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After a remarkable decade at Tottenham Hotspur, captain Son Heung-min is poised to sign a one-year contract extension. This decision signals the club's recognition of his immense contribution and the challenges that would come with finding a replacement of his caliber.

Son, who has become a fan favorite and a pivotal presence in the dressing room since receiving the armband, will undoubtedly be a central figure as the club moves forward. The news of Spurs’ intention to trigger Son’s extension, as reported by Telegraph Sport, is sure to delight fans and stakeholders alike.

It’s not just Son’s phenomenal ability on the ball that has won over the North London faithful—his humility and grace off the pitch further endear him to supporters and the broader football community. His impressive tally of 123 goals in the Premier League stands as a testament to his worth, having been acquired from Bayer Leverkusen for £22 million back in 2015.

In an intriguing twist, Real Madrid's Carlo Ancelotti has expressed interest in one of his star players joining Spurs, showcasing the admiration for talent that clubs around the world have for Son.

As Son approaches his 33rd birthday at the start of the 2025/26 season, the prospect of him bidding farewell to the English game just shy of 34 seems a fitting conclusion to an extraordinary European career.

With the loss of Harry Kane still fresh in their minds, it’s imperative for manager Ange Postecoglou and chairman Daniel Levy to start considering the future and how they might fill the sizable void left by such talent. While new striking options like Dominic Solanke are beginning to assert themselves, replicating Son's unique blend of skill and instinct will prove to be a formidable challenge.

In a thrilling encounter, Tottenham Hotspur triumphed over Aston Villa with a scoreline of 4-1. This match saw Unai Emery's side falter in their attempt to secure a vital third-place position, as they faced an unwavering Spurs squad that fired on all cylinders with goals from Brennan Johnson and James Maddison also adding to the tally.

Tottenham showcased remarkable resilience, flipping the script in a pulsating second half. The home side amassed four goals in a display of attacking prowess, silencing critics who had voiced concerns following their recent defeat to Crystal Palace.

However, the victory came at a price, as Tottenham faced injury setbacks. Cristian Romero was forced off in the second half due to a muscle issue, joining fellow centre-back Micky van de Ven on the sidelines. Meanwhile, Richarlison appeared to suffer a hamstring injury while sprinting to deliver a cross for Spurs' third goal.

James Maddison made a noteworthy impact after being dropped from the starting eleven, curling in a stunning free kick during stoppage time, which complemented a standout performance from Dominic Solanke, who bagged a brace in this resounding win.

Tottenham Hotspur advanced to the quarterfinals of the Carabao Cup with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Manchester City on Wednesday night at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, despite missing their key player and captain, Son Heung-min, due to injury.

Spurs got off to a flying start when Timo Werner found the back of the net within just five minutes, much to the delight of the home fans. The lead was soon doubled in the 25th minute by Pape Matar Sarr, who showcased his talent with a well-placed finish.

City managed to claw one back in stoppage time, with Matheus Nunes striking to reduce the deficit. However, despite a tense second half, the score remained 2-1, marking the end of City's defense of the trophy they had held in recent years.

This victory is particularly significant for Spurs, who have not enjoyed the best of times in the Premier League this season, sitting with just four wins from their first nine matches. The triumph over the current champions highlights their potential to seize opportunities amid adversity.

Captain Son, who has been sidelined since suffering an injury in a Europa League clash against Qarabag FK on September 26, returned to the pitch for a league encounter against West Ham on October 19, where he managed to score. However, Spurs' head coach, Ange Postecoglou, made the tactical decision to keep him out of the lineup for this crucial cup tie, prioritizing his recovery.

With this win, Spurs edge closer to their first piece of silverware since the 2008 Carling Cup, now known as the Carabao Cup. They are set to face Manchester United in the quarterfinals, after the Red Devils convincingly defeated Leicester City 5-2 in their own round of 16 clash.

The international break looms, scheduled to begin in two weeks, which will see the Korean national team competing in two crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Kuwait and Palestine. It remains uncertain whether Son will feature in these matches due to his ongoing injury worries. Despite being initially called up for the October fixtures, he was later omitted from the squad amid concerns from Korea's manager, Hong Myung-bo.

Before the international hiatus, Spurs have three more fixtures to navigate, starting with a home match against Aston Villa this Sunday, as they look to regain momentum in their domestic campaign.

Manchester City faces off against Tottenham Hotspur in a high-stakes encounter in the EFL Cup Round of 16 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 31, 2024. With both teams eyeing silverware, the match promises to deliver intensity and excitement.

Recent history reveals that Manchester City holds a slight advantage over Tottenham. However, both teams have had their ups and downs this season, and Tottenham, coming off a narrow defeat to Crystal Palace, enters this clash eager to bounce back. Their form, which includes three wins and two losses in their last five outings, suggests they are in dire need of a victory to regain momentum.

To make matters tougher, Tottenham's squad is facing challenges due to injuries, most notably to key forward Heung-Min Son, who is sidelined. Manager Ange Postecoglou will be hoping his remaining top players, like Brennan Johnson and James Maddison, can step up in this pivotal match.

In stark contrast, Manchester City is riding high with an impressive 14-game unbeaten streak and leading the Premier League table. Despite dealing with injury concerns affecting key figures like Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, and Kyle Walker, City’s depth allows for potential rotation. Pep Guardiola is likely to introduce fresh faces to enhance squad dynamics in the absence of his stars.

As per the weather forecast, fans can expect broken clouds and a temperature of 12°C on match day, creating favorable conditions for football. This matchup is particularly vital for Tottenham, who have not lifted silverware since 2008, thus making this cup a promising opportunity.

Analysts are predicting a close contest, with betting odds slightly favoring a Tottenham win at 2.56. Given the team's current form and home advantage, Tottenham is expected to harness every bit of motivation to snatch a victory.

The anticipated lineup sees Tottenham utilising a strategic approach, while City may exhibit adaptability as they cope with varying squad changes.

In terms of tactical duels, key battles such as James Maddison against Mateo Kovacic and Brennan Johnson up against Ruben Dias are set to draw attention. Both will be vital for their team's ambitions and could tilt the outcome.

Manchester City’s tactical strength remains evident, with their 4-3-3 formation offering formidable firepower, led by Erling Haaland. Even amid a handful of injuries, City's defensive solidity could key to stifling Tottenham's attack.

In recent encounters, the rivalry shows a fine balance, suggesting the match will be a gripping spectacle. The modern Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with its capacity exceeding 62,000, will surely be alive with the spirit of competition and determination.

Match day predictions lean towards a fiercely contested match, where both sides will need to navigate the damp conditions that may affect passing precision. With stakes this high, every moment on the pitch counts, and the anticipation continues to build for what promises to be an epic clash.

Tomorrow night, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Tottenham welcomes Manchester City for an electrifying encounter in the League Cup Round of 16. Under the guidance of Ange Postecoglou, the Spurs will look to redeem themselves after a series of mixed performances, including a bitter 1-0 defeat to Arsenal last month. The London side must capitalize on their recent cup successes, such as the 2-1 win against Coventry City, to have any hopes of advancing to the quarter-finals.

On the other side, Manchester City arrives in force, led by Pep Guardiola who is always hungry for trophies. Recently crowned with the Ballon d'Or, Rodri is sorely missed in a midfield that has sometimes struggled for creativity, often being caught out against counter-attacks. The Citizens will aim to maintain their strong momentum at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, having secured victories in their last two trips to London.

The kickoff is set for 21:15, promising a spectacle where each team aims to surpass their recent limitations. Tottenham will seek to prove that their ambitions extend beyond fluctuating results, while Manchester City looks to demonstrate their prowess in overcoming other giants despite the absence of their most important player.

For betting predictions on the Tottenham - Manchester City match, Tottenham appears as the favorite with odds of 2.30.

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The Spurs enter this League Cup tie with somewhat inconsistent form in recent weeks. Under Ange Postecoglou, the team has shown moments of brilliance, as evidenced by their impressive 3-0 win at Old Trafford against Manchester United. This performance showcased their ability to dominate on the pitch, exhibiting offensive efficiency rarely seen at the national level this season.

However, the recent defeat to Crystal Palace in the Premier League (0-1) highlighted some weaknesses, particularly in their ability to break down well-organized defenses. A lack of fluidity in midfield and an inability to convert their few chances have cost the Spurs dearly in that match.

The European victories against AZ Alkmaar (1-0) and Ferencvaros (2-1) demonstrate resilience on the continental stage, suggesting that Tottenham has developed valuable mental strength for this competition. Nonetheless, the loss in the North London derby against Arsenal (0-1) underscored defensive shortcomings and a lack of offensive creativity when pressured.

As they prepare to face Manchester City, one of the giants of English football, the Spurs must find a balance between defensive solidity and attacking inventiveness. With key players expected to elevate their game, Tottenham hopes to use this match as a springboard to regain confidence on the domestic front. Ultimately, consistency remains the biggest challenge for this historic club that aspires to regain its former glory.

For the upcoming League Cup match against Manchester City, Tottenham is expected to line up in a 4-3-3 formation under Ange Postecoglou. In goal, Guglielmo Vicario will continue to play a key role, providing solid security at the back.

The defense will likely include Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, and Destiny Udogie, forming a robust backline. In midfield, the creativity of James Maddison will be essential, supported by Yves Bissouma and Dejan Kulusevski. In attack, Brennan Johnson, Dominic Solanke, and Mikey Moore will lead the offensive charge.

Son Heung-Min, while fit, may also add offensive dynamism from the bench. Overall, this balanced formation strategically organized by Postecoglou promises an intriguing confrontation with the Citizens.

Currently, Manchester City boasts impressive form ahead of the crucial League Cup match against Tottenham. Pep Guardiola's men come off a series of convincing victories, both domestically and in Europe. In their last match, a narrow 1-0 win against Southampton in the Premier League highlighted their ability to maintain defensive dominance.

The Citizens thrashed Sparta Prague 5-0 in the Champions League, asserting their status as a formidable force. Their away triumph of 2-1 against Wolves showcases their tenacity, although the result did reveal moments of defensive vulnerability that Guardiola will need to address. Nevertheless, their thrilling 3-2 victory against Fulham, marked by a clever comeback, displays resilience admired by many.

The only blemish on this record is a 1-1 draw against Newcastle, reminding us that while City often excels, they are not immune to slip-ups. In a stunning display of offensive prowess, they defeated Slovan Bratislava 4-0, a match where their attack operated at full throttle, although the opposition failed to put up significant resistance.

The presence of world-class players and a strategy orchestrated by Guardiola are critical factors as the match progresses and will be vital against Tottenham. This League Cup encounter will serve as a proving ground for further ambitions this season, and City hopes to continue their winning streak, although Tottenham will undoubtedly aim to spring a surprise.

For the upcoming League Cup match against Tottenham, Manchester City, led by the ingenious Pep Guardiola, is expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation that showcases their attacking style. Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson, known for effectively playing the ball out, is likely to be stationed between the posts.

In defense, the solid central pair could consist of Rúben Dias and Akanji, flanked by Lewis and Gvardiol on the wings, providing excellent defensive cover and contributing to attacking plays. In midfield, the creativity of Bernardo Silva, the vision of Kovačić, and the versatility of Foden should lead the charge.

Up front, Erling Haaland, with his sharp eye for goal, will likely be supported by Doku and Savinho. Manchester City appears to have no notable absences due to injuries or suspensions, which is a significant advantage for manager Guardiola in his quest for another victory.

October 30. 22:15. London. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

EFL Cup. Round of 16

Tottenham (London) – Manchester City

Where to watch: Setanta Sports

Suspended: None

Injured: Jed Spence, Son Heung-min, Wilson Odobert - Jeremy Doku, Kevin De Bruyne, Oscar Bobb, Rodri, Jack Grealish, Kyle Walker

Tottenham vs Manchester City: Bookmakers' Odds

Manchester City has long struggled at the new Tottenham stadium, failing to even score a consolation goal. However, this year, Pep Guardiola’s side finally broke their losing streak in London, accomplishing this feat twice: in January, they dashed Spurs' hopes for the FA Cup (1:0), and four months later, they confidently secured victory in the Premier League (2:0). Currently, the Cityzens are more vulnerable than they were earlier this year. Nevertheless, doubts linger over Tottenham's ability to exploit the problems of Manchester City.

Manchester City

From a results standpoint, Pep Guardiola's team has had a perfect October: they won all five matches, three of which were clean sheets. The significance of this winning streak is heightened by the absence of two key players – Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri, who set the pace and direction of attack. However, the quality of football has been notably below Pep Guardiola's high standards. Even the Spanish manager acknowledged that luck played a significant role in their victories over Fulham (3:2) and Wolverhampton (2:1).

Manchester City was somewhat fortunate in their home match against Southampton (1:0). The Cityzens scored an early goal but then squandered numerous chances. Their profligacy nearly cost them in the second half when Cameron Archer hit the crossbar, and a minute before the end of regular time, Ederson saved a shot from Paul Onuachu.

Before the League Cup clash, Manchester City faces a major squad issue, with six first-team players in the treatment room. Key players like Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva need rest. Therefore, it’s possible Pep Guardiola will rely on some academy players in London, with 16-year-old Caden Braithewaite expected to appear in central defense and 19-year-old Nico O'Reilly in midfield.

Tottenham

Tottenham is currently one of the most unpredictable teams in the Premier League. When everything goes according to plan for Ange Postecoglou, they are capable of defeating any opponent, as demonstrated by their recent demolitions of Manchester United (3:0) and West Ham (4:1). However, following such successes, Spurs can suffer inexplicable yet entirely predictable setbacks. After triumphing at Old Trafford, Postecoglou’s men squandered a two-goal lead against Brighton, ultimately losing 2:3, and last weekend fell unexpectedly to one of the Premier League's underdogs – Crystal Palace (0:1). "We play good football, but perhaps we sometimes lack the determination to fight for the result," noted Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario after the match at Selhurst Park.

The injury situation at Tottenham is much better than at Manchester City. However, Spurs will still be without key players. Son Heung-min is definitely ruled out against the Cityzens, paving the way for Timo Werner or Richarlison to start.

Tottenham vs Manchester City: Author's Prediction

In no match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium between Spurs and the Cityzens has the bet on "both teams to score" ever emerged. However, this time all signs point to the teams finally breaking their duck. The Londoners' defensive lines have been unreliable, and Manchester City's defense may appear in experimental form. The attacking units are likely to have the upper hand, so my prediction is both teams to score + total over (2.5).

Tottenham Hotspur faced a disheartening 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, marking their fourth defeat in the Premier League this season.

The north Londoners had just begun to regroup following a gut-wrenching 3-2 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion that halted their five-match winning streak across all competitions.

As they entered the Sunday London derby, Spurs were buoyed by consecutive victories over West Ham United and AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League.

Yet, they were unable to stretch that momentum to three wins in a row, as Palace delivered yet another blow to their topsy-turvy campaign.

Jean Philippe-Mateta's goal shortly after the half-hour mark proved decisive, although Ange Postecoglou's men nearly equalised almost instantly.

Micky van de Ven's header from a James Maddison corner rattled the post, and that was as close as Spurs would come to restoring parity after a lacklustre display in south London.

This unexpected loss sees Tottenham dwelling in eighth place, a mere point above the relegation zone and five adrift of fourth-placed Aston Villa.

At just nine games into the season, there’s still ample opportunity to bridge the gap to the top four, but the club’s hopes of a Champions League berth are precariously hanging by a thread.

Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal are set to reignite their fierce contest for the Premier League title, seemingly assured of their top-four finishes, leaving only one spot available for the rest.

From recent seasons, it’s evident that Unai Emery and Aston Villa have no intentions of relinquishing their hard-earned place among England’s elite, solidifying their position in the race for Champions League football.

Chelsea, revitalised under Enzo Maresca’s management, are also ahead of Spurs in the hunt for European qualification.

With Tottenham's current inconsistency, even teams like Brighton and Nottingham Forest appear to have a better shot at clinching a European spot than Postecoglou’s unpredictable squad.

You never quite know what to expect from Spurs. One moment they're emphatically defeating Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford, the next they're succumbing to a team that has struggled in the league.

Tottenham’s previous losses to Newcastle United, Arsenal, and Brighton highlight their vulnerability against tactically astute opponents.

Postecoglou must devise a strategy to make his team tactically resilient, or they might as well start focusing on securing a place in the Europa Conference League.

In a hard-fought encounter at Selhurst Park, Crystal Palace secured their first Premier League victory of the season, overcoming Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 thanks to a solitary goal from Jean-Philippe Mateta. Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou had to make do without his star forward Son Heung-min, giving 17-year-old Mikey Moore the nod for his first league start. It was evident from the outset that Palace were ready to make life challenging for their opponents, as the match unfolded with intensity and urgency.

Mateta found the net in the 31st minute, striking the game's only goal and sending the home crowd into raptures. Brennan Johnson nearly levelled the score soon after when he rattled the post, but both teams struggled to capitalize on their opportunities despite several close attempts throughout the match.

This crucial victory means Palace avoids the unwanted record of their worst start to a Premier League season, having entered this fixture without a win from their last eight attempts.

The Eagles began brightly, but both teams had difficulty generating clear goal-scoring opportunities in the opening exchanges. Palace manager Oliver Glasner was forced to make an early substitution when Jefferson Lerma limped off in the 22nd minute, bringing Will Hughes into the fray.

Play resumed, but it wasn't long before Spurs’ Dejan Kulusevski was brought down, followed shortly by Pedro Porro, complicating matters for the visitors. Both players, however, managed to continue after receiving treatment.

Palace came close when Maxence Lacroix headed over the crossbar, and Ismaila Sarr tested Spurs’ goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario with a shot. Then, Mateta struck, capitalizing on a loose ball that Daniel Munoz had created from a right-wing cross. The Colombian's precise delivery found Ebere Eze, whose clever play set up Mateta for a confident low finish.

Tottenham almost equalized instantly, as Johnson fired against the left post, but it was a resolute Chalobah who cleared the danger off the line.

As the match progressed, both clubs maintained pressure, but Palace managed to hold onto their 1-0 lead at half-time, thanks in part to a crucial save from Dean Henderson, who thwarted James Maddison in stoppage time.

The second half saw Munoz shoot well over from a promising position. Palace thought they had doubled their lead when Eze netted, only for the celebrations to be cut short by an offside flag, following a VAR check.

In a contentious moment, Palace appealed for a penalty when Eze hit the floor after a challenge by Micky van de Ven, but referee Darren Bond waved play on. Maddison soon went close once again, only to be denied by another fantastic save from Henderson.

With Palace pushing for a second goal, Sarr’s shot was deflected wide, and despite several attempts, including frustrating misses for Munoz and a volley from Eze, they couldn’t extend their lead. Tempers flared when Sarr went down under a challenge from Van de Ven, with calls for the defender’s dismissal ignored as Bond brandished only a yellow card.

As the game wore on, Palace made a change, introducing Eddie Nketiah in place of the stricken Sarr while Spurs sought to salvage a point by making three substitutions, introducing Timo Werner, Richarlison, and Pape Sarr.

Palace's Adam Wharton nearly provided the cushion they needed with under ten minutes on the clock, forcing Vicario into a magnificent save before sending a follow-up effort into the stands from Hughes' corner.

Tottenham ramped up the pressure during stoppage time, with Werner forcing Henderson into yet another save. The Palace goalkeeper wasn’t to be outdone, however, as he punched clear a final Spurs cross, sealing a long-awaited victory for the Eagles.

In 2018, Tottenham Hotspur sealed a substantial 15-year partnership with American sportswear titan Nike, which was hailed as a major step forward for the club. The contract, purportedly worth around £30 million annually, amassed a total value of £450 million, a figure that once seemed modest when compared to the lucrative pursuits of some of Spurs’ rivals.

This lucrative agreement not only provided long-term financial security but also arrived at a critical juncture when the club had undertaken hefty borrowing to finalize the construction of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Securing a reliable revenue stream from a prestigious brand like Nike has been a reassuring factor for lenders, ensuring that the club can access credit whenever needed.

Speaking to the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters Trust in 2018, Chairman Daniel Levy stressed how the valuation of such deals differs for Spurs. He pointed out that while certain rival clubs chose to offload merchandising rights—adding a significant amount to their total revenues—Spurs kept those rights in-house. The chairman also acknowledged that the club's shirt sales lagged behind those of behemoths like Liverpool and Manchester United, which directly influenced the revenue potential from kit partnerships.

Nevertheless, this decision to partner with the globe’s leading sports manufacturer made sense. Nike’s ability to deliver at scale was imperative for Spurs, especially considering their ambitions to cater to burgeoning demand in regions like East Asia, a market that has surged in popularity, largely thanks to star player Heung-min Son.

However, there lies a potential pitfall: the risk of leaving financial opportunities on the table if the kit partnership market continues its upward trajectory. Recent reports suggest Liverpool is set to transition from Nike to Adidas next season, with talks of a figure around £60 million, potentially swelling to £90 million with performance incentives. While this switch is not structured over the same lengthy period as Spurs’ agreement with Nike, it marks a significant financial uplift for the Merseyside club—one that Nike deemed unfeasible to match.

Manchester United, on the other hand, boasts a bumper £90 million-per-year deal with Adidas, which, while packed with performance-related contingencies, secures substantial backing. Arsenal and Manchester City are also enjoying lucrative arrangements, with Adidas and Puma respectively, earning around £75 million and £65 million per season.

The current predicament for Spurs is striking: Nike now has a limited portfolio comprising only Spurs and Chelsea among the Premier League’s ‘big six’. With Liverpool's exit to Adidas, Nike may be less inclined to reduce its stakes within England’s premier football league.

The implication is clear: Nike would have had greater motivation to elevate their offers, aiming to maintain a solid presence amid the Premier League’s heavyweights. The international appeal of the league, coupled with high merchandise sales associated with its top clubs, probably meant that Spurs could have benefitted had negotiations turned favorable.

However, opportunities to renegotiate favorable terms may have passed for Spurs. The wisdom in establishing a long-term guaranteed revenue stream rings true; however, it simultaneously curtails the club's ability to capitalize on the growing market. While rivals have successfully secured lucrative new kit deals over the past two years, Spurs find themselves at a loss, having inadvertently foregone potential earnings in the short to medium term.

In summary, Spurs have cast a cautious glance over the horizon, securing their financial footing for the next 15 to 20 years. Such foresight shields them from unpredicted market fluctuations, even if it means watching rival clubs throw themselves into a rapidly bulging kit partnership market.

October 24. 22:00. London. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Europa League. League Stage. Matchday 3

Tottenham Hotspur (London, England) – AZ Alkmaar (Alkmaar, Netherlands)

Where to Watch: MEGOGO

Unavailable: None

Injuries: Wilson Odobert (doubtful) - Wouter Gus, Lewis Schouten, Sam Westerfeld (all doubtful), Lekinsio Zeefuik, Mex de Wit, Bruno Martins Indi

Tottenham vs AZ: Betting Odds

Tottenham

In September, the "Spurs" hit excellent form, but just before the international break, they shocked their supporters. After leading Brighton 2-0 at halftime, the London side managed to concede three goals in the second half, ultimately losing 3-2. Last weekend, however, Ange Postecoglou’s side was expected to respond. The home derby against West Ham started poorly for the "Spurs," but they managed to equalize before the break and then took full advantage of the opponent's defensive lapses after halftime. Tottenham trounced the Hammers 4-1, closing the gap to the Champions League spots, and now aims to secure another impressive victory that will propel them closer to their objective in the Europa League - reaching the Round of 16.

In their first two matches on the continental stage, Tottenham encountered little resistance. They launched their campaign with a thumping 3-0 victory over Qarabağ, even playing with ten men starting from the seventh minute. In the second round, the Londoners took down Ferencváros 2-1, conceding their only goal in the dying moments of the match.

AZ

The "Cheesemakers" started the season strongly, winning six out of seven matches across all competitions (with one draw). However, they will travel to London carrying a dismal streak of four consecutive defeats - the like of which has not happened to AZ in over 22 years. Thus, there couldn't be a better moment for Ange Postecoglou's team to face the Dutch side.

In the second round of the Europa League, the "Cheesemakers" suffered a 0-2 loss away to Athletic Bilbao and prior to that, they faced their first defeat in the national league, losing 1-2 to Utrecht. In October, AZ faced two more setbacks: just before the international break, Marten Martens' men lost 0-1 away to Fortuna, and last weekend at home, they couldn't stop the winning run of PSV, going down 1-2. This series of defeats has led to a rapid drop in the table of the Dutch league: AZ currently sits fifth, but they are closer to the relegation zone than to the leaders.

Tottenham vs AZ: Author's Prediction

Beyond their poor form, statistics are also against AZ: the "Cheesemakers" have lost all eight matches they have played in England in European competitions, conceding at least two goals in each game. Including last season, the "Cheesemakers" have suffered five defeats in their last six away matches in European cups. Of course, Marten Martens’ team will be keen to break these losing streaks. I expect at least one goal from AZ in London, but at the same time, I believe that Tottenham is simply too strong an opponent for the Dutch representatives at this stage. My prediction is a Tottenham win with both teams to score.