The Sports Bank

So far, the early returns on Julen Lopetegui are not good. Despite having what is probably the fittest squad in the entire Premier League, the Irons did not come out of the gates firing. Lopetegui hasn’t been able to take advantage of the fact that his side has had so few injuries, because they’re way down in 12th place right now. Having a road London derby versus a Tottenham team that really needs wins probably won’t help their cause much.

Anyway, let’s preview this puppy!

Tottenham Hotspur vs West Ham United FYIs

Kick-off: Saturday, October 19, 12:30 pm local, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, UK

Tottenham Previews: Starting XI Prediction Injury Updates Team News

West Ham Content: Starting XI Prediction Injury Updates Team News

Google Result Probability: West Ham victory 17% Draw 18% Tottenham victory 65%

PL Form: West Ham LDLDW Tottenham LLWWL

PL Standing: West Ham 12th, 8 pts Tottenham 9th, 10 pts

West Ham Team News vs Tottenham

None really, as they have a nearly fully fit squad, which we covered already here. As we’re doing this preview insanely early (hey, it’s international break, what other options do we have?), we’ll be sure to update this article accordingly, should any injuries arise over these last few days of international matches.

West Ham United Starting XI Prediction vs Tottenham Hotspur

Alphonse Areola; Aaron Wan Bissaka, Jean-Clair Todibo, Max Kilman, Emerson Palmieri; Guido Rodriguez, Edson Alvarez; Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paqueta, Mohammad Kudus; Michael Antonio

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. 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 will host West Ham United on Oct. 19 in what will no doubt be a very spirited London derby. Tottenham have three injury concerns for that one: Heung-Min Son (thigh), Richarlison (calf) and Wilson Odobert (hamstring).

Only the club captain, who has missed the last three matches, could be fit to feature a week from Saturday. The other two are ruled out until November.

Here below we list what manager Ange Postecoglu said about each of the injured players, the last time that he discussed the topic.

Heung-Min Son

“Sonny is unlikely; he’s pushing hard, but the turnaround might be too quick for him to be available at this stage,” Postecoglu said last Friday. After trying so hard to get into the last matchday squad, he should be fine here.

Richarlison

“[Richarlison] is a fair way off; I think you should stop asking me about him until I say I’ve got an update. He’s still not training with the first team,” Ange said on Sept. 20.

The Brazilian suffered a calf injury in training, ahead of the Newcastle loss.

Wilson Odobert

‘Wilson, it doesn’t look good. We’re still waiting for it to settle down to get all the information, but he’ll definitely be out for the next period. It’s his hamstring,” Ange said on Sept. 20.

This seems to be kind of a long-term injury now.

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 Ravens Wire, part of the USA Today SMG’s NFL Wire Network and the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America. His past bylines include the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated, Chicago Tribune and the Washington Times. You can follow him on Linked In and Twitter.

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Heung-Min Son probably won’t be fully match fit for Sunday, so we suspect that it will be Timo Werner leading the line for Tottenham Hotspur at Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday. However, the good news is that Destiny Udogie should be fine. As another international break approaches, we just got to say that, yes, we agree- there are too many matches!

Too much fixture congestion! Way too many competitions, all shoved in with too quick of a turnaround. All the players who are speaking out against this are correct.

Brighton & Hove Albion Tottenham Hotspur FYIs

Kick off: Sun. Oct. 6, 4:30pm, Falmer Stadium, Brighton & Hove, East Sussex, UK

Tottenham Hotspur Preview Material: Team News Starting XI Prediction

Google Result Probability: Tottenham Hotspur 43% Brighton 33% Draw 24%

PL Form, Position: Tottenham Hotspur WLLWW, 10 pts, 8th Brighton WDDDL, 9 pts, 9th

It’s not just tough on the players, but it’s a negative for journos, media, fans and supporters etc. It’s watered down the product, overall, which diminishes the appeal.

Tottenham Hotspur Starting XI Prediction at Brighton

Guglielmo Vicario; Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Destiny Udogie; Dejan Kulusevski, Rodrigo Bentancur, James Maddison, Brennan Johnson, Dominic Solanke; Timo Werner

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. 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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The insanity of this fixture congestion continues as Tottenham Hotspur face a very quick turnaround after their victorious Hungarian odyssey in the UEFA Europa League. The upcoming international break will be well deserved. Heung-min Son and Destiny Udogie (both of which are nursing thigh injuries) are questionable for the Sunday trip to Brighton & Hove Albion. Maybe manager Ange Postecoglu gives them both a rest, with an eye on the aforementioned break period.

We do know for sure that Richarlison (officially an undisclosed injury) and Wilson Odobert (also a thigh problem as well) are certain to miss out.

Brighton & Hove Albion vs Tottenham Hotspur FYIs

Kick off: Sun. Oct. 6, 4:30pm, Falmer Stadium, Brighton & Hove, East Sussex, UK

Tottenham Hotspur Preview Material: Team News Starting XI Prediction

Google Result Probability: Tottenham Hotspur 43% Brighton 33% Draw 24%

PL Form, Position: Tottenham Hotspur WLLWW, 10 pts, 8th Brighton WDDDL, 9 pts, 9th

Brighton & Hove Team News

Shifting gears to the host Seagulls, Brajan Gruda (undisclosed), Simon Adingra (also undisclosed), former long time Liverpool man James Milner (thigh) and Solly March (knee) all face late fitness tests in order to make the matchday squad.

Meanwhile the likes of Joao Pedro (ankle injury), Jan Paul van Hecke (unspecified issue) and Matthew O’Riley (ankle) are ruled out here.

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. 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 to be considered among the favorites to win the UEFA Europa League this term (the other English side in the tournament, Manchester United, look a major mess right now- they’re not going to do anything), so Thursday presents a chance to truly make a statement at Ferencvaros.

Winning, and winning decisively at Ferencvaros, Spurs’ first road tie in the UEL would certainly send a statement of intent, an “in it to win it” kind of vibe.

UEFA Europa League FYIs

Tottenham Hotspur at Ferencvaros

Matchday 2 of 8

Kick: Thurs. Oct. 3, 5:45pm, Groupama Arena, Budapest, Hungary

UEL Standings, Form: Tottenham 4th, 3 pts, +3 GD, W Ferencvaros 26th, 0 pts, -1 GD, L

Tottenham Preview Material: Team News Starting XI Prediction

Despite this reality, expect Spurs manager Ange Postecoglu to rotate his side for this clash. This will be a lineup that has some solid strength to put, but obviously not the strongest possible from Ange Postecoglu.

Tottenham Hotspur Starting XI Prediction at Ferencvaros (UEL)

Fraser Forster; Archie Gray, Cristian Romero, Ben Davies, Djed Spence; Pape Matar Sarr, Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Bergvall; Brennan Johnson, Dominic Solanke, Timo Werner

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. 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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The headliner fixture this weekend, at least in England, features two big money yet still underachieving sides. Man United welcome in Tottenham Hotspur for a match that is actually very, as the kids say, “mid.”

Two middling, middle of the table teams, filled with players who are not currently living up to their expectations (i.e. salary and price tag) will do battle at Old Trafford.

Man United vs Tottenham Hotspur FYIs

Kick off: Sun. Sept 29, 4:30, Old Trafford, Manchester, UK

Team News: Tottenham Hotspur Man United

Starting XI Predictions: Tottenham Hotspur Man United

Key Players to Watch: go here

Transatlantic Passage: How the Premier League Redefined Soccer in America: LINK

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

PL Form, Position: Tottenham DWLLW, 7pts, 10th Manchester United WLLWD, 7 pts, 11th

As the late Donald Rumsfeld famously said, “you go to war with the army you have, not the army you wish you had. This is the first choice army, at least in our opinions, that Spurs boss Ange Postecoglu has.

Tottenham Hotspur Starting XI Prediction vs Man United

Guglielmo Vicario; Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Destiny Udogie; Dejan Kulusevski, Rodrigo Bentancur, 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. 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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A draw with FC Twente?! Yikes, you just can’t do that if you’re Manchester United. Even though they played a weakened side, as it was the Europa League, a draw with a club that much smaller than you, from a league that is that much smaller than yours. Will they rebound against Tottenham Hotspur this Sunday?

Manager Erik ten Hag is already under fire again, so he really needs a win here.

Man United vs Tottenham Hotspur FYIs

Kick off: Sun. Sept 29, 4:30, Old Trafford, Manchester, UK

Team News: Tottenham Hotspur Man United

Starting XI Predictions: Tottenham Hotspur Man United

Key Players to Watch: go here

Transatlantic Passage: How the Premier League Redefined Soccer in America: LINK

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

PL Form, Position: Tottenham DWLLW, 7pts, 10th Man United WLLWD, 7 pts, 11th

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the strongest possible lineup that he could select, in order to get the three points. No, we did not include Marcus Rashford in that.

Man United Starting XI Prediction vs Tottenham Hotspur

Andre Onana; Noussair Mazraoui, Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt, Diogo Dalot; Kobbie Mainoo, Christian Eriksen; Amad Diallo, Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho; Joshua Zirkzee

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. 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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Manchester United hosts Tottenham Hotspur in what is the headliner fixture of the next Premier League weekend. Let’s run through the team fitness situation. Once again, the returns of Victor Lindelof (ankle/foot) and Luke Shaw (calf) are delayed. Or their situations are/were much more serious than the club was leading on. The return of Tyrell Malacia (knee) is also once again delayed.

We won’t see any of the trio feature until well into October.

Man United vs Tottenham Hotspur FYIs

Kick off: Sun. Sept 29, 4:30, Old Trafford, Manchester, UK

Team News: Tottenham Hotspur Man United

Starting XI Predictions: Tottenham Hotspur Man United

Key Players to Watch: go here

Transatlantic Passage: How the Premier League Redefined Soccer in America: LINK

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

PL Form, Position: Tottenham DWLLW, 7pts, 10th Man United WLLWD, 7 pts, 11th

Team News for Both Sides

Finally, Leny Yoro (foot) remains out for the long team. So now, we’ll shift over to Spurs. Tottenham Talisman Heung Min-Son faces a late fitness test, as he’s been battling some fatigue lately. Said manager Ange Postecoglu: “He said he felt a bit tired, but I haven’t spoken to him or the medical team yet.” Otherwise, nothing else has really changed.

Wilson Odobert (thigh) and Richarlison (calf/shin/heel) remain out.

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. 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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(Stock Photo ID: 2261641443)

As Manchester United gear up to host Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford, this fixture takes on added significance in the early stages of the Premier League season.

Both clubs are seeking to establish themselves as top-four contenders, and this match could serve as an early indicator of their Champions League ambitions.

United are hoping to build on their recent 3-0 victory over Southampton, a result that offered a salvation for Erik ten Hag after a slow start. However, consistency remains a key issue, especially after suffering a humbling defeat to Liverpool at home.

Meanwhile, Spurs are nursing the wounds of a tough 2-0 defeat to Arsenal in the North London derby. Ange Postecoglou, still in the process of embedding his philosophy, will be under pressure to respond and show that his team can hold their own against the league’s elite.

Both sides missed out on the top four last season, which makes this showdown even more pivotal as they aim to avoid another underwhelming campaign. With so much at stake, an intense battle is on the cards when assessing Man U vs Tottenham odds.

The Champions League itself has undergone changes this season with a new Swiss-style format, making qualification even more important.

Both United and Spurs will need to hit top form as quickly as possible to secure a place in next year’s tournament, with no room for early-season complacency.

With that in mind, let’s look at the key players who could prove most influential in this pivotal Premier League clash between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

Matthijs de Ligt

Manchester United’s summer signing, Matthijs de Ligt, opened his account in England with a powerful header in the win against Southampton.

After stints at Juventus and Bayern Munich, the Dutch defender hopes to settle down after years of inconsistency around Europe’s top clubs.

His ability to dominate in the air and marshal the defence could be vital in United’s quest to shore up their backline, especially with the team’s inconsistency in recent seasons due to injuries at the back. If De Ligt can maintain his fitness and form, he may be the reliable figure United need to build around, and that starts with consecutive clean sheets against Spurs.

Guglielmo Vicario

Guglielmo Vicario will have a crucial role to play at Old Trafford. Spurs’ goalkeeper has shown flashes of his talent, particularly with his passing and distribution, but struggled in the defeat to Arsenal, where he could have done better for Gabriel’s decisive goal, giving the Gunners a better chance in the Premier League title odds.

The Italian’s ability to play out from the back makes him a key part of Postecoglou’s system as a progressive goalkeeper, but he’ll need to be at his best to keep United’s attackers at bay.

His response to the pressure in this high-stakes game could define Spurs’ chances of getting a result.

Marcus Rashford

For Marcus Rashford, this season represents a make-or-break period in his Manchester United career.

The academy graduate’s pace and goal-scoring ability have always made him a fan favourite, but inconsistency and injuries have plagued him in recent years.

Rashford will need to step up and deliver in games like this, where United’s attack needs his energy and direct play. A strong performance against Tottenham could reignite his season after a goal against Southampton and remind fans of his importance to the team on home soil.

Brennan Johnson

Brennan Johnson faces a crucial test after a subdued performance in Spurs’ derby loss to Arsenal. The Welsh winger, who arrived from Nottingham Forest, has shown flashes of brilliance but has yet to deliver consistently in a Spurs shirt.

With competition from new signing Dominic Solanke and the ever-reliable Heung-min Son, Johnson will need to prove he can make an impact in big games. His direct style and ability to score goals make him a potential game-changer, but only if he rises to the occasion when Spurs need him most.

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Could this season see the irresistible force versus the immovable object? In that you have the man who “ALWAYS” win trophies in his second season guiding a team versus a club with a 16-year-old trophy drought. Look out Qarabag FK, Tottenham Hotspur, and their manager Ange Postecoglu, are in it to win it.

And by it, we mean the UEFA Europa League, which commences (at least for Spurs) on Thursday. This is a great chance for the North Londoners to finally win some silverware again.

Tottenham vs Qarabag FK FYIs

Kick: Wed. Sept. 25, 8pm, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, UK

Competition: UEFA Europa League Matchday 1

Transatlantic Passage: How the Premier League Redefined Soccer in America: LINK

Team News vs Qarabag FK

None. The injury, fitness, suspension situation remains the same, more or less. Richarlison and Wilson Odobert remain out.

That said, there will still be some squad rotation here of course. Spurs will have a starting unit that is mix and match between first teamers and reserves. We believe the end result will look something like this.

Starting XI Prediction vs Qarabag FK

Fraser Forster; Archie Gray, Radu Dragusin, Ben Davies, Djed Spence; Pape Matar Sarr, Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Bergvall; Brennan Johnson, Dominic Solanke, Timo Werner

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. 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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