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Tottenham Hotspur is set to face AZ Alkmaar this evening in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League, aiming for progress in this prestigious tournament. The Spurs recently ended their three-match winning streak in the Premier League with a defeat to Manchester City, leaving them struggling at 13th in the table and waning hopes of qualifying for the Champions League. In contrast, AZ Alkmaar sits sixth in the Dutch Eredivisie and recently overcame Galatasaray in the playoffs, boosting their confidence ahead of this clash.

AZ Alkmaar will be without Sven Mijnans and Jayden Addai for this tie, while Ruben van Bommel, Mexx Meerdink, and Sam Westerveld will undergo late fitness tests to determine their availability. Troy Parrott, the former Tottenham striker, is expected to lead the attack, supported by Zico Buurmeester in the midfield, with Ernest Poku and Mayckel Lahdo positioned as wingers.

Tottenham will miss the services of Dejan Kulusevski, Richarlison, and Radu Dragusin, all sidelined due to injuries. The front three is likely to see Heung Min Son, Mathys Tel, and Brennan Johnson, while Rodrigo Bentancur will take charge of the midfield responsibilities, partnering with James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall.

The AZ Alkmaar vs Tottenham match will take place at AFAS Stadion in Alkmaar, Netherlands, kicking off at 11:15 PM Indian Standard Time (IST). Fans in India can catch the live telecast on Sony Ten Sports 1 SD/HD channels. Additionally, the match will be available for live streaming on the Sony Liv app and website, ensuring fans don’t miss a moment of the action. With Tottenham Hotspur looking to assert their dominance, expectations are high for a strong performance and a vital win.

Tottenham Hotspur is set to make the journey to the Netherlands for the first leg of their UEFA Europa League round of 16 clash against AZ Alkmaar.

In what has been a challenging season marred by an ongoing injury crisis, Spurs are hoping the Europa League could provide a much-needed opportunity to salvage their campaign. Although injuries have taken their toll, the north London side finds itself in a disappointing position this season.

Currently sitting 13th in the Premier League, Tottenham's most viable path to European competition next season lies through triumph in the Europa League. Manager Ange Postecoglou has previously stated that he tends to secure trophies in his second season, and this competition remains his best shot at making that happen.

Recent updates have added Dejan Kulusevski to a lengthy injury list that features Cristian Romero, Mickey van de Ven, Dominic Solanke, among others. Nonetheless, Postecoglou still possesses sufficient talent to field a competitive lineup in Alkmaar.

Here is the predicted lineup for Tottenham against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday, March 6:

Tottenham Hotspur Predicted Lineup vs. AZ Alkmaar (4-2-3-1)

GK: Guglielmo Vicario - Returning to full fitness, Vicario will take his place in goal.

RB: Pedro Porro - The former Sporting Lisbon player has shown inconsistency this season, often finding himself out of position defensively, yet remains a force in attack.

CB: Archie Gray - The 18-year-old talent will feature at center back due to the absence of regular starters.

CB: Kevin Danso - The January addition will pair with Gray in a makeshift center back duo.

LB: Destiny Udogie - Udogie is set to make his third consecutive start following his recovery from injury.

CM: Rodrigo Bentancour - The Uruguayan will anchor the midfield as a pivotal figure in the lineup.

CM: Lucas Bervgall - The young midfielder has seen increased playing time and will play a critical role in this key European match.

RW: Brennan Johnson - The Welsh winger scored three goals during the earlier rounds of the Europa League.

AM: James Maddison - Operating as the most advanced midfielder, Maddison will bear the main responsibility for chance creation.

LW: Son Heung-Min - As captain, Son will aim to make an impact as he chases his first trophy with the club.

ST: Mathys Tel - Since his January arrival, Tel has netted one goal in five matches.

Tottenham Hotspur is reportedly set to forfeit their option to buy striker Timo Werner from RB Leipzig for £8.5 million in the upcoming summer transfer window, according to the Mirror.

Sources claim that regardless of the season's outcome, the German forward is expected to return to RB Leipzig this summer and will explore other avenues for his career. Notably, MLS side New York Red Bulls are said to have expressed interest in the player.

It is worth noting that Timo Werner joined Tottenham on loan in January 2024, a deal which was later extended for another season in May. So far this season, he has made 27 appearances for Tottenham across all competitions, contributing one goal and three assists. According to Transfermarkt, Werner's current market value stands at €15 million.

In an eagerly awaited Premier League clash, Tottenham Hotspur will host Manchester City at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on Wednesday. This matchup comes on the heels of a stunning 4-0 victory for Spurs in the reverse fixture, but they now find themselves positioned 13th in the league standings. Following a revival in form, Tottenham is eager to extend their winning streak to four matches.

Conversely, Manchester City is grappling with the pressures of securing a top-four finish in the league. The champions are determined to reverse their recent slump, having lost two of their last three matches. As kickoff approaches at 2:30 p.m. ET, City enters as the marginal favorites at +100, while Tottenham is listed at +230 as the underdogs. A draw is available at +300, and the line for total goals sits at 3.5.

Expert predictions suggest a tactical showdown, with one significant recommendation being to bet on "Under 3.5 goals" at +100. Tottenham has demonstrated defensive solidity at home, with the Under hitting in each of their last three home outings—most recently in a narrow 1-0 victory over Manchester United. Additionally, the historical context favors a low-scoring affair, as the Under has prevailed in the last nine home encounters against City across all competitions. With City's star striker Erling Haaland potentially sidelined due to a knee injury, the likelihood of a goal-scoring thriller diminishes.

Another player to watch is Tottenham's James Maddison, who has the odds at over 0.5 shots on target at +100. The 28-year-old midfielder has shown prowess against City, scoring twice in their earlier encounter this season at the Etihad Stadium. After overcoming injury setbacks, Maddison has returned with impactful performances, including a game-winning strike against Manchester United recently.

As fans gear up for this pivotal match, both teams will be looking to cement their respective ambitions in the league. Expect a closely contested game on Wednesday as Tottenham seeks to leverage home advantage against a Manchester City side eager to reclaim their status among the league's elite.

Tottenham Hotspur has announced a significant change in its official naming conventions, expressing a desire to be referred to only as the full club name or the shortened form 'Spurs'. This revelation came to light in an internal communication sent to numerous British media outlets on February 10, 2025.

The decision has stirred up discussions, particularly since the club has a long-standing history in the Premier League and is traditionally known among fans simply as 'Tottenham'. In the official media communication, the club stated, "When referring to the team or brand, please use 'Tottenham Hotspur', 'Tottenham Hotspur Football Club', or 'THFC'.”

This unusual request raises questions as to why the club, with its rich history, would seek to eliminate the familiar name that fans have used for decades. The origins of the name date back to 1882 when the club was founded as the 'Hotspur Football Club', named in honor of Henry Percy, known as 'Harry Hotspur', a medieval knight famed for his fierce spirit and speed in battle. Just two years later, the club changed its name to 'Tottenham Hotspur' to distinguish itself from another London club called 'Hotspur FC'.

Now, nearly 150 years later, the club feels the need to purge 'Tottenham' from official usage, stating that it refers solely to the name of the district rather than the club itself.

For context, 'Hotspur' is an English term that translates to 'hot-headed' or 'daredevil', reflecting the spirited and swift nature of its historical namesake. The abbreviation 'Spurs' derives from 'spur', symbolizing speed and aggression.

This new stance has been club policy officially since 2011 but was reiterated with the launch of a new 'brand identity' in November 2024. The accompanying 'Brand Playbook' clearly outlines: "In a world full of Uniteds, Citys, and Rovers, there is only one Hotspur, Tottenham Hotspur. Please use 'Tottenham Hotspur', 'Tottenham Hotspur Football Club', or 'THFC'. Never use 'Tottenham', 'Tottenham Hotspur FC', or 'TH'.”

The impact of this directive is already noticeable, particularly in broadcast media. During the recent 1-0 victory over Manchester United on February 16, viewers noted that British broadcaster Sky Sports referred to manager Ange Postecoglou as the 'Tottenham Hotspur Head Coach', while team graphics exclusively displayed 'Spurs'. Just last month, during a match against Everton that ended 2-3, the screens only indicated 'Tottenham'.

It remains to be seen what strategy the club hopes to achieve with this announcement. While the official line suggests the media communication simply clarifies long-standing practice, some observers speculate that a push for stronger brand positioning in the global marketplace may be at play. The rationale appears to be that 'Spurs' is more memorable in an international context where many clubs are defined by their geographical names.

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A group of Qatari investors is considering the possibility of purchasing Tottenham Hotspur, and according to reports from The Guardian, they are prepared to offer the club's president, Daniel Levy, a long-term contract to manage the team as executive chairman. This arrangement would enable Levy to retain his position even in the event of a sale.

This decision could evoke mixed reactions among fans, who have repeatedly expressed their dissatisfaction with his leadership. However, the potential new owners believe that Levy's expertise in managing club operations is a valuable asset.

The acquisition of Tottenham could be executed in stages. One possible scenario suggests that even if Enic, the current owner of 86.91% of the club's shares, becomes a minority shareholder, Levy would remain in a leadership role.

Daniel Levy has been a key figure at Tottenham since 2001, when Enic purchased a 29.9% stake in the club from Alan Sugar, later establishing full control. Under his leadership, the club has significantly improved its financial position, particularly due to the construction of the new stadium. Currently, Tottenham's annual revenue exceeds £500 million.

Previously, Levy himself stated that the club requires a "significant increase in capital," openly expressing interest in attracting external investors. Financial group Rothschild is handling consultations on this matter.

It is currently unknown who specifically stands behind the Qatari proposal, but sources indicate that these are private investors, rather than the state fund Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) or Sheikh Jassim, who attempted to purchase Manchester United in 2023.

In recent years, Levy has negotiated with several Qatari entities, but no deals have been finalized. In 2016, Tottenham considered a deal with QSI regarding naming rights to the new stadium, and in 2022, they received a proposal for a minority investment.

Interest in purchasing the club has also been shown by American and Middle Eastern investors. Among the potential buyers were former Newcastle director Amanda Staveley and Iranian-American billionaire Jahm Najafi. However, none of them have offered an amount close to the club's valuation of £3.75 billion.

Tottenham fans have openly expressed their dissatisfaction with Levy. During the recent FA Cup fourth-round match against Aston Villa, supporters chanted "Levy, get out."

At the same time, since 2019, the club has spent £550 million on transfers.

Since 2022, control of Tottenham and Enic has passed to the family trust of billionaire Joe Lewis, which is managed by independent professional trustees.

The King displayed his passing prowess during a visit to the iconic home of Tottenham Hotspur, drawing attention to the club's commitment to uplifting the local community. This visit coincided with preparations for a concert by international superstar Beyonce, who is set to grace the stadium in June.

During the event, Charles met with various local businesses benefiting from the club's initiatives and its partnership with the National Football League (NFL), which hosts games at the venue. The occasion saw the monarch indulging in some lighthearted activity as he tossed an American football under the watchful eyes of Efe Obada, the longest-serving British player in the NFL.

Among those present was Gina Moffatt, a former offender who turned her life around with assistance from the King's Trust, formerly known as the Prince's Trust. Moffatt has established a thriving restaurant in Tottenham, employing fifteen full-time staff. Expressing her excitement, she remarked to the King, "I'm so thrilled that you're back in Tottenham; the year is looking bright, and Tottenham Hotspur is doing remarkable things. We've got Beyonce coming, but you're bigger than Beyonce!"

This visit also served as a reminder of the King's previous engagement in the area in 2011, post the Tottenham riots, where he sought to listen to residents' concerns. During this recent tour, he engaged with students from the London Academy of Excellence Tottenham, a high-achieving sixth form linked to the stadium, and spoke with individuals who have benefitted from his charitable work.

On the pitch, he was greeted with rapturous applause from schoolchildren and was welcomed with an American football, courtesy of Obada. After Charles' attempt at throwing the ball, Obada commented, "I love the King's energy and the fact that he fully embraced the moment. While his throwing technique could have been refined, it was clear he was enjoying himself and the crowd's response was fantastic."

Tottenham Hotspur find themselves in a precarious situation in the Premier League, yet they are enjoying a brighter outlook in the UEFA Europa League. With IF Elfsborg visiting on Thursday, this match presents a crucial opportunity for the beleaguered manager, Ange Postecoglu, to secure a much-needed victory. At this juncture, any victory will be embraced by Tottenham as they seek to regain their confidence.

Postecoglu is set to retain his role in managing the team during the EFL Cup semifinals, independent of the outcomes in other competitions.

Kickoff: Thursday, Jan. 30, 8pm, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, UK

Match Preview:

Current Standings:

Tottenham Hotspur: 6th place, 14 points, Form: WLDDW

IF Elfsborg: 20th place, 10 points, Form: LDLWW

Tottenham is currently expected to progress to the next round of the Europa League without a playoff, but they must secure a positive result in this upcoming clash to maintain their momentum. Meanwhile, IF Elfsborg sits in playoff qualifying positions, and they too require a strong performance to solidify their status.

This matchup promises to be fiercely contested, with significant stakes for both sides.

Predicted Starting XI for Tottenham Hotspur:

TOTTENHAM Hotspur are reportedly maintaining a strong interest in Southampton’s promising talent, Tyler Dibling, and are considered frontrunners for his signature in the upcoming transfer window.

The North London club is believed to be exploring the possibility of securing Dibling's services during the January transfer period, with plans for him to return to Southampton on loan for the remainder of the season.

According to sources, Spurs may attempt to finalize the deal this month, but if that is not feasible, they are likely to seek a pre-agreement.

Discussions between the two clubs regarding the England youth international, who is currently recovering from an ankle injury, have reportedly already taken place.

Dibling was initially expected to be sidelined for a minimum of four weeks, but Southampton manager Ivan Juric has expressed optimism about a quicker recovery following an encouraging medical update.

Juric stated, "At this moment, we are feeling a bit more optimistic. We will assess the situation next week. Everyone is hopeful concerning his progress."

Spurs transfer specialist Paul O'Keefe has indicated that should Tottenham clinch the boardroom approval needed to sign Dibling in January, they would immediately loan him back to St Mary's for the rest of the campaign.

Reports from last week suggested that Southampton have set a substantial price tag of £55 million for Dibling, a figure that slightly exceeds the amount Chelsea spent on Romeo Lavia in 2023.

Currently, Dibling's contract with Southampton runs until 2026, inclusive of an option for an additional year, and the club has also proposed improved terms to the young attacker.

While relegation from the Premier League could complicate his future, manager Juric remains confident that Dibling will remain with the team for at least the current season.

Juric remarked, "While we know that nothing is guaranteed in football, I am quite certain that I will continue to coach Dibling throughout this year."