<p><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/epl/predictions/matchweek-2-betting-predictions-2025-26">EPL matchweek two</a> brings us something special - City hosting Spurs at the Etihad in a match that's about so much more than three points.</p> <p>The opening weekend told two different stories. City absolutely battered Wolves 4-0, looking like the machine we remember from their dominant years. Spurs quietly dismantled Burnley 3-0, and there was something ruthlessly efficient about how Thomas Frank's side went about their business.</p> <h2>City Get Their Key Men Back</h2> <p>Pep's got his wish - Foden and Rodri are both available after missing the Wolves thrashing. Getting Rodri back feels massive, especially against a Spurs side that will look to hit City on the break. The Spaniard's ability to snuff out danger before it develops could be crucial here.</p> <p>Rodri's journey back from that nasty knee injury has been carefully managed, but having your Ballon d'Or winner fit and firing changes everything about how City can approach this match.</p> <p>The injury list isn't completely clear though. Kovačić is still struggling with those Achilles issues, and new boy Savinho remains out. Losing Gvardiol hurts their defensive options, but at least Ederson's over his illness and ready to go.</p> <h2>Spurs' Nightmare Injury List</h2> <p>Frank's inherited an absolute mess on the injury front. Losing Maddison feels particularly brutal, and when you add Kulusevski, Drăgușin, Gil, Solomon, and Takai to the casualty ward, Frank's basically having to rebuild his entire game plan.</p> <p>That's a lot of creativity and quality missing from a squad that will already be underdogs.</p> <p>Udogie and Bissouma are racing against time to prove their fitness, which adds another layer of uncertainty to Spurs' preparation. Sometimes these situations force teams to raise their game, but just as often they expose the lack of depth.</p> <h2>Two Managers, Two Philosophies</h2> <p>The contrast between Frank and Postecoglou couldn't be starker. Where Ange wanted chaos and high lines, Frank prefers structure and discipline. His Brentford teams were masters at frustrating bigger sides before hitting them with lightning-quick counters.</p> <p>That approach has historically given City problems. They hate teams that sit deep, press intelligently, then spring forward with pace. Frank knows this, and he'll have studied every second of that 4-0 victory from last season.</p> <p>City's £300 million summer spending spree shows they're serious about getting back to the top. Reijnders, Marmoush, and Khusanov give Pep options he didn't have when things went wrong last season. But integrating new players while bringing Rodri back to full fitness? That's a delicate balancing act.</p> <h2>Manchester City vs Tottenham Prediction</h2> <p>There are plenty of angles to explore in this clash, especially when checking the <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/united-kingdom/english-premier-league/man-city-v-tottenham-9524974">Manchester City vs Tottenham betting odds</a> here at Sportsbet.</p> <p><strong>Under 2.5 goals</strong>, for example, seems like a possible outcome. Spurs are missing their main creative threats, while City have tightened up defensively with their new signings. This won't be the goal-fest many expect.</p> <p>Draw No Bet on Tottenham could offer value, especially for punters backing a team with serious psychological advantages at this ground. They've won here before, they know they can do it again, and Frank's the kind of manager who can organize a smash-and-grab performance.</p> <p>Both teams to score - No could be another pick to consider. If Frank goes ultra-defensive and City struggle to break down a well-organized block, we might see a frustrating afternoon for the neutrals but a profitable one for those who back the under markets.</p> <p>For goalscorer bets, it may make sense to stick with City's proven performers. Haaland looked sharp against Wolves, and with Spurs' defensive options limited, he should get chances.</p>