Here at last. Spurs preview

And so it is back to the nitty gritty of the actual game! Such is this era of supporting City that we no longer enter a season wracked with trepidation and doubt - we enter it fresh with dreams and confidence - perhaps the highly desired "winning mentality" is reaching us too? My excitement for the trip down to London tomorrow morning is bubbling up just writing about it.

As first games of the season go, it couldn't be much tougher for City. This fixture last season (the one that sealed Hughes' fate) was perhaps the most outplayed we'd been all season. We looked blunt, hopeless and out-fought all over the pitch. So, where better to test our mettle.

It should be more open than the Champions League decider - where a top defensive display courtesy of King and Dawson snuffed out City's threat. Yet, City's failings that day have been addressed - a lack of creativity has been answered by Silva (should he be ready), someone to change defence into attack has been answered in Yaya Toure, and some flank protection has been facilitated by Kolarov and Boateng.

Mancini gave a small hint that the team that started the Valencia game would be the one to face Tottenham, but it depends a little on the fitness of the late arrivals: Silva, Boateng, de Jong and Tevez. Rather unhelpfully, Spain's friendly was played in Mexico on Wednesday night (with Silva scoring the last minute equaliser), so whilst he would naturally be first choice at the head of the diamond, his fitness may delay his competitive debut.

The BBC are tipping Given to win the battle for number one, however it seems quite open to me at the moment and difficult to call. Given is the established player, but Mancini has spoken a lot about the importance of a group of young players growing with the club - and Hart would obviously fit this mould. He would also answer our weakness on crosses - as he displayed ably for England this week. Hart seems to be the overwhelming fan's favourite on the many polls across the internet, but obviously this guarantees him nothing.

Possible team, 4-1-2-1-2:

Hart

Richards, Boateng, Kompany, Kolarov

De Jong

Yaya Toure, Barry

Silva

Tevez, Adebayor

This is the team that started against Valencia and should offer us the solidity needed for the Tottenham game. If Silva is not fit, I think we could see a change of system, with Adam Johnson playing in a wide role. There is obviously also scope for Boateng to play at right-back, with club-captain Kolo Toure coming in for Micah.

It is a stern test to start the season but, whatever happens, it is great to be back!