The Football Faithful

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

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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

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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

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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.

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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’

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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

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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

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Tottenham make the trip to the Newcastle this weekend and will be hoping for better fortunes than their last two visits to St James’ Park.

Last season, Spurs were thrashed 4-0 by Eddie Howe’s men, a result that followed a 6-1 defeat at Newcastle in 2022/23 that saw the Lilywhites 5-0 down inside 21 minutes.

Newcastle haven’t looked at their best this season but remain unbeaten in the Premier League. Fabian Schar will serve the final game of his suspension for the Magpies and Sven Botman, Callum Wilson and Jamaal Lascelles remain sidelined. However, the return of Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali is a boost after he made his first appearance for 10 months against Nottingham Forest in midweek.

Form

Newcastle: WD

Four points from their first two games and progression into the third round of the Carabao Cup is not a start to be scoffed at. Newcastle showed character to beat newly-promoted Southampton on opening day, despite having a numerical disadvantage as Fabian Schar was sent off. VAR then came to their rescue last weekend at the Vitality Stadium against Bournemouth, as Dango Outtara’s stoppage-time winner was controversially disallowed for handball.

Their midweek exploits saw them secure a place in the next round of the Carabao Cup with a penalty shootout victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. Sean Longstaff netted the decisive kick after Taiwo Awoniyi and Ibrahim Sangare had missed for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.

Tottenham: DW

Spurs looked sharp in their first home game as they put four past an Everton team that looked fragile defensively. Yves Bissouma marked his reinstatement into the team with a spectacular goal to begin the rout, Cristian Romero towered highest to nod home and Tottenham skipper Heung-min Son bagged a brace.

That comprehensive win made amends for their draw against Leicester City, a game which Postecoglou’s side completely dominated.

Last Meeting: Newcastle 4-0 Tottenham, Premier League, 13th April 2024

Newcastle tore Tottenham apart on Tyneside last April with Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon in particular running riot.

The Swede scored a brace in consecutive home games against Spurs, and Gordon doubled Newcastle’s lead less than ninety seconds after Isak’s opener.

Fabian Schar got their fourth in the latter stages of the game, rising highest from a corner to put the finishing touch on an excellent showing from the Magpies.

It was an uncharacteristic performance from Spurs, as they failed to lay a glove on their opponents and their failure to score marked only the second time that had happened in 44 matches.

Predicted Lineups

Newcastle: Pope; Livramento, Krafth, Burn, Kelly; Joelinton, Guimaraes, Willock; Gordon, Isak, Barnes.

Tottenham: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bissouma, Sarr; Odobert, Maddison, Kulusevski; Son.

Who is the referee?

Robert Jones.

What channel is Newcastle vs Tottenham on?

Newcastle vs Tottenham is available to watch on Sky Sports Premier League.

What time is kick-off?

Kick-off at St. James’ Park is at 13:30 BST on Sunday 1st September.

Odds

Newcastle – 29/20

Draw – 29/10

Tottenham – 3/2

Read – The most expensive Premier League XI of summer signings

See more – Spurs still without record signing for Newcastle clash

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Spurs return to North London this weekend as they welcome Everton to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, looking to bounce back from a disappointing result on the opening weekend.

Both sides are searching for their first win of the campaign. The hosts played out a

draw at Leicester on Monday night, while Everton were on the wrong end of a 3-0

hammering to Brighton and Hove Albion.

Ange Postecoglou will be without Rodrigo Bentancur following the head injury he sustained

at the King Power Stadium, whilst club-record signing Dominic Solanke is also out. Everton boss Sean Dyche will have to do without the experienced Ashley Young after his red card against Brighton.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton – Match Preview

Form

Tottenham Hotspur: D

A frustrating Monday night performance meant Spurs had to settle for a point against newly promoted Leicester City.

The first half was attractive viewing for the neutral with Spurs playing the flowing brand of football that has become synonymous with the team since the arrival of Ange Postecoglou.

They got the opening goal their play deserved, with former Leicester playmaker James Maddison the architect. The 27-year-old floated an inviting ball into the box which found the head of the onrushing Pedro Porro, who delicately found the bottom corner.

They spurned several other chances in the first half with multiple byline cutbacks begging

for contact, but a telling touch proved elusive. Midway through the second period, Spurs’ defensive frailties reared their ugly head once more and their failure to capitalise on their countless chances was punished. Jamie Vardy found himself in a yard of space to head home and the Foxes could’ve easily gone on to win the game had the 37-year-old not missed a glorious chance ten minutes later.

In the end, a draw seemed a fair result, but Tottenham will be baffled as to how the game wasn’t beyond doubt before halftime. The Lilywhites will be looking to put that poor form in front of goal behind them immediately.

Everton: L

It was a disastrous beginning to the season for Sean Dyche and his players as the Toffees fell to a 3-0 home defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion, with experienced veteran Ashley Young sent off to compound their misery.

Kaoru Mitoma tapped in from a pinpoint cross from Yankuba Minteh in the first half, before Danny Welbeck was allowed to waltz through to double the deficit in the second period.

Simon Adringra completed the rout with five minutes to go, which put an end to a torrid afternoon for their opponents. The Toffees didn’t lay a glove on the Seagulls, struggling to create any chance of real note. The biggest worry for Dyche was how open his team was, a cause of concern for this weekend against a Tottenham team who create chances aplenty.

The performance and result were pretty uninspiring and have filled a lot of Everton fans with the same feeling of dread they have become all too familiar with over the last few years.

Last Meeting: Everton 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur, Premier League, 3rd February 2024

Former Everton hero Richarlison haunted his old team in the last encounter, but Everton ended up having the last laugh with a last-minute equaliser from centre-half Jarrad Branthwaite.

Richarlison put his team ahead inside three minutes as he connected sweetly with a cutback from Destiny Udogie. Muted celebrations followed.

Everton restored parity from a corner on the stroke of the half-hour mark, with Jack Harrison getting the final touch in a goal-mouth scramble.

Tottenham’s number nine then put Spurs back ahead with his second, a sumptuous volley from outside the area which left the despairing Jordan Pickford with no chance.

Tottenham couldn’t find a third goal to kill the contest and they were made to rue their missed chances as their defence was unlocked again through a set piece. Branthwaite leapt the highest in the fourth minute of added time to power the ball past Gugliemo Vicario to snatch a point in the dying embers.

Predicted Lineups:

Tottenham Hotspur: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogi; Bissouma, Gray, Son, Maddison, Kulusevski; Richarlison.

Everton: Pickford, Holgate, Tarkowski, O’Brien, Mykolenko; Harrison, Doucoure, Gueye, McNeil, Ndiaye; Calvert-Lewin.

Who is the referee?

Anthony Taylor.

What channel is Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton on?

Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton is not available to watch live in the UK.

What time is kick-off?

Odds

Tottenham Hotspur – 21/50

Draw – 15/4

Everton – 11/2

Read – Eight talking points ahead of the Premier League weekend

See more – Four Premier League players in transfer limbo

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Ange Postecoglou has had a season to settle in English football and the Australian will want improvement from Spurs. After a near miss in their top-four pursuit last season, the North Londoners need to go to the well again.

Tottenham – Premier League Season Preview 2024/25

Last season: 5th

Title odds: 25/1

TFF prediction: 4th

Tottenham Transfers 2024/25

In: Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, Yang Min-hyuk, Dominic Solanke, Timo Werner (loan).

Out: Ryan Sessegnon, Eric Dier, Tanguy Ndombele, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Alejo Veliz (loan), Bryan Gil (loan), Dane Scarlett (loan), Joe Rodon, Troy Parrott, Emerson Royal, Yago Santiago.

Ange Postecoglou begins his second season as Spurs manager after a largely positive debut campaign in North London. Spurs stumbled during the run-in to miss out on a top-four finish but the club’s bold approach won over supporters who had become disillusioned with the pragmatism of past regimes.

Naivety remains an issue, however, particularly when defending set-pieces. Just five teams conceded more set-piece goals than Spurs last season with four of those making up the bottom four in the Premier League table.

Postecoglou’s mantra will remain that fortune favours the brave and the Australian is prepared to back his side to play high-risk football. Spurs have broken their transfer record to sign Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth and the 26-year-old looks a suitable stylistic fit to lead Postecoglou’s intensity, having led all Premier League forwards for pressures in 2023/24.

Spurs are quietly building a team of rich potential and in Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall the North Londoners believe they have added two stars of the future. Each have caught the eye in pre-season, alongside several members of Spurs’ successful Premier League 2-winning side from last season, including Will Lankshear and Mikey Moore.

The top four will be the expectation for Spurs this season though the club’s fans will want more in other competitions. Early exits from both domestic cups did not aid their pursuit of Champions League football last season and should not be discarded given the lack of silverware that has arrived in North London this century. The Europa League offers a genuine route to both Champions League football and silverware in 2024/25.

Key man: Micky van de Ven

The Dutch defender was one of the signings of the season last term after his £34m arrival from Wolfsburg. A phenomenal physical presence, Van de Ven set a new record as the fastest footballer ever recorded in the Premier League. For a central defender, his electric pace is unusual and is key to Spurs’ implementation of a high defensive line.

In Van de Ven and Cristian Romero, Spurs have one of the best centre-back pairings in the Premier League. The task for Postecoglou is to find balance and provide the duo with adequate protection.

One to watch: Archie Gray

Named as the EFL Championship’s Young Player of the Season for 2023/24, Gray’s breakthrough campaign at Leeds United has led to a £40m move to the Premier League this summer.

The 18-year-old offers an old head on young shoulders and has shown his versatility with composed performances in midfield and at right-back.

Though he lacks senior experience, his displays in pre-season have suggested that Gray is already capable of a regular role in Postecoglou’s side and an England call could beckon if he hits the ground running in the top-flight this season.

Read – The five favourites to win the 2024/25 Premier League Golden Boot

See more – Every Premier League kit released so far ahead of 2024/25

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