Guardiola v Conte: Who’s had the upper hand as Manchester City face Tottenham?

Only 11 managers have guided their side to Premier League glory, and two of them - Pep Guardiola and Antonio Conte - meet this weekend when Manchester City face Tottenham Hotspur.

The two head coaches began their careers in England in the same year, but it was Conte who adapted to the Premier League quickest when his Chelsea side won the title in 2016/17, the pair’s maiden campaign in the Premier League.

But since then, it’s a division Guardiola and City have largely dominated, winning three of the four titles since Conte’s success.

The managers have also jointly amassed a hugely impressive 14 league titles in their careers, with triumphs in Spain, Germany and Italy as well as England.

In previous meetings the managers have shared the wins equally, with Chelsea claiming a league double over City in 2016/17. That was the first time in Guardiola’s managerial career that an opposition coach had beaten him home and away in the league in a single campaign.

But the Catalan responded impressively the following season, winning both of his encounters 1-0 against Conte, as City racked up 100 points.

It means it’s two wins apiece for the managers from their four previous meetings, and the victorious manager has always gone on to secure top spot.

That’s something which only Guardiola can hope for this season, with City nine points clear in first place, while Spurs are languishing in eighth.

The North London side also head into the clash on the back of three consecutive losses, but City are unbeaten in 15 league games.

However, should Tottenham come away from the Etihad with three points, they will equal a record in Guardiola’s Premier League career.

To date, the 51-year-old has lost four of his previous meetings with Spurs, including the opening weekend of the season. Guardiola has only been beaten more often in the English top flight by one opponent, Chelsea, with five losses from previous encounters.

So a Tottenham victory on Saturday would see them draw level with their London rivals, and would put a dent in City’s title aspirations.