If last summer’s theme was turning the page, this summer was about writing the next chapter. The setting, tone, and main characters are known, but now begins the quest to actually build on this story. 2023/24 was filled with highs and lows, but it mostly felt like exposition: moving away from Harry Kane, introducing a new style of play, new faces throughout the starting XI. The expectations are more firmly in focus heading into 2024/25, even if not every twist is yet revealed.
Ange Postecoglou won over his players — and the supporters — quite quickly last year, and Tottenham Hotspur is certainly his club now. Though no one is expecting a Premier League title, forward progress is a requirement and a top-four battle is certainly within view heading into this new season. Growth is not linear, and while a substantial leap up the table is unlikely, there is a world where this club makes some serious waves. Either way, it all gets started Monday night in Leicester.
Leicester City (prev: EFL 1st) vs. Tottenham Hotspur (prev: 5th)
Date: Monday, August 19
Time: 3:00 pm ET, 8:00 pm UK
Location: King Power Stadium, Leicester
TV: USA Network (USA), Sky Sports Main Event (UK)
Leicester City spent its one-year absence from the Premier League as well as it could have, winning the Championship, as it did during the club’s last stay in the second division. The Foxes will really have to fight to stay afloat this season though, with or without a points deduction. With Enzo Maresca leaving for Chelsea, the sale of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and modest incoming transfers, it is difficult to see this season going too well.
There have been plenty of wild matches between these two clubs in recent memory, and the prior two battles are no exception. Heung-Min Son’s substitute hat trick in a 6-2 win in September 2022 was mostly a false dawn, but it still featured some quintessential bangers from the now captain. Meanwhile, a 4-1 defeat in the reverse fixture against a future relegation side was representative of the Antonio Conte fallout...but hey, at least James Maddison scored in both contests?
Starting from the bottom
Steve Cooper comes to Leicester with plenty of work in front of him. Realistically, there is only so much that can be done with limited quality across the roster, but that just puts an even greater emphasis on the tactics. Expect the Foxes to sit back and attempt to make life difficult for the Spurs attack. Low blocks have been a challenge for Tottenham, and this is the home side’s best route for a result.
When Leicester does successfully defend, the plan will be to hit back on a counter. The biggest incoming transfer is Bobby De Cordova-Reid, who scored six goals for Fulham last year. He and Abdul Fatawu, who joins Leicester full time after a loan stint last year, will be the ones responsible for carrying the attack when possible. Tottenham’s defense was imperfect last season, but look for a more disciplined effort to start the new year.
Going madd
Dominic Solanke’s arrival gives Postecoglou an ostensible two-deep across the front three, but question remains about the No. 10 depth. Much seemingly falls on the shoulders of James Maddison, who struggled to replicate his early season successes following injury trouble. Fittingly, the new campaign starts in his old home, and how he looks out the gate will say a lot about Tottenham’s prospects for the season.