Dan Godfrey

Tue 25 February 2025 21:57, UK

Harry Redknapp has weighed in with his verdict as his former side Tottenham Hotspur host Manchester City.

A Spurs side who have recently improved on their previous dismal league form host Pep Guardiola’s men who have faltered by their own standards this campaign in a hotly-anticipated Wednesday night clash (26 February).

Spurs have won their last three on the bounce in the Premier League while opponents Man City were outclassed by league leaders Liverpool on Sunday (23 February), with many unable to predict the outcome of the contest.

Redknapp makes Haaland call for Tottenham showdown

Redknapp clearly still keeps very close tabs on the Tottenham side he managed between 2008 and 2012, memorably qualifying for the Champions League during the 2009-10 season with the likes of Gareth Bale and Luka Modric in tow.

While Spurs have far from hit those heights this term – and City not guaranteed a Champions League spot just yet either – the 77-year-old has made his call on the game, and it depends on one man.

Erling Haaland has missed his team’s last two outings, but could be fit to return at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium; Redknapp believes his appearance could tilt an entertaining game in the visitors’ favour.

“This could be an absolute thriller! Tottenham have now won three league games in a row and are slowly climbing back up the table. They’ve been getting some of their players back, but this will be a good indicator of where this squad is,” the ex-Spurs boss explained to BetVictor Casino.

“Manchester City just didn’t really look like scoring against Liverpool on Sunday, it’s where this team is at the minute. I know a lot of people question how little Erling Haaland is involved in the play but one thing’s for certain, they have so much more threat with him in it. I could see anything here.

“I just think City will get the win, but Spurs have been a little bit of a bogey side for Pep Guardiola of late. A lot will rest on Haaland’s fitness. I like Omar Marmoush but Haaland would make such a difference. Tottenham 2-3 Manchester City.”

Spurs defence must shut out Haaland and Marmoush

Whether Haaland plays or not, Tottenham must be fully alert not just for the prolific Norwegian but also Marmoush, as Redknapp suggested.

The Egyptian striker has taken to the Premier League like a duck to water since joining City from Eintracht Frankfurt, hitting a hat-trick against Newcastle United in their 4-0 win on 15 February.

Marmoush also had a ruthless finish disallowed against Liverpool for a marginal offside, which denied Guardiola’s men an equaliser while the forward’s compatriot Mohamed Salah once again ran the show.

Haaland will of course be a major factor in how City approach the game, but Tottenham must prepare for every scenario. They played their cards exquisitely in the reverse fixture which no Spurs fan will forget in a hurry.

If they can harness the football they played in the 4-0 battering of the champions at the Etihad Stadium on 23 November, the world can be their oyster in this game if the supporters can provide a raucous atmopshere.