Man City line-up vs Tottenham predicted as surprise midfield solution is found and defence improves

Manchester City return to Premier League action tonight as they host Tottenham at the Etihad Stadium.

Pep Guardiola’s side find themselves in unfamiliar territory, having lost their last four matches.

However, the international break brought some relief, with Guardiola signing a new two-year deal and injured players making their way back to training.

The optimism has been tempered by the loss of Mateo Kovacic, who is set to miss up to a month after picking up an injury while playing for Croatia.

With Rodri out for the season, Kovacic had been filling in effectively in midfield, and his absence presents Guardiola with a selection dilemma.

John Stones, recently back in training, could be called upon to step into midfield, a role he has executed impressively before.

However, it would be a tough ask for someone who has been sidelined with a foot injury. Ilkay Gundogan is likely to partner him, providing defensive cover and ball distribution.

Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden are fit again and expected to feature, while Jack Grealish could offer vital ball retention.

Kevin De Bruyne, still working his way back to full fitness, may be saved for the midweek clash against Feyenoord.

Up front, Erling Haaland will lead the line after an impressive international break with Norway.

Defensively, Rico Lewis could start on the right, while Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji are likely to anchor the centre-back positions, with Josko Gvardiol at left back.

Predicted XI: Ederson; Lewis, Akanji, Stones, Gvardiol; Stones, Gundogan, Foden; Grealish, Bernardo, Haaland.