Pep Guardiola says City will make a final decision on whether Erling Haaland is fit to face Tottenham Hotspur after Tuesday afternoon’s latest training session.

As Manchester City prepare for their pivotal Premier League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur, manager Pep Guardiola has provided an update on the availability of star striker Erling Haaland. The Norwegian forward has been sidelined for City’s previous two matches – missing both the Champions League encounter with Real Madrid and Sunday’s Premier League clash against Liverpool – after sustaining an injury during the home victory against Newcastle United.

Speaking at Tuesday’s pre-match press conference, Guardiola revealed that a final decision regarding Haaland’s fitness would be made following the afternoon training session. “Tonight, we will know it after training. I hope so but I don’t know yet,” the City manager stated. “He feels better but the last two games he could not play. We’ll see tomorrow.”

The potential return of Haaland would represent a significant boost for Manchester City as they travel to North London seeking a positive result that would enhance their aspirations of securing a top-four Premier League finish and the accompanying Champions League qualification spot for next season.

Tottenham Hotspur have experienced a season of fluctuating fortunes under the guidance of Ange Postecoglou, with their campaign similarly hampered by injuries to key personnel. However, Spurs approach Wednesday’s fixture riding a wave of momentum having emerged victorious from their previous three league encounters.

Guardiola acknowledged the formidable challenge awaiting his team at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, particularly highlighting the quality and distinctive playing style implemented by Postecoglou. “They’re a fantastic team, with individual quality,” Guardiola remarked. “The rhythm they play and intensity they do, incredible runners in the transitions but I think lately they have a few more extra passes.”

The City manager specifically noted the influence of creative midfielder James Maddison on Tottenham’s evolving approach. “They can do it especially when James Maddison plays,” Guardiola observed, suggesting a nuanced appreciation for the tactical adjustments visible in Spurs’ recent performances.

Despite Tottenham’s mixed results throughout the season, Guardiola emphasized that their overall quality transcends what their league position might suggest. “The results dictate one thing, but the opinion of the team is the opposite,” he concluded, demonstrating his respect for Wednesday’s opponents.

Manchester City have outlined comprehensive coverage options for supporters wishing to follow the fixture. The official Man City app will provide minute-by-minute text updates beginning two hours before kick-off in the Matchday Centre, while the Matchday Live show commences at approximately 18:15 (UK time).

Former City player Shaun Wright-Phillips and Keith Curle will feature as studio guests, offering expert analysis and insights before, during, and after the match. Supporters can also access live audio commentary from Alistair Mann and Michael Brown through the app, complemented by ongoing text commentary.

The club has advised fans to enable push notifications to receive alerts regarding key match events, including team news announcements, goals, and disciplinary incidents. Following the conclusion of the match, both short and extended highlights packages will be available, with a full-match replay accessible to CITY+ subscribers from midnight.

This fixture arrives at a crucial juncture in Manchester City’s season as they continue their pursuit of Champions League qualification. The potential availability of Erling Haaland could prove decisive in determining the outcome, with the Norwegian striker’s prolific goal-scoring record having been instrumental to City’s successes since his arrival.

For Tottenham, the match represents an opportunity to extend their recent winning momentum while potentially damaging the European aspirations of a direct competitor. The tactical battle between Guardiola and Postecoglou promises to be fascinating, particularly given the contrasting stylistic approaches favored by the respective managers.

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has historically presented challenges for Manchester City, adding another intriguing dimension to an already compelling Premier League encounter. With both sides possessing formidable attacking talent and the stakes remarkably high, Wednesday’s fixture has all the ingredients necessary for an enthralling spectacle of top-flight English football.

As both teams complete their final preparations, the football world eagerly anticipates this significant clash between two of the Premier League’s most technically accomplished sides, with implications that could resonate throughout the remainder of the 2024/25 campaign.

The Manchester City website highlights several related articles for interested supporters, including comprehensive information regarding broadcast details under “Where can I watch Spurs v City?” Additional content features an “Ask Me Anything” segment with Laia Aleixandri and an announcement regarding the shortlist for February’s Etihad Women’s Player of the Month award.

The most popular recent articles include Guardiola’s update on Haaland’s fitness, comments regarding new signings potentially establishing successful careers at City, Bernardo Silva’s assessment of Premier League standards being at their highest, Bruno Nunes anticipating a challenging encounter against Tottenham, and Guardiola expressing satisfaction with the progress of recent acquisitions.

These supplementary pieces provide additional context and depth for supporters seeking comprehensive coverage of Manchester City’s activities across both the men’s and women’s teams as they navigate this crucial phase of the football calendar.