Manchester City prepares for a crucial encounter against Tottenham Hotspur on February 1, 2026, with key players returning to the lineup. Newly signed Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi are set to feature after missing the Champions League match against Galatasaray due to eligibility issues. The addition of these players is timely as City looks to bounce back following Arsenal’s victory over Leeds.
Team Updates and Injury News
Head coach Pep Guardiola will have the opportunity to select his squad after missing the pre-match press conference due to personal reasons. The absence of Rodri, who was suspended for the Galatasaray match, is resolved as he rejoins the starting lineup. Meanwhile, Jeremy Doku will be sidelined for over two weeks with a calf injury, adding to Guardiola’s selection challenges.
After being benched last weekend against Wolves, Erling Haaland returned to form by scoring against Galatasaray and is expected to start against Spurs. Rayan Cherki’s impressive performance in the previous match positions him for a starting spot, which could push Omar Marmoush to the bench. The midfield also sees competition, with Rodri and Bernardo Silva likely to feature, while Phil Foden and Tijjani Reijnders vie for the final slot.
In terms of defense, Ruben Dias is nearing a return but will not be ready for this match. Abdukodir Khusanov is expected to partner with Guehi in central defense. Nico O’Reilly, who performed well against Wolves, may take on the left-back role, though Rayan Ait-Nouri and Nathan Ake are available alternatives. Other players such as John Stones, Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovacic, and Savinho remain unavailable due to injuries.
On the topic of Doku’s injury, Guardiola’s assistant, Pep Lijnders, commented, “It’s similar to his last injury. Only that time it was lateral; this one is at the centre. It was 18 days. I think this time it will be a little shorter as he’s a robust player.”
Predicted Lineup and Match Details
The predicted lineup for Manchester City is as follows, in a 4-3-3 formation: Donnarumma; Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, O’Reilly; Silva, Rodri, Foden; Cherki, Haaland, Semenyo.
Fans can look forward to a thrilling match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 16:30 local time. The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, providing an opportunity for supporters to witness the latest developments in City’s campaign.
As the Premier League season progresses, this match represents a significant test for both teams, with City aiming to maintain pressure at the top of the table. The return of key players could prove pivotal in their quest for points against a resilient Tottenham side.
