Tottenham vs. Manchester City: FA Cup 4th Round Match Preview

An epic main event will spearhead the FA Cup fourth round on January 26, 2024, as the defending EPL, FA Cup, and UCL champions, Manchester City, will travel to England’s capital for a scheduled clash versus Tottenham Hotspur. 

Both teams enter the fixture in fine form, and as the Premier League winter break is underway, we can expect 100% fitness at both ends of the pitch once these squads return to action. 

Spurs want to continue their positive record of four wins, one draw, and one defeat in their last six games in all competitions, while the Citizens strive to maintain a seven-game undefeated streak. 

Tottenham vs. Man City: Form Guide

Both teams started 2024 by progressing to the fourth round of the FA Cup. City defeated Huddersfield 5-0, while Ange Postecoglou’s men emerged as 1-0 victors over Burnley.

Nevertheless, the Lillywhites have encountered some challenges, and Postecoglou’s team was close to being forced into a rematch in the FA Cup by a determined Burnley unit. However, a remarkable goal by Pedro Porro ensured a secure advancement to the next stage for the prominent team from the capital. 

Tottenham achieved a narrow victory against the Clarets, marking their fifth win out of six matches in all competitions. They ended 2023 with an impressive 3-1 triumph over a strong Bournemouth team, bringing them within one point of fourth-placed Arsenal. Tottenham then levelled Arsenal on EPL points (40) this weekend with a hard-fought tie against Manchester United, as their rivals had an early break from competitive play.

Tottenham: Previous 6 Matches 

Before their challenging visit to Tottenham Hotspur in the fourth round later this month, Pep Guardiola’s team aimed to secure the maximum number of points in front of an enthusiastic St James’ Park crowd this past weekend. They sought to narrow the five-point gap previously separating them from the Premier League leaders, Liverpool. And they accomplished this goal, albeit with a sweat.

Overcoming a disadvantage in the first half (2-1), the match concluded with a decisive goal from Oscar Bobb in the 90th minute (+1), securing Guardiola’s victory against the Tyneside team (2-3).  

After a difficult spell in late 2023, Manchester City has improved their performance drastically in the past several weeks. They have won all six of their recent games in various tournaments, with a combined score of 20-3.

With that said, the most significant match of the FA Cup fourth round will see the reigning champions, City, visit the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. They have encountered difficulties at this venue since its inauguration. City has suffered defeat in all five encounters and competitions at this ground and has been unable to find the back of the net on any occasion.

Manchester City: Previous 6 Matches 

Tottenham vs. Man City: Head-to-Head  

Tottenham vs. Man City: The Betting Odds  

Spurs 33/10 

Man City 4/5 

Draw 3/1 

It is improbable that Manchester City, having won the treble, would be fearsome of any opponent in the FA Cup fourth round. However, visiting the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium brings them as close to that scenario as possible.

In recent years, Pep Guardiola’s squad has virtually dominated every competition except N17, where they have suffered defeats and failed to score in each of the previous five visits.

I suppose if one man can buck that trend, we’d be looking towards the odds on Erling Haaland this season. But even Guardiola’s superstar has had a slower season than last, and Spurs continue to be the kryptonite of City in recent years.  

Ange Postecoglou’s squad is 10/1 to win the FA Cup for the first time since 1991; if they do, the club will have completed a 16-year drought without a trophy.

Tottenham vs. Man City: Prediction  

A fully fit Tottenham squad, who have a propensity for scoring against Man City, may be regarded by many as the favourites for this match; however, Postecoglou’s squad is decimated by international call-ups and injuries, and they may have to wait to extend their North London dominance over Guardiola’s unit. 

In addition to the timely returns of several crucial players from injury, the Citizens have rediscovered their rhythm. In light of this and their recent outstanding form, I am confident that we will be treated to another high-scoring drama analogous to the six-goal brawl that transpired between these two teams at the Etihad Stadium in December.

We shouldn’t expect either club to take this game lightly, and after 90 minutes, a 2-2 scoreline wouldn’t surprise me whatsoever.   

Tottenham vs. Man City Best Bet: Both Teams to Score/Yes @ 13/20

Tottenham vs. Man City Best Betting Value: Draw @ 3/1 

Tottenham vs. Man City Score Prediction: 2-2