The Football Faithful

Tottenham vs Qarabag – Predicted lineup and team news

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

Tottenham Hotspur begin their European campaign with a home clash against Azerbaijan’s Qarabag in the Europa League on Thursday.

The North Londoners return to continental competition after a one-season absence and Ange Postecoglou – who has insisted he always win silverware in his second season – will be targeting this competition for success.

After a mixed start to the season, Spurs got their campaign back on track with a 3-1 win over Brentford in the Premier League last weekend. Dominic Solanke scored his first goal since joining from Bournemouth in a £65m deal in the summer, while Brennan Johnson and James Maddison were also on target.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Qarabag – Predicted lineup and team news

Tottenham Hotspur team news

Postecoglou is expected to rotate his team for the clash with Qarabag, given a huge fixture at Manchester United on the horizon.

Spurs travel to face their potential top-four rivals in the Premier League this weekend and the Australian will be keen to keep his key men fresh for that challenge at Old Trafford.

Richarlison’s absence means Dominic Solanke could retain his role at centre-forward, though academy graduate Will Lankshear, Timo Werner and Dejan Kulusevski are alternative options. The latter spent much of the pre-season campaign in an advanced role.

Wilson Odobert is another confirmed absentee for Spurs, while it’s unlikely Son Heung-min will feature against the team he scored his first goal for the club against in 2015.

Sergio Reguilon and Djed Spence are unavailable having not been included in the Europa League squad, following their returns from a loan spell at Genoa and Brentford respectively last season.

Tottenham Hotspur predicted line up

Tottenham Hotspur predicted XI: Forster; Gray, Dragusin, Van de Ven, Davies; Sarr, Bentancur, Bergvall; Johnson, Moore, Werner.

When is Tottenham vs Qarabag?

Tottenham host Qarabag in the Europa League on Thursday 26th September 2024. Kick-off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is 20:00 BST.

When TV channel is Tottenham vs Qarabag on?

The UEFA Europa League match between Tottenham and Qarabag FK will be available to stream live online on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate.

Read – FC 25: Everything you need to know about EA Sports’ new game

See more – 📈 Power Rankings: Surprise Serie A leaders enter

Follow The Football Faithful on Social Media:

Spurs aim to build back momentum after Brentford win

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

Tottenham Hotspur’s 3-1 win against Brentford was a much-needed one. At a time when early-season optimism was declining, three points have brought back hope for Spurs.

Ange Postecoglou has insisted it is too early to judge his side as Spurs begin their second season under his management, but an inconsistent start had increased the pressure on the Australian. With a gap opening up between the North Londoners and the top four, their come-from-behind win against Brentford can kickstart their campaign.

Key takeaways

Spurs snap winless run

Spurs snapped their run of three league games without a win after showing spirit to recover from a goal down to beat Brentford.

Bryan Mbeumo’s first-minute goal for the visitors saw Spurs get off to a nightmare start, though Postecoglou’s team bounced back to turn the game around. Dominic Solanke’s first goal for Spurs brought them level before Brennan Johnson fired in a fine finish for his second goal in a week.

Late on, James Maddison lifted in a delicate third as the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium breathed a collective sigh of relief at just the club’s second win of the Premier League game.

After the disappointment of derby defeat to Arsenal a week earlier and a fortuitous win against Coventry in the Carabao Cup, this was an ideal performance and important three points.

The psychology of football

This week we were reminded of the importance of mentality in football. Ange Postecoglou was forced to come out in defence of Brennan Johnson after the forward had been subjected to online abuse after the North London Derby defeat, admitting the Welshman’s confidence was low.

Back-to-back goals have transformed his fortunes, however, as Johnson followed a last-minute winner against Coventry with another well-taken goal against Brentford. He fired six shots on goal against the Bees, in a performance that suggested Johnson is back believing in himself. Spurs, meanwhile, silenced the ‘Spursy’ jibes with the mental resilience to fight back from Mbeumo’s early opener.

Vicario performances a concern

Guglielmo Vicario was being hailed as one of the signings of the season in 2023/24. The Italian’s shot-stopping caught the eye following his unheralded arrival from Empoli, though weaknesses in Vicario’s game were beginning to be exploited as the season progressed.

Particularly vulnerable from set-pieces, he has started the season in erratic form and was fortunate to escape punishment after seemingly handling the ball outside his penalty area against Brentford.

The 27-year-old continues to pull off excellent stops, though the lack of commanding penalty box presence is an area other teams will look to expose.

Maddison back to his best?

James Maddison produced arguably his best performance in a Spurs shirt since the ankle injury that derailed his superb start in North London last season. Operating in a deeper role as a number eight Maddison, to use the old cliche, ‘felt like a new signing’.

He dropped deep to get on the ball, picked passes forward, and carried the ball confidently through lines. The 27-year-old recorded 87 touches, three key passes, one big chance created, seven successful dribbles, 14 ground duels won, four fouls drawn, and three tackles.

Spurs will miss Bentancur if and when he is banned

Another player in top form at the weekend, Rodrigo Bentancur provided a reminder of how important he can be for Spurs when fit and on-song.

The Uruguayan was impressive as the most defence-minded midfielder in Postecoglou’s team, as he made three interceptions and two tackles, and shut down Brentford’s threat in transitions.

Bentancur, however, has already picked up three bookings in four Premier League appearances this season. It’s the joint-most in the division and the South American is, quite quickly, approaching a suspension. He’ll be a big miss if he collects a ban, despite the strong form of Yves Bissouma this season.

Solanke will score goals for Spurs

Ange Postecoglou was keen to shut down talk around Dominic Solanke’s start at Spurs. The club-record arrival picked up an ankle injury on debut and had failed to score in his first three appearances.

However, that duck was broken with the vital equaliser against Brentford as Solanke reacted quickest to a rebound to turn home. The 26-year-old scored 19 league goals last season and, in a team that will create more chances than Bournemouth, will score goals in North London.

It’s arguably the chances he missed against Brentford that have most convinced he can regularly fire in a Spurs shirt, with his movement leading to a high volume of chances. Up and running, his first for the club is a welcome confidence boost.

What’s next for Spurs?

Sours open their Europa League campaign with a home clash against Azerbaijan Premier League champions Qarabag on Thursday, September 26th. Back in Europe, the demand for Tottenham tickets has been high after a lack of continental competition in 2023/24.

The clash with Qarabag is followed by a huge showdown with Manchester United at the weekend, as Postecoglou’s team travel to Old Trafford to face potential top-four rivals.

Tottenham Hotspur upcoming fixtures

Tottenham Hotspur vs Qarabag FK, Thursday 26th September (UEFA Europa League)

Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur, Sunday 29th September (Premier League)

Ferencvaros vs Tottenham Hotspur, Thursday 3rd October (UEFA Europa League)

Brighton vs Tottenham Hotspur, Sunday 6th October (Premier League)

Tottenham Hotspurs vs West Ham, Saturday 19th October (Premier League)

Read – Tottenham Hotspur vs Qarabag – Match Preview and team news

See more – FC 25: Everything you need to know about EA Sports’ new game

Follow The Football Faithful on Social Media:

Tottenham Hotspur vs Qarabag – Match Preview and team news

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

After a year without European football, Tottenham return to Europa League action as they welcome Qarabag to North London.

Spurs will be looking for their third consecutive win in all competitions following their 2-1 victory against Coventry City in the Carabao Cup and a 3-1 triumph over Brentford in the Premier League.

Qarabag find themselves in the Europa League after falling at the final hurdle in Champions League qualification. The Azerbaijan Premier League champions were comfortably knocked out by Dinamo Zagreb, as the Croatian outfit scored five times without reply.

Ange Postecoglou will be without Richarlison and Wilson Odobert through injury. Djed Spence is also not involved due to the defender’s omission from the Europa League squad.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Qarabag – Match Preview and team news

Form

Tottenham: WLLWW

A hard-fought victory over Brentford at the weekend eased concerns from the fanbase over the direction of the side under Ange Postecoglou.

Dominic Solanke netted his first goal for Spurs, whilst James Maddison and Brennan Johnson also got themselves on the scoresheet to earn a valuable three points.

Johnson has found form and built on his late winner against Coventry City in the Carabao Cup with an impressive goal against the Bees as he fired home from a tight angle.

The Europa League appears to be a realistic avenue for Tottenham to break their trophy drought as the North Londoners target their first silverware for 17 years.

Qarabag: LLWWW

The Azerbaijani champions have commenced their fourth successive title defence in customary fashion, as they occupy top spot after six games.

Qarabag won the league by a staggering 25 points last campaign with second-placed Zira nowhere near close enough to worry them.

That aforementioned loss to Dinamo Zagreb is a rare blemish on their form and Turan Tovuz are the only other club to inflict defeat on the Baku-based outfit this term.

Last Meeting: Qarabag 0-1 Tottenham Hotspur, Europa League, 26th November 2015

Tottenham were the victors the last time the clubs met with a slender win in Azerbaijan.

It was the penultimate game of the 2015/16 Europa League group phase and a close-range goal from Harry Kane was enough for Spurs success in Baku.

In the reverse fixture, Tottenham beat Qarabag 3-1 at White Hart Lane in a fixture that saw Heung-Min Son net his first goal in Lilywhite.

Nine years and 163 goals later, the South Korean has cemented himself into Spurs folklore and their captain will be searching for a similar home performance this time round.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side eventually exited the competition at the round of 16 stage as they lost 5-1 on aggregate to Borussia Dortmund.

Predicted Lineups

Tottenham: Vicario, Gray, Dragusin, Van de Ven, Davies; Bissouma, Sarr, Bergvall; Moore Solanke, Werner.

Qarabag: Kochalski; Silva, Medina, Mustafazada, Bayramov; Julio Romao, Isayev, Benzia, Kashchuk, Andrade; Juninho.

Who is the referee?

Erwan Finjean (France).

What channel is Tottenham vs Qarabag on?

Tottenham vs Qarabag is available to watch on TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate and Discovery+.

What time is kick off?

Kick-off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is at 20:00 BST on Thursday 26th September 2024.

Odds

Tottenham – 1/6

Draw – 15/2

Qarabag – 14/1

Read – Ranking the favourites to win the Europa League as Man Utd and Spurs eye glory

FC 25: Everything you need to know about EA Sports’ new game

Follow The Football Faithful on Social Media:

Carabao Cup fourth round draw: Spurs host Man City

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

Manchester City will travel to face Tottenham Hotspur in the headline tie from the Carabao Cup’s fourth round draw.

Pep Guardiola’s team will take on the North London side in the capital in the pick of the ties, following the draw for the fourth round on Wednesday evening.

Holders Liverpool also face a difficult challenge after being drawn to face Brighton at the Amex Stadium, with the trip to the south coast their reward for a 5-1 thrashing of West Ham in midweek.

Chelsea, who reached the final in 2023/24, will take on the winners of AFC Wimbledon and Newcastle United away from home. The latter fixture was postponed due to issues with Wimbledon’s pitch. It has been rescheduled at Newcastle’s St James’ Park for October 1.

Elsewhere, Preston North End – who eliminated Fulham in a record-breaking penalty shootout that ended 16-15 to the Championship club, will host Arsenal at Deepdale.

The fourth-round ties are due to be played on the week commencing 28 October.

Carabao Cup Fourth Round Draw:

Brentford v Sheffield Wednesday

Southampton v Stoke City

Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City

AFC Wimbledon / Newcastle United v Chelsea

Manchester United v Leicester City

Brighton & Hove Albion v Liverpool

Preston North End v Arsenal

Aston Villa v Crystal Palace

Read – Arteta says Arsenal teenager does not feel pressure

See more – Slot says Liverpool squad justifying quiet transfer window

Follow The Football Faithful on Social Media:

Europa League odds: Man Utd & Spurs among favourites to win

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

The Uefa Europa League has returned for another season, and this time both Man Utd and Spurs are among the favourites to lift the trophy.

The competition is bigger than ever in 2024/25, with an extra four clubs taking the total amount of teams to 36.

Each participant will play eight games – four home and four away – in the new ‘league phase’, after which the top eight will qualify directly for the round of 16.

The sides that finish between ninth and 24th will contest the knockout round play-offs, with the victors going through to the last-16. It’s straight knockout from there until the final, which is being held in Bilbao.

It’s not just silverware on offer for the teams involved, but a shot at automatic qualification for next season’s Champions League, making the stakes all the greater.

We’ve consulted the betting odds to see which clubs are the favourites to win the whole thing according to the bookmakers.

Europa League odds: Ranking the favourites to win the tournament in 2024/25

La Real have rarely made an impact in European competition, with their best run coming in 1983 when they reached the semi-finals of the European Cup. A poor start to their La Liga campaign would suggest they might be rated a little too highly by the bookies this year.

Fixtures: Nice (H), Anderlecht (A), Maccabi Tel Aviv (H), Viktoria Plzen (H), Ajax (A), Dynamo Kiev (A), Lazio (H), PAOK (A).

Europa League finalists in 2012, Athletic Club will fancy their chances of going deep in the competition this year after holding onto star winger Nico Williams in the summer. The Basque outfit have built on last season’s Copa Del Rey success with a great start to the season, as they sit third in the table after seven games.

Fixtures: Roma (H), AZ (A), Slavia Prague (A), Ludogorets (H), Elfsborg (A), Fenerbahce (H), Besiktas (H), Viktoria Plzen (A).

Read – The four teams to lose consecutive European finals

So often the bridesmaid and never the bride in Europe, Roma finally got over the hump in 2022 when Jose Mourinho guided them to glory in the Europa Conference League. They have come close to success the last three times they’ve appeared in this competition, reaching the semi-finals twice and the final once, losing to Sevilla in 2023.

The season has already started in turmoil after Daniele De Rossi was sacked following no wins in their opening four Serie A matches. A comfortable 3-0 win over Udinese at the weekend could get them back on track.

Fixtures: Athletic Club (A), Elfsborg (H), Dynamo Kiev (A), Union Saint-Gilloise (H), Spurs (H), Braga (A), AZ (H), Eintracht Frankfurt (A).

Read – The best of the Barclaysmen trend that took over the internet

After squeaking back into Europe following their shock win over Manchester City in the FA Cup last May, Manchester United are looking to capture the trophy they won for the first time in 2017. A mixed start to the campaign has seen them pick up seven points from their opening five Premier League games.

Fixtures: Twente (H), Porto (A), Fenerbahce (A), PAOK (H), Bodo/Glimt (H), Viktoria Plzen (A), Rangers (H), FCSB (A).

Read – Five times injuries changed Premier League title races

Tottenham Hotspur are two-time Uefa Cup winners, but it’s been forty years since the club lifted the famous trophy. They are parched for success and the Europa League could offer a very attainable shot at glory. The betting shops certainly think so, with Ange Postecoglou’s side given the shortest odds of going all the way. But midweek football could ask too much of a relatively thin squad.

Fixtures: Qarabag (H), Ferencvaros (A), AZ (H), Galatasaray (A), Roma (H), Rangers (A), Hoffenheim (A), Elfsborg (A).

Read – Five great footballers who retired early as Varane calls it a day

See Also – Five of the best Premier League player rivalries

Follow The Football Faithful on Social Media:

Coventry City vs Tottenham Hotspur – Match Preview

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

Spurs will be looking to swiftly put their North London derby disappointment behind them when they visit Championship outfit Coventry City in the Carabao Cup third round.

Tottenham will be aiming for success in cup competition this season to end a trophy-drought approaching 17 years. Ange Postecoglou, publicly, is adamant he is the man to end their wait.

After reaching the FA Cup semi-final last season, Coventry will be hoping for similar success this year.

Coventry City vs Tottenham Hotspur – Match Preview

Form

Coventry City: WDWLD

Mark Robins’ Coventry have experienced an inconsistent start to their league campaign and have only won one out of six matches.

However, the Sky Blues will be searching for a third consecutive 1-0 win in this competition, with Bristol City and Oxford United already overcome.

The Championship club do have the ability to cause an upset against Premier League opposition, having come from behind to beat Wolves with two stoppage-time goals during their memorable FA Cup run last season.

Tottenham Hotspur: DWLL

Spurs have been underwhelming this calendar year and their fortunes haven’t changed this season after a discouraging beginning to their campaign.

Consecutive defeats at the hands of Newcastle and Arsenal have dampened the mood at N17 and the pre-season optimism amongst the fanbase has quickly disappeared.

The underlying statistics under Postecoglou indicate they should be a lot better placed than they currently are and they will be looking to turn that potential into reality.

Last Meeting: Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 Coventry, FA Cup, 5th January 2013

It has been well over a decade since the last time these two clubs went to battle when Tottenham knocked out Coventry in the FA Cup third round.

The Lilywhites made light work of the then League One club with a double from Clint Dempsey and a sliding tap-in from Gareth Bale earning Andre Villas Boas’ team a spot in the fourth round.

Like the majority of teams the Welshman played that season, Coventry were unable to stop Gareth Bale from finding the net and Bale’s goal was one of 26 he netted in his PFA Player of the Year winning campaign.

Predicted Lineups

Coventry City: Dovin; Bidwell, Binks, Latibeaudiere, van Ewijk; Torp, Eccles, Rudoni, Mason-Clark; Simms, Wright

Tottenham Hotspur: Vicario; Spence, Dragusin, Van de Ven, Davies; Bentancur, Sarr, Bergvall; Werner, Solanke, Odobert.

Who is the referee?

Darren England.

What TV channel is Coventry City vs Tottenham Hotspur on?

Coventry vs Tottenham is available to watch on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Ultra.

What time is kick off?

Kick-off at the Coventry Building Society Arena is at 20:00 BST.

Odds

Coventry City – 13/2

Draw – 10/3

Tottenham Hotspur – 21/50

Read – Every player to score four goals in a Champions League game

See more – The highest scoring Englishmen in Champions League history

Follow The Football Faithful on Social Media:

Arteta explains why Arsenal were so defensive in Spurs win

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal did not plan on playing a defensive game in their 1-0 win over Spurs on Sunday.

The Gunners came away from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with a third consecutive victory at the ground in the Premier League thanks to a headed goal from Gabriel Magalhaes in the second half.

Arsenal ceded possession to the hosts for the most part and took only 11 shots compared to 20 for Ange Postecoglou’s side as they eked out an important win over their rivals in the North London Derby.

Arteta suggested that Spurs forced them into their shell with their style of play, causing them to focus on not giving big chances rather than creating many of their own.

Read – Arsenal make Premier League history with narrow Spurs win

“They are a great side and create an unbelievable atmosphere, we knew it would be tough. We believed we could hurt them, we weren’t the best with the ball today,” the Basque native told Sky Sports.

“The way we defended was top drawer. We want to play a different game but they put a structure that is extremely difficult to match up so we decided not to do that.

“We just work on heading the ball, having the right delivery and winning the ball. It is about the right timing. Over the season the team has to go over hurdles so I am delighted.”

Arteta’s game plan ultimately proved successful and his team remain two points behind leaders Manchester City in the Premier League table. They sit on ten points after four games ahead of their meeting with the champions at the Etihad Stadium next week.

Read – Spurs ‘lack belief’ as familiar failings prove costly in Arsenal defeat

See Also – Premier League team of the week for matchday four

Follow The Football Faithful on Social Media:

Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal – Match Preview

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

One of the Premier League’s most hotly anticipated fixtures occurs this weekend, as Tottenham Hotspur host Arsenal in the first North London Derby of the season.

This fierce rivalry always promises melodrama and ferocity and Sunday’s game has all the usual stakes and ingredients that make this derby so entertaining.

There will be late fitness tests for Spurs duo Micky van de Ven and club record signing Dominic Solanke, with the latter being absent since his club’s opening game of the season against Leicester City.

The Gunners, meanwhile, will be hoping that captain Martin Odegaard can recover quickly following sustaining a nasty looking ankle injury on international duty for Norway.

Riccardo Calafiori is also a potential doubt after the Italian was forced off with an injury during the international break, whilst midfielder Declan Rice will serve his one game suspension after his sending off against Brighton.

The Tottenham Hotspur stadium has been an auspicious venue in recent years for Arsenal and if Mikel Arteta’s side were to win on enemy soil again, it would mean they’ve already tasted victory at Spurs’ new stadium more than Tottenham have won at the Emirates. The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium opened in 2019, the Emirates opened in 2006.

Tottenham vs Arsenal Preview

Read – Arsenal predicted XI and team news vs Spurs

Form

Tottenham Hotspur: DWL

The Lilywhites will be reeling after their first defeat of the campaign in the North East, as Newcastle tormented them again.

Ange Postecoglou will be hoping his players can show some resolve against their rivals on Sunday after undeservedly dropping points to the Magpies and newly promoted Leicester City.

Spurs’ results perhaps have not accurately reflected their performance, but either through a lack of potency or through misfortune, they only find themselves with four points out of a possible nine. Sunday’s game will be the perfect opportunity for Tottenham to rectify their shortcomings.

Arsenal: WWD

Arsenal’s perfect record was blemished before the international break, as the Gunners had to settle for a point apiece with Brighton despite Declan Rice’s controversial dismissal.

Kai Havertz’s delicate chip had given Mikel Arteta’s outfit a foothold on proceedings, but the second half brought disaster for the North London club.

Declan Rice was booked in the first period for impeding Joel Veltman and the pair had another altercation after the interval.

The Dutchman looked to take a freekick quickly but Rice poked the ball away, which saw Veltman kick the Englishman instead. Much to the surprise of the Arsenal midfielder he was the one given his marching orders by referee Chris Kavanagh.

That decision changed the game completely and Joao Pedro equalised for the Seagulls shortly after. Either team could have claimed all three points as legs grew weary, but both sides were missing a touch of efficiency in their finishing.

That Joao Pedro strike is the only goal they have conceded this term, as they kept clean sheets in 2-0 wins over Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The next week of fixtures will prove to be a stern test for Arsenal, as they make three gruelling trips. The short journey to the Tottenham Hotspur stadium precedes the start of their Champions League journey in Bergamo as they face Atalanta in midweek. And the subsequent weekend? An away trip to the Champions Manchester City.

Read – Tottenham predicted lineup and team news vs Arsenal

Last Meeting

Tottenham Hotspur 2-3 Arsenal, Premier League, 28th April 2024

The Gunners inflicted misery on their North London counterparts for consecutive seasons the last time they went to battle, as they held on to defeat their rivals despite a late revival attempt by the hosts.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net to put Arsenal into the driving seat before Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz were both devastating on the break to give their side an almost unassailable advantage.

But after the interval, Tottenham introduced themselves into the contest. Cristian Romero capitalised on David Raya’s error to pull a goal back and the Lilywhites’ captain Heung-min Son converted a penalty with three minutes remaining of the 90’ to stage a nervy end.

However, Arsenal held their nerve to seal another victory in N17 and claim all the bragging rights. For Spurs, that poor result ended up being in the midst of an abysmal run of four straight defeats.

Read – The best of the Barclaysmen trend that took over the internet

Predicted Line-ups

Tottenham: Vicario, Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie, Bissouma, Bentancur, Maddison, Kulusevski, Solanke, Son.

Arsenal: Raya, White, Gabriel, Saliba, Timber, Partey, Jorginho, Martinelli, Havertz, Saka, Trossard.

Who is the referee?

Jarred Gillett.

What channel is Tottenham vs Arsenal on?

The North London derby will be available to watch on Sky Sports Main Event.

What time is kick off?

Kick off at the Tottenham Hotspur sStadium is at 14:00 BST on Sunday 15th September 2024.

Odds

Tottenham: 11/5

Draw: 5/2

Arsenal: 23/20

Read – Six Premier League players who shone during the international break

See Also – 10 of the best Premier League ‘Barclaysmen’

Follow The Football Faithful on Social Media:

Tottenham vs Arsenal – Predicted lineup and team news

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

Tottenham Hotspur host Arsenal in the North London derby this weekend in a local grudge match not short of spite.

There’s no love lost between the capital neighbours and each will be wanting to take maximum points and bragging rights on Sunday.

For Spurs, Ange Postecoglou will want a response from his side after defeat to Newcastle United in their last fixture before the international break. Postecoglou’s men remain frustratingly inconsistent, a characteristic that derailed their bid for a top-four finish and Champions League qualification last season.

Spurs have watched on as Arsenal have gone past them in recent campaigns, with their North London rivals having emerged as Manchester City’s closest challengers for the Premier League. A positive result this weekend will spread confidence that Spurs can compete with the best in the division, though the Lilywhites have lost five of their last seven league meetings with Arsenal.

Spurs vs Arsenal – Predicted lineup and team news

Spurs team news

Spurs are set to be handed a huge boost with the return of Micky van de Ven to the side. The Dutch defender sat out the defeat to Newcastle with Postecoglou revealing Van de Ven ‘wasn’t quite 100 per cent’. After the 23-year-old’s injury problems last season, Spurs are keen to manage his work load this season, though his absence was felt as the North Londoners lost at St James’ Park.

“Micky was close, he trained this week, but he’s not quite 100 per cent. Part of me was keen to give Radu (Dragusin) a run as well, especially at this venue, so we’ve gone with Radu,” Postecoglou said.

“It’s nothing serious, we’ve a heavy programme after the international break. We’re going to need all our back four, so getting Radu a game is positive for us.”

Van de Ven did not join up with the Netherlands squad for September’s Nations League fixtures as a result. He can expect to return in central defence to partner Cristian Romero, replacing Dragusin in the side.

Further forward, Dominic Solanke has also been stepping up his recovery from injury during the international break. Solanke has been absent since making his debut on the opening weekend, due to an ankle problem. The £65m club-record signing should feature against Arsenal. However, fellow forward Richarlison remains out.

Spurs predicted line up

Spurs Predicted XI vs Arsenal (4-3-3): Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bissouma, Sarr, Maddison; Kulusevski, Son, Solanke.

When do Spurs face Arsenal?

Spurs host Arsenal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday September 15th. Kick-off is at 14:00 (BST).

What TV channel is Spurs vs Arsenal on?

The North London derby will be shown live on Sky Sports to a UK audience.

Read – Five of the best North London derby goals in the Premier League era

See more – Eight unforgettable North London Derby moments

Follow The Football Faithful on Social Media:

Arsenal XI vs Spurs – Predicted lineup and team news

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Description

Arsenal travel to face Tottenham Hotspur in the North London derby this weekend with both teams aiming to bounce back from disappointments before the international break.

Mikel Areta’s men dropped points for the first time this season against Brighton at the Emirates, following a costly – and controversial – red card for Declan Rice.

The ten men surrendered the lead handed to them by Kai Havertz, with Joao Pedro’s equaliser for Brighton leaving Arsenal with early ground to make up on the pacesetters.

Arsenal XI vs Spurs – Predicted lineup and team news

Arsenal team news

Mikel Arteta is facing a midfield crisis ahead of Sunday’s showdown with their North London neighbours. Declan Rice will miss the game through suspension following his red card in the draw with Brighton before the break.

The England international was sent off early into the second half at the Emirates, after being adjudged to have delayed the restart by nudging the ball away from Joel Veltman as the Brighton defender prepared to take a set-piece. Having already been cautioned, Rice was dismissed.

Arsenal’s issues piled up during the international break. Martin Odegaard limped off with an ankle injury during Norway’s 2-1 win over Austria on Monday night and was pictured on crutches following the clash. The Norwegian is a major doubt for the North London derby in what is another big blow to Arsenal’s hopes. The Gunners are already without Mikel Merino, after the summer signing suffered a fracture to his shoulder in training last month.

Elsewhere, fellow recruit Riccardo Calafiori was forced off during Italy’s clash with France. Calafiori injured his calf in a freak collision with Ousmane Dembele and returned to Arsenal early for assessment. There is better news on Gabriel Jesus, however, who has been recovering from a hamstring complaint during the international break.

Arsenal predicted line up

Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Jorginho, Partey, Havertz; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli.

When do Arsenal play Spurs?

Arsenal travel to face Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday September 15th. Kick-off is at 14:00 (BST).

What TV channel is Spurs vs Arsenal on?

The North London derby will be shown live on Sky Sports to a UK audience.

Read – Ranked! The best North London derbies of the Premier League era

See more – Eight unforgettable North London Derby moments

Follow The Football Faithful on Social Media: