The Spurs Web

Tottenham Hotspur host IF Elfsborg in the final round of the Europa League on Thursday night in a crucial match that could secure Spurs’ qualification to the Round of 16.

Tottenham take on IF Elfsborg in the Europa League

After Sunday’s disappointing show against 17th-placed Leicester City, Spurs will be desperate to save some face and secure automatic qualification to the Europa League round of 16. A win here not only reduces their workload in an already busy season but gives fans something to cheer about in Europe.

It’s fair to say that Spurs have shown two different sides this season. On the one hand, there’s the exciting version in cup competitions—doing well in the Carabao Cup, the FA Cup, and staying alive in Europe. This side makes you believe in Angeball again.

Then there’s the Premier League version: a team that looks like it’s stuck in quicksand, sitting 15th in the league, winless in seven, and flirting with the relegation zone. One thing both versions share? Injuries.

Thankfully for Spurs fans, it’s the “better” side turning up this Thursday. Let’s hope they deliver.

What time does Tottenham vs IF Elfsborg kick-off?

How both teams go into Tottenham v IF Elfsborg

Spurs come into this one recovering from a frustrating 2-1 defeat to Leicester City. That result means Tottenham have picked up just 5 points from their last 33 available in the Premier League—a poor run, to say the least.

However, there was some relief in Europe last week when Spurs beat Hoffenheim 3-2 to keep their Europa League hopes alive. Sitting 6th in the group, a win here will secure qualification to the round-off 16.

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As for Elfsborg, their domestic season ended in November with a 5th-place finish in the Allsvenskan, meaning no European football next season. They haven’t had much regular competitive football since then but have kept themselves active with friendlies and Europa League games. Their last five games have produced mixed results—three wins and two losses.

Most recently, they beat Nice 1-0, thanks to a set-piece goal, after losing 2-0 to Stal Mielec in a friendly. They’re currently 20th in the Europa League standings with 10 points making it impossible to secure a spot in the round-off-16 qualifications but need a result to stay where they are and reserve a spot for themselves in the round-off 16 playoffs.

Tottenham team news

This section is always subject to change, and as we’ve seen many times before, Ange often surprises fans with unexpected changes to the lineup an hour before kick-off. For now, the players set to miss out include Johnson, Romero, Udogie, Solanke, Vicario, Van de Ven, Werner, and Odobert.

Maddison, who missed the game against Leicester, is also a doubt, though further updates will follow soon. Spence, Kinsky, and Reguilon remain unavailable as they haven’t been registered in the Europa League squad.

On a positive note, Bissouma could return to the starting lineup after missing the last few matches.

Elfsborg team news

This might make Spurs fans a bit jealous, but this section is going to be free of any names. Elfsborg come into this fixture with no injuries, doubts, or suspensions.

Predicted Tottenham line-up

Austin; Porro, Drăgușin, Davies, Gray; Bissouma, Bergvall, Bentancur; Kulusevski, Richarlison, Moore.

Our insights

This match is important for both teams and will probably decide their European future. Neither of them will want to let this game slide by as just another fixture. Spurs need a win to secure a round-off 16 spot, while Elfsborg are fighting to stay alive for the playoff rounds.

Elfsborg, though not the strongest side on paper, have a way of frustrating opponents. They rank last in the Europa League for possession (31.5%) but compensate with a defensive setup and quick counterattacks.

Spurs fans may not want to hear this, but they look dangerous on set pieces. In fact, their winner against Nice came from a corner. Their set-piece strategy is very similar to Arsenal’s. Players crowd the opponent’s goalkeeper, with a few running towards the near post to get a touch on an inward corner.

That said, Elfsborg’s defence is not impenetrable. Nice created four clear chances against them last week but failed to convert any of them. If Spurs can string together a few short tiki-taka-like passes in the box and make creative runs or movements, they should be able to create plenty of chances.

Watch out for Kulusevski and Maddison; both would enjoy playing against that Elfsborg defence.

Our prediction

The fans know this, Ange knows this, and everyone knows it—Ange is under pressure despite Spurs backing him. For one last time in the Europa League group stages, hopefully, Spurs show up.

I’ve marked 22 days on my calendar—that’s the number of days since Spurs last signed a player. They have just 3 more days. The players are screaming for help. They’re constantly asked to play 180 minutes a week. They give their all until the final whistle, but their bodies clearly can’t take it.

Anyway, let’s hope Spurs pull off something special this week.

Tottenham Hotspur fans made their voices heard in the loudest display of dissent this season, as chants of ‘Levy Out’ rang around the stadium during Sunday’s 2-1 loss to Leicester City.

Spurs falter again as misery deepens

On Sunday afternoon, Tottenham Hotspur slumped to their 13th defeat of the Premier League season, falling to a Leicester City side battling relegation.

The match, held at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, epitomised the struggles of a campaign that has seen Ange Postecoglou’s men consistently underperform, with supporters growing increasingly frustrated.

Spurs initially took the lead through Richarlison, whose towering header in the first half gave fans a glimmer of hope.

However, that optimism was short-lived as Leicester turned the match on its head with a clinical start to the second half.

Jamie Vardy, often a thorn in Tottenham’s side, levelled the score just after the break before El Khannouss doubled the visitors’ advantage only four minutes later.

This latest setback leaves Tottenham stranded in 15th place, with just eight points separating them from the relegation zone.

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Chants of discontent ring out throughout Tottenham Hotspur stadium after defeat to Leicester City

The growing frustration within the Tottenham fanbase reached its boiling point during Sunday’s defeat, with chants of ‘Levy Out’ – aimed at club chairman Daniel Levy – resounding across the stadium.

Fans voiced their displeasure not just during the game but also in the aftermath, despite the club’s efforts to drown out the chants with post-match music.

In a tweet posted on X, Football.London journalist Alasdair Gold captured the mood of the fans, stating, “Loudest I have heard the ‘Levy out’ chants at a game here at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The post-match music is pumped out loudly, but they were there at various points throughout the game.“

Why fans are turning on Tottenham’s ownership

The anger among Tottenham supporters stems from multiple issues, all of which point to the ownership’s perceived lack of ambition.

For years, fans have accused Daniel Levy and ENIC Group of prioritising commercial gains over footballing success, with the team often falling short in key moments due to what many perceive as insufficient investment in the squad.

This frustration has only grown in the wake of a winter transfer window that failed to address the team’s glaring needs.

Following injuries to key players, supporters expected significant reinforcements to help Ange Postecoglou navigate the challenges of his second season. Instead, the club has opted for minimal additions, which has left the squad exposed and unable to compete effectively.

Tottenham Hotspur have just one week remaining to secure additions to the squad and journalist David Ornstein suggests Johan Lange and co may change tack to help get a transfer over the line.

Tottenham’s January transfer window fails to live up to hopes

Tottenham Hotspur approached the end of 2024 with notable injuries across the defence and attack.

Spurs initially acted swiftly to bring in Antonin Kinsky to replace the injured Guglielmo Vicario and Fraser Forster who was suffering from illness.

There had been hopes to secure a loan deal for Randal Kolo Muani, but the versatile forward decided to join Juventus instead.

No outfield signings have been made and more players have fallen to injury since. Spurs desperately need help for their team and may have to pull out the stops to ensure Ange Postecoglou is given even the most minimal help to turn Tottenham’s fortunes around.

Spurs may now target permanent transfers – Ornstein

Speaking on The Athletic YouTube channel, David Ornstein provided an update on Tottenham’s January transfer intentions.

Ornstein said: “I think Tottenham have some work to do. There is financial room to manoeuvre and in the attacking line and in the defensive line they would like to strengthen if they can.

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“Initially, it sounded like they would do some loans after the arrival of Kinsky, but they perhaps they could go down the permanent route now as they’re struggling so much with injuries and struggling so much in the Premier League“.

Spurs need players who fit the profile and who can be signed now

The difficulty facing Tottenham and Johan Lange is that while they have proven that they are capable of identifying suitable targets like Dominic Solanke or Wilson Odobert, these players are not always available in January.

Spurs desperately need reinforcements, but they will be hesitant to panic buy and bring in a player permanently who will not benefit the team in the long term.

It is still fair to criticise the club for a lack of preparation for this eventuality. However, perhaps if they decide to pay slightly more than they originally imagined, they may secure their targets before the window closes.

Tottenham Hotspur are confident that they will be able to attract one youngster, who has set the Premier League alight this season, but Daniel Levy’s reluctance to meet the asking price may doom any chances of a January deal.

Which striker will Spurs sign in the final week of the window?

Tottenham continue to be backed to sign a forward before the transfer window slams shut, but after missing out on Randal Kolo Muani, it remains unclear who the club’s top target is.

Some outlets have suggested that the Lilywhites could make a move for Lille’s Jonathan David while Feyenoord’s Santiago Gimenez has also been mooted as a target over recent days.

However, a fresh update has now suggested that Tottenham may look much closer to home to solve their issues up front by pressing forward with a move for a Premier League starlet.

Tottenham are still chasing Liam Delap

TEAMtalk now claim that Tottenham are ‘desperate’ to sign a striker before the February 3 deadline and are ‘continuing to chase’ Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap.

The report explains that the Manchester City academy graduate ticks a lot of boxes for Ange Postecoglou, who has already greenlit the 21-year-old’s signing.

Even though Chelsea have also expressed interest in Delap, the report claims that ‘there is confidence from Spurs‘ that they would be able to beat their London rivals to the player.

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The Blues are thought to be keen on signing the Englishman in the summer, but they would be ready to move if Tottenham make an official approach.

Daniel Levy reluctant to pay a big fee for Liam Delap

TEAMtalk also states that Ipswich have ‘no desire’ to sell their talismanic youngster this month and would demand a huge premium if someone comes calling for him in the final days of the window.

It is pointed out that City also have a sell-on clause on Delap, which is why the newly promoted side have no intention of lowering their asking price at the moment.

With deadline day just around the corner, Brighton’s young striker Evan Ferguson is emerging as a potential solution to Tottenham Hotspur’s ongoing injury woes.

Tottenham’s injury crisis deepens

Tottenham Hotspur’s injury crisis has only continued to get worse with each passing day, as more players continue to drop like flies.

Most recently, Dominic Solanke, Timo Werner and Brennan Johnson have since picked up injuries that are set to sideline them for extended periods.

This leaves Spurs incredibly thin at the front as only four senior players are available for selection in that area of the pitch.

With the January window still open and Tottenham still “working hard” on signings, there is a need for more reinforcements in the forward line.

Evan Ferguson draws Tottenham Hotspur’s interest

Evan Ferguson, Brighton and Hove Albion’s 20-year-old striker, has caught the attention of several Premier League clubs, with Tottenham Hotspur now reportedly in the mix.

According to The Guardian, West Ham United and Bournemouth are considered frontrunners for Ferguson’s signature, should Brighton agree to a loan move, but Fulham, Everton, and Tottenham are also monitoring the situation closely.

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The Lilywhites’ interest is likely driven by their current predicament in attack, as the club looks to ease the burden on their remaining forwards while navigating the challenges of an increasingly demanding season.

A risky gamble for Tottenham

While Evan Ferguson’s talent is undeniable, his injury record raises significant concerns for a Tottenham side already plagued by fitness issues.

A forward with such physical fragility might find himself a natural fit among Spurs’ treatment table occupants, but this is hardly the solution Postecoglou would have hoped for in a crucial January window.

Additionally, Ferguson’s performances this season have not been that encouraging – the forward has played just 220 minutes in the Premier League for Brighton this season and has managed just one goal.

These numbers suggest a player still in development; he is far from the finished article and will require patience to fully realise his potential.

However, his instincts in front of goal are clear, and history has shown his ability to find the back of the net when fit and firing. Going for him is a risk and his impact will definitely not be immediate.

The Tottenham Hotspur players and backroom staff have today boarded their flight to Germany.

The focus switches to the Europa League briefly for Tottenham where they will face Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim tomorrow evening.

The North Londoners will train at the PreZero Arena later this evening with Ange Postecoglou also due to hold his pre-match press conference.

Tottenham make the trip to Germany once again without a number of first-team players as a result of injury crisis.

While Postecoglou is once again without Guglielmo Vicario, Destiny Udogie, Micky van de Ven, Dominic Solanke, Brennan Johnson, Timo Werner and Wilson Odobert; he is also unable to call upon Djed Spence and Sergio Reguilon who were both overlooked for Tottenham’s 23-man squad for the Europa League group stage.

Which Tottenham players have flown to Germany?

Among the players seen at the airport, boarding the flight were Pedro Porro, Rodrigo Bentancur, Will Lankshear, James Maddision, Heung-min Son, Alfie Whiteman, Lucas Bergvall, Ben Davies, Archie Gray, Brandon Austin, Mikey Moore and Callum Olusesi.

The pressure is firmly on Ange Postecoglou to secure a win and keep Tottenham’s hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages alive.

The January transfer window has been far from fruitful for Tottenham Hotspur, yet the club’s sights are firmly set on Southampton’s Tyler Dibling.

Tottenham Hotspur’s challenging January transfer window

Tottenham Hotspur’s second season under Ange Postecoglou has seen its fair share of hurdles, but none more pressing than the ongoing injury crisis that has left the squad stretched thin.

The manager, who has openly stated the club is “working hard” to bolster its ranks, has so far been unable to secure any outfield signings, a predicament that grows more concerning as the days of January continue to pass.

With forwards such as Brennan Johnson, Dominic Solanke, and Timo Werner currently sidelined, Tottenham’s attacking options have been severely depleted.

The need for reinforcements, both up front and in defence, is evident, yet no solutions have materialised.

Despite missing out on Muani, the club has been linked to a series of high-profile names, including Marcus Rashford, Rayan Cherki, and Bryan Mbeumo, but none of these rumoured targets have resulted in confirmed moves.

As frustration among supporters grows, attention has now turned to potential alternatives, with Southampton’s Tyler Dibling emerging as a target.

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Tottenham are in the race to sign Tyler Dibling

Recent reports, particularly from Florian Plettenberg on X (formerly Twitter), have revealed that Tottenham Hotspur are actively pursuing Tyler Dibling, Southampton’s 18-year-old forward, in what is shaping up to be a highly competitive transfer race.

The versatile winger, whose contract at Southampton runs until 2027, has drawn interest from several Premier League clubs and European giants alike.

RB Leipzig are reportedly prepared to offer £26.4 million (€30 million) for the young talent, but Southampton are holding out for a significantly higher fee.

Tottenham’s interest, coupled with interests from other Premier League sides, has raised the stakes, ensuring that the Southampton winger remains a name to watch in the coming months.

The 18-year-old, who has been a bright spark in a struggling Southampton side this season, is admired for his composure, technical ability, and versatility across the front line.

However, his immediate future remains uncertain, particularly as Southampton navigate their own challenges at the bottom of the Premier League table.

Tyler Dibling: a player of promise amidst uncertainty

For Tottenham, the potential acquisition of Tyler Dibling represents an investment in the future, as the teenager has showcased remarkable maturity for his age.

In 24 appearances this season, Dibling has contributed six goal involvements, a notable achievement for an 18-year-old in a struggling side.

Nevertheless, Dibling’s season has not been without setbacks. He was forced off with an injury during Southampton’s clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford and has since missed the club’s recent fixture against Nottingham Forest.

Early reports suggest the forward could be sidelined for four to six weeks, casting a shadow over his immediate availability.

Tottenham Hotspur travel to Germany to face Hoffenheim in a Europa League clash on Thursday evening after yet another disappointing Premier League defeat.

What time does Hoffenheim vs Tottenham Hotspur kick-off?

How both teams go into Hoffenheim vs Tottenham Hotspur

Spurs come into this game after their disappointing 3-2 defeat to Everton in the Premier League. Unfortunately, their recent Europa League form hasn’t been much better. They haven’t secured a win since the narrow 1-0 victory over AZ Alkmaar in October. Since then, Tottenham have suffered a loss to Galatasaray and back-to-back draws against Roma and Rangers, leaving them in 9th place. Spurs are just outside the automatic Round of 16 spots, behind Rangers only on goal difference.

Hoffenheim, on the other hand, have their own struggles. They’re fresh off a 3-1 Bundesliga win against 18th-placed Holstein Kiel, their first victory since November. Much like Spurs, they’re sitting 15th in their domestic league. In the Europa League, Hoffenheim are currently in 26th place, with just one win, three draws, and two losses, putting them at risk of elimination.

Tottenham Europa League team news

Nothing new here unless Ange decides to surprise the fans in the coming days with another injury. Hopefully, not. Ange has just enough players (11) to field a team. Out for this match are Johnson, Romero, Udogie, Solanke, Vicario, Van de Ven, Bentancur, Werner, Odobert, and maybe Bissouma.

Spence and Reguilon are unavailable, as they’re not registered in the Europa League squad, while Antonin Kinsky cannot be registered during the group stage. Thankfully, Ben Davies returned just in time, and without him, there wouldn’t have been a natural left-back available.

Hoffenheim team news

Hoffenheim have their own set of problems, with players like Anton Stach, Christopher Lenz, Samassékou, Yardimci, Prömel, Ihlas Bebou, Bülter, Ozan Kabak, and Umut Tohumcu all ruled out.

Predicted Tottenham line-up

Forster, Porro, Drăgușin, Gray, Davies, Sarr, Bergvall, Maddison, Moore, Richarlison, Son

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Our prediction

Hoffenheim, under new head coach Christian Ilzer, have been unable to gain any consistency since the sacking of Pellegrino Matarazzo. After analysing their recent 3-1 win, here are our insights.

The Bundesliga side may remind you a bit of Tamworth in that they are big fans of long throw-ins, which Spurs need to be wary of considering their ongoing struggles with set-pieces. Hoffenheim’s opener in their last game came from a throw-in.

They also like to stretch the opposition’s defence by crossing the ball into areas near the edge of the penalty box, rather than closer to the goalkeeper. It’s no surprise they rank second in their league for accurate crosses per match (5.4) and top the table in terms of most accurate long balls per match (28.4).

Defensively, though, they’re all over the place. Spurs can take advantage of their lack of awareness if they position themselves well. The main threat will come from Adam Hložek who scored twice in their last game. His left foot is a real weapon, and he’s someone Spurs will need to watch closely.

For Spurs, Mikey Moore could be the one to watch. If you saw Moore’s performance against Everton, you will know what I mean. He got his first senior assist in that game, and this fixture could see him grab his first goal.

Everyone knows the situation surrounding the manager and the chairman right now. Ange Postecoglou has to get this one right to ease some of the pressure. A solid performance and a clean sheet would go a long way towards lifting the mood.

Predicted score: Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 Hoffenheim

COYS!

Spurs aim to reignite their Europa League campaign with a crucial trip to Hoffenheim, as they look to overcome a run of poor form and stake their claim for automatic qualification. Let’s take a look at how you can watch Hoffenheim vs Tottenham on Thursday.

Hoffenheim vs Tottenham Hotspur: The current state of affairs

After a hiatus of more than a month from Europa League action, Tottenham Hotspur are set to return to the continental stage this Thursday, entering their seventh game of the competition.

The match holds immense significance as the North London side battles to secure a top-eight finish, avoiding the dreaded play-off rounds.

Tottenham’s form in the Europa League has been anything but convincing in recent games. Ange Postecoglou’s side have taken just two points from a possible nine in their last three European fixtures, leaving them sitting in ninth place—just outside the automatic qualification zone.

To advance comfortably, they will need to win their next two matches and hope that other results fall in their favour.

Meanwhile, Hoffenheim’s form presents a picture of their own struggles. The German outfit currently occupies 26th position in the Europa League standings and have managed only one victory in the competition so far.

Their most recent outing—a goalless draw against FCSB—typifies their struggles, with their solitary win coming against Dynamo Kyiv on matchday two.

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Tottenham will hope to capitalise on Hoffenheim’s vulnerabilities, particularly given the hosts’ poor record in the group.

Spurs’ domestic form has also been a source of concern, as they travel to Germany winless in their last six Premier League matches. However, the Europa League offers a chance to reset and refocus.

When and where is the game?

The Europa League clash will be hosted at the PreZero Arena in Sinsheim, Germany, on Thursday, 23 January 2025. The fixture is scheduled to kick off at 5:45 pm UK time.

How to watch Hoffenheim vs Tottenham Hotspur

Fans in the United Kingdom can catch the game live on TNT Sports 2. The match will also be available for streaming on Discovery+ and through the Discovery+ app.

Hoffenheim vs Tottenham Hotspur team news

Tottenham Hotspur will be without several key players for this encounter. Wilson Odobert, Guglielmo Vicario, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Dominic Solanke, Brennan Johnson, Timo Werner, and Fraser Forster have all been ruled out due to injuries.

Additionally, Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma remain doubtful, with their availability likely hinging on the manager’s pre-match press conference.

Hoffenheim, meanwhile, are grappling with a lengthy injury list of their own. Anton Stach (hip), Christopher Lenz (calf), Diadie Samassékou (hip), Erencan Yardımcı (muscle), Grischa Prömel (cruciate ligament), Ihlas Bebou (unspecified injury), Marius Bülter (hamstring), Ozan Kabak (cruciate ligament), and Umut Tohumcu (ankle) will all be unavailable for selection.

The Spurs Web prediction

This is a game Tottenham and Ange Postecoglou need to win given their poor form and their back-to-back defeats in the league prior to this game.

The fans need something to cheer and hold onto. If the club can get a win here, then it should improve the mood surrounding the club a little bit.

It will be tough, but we expect Spurs to just edge this one and secure a narrow 2-1 win against Hoffenheim.

Tottenham Hotspur are currently facing a defensive crisis and require defensive reinforcement this winter. Despite this, the latest reports suggest that no signings are imminent.

The defensive struggles facing Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham’s defensive set-up is currently stretched to breaking point, exposing Spurs’ vulnerability against top-tier opposition.

Eighteen-year-old Archie Gray, a promising midfielder by trade, has been deployed at centre-back in recent weeks, showcasing his adaptability but also underlining the lack of defensive options available.

Similarly, Djed Spence, who was frozen out of the squad last season, has been thrust into a starting role at left-back, adding to the feeling of improvisation rather than stability.

These makeshift solutions have had predictable consequences, with Tottenham enduring a five-match winless run in the league, conceding a worrying 13 goals in the process.

As the January transfer window provides a glimmer of hope, the pressure is on the club to find reinforcements capable of addressing their defensive shortcomings and reigniting their campaign.

What is being said about Spurs signing a new centre-back

Amidst the growing clamour for defensive reinforcements, journalist Mike McGrath offered his perspective on Tottenham’s situation during an appearance on Last Word on Spurs.

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McGrath painted a less-than-optimistic picture of Spurs’ chances of securing a new centre-back this month, describing the current transfer market as a significant obstacle.

“I think that it is a really difficult market for them. At this moment in time I am not hearing that Spurs are close on a centre-back. I am sure they have targets from across Europe who are gettable and available, but it’s extremely difficult. You look at players who are available and it’s players who are not in the team really,” McGrath explained.

Tottenham remain confident about January signings

Despite the hurdles, Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with several potential defensive recruits during this transfer window.

The names in the mix suggest that the club is exploring a range of options, though no deal appears imminent.

Ko Itakura, the Borussia Mönchengladbach defender, is among those reportedly on Spurs’ radar, while earlier this month, Tottenham were in talks to sign PSG’s Milan Skriniar.

Both players would represent significant upgrades to the current backline, but as McGrath’s comments suggest, these negotiations are far from completion.

Despite all of these, Ange Postecoglou remains confident that in the next few weeks, the club will make more signings, he said: “As confident as you can be. It is tricky as all clubs are finding. And I guess traditionally it ramps up in that final week so we’re approaching there for all clubs.

“It’s even trickier in January because once you try to acquire a player, the club wants to replace that player. So there’s all sorts of logistics involved.”