The Sports Bank

New Year, new you, right? It is the season for New Year’s resolutions, and that means everyone tries to believe that they now have a clean slate to work with, and that a chance to set, and hopefully reach, new goals. For Tottenham Hotspur that all starts with a visit from Newcastle United.

Tottenham Hotspur at Newcastle United FYIs

Kick: Saturday, Jan 4, 2025 12:30 PM, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London UK

Team News for Both Sides: go here

Starting XI Predictions: Tottenham Newcastle

PL Standing: Tottenham Hotspur 11th, 24 pts Newcastle United 5th, 32 pts

Form Guide: Tottenham LWLLD Newcastle LWWWW

Google Result Probability: Tottenham Hotspur 33% Newcastle United 42% Draw 25%

Pulling off an upset win here would be huge for boosting morale. What starting lineup puts the best foot forward? How does Ange Postecoglu lead with strength from the off?

We’re guessing that this below is answer.

Tottenham Hotspur Starting XI Prediction

Fraser Forster; Pedro Porro, Archie Gray, Radu Dragusin, Djed Spence; Dejan Kulusevski, Pape Mater Sarr, James Maddison; Brennan Johnson, Dominic Solanke, Heung-Min Son

Paul M. Banks is the Founding Editor of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”

He currently contributes to USA Today’s NFL Wires Network, the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America and RG. His past bylines include the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. His work has been featured in numerous outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, the Washington Post and ESPN. You can follow him on Linked In and Twitter.

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Newcastle United do have their fair share of injuries to contend with, but no new concerns as they head into their first fixture of 2025. The Geordies are heading to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to take on a sliding Spurs side.

This Saturday lunchtime affair is a matchup of two sides that entered the season with, most likely, pretty similar expectations.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Newcastle United FYIs

Kick: Saturday, Jan 4, 2025 12:30 PM, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London UK

Team News: Tottenham Newcastle

Starting XI Predictions: Tottenham Newcastle

PL Standing: Tottenham Hotspur 11th, 24 pts Newcastle United 5th, 32 pts

Form Guide: Tottenham LWLLD Newcastle LWWWW

Google Result Probability: Tottenham Hotspur 33% Newcastle United 42% Draw 25%

But it’s Newcastle who are on the right track, as they have a good chance of getting back into the Champions League next season. What’s the winning hand for manager Eddie Howe to play in order to progress along that path?

We think it looks like this.

Newcastle United Starting XI Prediction

Martin Dubravka; Tino Livramento, Kelly, Dan Burn, Lewis Hall; Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, Joelinton; Jacob Murphy, Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon

Paul M. Banks is the Founding Editor of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”

He currently contributes to USA Today’s NFL Wires Network, the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America and RG. His past bylines include the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. His work has been featured in numerous outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, the Washington Post and ESPN. You can follow him on Linked In and Twitter.

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Tottenham Hotspur have yet another injury concern to contend with, believe it or not. Central defender Radu Dragusin twisted his ankle in the 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day. He’s now a doubt vs. Wolves on Sunday.

“It’s a bit early to tell,” Ange Postecoglu said of Dragusin’s status for this weekend.

Festive Fixtures FYIs

Tottenham Hotspur vs Wolverhampton Wanderers

Kick: Sun Dec. 29, 2024, 3pm, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, UK

“He tweaked his ankle last night and felt like he couldn’t continue, so we’ll have to wait and see. We’ll wait until he gets in [for training] today and assess him from there.”

Meanwhile Ben Davies, Richarlison, Micky van de Ven, Wilson Odobert and Christian Romero are all out with hamstring/thigh injuries. Elsewhere Guglielmo Vicario is done for the season while Djed Spence is suspended. In looking at the starting lineup prediction…hey, big news here!

It looks like we’ll see the the first ever starting assignment for U21s squad member Alfie Dorrington. He made his first ever senior team appearance against Saints 12 days ago, coming on as a sub.

Now the young center back could see his first ever starting gig.

Tottenham Hotspur Starting XI Prediction vs Wolves

Fraser Forster; Pedro Porro, Archie Gray, Alfie Dorrington, Destiny Udogie; Lucas Bergvall, Yves Bissouma; Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Heung-Min Son; Dominic Solanke

Paul M. Banks is the Founding Editor of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”

He currently contributes to USA Today’s NFL Wires Network, the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America and RG. His past bylines include the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. His work has been featured in numerous outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, the Washington Post and ESPN. You can follow him on Linked In and Twitter.

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Tottenham Hotspur versus Liverpool is a very lopsided series. The two sides have met 184 times, with Liverpool winning 90, while Tottenham have emerged victorious 49 times. The two “big six” clubs have stalemated on 44 occasions. Lately the series has been extremely lopsided though with 10 of the last 13.

And of three non-wins, only one was a loss. So Spurs just can’t seem to get Ws in this rivalry.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool FYIs

Kick-off: 4.30pm (BST), Sunday Dec 22, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, UK

Starting XI Predictions: Liverpool FC Tottenham Hotspur

Team News: Liverpool FC Tottenham Hotspur

Google Result Probability: Tottenham 23%, Draw 22% Liverpool 55%

Prediction: Liverpool FC 1, Tottenham Hotspur 0

Something to think about when these two teams clash in the EFL Cup semifinals down the road. So with that all in mind, let’s get to the first team prediction. Can Dominic Solanke start living up to his price tag?

So far, he’s been pretty much a flop.

Tottenham Hotspur Starting XI Prediction vs Liverpool FC

Fraser Forster; Pedro Porro, Archie Gray, Radu Dragusin, Destiny Udogie; Pape Matar Sarr, Yves Bissouma; Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Heung-Min Son; Dominic Solanke

Paul M. Banks is the Founding Editor of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”

He currently contributes to USA Today’s NFL Wires Network, the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America and RG. His past bylines include the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. His work has been featured in numerous outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, the Washington Post and ESPN. You can follow him on Linked In and Twitter.

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Timo Werner, who has been battling an unspecified virus, could come back into the Tottenham Hotspur team that will host Liverpool tomorrow. He has been a bit of flop, to be sure, but hey, Spurs could use more bodies in there right now. They don’t need any more absences right now.

In addition to Werner, fullback supreme Destiny Udogie could be back in action too. He came off early last weekend, due to muscle soreness, and missed the League Cup win over Southampton.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool FYIs

Kick-off: 4.30pm (BST), Sunday Dec 22, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, UK

Starting XI Predictions: Liverpool FC Tottenham Hotspur

Team News: Liverpool FC Tottenham Hotspur

Google Result Probability: Tottenham 23%, Draw 22% Liverpool 55%

Spurs Team News

Of course, he wouldn’t have even played in that match, if he were healthy, anyway. As for the updated list of the walking wounded- Wilson Odobert, Richarlison, Ben Davies, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are all out with injuries to the same part of the body: hamstring/thigh.

Meanwhile No. 1 goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario (ankle) is done for the season and Mikey Moore remains absent with an unspecified illness.

And then finally, Rodrigo Bentancur still has time left to serve on that egregious (and not really justified) seven game suspension.

Prediction: Liverpool FC 1, Tottenham Hotspur 0

Paul M. Banks is the Founding Editor of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”

He currently contributes to USA Today’s NFL Wires Network, the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America and RG. His past bylines include the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. His work has been featured in numerous outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, the Washington Post and ESPN. You can follow him on Linked In and Twitter.

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Tottenham Hotspur hosts Manchester United on Thursday in the only all-big six matchup of the League Cup’s quarterfinal round. However, there is nothing “big,” at all, about these two teams right now.

They are both sputtering in mid-table, having endured a season that thus far has seen lots of injuries, disappointments and underwhelming performances.

EFL Cup Quarterfinal FYIs

Manchester United at Tottenham Hotspur

Kick: Thurs. December 19, 8pm, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, UK

Team News: Tottenham Hotspur Manchester United

Starting XI Predictions: Tottenham Hotspur Manchester United

How They Got Here:

Manchester United- Leicester City 5-2 (round of 16), Barnsley 7-0 (third round)

Tottenham Hotspur- Manchester City 2-1 (round of 16), Coventry 2-1 (third round)

Both sides have fared better in the UEFA Europa League, but their standing there isn’t anything much to write home about either. United sit seventh, but in line for qualification to the next round. Tottenham are 9th, and slotted for a position that would require a playoff, in order to advance.

Man United Starting XI Prediction at Tottenham Hotspur

Andre Onana; Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, Lucha Martinez; Diogo Dalot, Kobbie Mainoo, Christian Eriksen, Tyrell Malacia; Amad Diallo, Bruno Fernandes; Rasmus Hojlund

Paul M. Banks is the Founding Editor of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”

He currently contributes to USA Today’s NFL Wires Network, the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America and RG. His past bylines include the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. His work has been featured in numerous outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, the Washington Post and ESPN. You can follow him on Linked In and Twitter.

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As Tottenham Hotspur prepare to host Manchester United for a League Cup clash, it’s worth taking a look at where these two sides are in the Premier League table. While Tottenham are three slots higher than United, they only have one more point.

And when you consider that MUFC already sacked their manager this season, one has to wonder is Ange Postecoglu is starting to feel the heat right now.

EFL Cup Quarterfinal FYIs

Manchester United at Tottenham Hotspur

Kick: Thurs. December 19, 8pm, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, UK

Team News: Tottenham Hotspur Manchester United

Starting XI Predictions: Tottenham Hotspur Manchester United

How They Got Here:

Manchester United- Leicester City 5-2 (round of 16), Barnsley 7-0 (third round)

Tottenham Hotspur- Manchester City 2-1 (round of 16), Coventry 2-1 (third round)

The last thing he should have done this season was guarantee a trophy.

Given the team’s 16 years and counting silverware drought, he never should have said that, as it gave the media too much negative material to work with.

Of course win here, and you’re in the EFL Cup semifinals, so then it’s just two more wins to a trophy lift. However, the odds are still very long for them, because even if they win on Thursday, the field in this competition still includes Liverpool and Arsenal.

The manager isn’t totally to blame though of course, Dominic Solanke has pretty much been a bust; especially when you consider his exorbitant transfer fee.

Tottenham Hotspur Starting XI Prediction vs Manchester United

Fraser Forster; Pedro Porro, Archie Gray, Radu Dragusin, Djed Spence; Yves Bissouma, Pape Matar Sarr; Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Brennan Johnson; Heung-Min Son

Paul M. Banks is the Founding Editor of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”

He currently contributes to USA Today’s NFL Wires Network, the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America and RG. His past bylines include the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. His work has been featured in numerous outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, the Washington Post and ESPN. You can follow him on Linked In and Twitter.

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For Tottenham Hotspur, it feels like this season has been a year long injury crisis, and now they have to worry about Destiny Udogie too. The stellar fullback has a thigh problem that makes him doubtful for Thursday’s League Cup quarterfinal against Manchester United. Udogie is one of Spurs’ best players, so this is the last thing they need right now.

And what is going at White Hart Lane this season, in regards to injuries with that part of the body.

EFL Cup Quarterfinal FYIs

Manchester United at Tottenham Hotspur

Kick: Thurs. December 19, 8pm, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, UK

Team News: Tottenham Hotspur Manchester United

Starting XI Predictions: Tottenham Hotspur Manchester United

How They Got Here:

Manchester United- Leicester City 5-2 (round of 16), Barnsley 7-0 (third round)

Tottenham Hotspur- Manchester City 2-1 (round of 16), Coventry 2-1 (third round)

Team News for Both Sides

They have five players who are currently out with hamstring injuries: Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Richarlison, Wilson Odobert and Ben Davies. Guglielmo Vicario (ankle) and Mikey Moore (unspecified illness) remain sidelined as well. However, there is some good news- Yves Bissouma will be back from suspension here.

Shifting gears to United, Mason Mount (leg) is a fresh injury concern here, and likely to miss out. Noussair Mazraoui is also a new fitness problem (knock), but he is expected to be passed fit to feature in the midweek clash.

Finally, we can stop pretending now Jonny Evans is day to day with whatever undisclosed, unspecified injury he has. Evans actually belongs in the out indefinitely, long-term injury absentee category.

Paul M. Banks is the Founding Editor of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”

He currently contributes to USA Today’s NFL Wires Network, the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America and RG. His past bylines include the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. His work has been featured in numerous outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, the Washington Post and ESPN. You can follow him on Linked In and Twitter.

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Tottenham heads to Southampton FC for a game featuring two sides that really, and I mean REALLY need a victory. Spurs are now well within the second page of the standings while Saints are dead last overall.

Tottenham are falling far out of contention for European qualification while Southampton look destined for the drop, after just getting promoted only this past May.

Tottenham Hotspur at Southampton FC

Kickoff: Sun. December 15, 7pm, St. Mary’s Stadium, Southampton, UK

Preview Material for Both Sides: Team News Starting XI Predictions

Win Probability: Draw 21% Tottenham Hotspur 57% Southampton FC 22%

Premier League Form, Standing: Tottenham Hotspur 12th, 20pts LWDLL Southampton FC 20th, 5 pts, LLDLL

Let’s take a look at who will be in the first team, for both sides, in this matchup of two sides desperate for a W.

Starting XI Predictions

Tottenham Hotspur

Fraser Forster; Djed Spence, Archie Gray, Radu Dragusin, Destiny Udogie; Dejan Kulusevski, Pape Matar Sarr, Lucas Bergvall; Brennan Johnson, Dominic Solanke, Heung-Min Son

Southampton FC

Joe Lumley; Kyle Walker-Peters, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Nathan Wood, Jan Bednarek, Manning; Flynn Downes, Mateus Fernandes; Tyler Dibling; Adam Armstrong, Paul Onuachu

Paul M. Banks is the Founding Editor of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”

He currently contributes to USA Today’s NFL Wires Network, the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America and RG. His past bylines include the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. His work has been featured in numerous outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, the Washington Post and ESPN. You can follow him on Linked In and Twitter.

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Tottenham Hotspur are heading to Glasgow, Scotland for a UEFA Europa League clash on Thursday night at Rangers. It’s a match-up of two sides who are smack dab in the middle of the UEL table. Spurs come in with a slew of injuries, both long-term and short-term.

That will affect the team selection of manager Ange Postecoglu, who will no doubt need to do some squad rotation here, in spite of it all.

Rangers vs Tottenham Hotspur FYIs

Kick: Thurs. Dec. 12, 8pm, Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, Scotland

Competition: UEFA Europa League Matchday 6 of 8

Tottenham Preview Material: Team News Starting XI Prediction

UEL Standing, Form: Tottenham 9th, 10 pts, WWWLD Rangers 8th, 10 pts, WLWDW

Two Spurs midfielders, Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur, are suspended in domestic play so the continental competition, where they’re still eligibly to play, provides a good opportunity for them to feature.

Tottenham Hotspur Starting XI Prediction vs Rangers

Fraser Forster; Pedro Porro, Radu Dragusin, Archie Gray, Destiny Udogie; Pape Matar Sarr, Rodrigo Bentacur, Yves Bissouma; Brenna Johnson, Will Lankshear, Heung-Min Son

Paul M. Banks is the Founding Editor of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”

He currently contributes to USA Today’s NFL Wires Network, the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America and RG. His past bylines include the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. His work has been featured in numerous outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, the Washington Post and ESPN. You can follow him on Linked In and Twitter.

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