Sports Mole

Manchester City attacker Jack Grealish was among four injury concerns who were pictured in training on Wednesday.

Grealish has not played for Man City since he featured as a substitute in a 2-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on October 20.

Despite being forced to miss the last six games, Grealish was named in Lee Carsley's initial squad for England's UEFA Nations League games against Greece and the Republic of Ireland.

However, he was one of nine players to withdraw from the squad, giving him time to recover ahead of a hectic schedule at club level.

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Grealish returns to training ahead of Spurs fixture

Grealish now looks set to return to competitive action after he posted a picture on Instagram of him taking part in Man City's training session on Wednesday.

The 29-year-old shared a story with a short but positive message as he wrote: "Finally back with the boys".

Having returned to training, Grealish could now have a role to play in Saturday's home clash against Tottenham Hotspur - a club that is said to have an interest in the England international.

Grealish will be hoping to help his current employers return to winning ways after Man City lost four consecutive matches before the international break.

Key trio join Grealish in training return

In addition to Grealish, John Stones, Kevin De Bruyne and Manuel Akanji were pictured in Wednesday's training session, handing a huge boost to manager Pep Guardiola.

Stones has missed the last three matches with a foot issue, while De Bruyne was restricted to a substitute appearance in the final two matches before the international break after he spent time on the sidelines with a muscular injury.

As for Akanji, he sat out Switzerland's recent international fixtures after being an unused subsitute for Man City's defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion.

While Man City have received a quadruple boost, it remains to be seen what role the quartet will play in Saturday's contest at the Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City will be bidding to avoid a fifth straight defeat in all competitions when they resume their Premier League campaign at home to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday evening.

Pep Guardiola's side have lost each of their last four matches, including their last two in the Premier League to Bournemouth and Brighton & Hove Albion, with the reigning champions in a very difficult period.

The Citizens still sit second in the Premier League table, but they are now five points behind leaders Liverpool, who have proven to be the best side that England have to offer thus far this season.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Man City's latest injury and suspension news ahead of the contest with Tottenham, who sit 10th in the table, boasting 16 points from 11 matches.

Rodri

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Man City will be missing vital midfielder Rodri for the remainder of the campaign due to the serious knee injury that the Spaniard suffered during the Premier League clash with Arsenal towards the end of September.

Oscar Bobb

Status: Out

Type of injury: Leg fracture

Possible return date: January 4 (vs. West Ham United)

Bobb remains on the road to recovery from the leg fracture that he sustained in pre-season, and Guardiola recently said that the attacker is eyeing a comeback in either January or February.

Jack Grealish

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Unspecified

Possible return date: November 23 (vs. Tottenham)

Grealish withdrew form the recent England squad due to an unspecified issue which has sidelined him for the last month, but he is back in training and has a slight chance of being in the squad this weekend.

Ruben Dias

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Calf

Possible return date: November 23 (vs. Tottenham)

Dias has not featured for Man City since the end of October due to a calf problem, but the Portugal international has a chance of being back in the squad for the clash with Tottenham.

John Stones

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Foot

Possible return date: November 23 (vs. Tottenham)

Stones has been battling a foot problem this season, and he has not been involved in Man City's last three matches in all competitions, but the centre-back has a chance of returning to action at Spurs.

Phil Foden

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Foot

Possible return date: November 23 (vs. Tottenham)

Foden withdrew from the England squad due to a knock that he sustained against Brighton last time out, but the attacker is expected to be available for selection against Tottenham.

Jeremy Doku

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Muscle

Possible return date: November 23 (vs. Tottenham)

Doku pulled out of the Belgium squad due to a muscular problem, which saw him miss out against Brighton last time out, but the forward should have recovered in time to feature here.

Manuel Akanji

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Groin

Possible return date: November 23 (vs. Tottenham)

Akanji was also absent against Brighton before the international break due to a groin problem, and the centre-back will need to be assessed before it is determined whether he is available this weekend.

Matheus Nunes

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Unknown

Possible return date: November 23 (vs. Tottenham)

Nunes pulled out of the Portugal squad due to a fitness problem, and the midfielder is another who will require a fitness test before it is decided whether he will feature at the Etihad Stadium.

MANCHESTER CITY'S SUSPENSION LIST

Man City have no suspended players for this match.

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Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in securing a reunion with Leicester City midfielder Harry Winks.

The 10-cap England international came through the academy system with the North Londoners to eventually make 203 appearances in the first team.

However, despite earning regular game time for Spurs across six seasons, his influence petered out under different managers and the decision was eventually taken to cash in on the player.

On the back of making 20 outings on loan at Sampdoria, the 28-year-old has kick-started his career at Leicester, initially dropping down to the Championship to help the Foxes secure an immediate return to the Premier League.

Winks has since remained a key man under Steve Cooper in the top flight, starting nine of Leicester's 11 such fixtures during 2024-25.

As it stands, the current expectation is that Winks will remain an important cog in the engine room for a club that are ultimately competing to remain in the top flight.

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Spurs keen on Winks reunion?

Nevertheless, it appears that Spurs hold a certain level of interest in attempting to regain the services of one of their homegrown players in 2025.

As per Fichajes, Spurs and head coach Ange Postecoglou can see a scenario where Winks could flourish if he returned to the club.

Spurs are already well stocked for central midfielders, there being seven players who could realistically slot into Ange Postecoglou's three-man system in the engine room.

That said, it seems that Winks has been placed on a shortlist of potential options should they wish to strengthen that area in January or next summer.

The report claims that Spurs would be willing to spend as much as €38m (£31.78m) on a player that they sold for a fee in the region of £10m less than 18 months ago.

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A deal that would suit all parties?

Although this is a deal that would have been viewed unforeseen at both clubs, it could be a transfer that equally makes sense.

Spurs are currently not blessed with senior homegrown talent in their first-team squad, hindering them from a squad-registration perspective in the short and long term.

While that could change as seasons pass by with Postecoglou handing chances to the likes of Mikey Moore and Will Lankshear, there are benefits to Winks returning to the club.

As for Leicester, generating a substantial profit on Winks would hand their position with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability regulations a considerable boost and give them extra leeway to strengthen elsewhere.

Tottenham Hotspur have announced that teenage attacker Wilson Odobert has undergone surgery on a hamstring injury and will be sidelined for an unspecified amount of time.

The former Burnley man has experienced a disrupted start to life at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium since moving from Turf Moor in a shock £30m deal during the summer transfer window.

Odobert has only made five appearances for Tottenham across all competitions totalling 180 minutes, and he suffered his first severe hamstring problem against Coventry City in the EFL Cup in September.

The 19-year-old briefly returned to action off the bench in a 1-0 Europa League win over AZ Alkmaar on October 24, but he immediately re-entered the treatment room after suffering a setback.

At the time, Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou confirmed that his problem was a severe one, and Odobert posted an Instagram story from a hospital bed on Saturday, suggesting that he had gone under the knife.

Now, Tottenham have announced that the Frenchman has undergone an operation, posting on X: "We can confirm that Wilson Odobert underwent surgery to his right hamstring yesterday (Saturday 16th November). The 19-year-old will continue to be closely monitored by our medical team to determine when he can return to training."

How many games could Odobert miss through injury?

While Spurs did not confirm how long Odobert will be missing for, the ex-Burnley man will certainly be absent for the remainder of the calendar year, and it may take a few months for him to get back up to full fitness.

The 19-year-old will therefore miss crunch Premier League clashes with Manchester City (November 23), Chelsea (December 8) and Liverpool (December 22) before the end of the year, as well as the EFL Cup quarter-final showdown with Manchester United on December 19.

The North London derby trip to Arsenal on January 15 should also come too soon for Odobert, and he will likely miss the remainder of Spurs' Europa League group-stage campaign, which concludes on January 30 against Elfsborg.

Depending on how severe Odobert's original hamstring problem was, the winger might be able to target a return around spring time, although Man City on February 25 should also be out of the question.

The teenager joins Micky van de Ven (hamstring) and Richarlison (hamstring) in the Tottenham treatment room, and the Lilywhites were handed a new concern over Cristian Romero during the international break.

Arsenal Women convincingly earned the North London derby bragging rights over Tottenham Hotspur Women with a 3-0 victory over their Women's Super League rivals at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Rejuvenated under interim boss Renee Slegers, who has overseen a terrific revival since replacing Jonas Eidevall, the Gunners strode to victory through Alessia Russo, Frida Maanum and Stina Blackstenius and were never seriously troubled by their meek hosts.

Fresh from a 4-0 thrashing of Juventus in the Champions League, Arsenal had Spurs on the ropes straight away and needed just 63 seconds to draw first blood through a slick Russo finish.

The ex-Manchester United striker scored the second-quickest goal in Arsenal's WSL history, and that rapid opener was a sign of things to come, as Slegers's side continued to huff and puff while barely allowing Spurs to venture out of their own half.

The Gunners allowed a couple of opportunities for goal number two to pass them by, but thanks to some more pitiful Tottenham defending, Maanum swept home a well-worked second midway through the first half.

Robert Vilahamn's team belatedly found some attacking verve approaching half time, but their efforts were largely futile, and they could have easily been three or four down had the visitors been a touch more ruthless in the final third and a touch less casual in their own defensive third.

The hosts cut more combative figures at the start of the second half, albeit without the penetration needed to cut through the Arsenal defence, and the result was put beyond any doubt when substitute Blackstenius calmly slotted home the visitors' third.

The Gunners' emphatic triumph has seen them open up a three-point lead over Manchester United in fourth place in the WSL table, although the Red Devils have two games in hand, and they sit four points behind leaders Manchester City having played a game more.

Meanwhile, Spurs sit seventh in the division and are left to rue another dismal defensive display, one which has seen them become the first side in the league this season to concede over 20 goals.

TOTTENHAM VS. ARSENAL HIGHLIGHTS

Alessia Russo goal vs. Tottenham (2nd min, Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal)

Slegers's side are not messing about at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium!

Mariona Caldentey threads a pass through to Russo - aided by a deflection - and the England international lashes a terrific left-footed strike into the far corner to give the Gunners an immediate lead.

Russo's first-time effort is officially the second-fastest Arsenal goal in the history of the WSL, only behind Jordan Nobbs's 28-second strike versus Liverpool 10 years ago.

Frida Maanum goal vs. Tottenham (22nd min, Tottenham 0-2 Arsenal)

So, so easy for Arsenal.

Leah Williamson, Maanum and Kim Little exchange some crisp one-touch passes, and the Norwegian continues her run into the box, where Little picks her out under no pressure whatsoever.

Maanum has time to take the ball on her left foot, readjust her position and find the bottom corner with a composed right-footed finish, and Slegers's team have the second goal that their dominance warranted.

Stina Blackstenius goal vs. Tottenham (66th min, Tottenham 0-3 Arsenal)

An immediate impact from the substitute Blackstenius, and akin to Arsenal's second goal, this one is all about the slick one-touch passes.

Maanum drives infield and finds Caldentey, who picks out the run of Blackstenius with an exquisite, delicate pass, and the Scandinavian striker coolly picks out the bottom corner one-on-one with Becky Spencer.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH - MARIONA CALDENTEY

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Goalscorers Russo and Maanum would have both been worthy selections for the player of the match prize, but scintillating Spaniard Caldentey just edges this vote, having had a direct hand in two of Arsenal's three efforts on the day.

The 28-year-old was not credited with the assist for Russo's goal thanks to the deflection, but her deft pass through to Blackstenius was the dictionary definition of sublime, while she also put in two tackles and two clearances to quell some Spurs attacks in their tracks.

TOTTENHAM VS. ARSENAL MATCH STATS

Possession: Tottenham 40%-60% Arsenal

Shots: Tottenham 3-15 Arsenal

Shots on target: Tottenham 2-8 Arsenal

Corners: Tottenham 4-4 Arsenal

Fouls: Tottenham 13-9 Arsenal

BEST STATS

WHAT NEXT?

Champions League matters now take precedence for Arsenal, who square up to Juventus on Thursday evening - aiming for a repeat of their 4-0 away win on November 12 - before hosting Aston Villa on December 8 after the international break.

As for Spurs, the Lilywhites will coincidentally take on Villa in the League Cup next Saturday lunchtime, and Everton are the next WSL visitors to North London on December 8.

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Arsenal Women and Tottenham Hotspur Women will be looking to secure derby bragging rights when they face off in Saturday's Women's Super League clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Gunners are sitting in fourth place in the WSL table, while Spurs will head into the weekend in seventh position.

Match preview

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Tottenham will be underwhelmed with their overall performance, having won two, drawn one and lost four of their seven top-flight matches.

After taking four points from their first two games, Spurs went on to lose three consecutive WSL matches before they halted that poor run of form with a 2-1 home win over West Ham United.

Unfortunately for Spurs, they were unable to build upon that result in last Friday's meeting with Manchester City as they fell to a heavy 4-0 defeat at the Joie Stadium.

That result represented a third consecutive away defeat in the WSL, extending their winless run on the road to six top-flight matches.

Having struggled on their travels, Tottenham may be pleased to have home advantage for the North London Derby, with the hosts looking to replicate the 1-0 win they recorded over Arsenal in their most recent home meeting in December 2023.

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Arsenal will head into the weekend in a confident mood after enjoying an upturn in fortunes under the watch of interim boss Renee Slegers.

The 35-year-old has won four and drawn one of her five matches in charge since she stepped up from her role as assistant manager following Jonas Eidevall's dismissal.

Slegers kicked off her tenure with victories over Valerenga and West Ham United in the Women's Champions League and WSL respectively.

After seeing her team held to a 1-1 draw by Manchester United, Slegers's side returned to winning ways with a dominant 5-0 league win over Brighton & Hove Albion and a commanding 4-0 victory in Wednesday's European away clash with Juventus.

Having scored 18 goals across Slegers's five games in charge, Arsenal will be looking to showcase their firepower against a Tottenham side that currently holds the worst defensive record in the WSL.

Tottenham Hotspur Women Women's Super League form:

Tottenham Hotspur Women form (all competitions):

Arsenal Women Women's Super League form:

Arsenal Women form (all competitions):

Team News

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Tottenham are still unable to call upon Amanda Nilden, Maite Oroz and Kit Graham due to their respective injury issues.

Amy James-Turner and Hayley Raso could be considered for starting spots after they returned from injury to feature as substitutes against Man City.

Martha Thomas came off the bench to play over half an hour against the Citizens, and the Scotland international could now be given the chance to lead the line against Arsenal.

As for the Gunners, they are unable to call upon midfielder Victoria Pelova, who is sidelined with a long-term knee injury.

Mariona Caldentey is pushing for a starting spot after coming off the bench to register a goal and an assist against Juventus in midweek.

England international Alessia Russo will continue to lead the line, having scored in Arsenal's last two league games against Manchester United and Brighton.

Tottenham Hotspur Women possible starting lineup:

Spencer; Morris, Bartrip, James-Turner, Buhler, Neville; Raso, Summanen, Spence, Naz; Thomas

Arsenal Women possible starting lineup:

Van Domselaar; Fox, Williamson, Catley, McCabe; Walti, Little; Mead, Maanum, Foord; Russo

We say: Tottenham Hotspur Women 1-3 Arsenal Women

Arsenal have been in fine goalscoring form since Slegers took over the reins on an interim basis, and we think they will produce another free-scoring display to get the better of a Tottenham side that have conceded a minimum of three goals in four of their last five matches.

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Real Madrid have reportedly identified Al-Nassr centre-back Aymeric Laporte and Tottenham Hotspur right-back Pedro Porro as two of their top defensive targets for 2025.

Los Blancos are currently dealing with an injury crisis in their backline, with Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao set to miss the rest of the season.

Carvajal sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury in the closing stages of last month's 2-0 win over Villarreal.

Carlo Ancelotti were dealt another major blow when Militao sustained the same injury as Carvajal in Saturday's 4-0 victory against Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabeu.

In addition to those major blows, David Alaba is still working his way back from an ACL injury, while Lucas Vazquez is set to miss three weeks with a muscular issue.

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Real Madrid identify Laporte and Porro as top transfer targets

Having seen their defence hit by several injuries, Real Madrid are scouring the market for potential defensive reinforcements for 2025.

According to Relevo, Real Madrid's search has led them to identify Laporte and Porro as two of their top transfer targets to strengthen their backline.

Real Madrid CEO Jose Angel Sanchez has identified Porro as a potential right-back option, with Carvajal and Vazquez both in their 30s and entering the latter stages of their careers.

However, the report suggests it will be difficult to negotiate a deal with Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy, especially with Porro under contract until the summer of 2028.

As for Laporte, Real Madrid are aware that it will be difficult to prise him away from Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr.

The Saudi Arabian side will be reluctant to part ways with one of their star names, even if it was just for a sixth-month loan deal to provide cover in Militao's absence.

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Why are Real Madrid targeting Laporte and Porro?

Laporte may be playing his club football in the Saudi Pro League, but he proved during Spain's Euro 2024 success that he can still operate at a high level.

The 30-year-old also boasts significant experience of winning silverware from his time as Man City where he won multiple honours, including six Premier League titles and a Champions League crown.

As a left-footed centre-back, Laporte would be able to slot seamlessly into the backline alongside Germany international Antonio Rudiger.

Meanwhile, Porro has seemingly impressed Real Madrid with his performances for Tottenham this season, with the defender regarded as one of the key players in Ange Postecoglou's side.

The 25-year-old has started all 11 of Tottenham Premier League matches this term, contributing to their offensive efforts with one goal and one assist.

Real Madrid continue to hold an interest in Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold, but they could still move for Porro even if they sign the England international.

Porro and Laporte are set to represent Spain in their upcoming UEFA Nations League games against Denmark and Switzerland.

Real Madrid will be keeping a close eye on their performances as they weigh up whether to step up their interest in 2025.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly identified Manchester City winger Jack Grealish as a potential January transfer target.

While positives can be taken from some of the aspects of Spurs' play under Ange Postecoglou, they are ultimately under-performing.

A total of five defeats have been posted in 11 Premier League fixtures during 2024-25, leaving them down in 10th position in the table.

Reports are suggesting that acquiring at least one new centre-back will be the priority once the market reopens at the turn of the year.

Nevertheless, it appears that the North Londoners also have a surprise name on their radar as they bid to secure more variety in the final third.

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Grealish placed on Spurs shortlist?

According to Football Insider, Spurs are contemplating whether to make an ambitious approach for Grealish at some point in 2025.

Injury and form have restricted the 29-year-old to just six starts and four substitute outings in all competitions this season.

Grealish's only assists came within four days of each other, against Watford in the EFL Cup and Newcastle United in the Premier League at the back end of September.

The England international has also not featured since October 17 due to injury, Pep Guardiola having now barely benefitted from Grealish being a part of his squad for nearly 18 months.

Just three goals and three assists were contributed throughout the entirety of the 2023-24 season, and a combination of the aforementioned factors leave him at risk of being made available for transfer.

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Would Guardiola consider a January exit?

Despite all of those factors, Pep Guardiola is highly likely to be against a January exit unless he can find a suitable replacement.

The Spaniard's squad has been hit by injuries over the past two months, contributing to four successive defeats being posted in all competitions ahead of the international break.

Spurs allegedly want to sign Grealish for his ball-carrying skills and ability to slow down the pace of games, the latter in particular something that is lacking at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

That said, Guardiola could also value the same qualities and City do not have to be in a rush or part ways with Grealish courtesy of his contract running until 2027.

Ange Postecoglou's position as manager of Tottenham Hotspur is reportedly not in danger after his team were defeated 2-1 by Ipswich Town in the Premier League on Sunday.

The 59-year-old and his players were booed after the full-time whistle at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with fans lamenting the lack of consistency that has plagued the team since the Australian's appointment in June 2023.

Spurs had beaten both champions Manchester City 2-1 on October 30 in the EFL Cup and Aston Villa 4-1 in their following match on November 3, but in the past week they lost 3-2 in the Europa League against Galatasaray and 2-1 against Ipswich.

Postecoglou's side are now 10th in the Premier League with 16 points after 11 matchweeks, but are only in the top half of table thanks to having better goal difference than Brentford.

However, Football Insider report that the manager has plenty of credit in the bank and has the support of officials at the club as he tries to drive Tottenham up the table.

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Defensive concerns

Spurs' defeat against Ipswich was their fifth of the Premier League season and was also the second time they had lost against a winless opponent having been beaten 1-0 by Crystal Palace in late October.

One area of concern in regard to Tottenham in recent seasons has been their defensive frailty, with the club having five clean sheets in their last 40 top-flight matches.

The Australian has also come in for criticism after his comments in the aftermath of his side's 1-0 loss against rivals Arsenal in September, saying that he always wins trophies in his second season in charge.

"I'll correct myself - I don't usually win things, I always win things in my second year. Nothing's changed," he told reporters in the after the North London derby defeat when asked if he stood by his claims.

While his claims highlighted his immense self-belief, some found his remarks to be off-putting considering Spurs have not won a trophy since beating Chelsea in the EFL Cup final in 2008 and other managers such as the legendary Jose Mourinho have failed to bring silverware to the club.

If he were to be sacked, Postecoglou would become the fifth manager to have been dismissed from the Tottenham bench in the last five years, but the list of potential replacements looks increasingly thin given the likes of Ruben Amorim and Thomas Tuchel are off the table.

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Young and promising squad

Perhaps the Australian deserves some leniency for his side's inconsistencies, especially as he has built a remarkably promising young squad that would naturally experience peaks and troughs over the course of their development.

Indeed, many of his core players such as Dejan Kulusevski, Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie are 24 years old or younger.

Summer signing Archie Gray is regarded by some as possessing immense potential, but he is only set to celebrate his 19th birthday in March 2025.

Additionally, despite the youth and inexperience in his squad, Postecoglou has already managed to produce a formidable attacking side, with the team top of the Premier League's goalscoring charts having netted 23 times this campaign.

There is no doubt that Spurs will need to fix address their defensive issues, either on the training ground or in the transfer market, but the 2024-25 season still has a long way to go and they are only three points from fourth-placed Arsenal as well as third-placed Chelsea.

Both aiming to recover from recent setbacks, Tottenham Hotspur and Ipswich Town face off in Sunday's Premier League contest at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Ange Postecoglou's team lost 3-2 to Galatasaray in Thursday's Europa League showdown, while the visitors were painfully denied win number one of the Premier League season in a 1-1 draw with Leicester City, and here Sports Mole rounds up the team news for both clubs.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR vs. IPSWICH TOWN

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Out: Wilson Odobert (thigh), Micky van de Ven (thigh), Richarlison (hamstring)

Doubtful: Cristian Romero (toe), Timo Werner (groin), Djed Spence (groin), Mikey Moore (illness)

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Dragusin, Udogie; Kulusevski, Bentancur, Sarr; Johnson, Solanke, Son

IPSWICH TOWN

Out: Kalvin Phillips (suspended), Chiedozie Ogbene (Achilles), Axel Tuanzebe (hand), Jacob Greaves (thigh), Jack Taylor (unspecified), Janoi Donacien (ankle)

Doubtful: None

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Muric; Johnson, O'Shea, Burgess, Davis; Morsy, Cajuste; Hutchinson, Chaplin, Clarke; Delap

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