thrillers have come at the Etihad, though, with five goals or more in each of the last three meetings there.
That makes me think we will see plenty of action in this one and the bookies agree, with BTTS and over 2.5 goals paying just 13/20 at Betano. There's more value in backing over 1.5 first-half goals at 20/21.
Both sides have been racking up heaps of corners so I also like over 12 flag kicks at 5/4 with Bet365. Yves Bissouma will probably replace the banned Bentancur in midfield and appeals at 13/8 for a card at Bet365 if he starts.
This English Premier League match between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur will be played on Nov 23, 2024 and kick off at 17:30. Check below for our tipsters best Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
