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Tottenham have travelled up to face Manchester United in the WSL this Sunday in what is a repeat matchup from last season’s FA Cup final.

That day, Manchester United pulled off a 4-0 win at Wembley, and this time around Spurs have worked to ensure that there isn’t a repeat.

After half an hour, the scores were locked at 0-0, with Tottenham dominating the play and seemingly content to let the home side play on the counter-attack.

Yet the clean sheet was only intact thanks to a simply brilliant save from Spurs ‘keeper Becky Spencer from a Grace Clinton effort.

Will Tottenham’s approach pay off in the long-term?

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We can confirm the starting line-ups and substitutes for today’s Barclays Women’s Super League fixture at Manchester United (kick-off 12.30pm UK, live on Sky Sports).

Robert Vilahamn has made three changes to the starting XI that faced Liverpool last weekend in our most recent outing in the WSL.

Charlotte Grant comes in for Amanda Nilden, midfielder Olga Ahtinen replaces Maite Oroz, and captain Bethany England makes her first start in the WSL this season, coming in for Hayley Raso.

Our full line-up is as follows…

Spencer, Grant, Bartrip, Hunt, Neville, Summanen, Athinen, Spence, Naz, Thomas, England.

Substitutes: Talbert, Heeps, Bühler, Csiki, Vinberg, Dennis, Gunning-Williams.

Here's how the hosts line-up...

Tullis-Joyce, Janssen, Le Tissier, Turner, George, Naalsund, Clinton, Toone, Bizet, Galton, Terland.

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We have certainly enjoyed finding the back of the net in the opening games of our Barclays Women’s Super League campaign, with the aim of continuing our scoring run when we travel to Manchester United on Sunday afternoon (12.30pm kick-off, live on Sky Sports).

The eight goals we have netted in our first three WSL games against Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Liverpool is the most we have scored at this stage compared to our last five campaigns in England’s top flight.

Each of our eight WSL goals have also been scored by a different player – Hayley Raso, Jess Naz, Drew Spence, Olga Ahtinen, Eveliina Summanen, Bethany England, Clare Hunt plus a Taylor Hinds own goal – only Chelsea in the 2020/21 campaign saw their opening nine goals netted by different sources.

We have also scored two or more goals in four consecutive WSL games for the first time since being promoted back in 2019 – a 3-1 win over West Ham, a 4-0 win over Palace, a 2-2 draw with Villa and a 3-2 defeat to Liverpool.

Meanwhile, we travel to Leigh Sports Village having not lost in our last four away games in the WSL (one win and three draws), although the previous three fixtures on the road ended as a 2-2 draw – including the stalemate at United back in April, 2024.

Our previous meeting with United

Women’s Academy Technical Coaching Manager Nick Hardy and midfielder Grace Breen are aiming for a strong finish to phase one of the Professional Game Academy (PGA) League.

Our Women’s Under-21face Bristol City on Sunday (13 October) before concluding their league campaign with a visit from Southampton next Wednesday (16 October) with the Northern and Southern divisions then being split into two groups for phase two of the competition.

The top four from each section will be placed into Division One while the rest of the sides will be together in Division Two, with Hardy’s side needing a maximum of six points from the next two games to have a chance to secure their place in Division One.

Building preparations for the next two games, the Under-21s faced Eastern Region Women’s Football League side AFC Dunstable on Wednesday evening as goals from Mia Endacott, Rania Oukriss and Eloise Hall secured a 3-1 victory at Theobalds Lane, Cheshunt Football Club.

Reflecting on the win, Nick highlighted the importance of testing his players against senior opposition and building momentum ahead of our return to the PGA League.

“It was a good opportunity to make the most of not having a so-called competitive fixture and we were really selective in the opposition because facing a senior side presents a lot of different challenges; technically, tactically and physically,” he said.

“It was a chance for the girls to try and showcase the style we are embedding against a team that play competitive football week in, week out. I thought it was a really good level for us and I was really pleased with how the girls presented themselves and, ultimately, allowed us to get game time for a lot of bodies over the 90 minutes. All in all, a purposeful evening but also a pleasing one with the outcome of the scoreline.

Looking ahead to the next two games, he added: “It’s an interesting scenario for the players to have a three-game week. It’s challenging the girls with different types of games, different environments and just giving them the platform to finish the current campaign as strong as we can before heading into the international break.”

Grace, who has been a long servant in the academy, stepped up from the Under-16s to the Under-21s this season and the midfielder wants to use the strong display against Dunstable as a platform for the upcoming two games.

“It was a positive evening for us,” she said. “To face a team that don’t really, technically and tactically, match up with us was a good challenge to compete physically but also help us for our next two games, a big two games, as we need to win both if we want to be playing some good football over the coming months, so it was a good test.

“As a team, we thrive on challenging games and the tougher battles, so it was good to have a game here when we are in control for the 90 minutes, passing the ball around and getting used to it, as we will have different obstacles over the next two games, they will be more on the technical and tactical side, rather than the combative and physical side."

Asked on how the season has gone so far, she replied: “There has definitely been ups and downs with some games obviously being better than others, but we are all developing and learning so nothing will ever be consistent as we want it to be. However, we have plenty time as a team to learn, get closer and be more together, but the first couple of months have been really good.”

We are back on the road on Sunday afternoon to face Manchester United (12.30pm UK, live on Sky Sports) in the Barclays Women’s Super League.

Marc Skinner’s side head into the encounter at Leigh Sports Village having won their opening two games of the WSL campaign against West Ham United (3-0) and Everton (1-0), while beating Liverpool in the first fixture of the Women's League Cup group phase.

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Ahead of our trip to Manchester this weekend, we had a chat with journalist Dan Pentland to get a lowdown on United…

How would you reflect on the start of the season after two wins out of two?

Dan: “It has been something of a routine start for United. Games at home to West Ham and away at Everton will have been fixtures that they will have expected to win. Two wins, four goals scored and none conceded represents a solid start for The Red Devils and they now have a base to grow from as the season gathers pace. Skinner’s side have converted almost half of their shots on target so far and that is something which will have pleased the United boss.

“There are no easy games in the WSL but United have some tough fixtures coming up. Games against Spurs, Brighton & Hove Albion, Arsenal and Aston Villa will be competitive and we are about to learn much more about their potential this season.”

Who are the key players to look out for this weekend?

Dan: “After making eight direct goal contributions in 20 Barclays Women’s Super League outings for Spurs last season, the club are only too aware of the danger that Grace Clinton poses wearing the red of United this weekend. Clinton has netted in both league matches for The Red Devils this season and she looks set for another impressive campaign.

“Attacker Ella Toone has also impressed in the opening weeks of the new campaign while club captain Maya Le Tissier has taken to her new leadership role well. There is a lot of excitement surrounding goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce with the American finally getting the opportunity to claim the number one jersey following former keeper Mary Earps’ summer departure.

“'Young and hungry’ is what boss Skinner has labelled his new-look side this season. With midfielder Clinton returning from her loan spell at Spurs and summer additions such as Anna Sandberg, Simi Awujo, Celin Bizet and Elisabeth Terland having been made, there is an exciting youthfulness about United this year.”

Since being appointed in July, 2021, how has Marc Skinner helped the development of Man Utd in the WSL?

Dan: “Skinner has divided opinion amongst the fanbase in recent times but the bottom line is that he has delivered the club’s first major domestic trophy in the form of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup, has taken the club into Europe for the very first time and so nearly, guided them to an unexpected Barclays Women’s Super League title.

“The 41-year-old is one of the most passionate coaches in the game, he wears his heart on his sleeve and is hungry for more success for United. Skinner was the subject of some unfair criticism at times last season, he was almost a victim of his own success but nobody can question his intentions; he is determined to push the club on again this season whilst playing an attractive style of football.

“Skinner guided United to a fourth-place finish in the WSL in his first season with the club while they were unexpected runners-up the following year. Last season saw them slip to fifth place, but it was always going to be tough to replicate the successes of 2022/2023.

“The team has been in a bit of a transition period with long-serving players leaving and new blood coming in and that process takes time to progress. Skinner has got this side to overachieve before, there is no reason why he won’t do it again whilst delivering an attractive brand of attacking football.”

What are the expectations for this campaign?

Dan: “Given the club’s drop to fifth place in the WSL last season, there is an expectancy to challenge for European qualification again this term. That won’t be easy given the amount of investment and competition for places across the league. United arguably lost too many games last season and they need to turn some of those losses into draws and draws into wins.

“Some fans will want instant success from their new-look team, however, The Red Devils will need time. They’ve got a bit more depth this season, more young talent at their disposal but they may have to suffer one or two tough moments alongside their successes which is all part of the growth process.

“United don’t have a given right to finish in the top three but if they do achieve that goal, they will have had a wonderful season. Progression in both performances and results has to be the initial target and then see where that takes them. Further domestic cup success will also be a serious aim.”

Last time out against United

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Tottenham Hotspur head coach Robert Vilahamn says that he is staying present ahead of his side’s trip to Manchester United.

The Lilywhites are set to take on a Manchester United side that could contain former loanee Grace Clinton and forward Celin Bizet Ildhusøy, a player that spent two seasons with Spurs before opting for a move to the North West over the summer.

When speaking in the pre-match press conference, Spurs boss Vilahamn said that there are no extra incentives to beat Manchester United off the back of Bizet’s move whilst commenting that his focus is on the present.

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“No, not at all to be honest,” Vilahamn said when asked about additional incentives. “I’m trying to stay present.

“Last season, I loved working with Celin, we had a really good relationship and she was performing very well. She wanted to leave and go to another club, it’s a reset and she’s a Manchester United player.

“I respect her because she’s still a really good player. If we win on Sunday, I won’t say that she picked the wrong team. She picked the right team because she wanted to be there and that’s fine, I have enormous respect for her.

“I want to win for our fans, for our squad and make sure we compete with Manchester United. I still like Grace and Celin a lot.”

Vilahamn went on to praise former loanee Clinton whilst adding that Spurs have a plan to contain her this weekend.

He said “Grace is an amazing person and an amazing player. We had a good relationship last season and I feel like she has taken her form into this season, she has performed very well for them, scored goals in both games and she is shining. It’s great for her.

“This game is going to be tough for us because we are going to play against her but on the other hand, we play against good players every week. We will have a strategy on how we are going to play and we know her well, so perhaps, we know how to stop her. She’s a very good player.”

Spurs come up against an in-form Manchester United side that have won all of their games so far without conceding. Vilahamn says that his side must be clinical with their chances.

He said “Obviously, they have started very well with two clean sheets and two wins. We know that they are very strong defensively and Marc [Skinner] has worked with them for a few years now, so they have a good structure and a good balance.

“We are in good goalscoring form, we have scored eight goals in the first three games. We have good attacking patterns and some really good players. We want to play really good football and create chances but the other thing will be to use the moment when we win the ball to counter attack as well. We have some really quick players that will be useful in this game.

“We know we are playing a really strong team away, we will need to be really sharp in the chances that we get but we scored two goals there last year, so we have a good record.”

Tottenham Hotspur’s Barclays Women’s Super League fixture at Manchester United kicks-off at 12.30pm on Sunday afternoon.

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Robert Vilahamn spoke to the media at Hotspur Way on Thursday ahead of our Barclays Women’s Super League clash against Manchester United at Leigh Sports Village on Sunday (12.30pm UK).

Here’s what he had to say…

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Team news

First up, Robert was asked about the latest team news…

Robert: “We still have Amy [James-Turner], Shuang [Wang] and Ella [Morris] who are not back in the squad yet. We then have a few question marks, but we'll have to wait and see for Sunday on a few other players. Other than that, everyone should be able to play.”

On Man Utd

Robert was asked on how he plans to break down a United side that have yet to concede in their opening two games…

Robert: “They have started very well with two clean sheets and two wins. We played them in our final pre-season game before the league started and we know they are very strong defensively and Marc [Skinner] has worked with them for a few years now. They have a good structure and a good balance, but one thing is that we are in quite good form and scoring goals. We have scored eight goals in the past three games and we have good attacking patterns, we have some really good players so, in one way, we want to make sure we play really good football and create chances. We have some quick players that can be useful in this game, but we know they're going to play a really strong team. So, obviously, we need to be very sharp in all the chances we get.

The follow up question was regarding United’s postponed fixture against Chelsea, ‘do you expect Man Utd to be well rested and fresher, or a sharpness that could help your side?’

Robert: “If they get an extra weekend off, then they’re going to use that to train very well and have good self-confidence, it's going to be good for them. For us, we come from a tough fight, we obviously lost a game, but we came away from a really good fight. We want to come back and try to win this game, so we're going to use that for our energy and be prepared. We're going to be really fit for this game, it's going to be a good game. We cannot blame the schedule.”

Clare Hunt

Robert was then asked, “What are your thoughts on how Clare Hunt has become a valuable asset she has become to this squad in such a short space of time?’

Robert: “Trying to adapt to this league is not the easiest. She obviously a really good player, playing a lot of games for the national team, but to adapt to this league and to manage this league, it's been impressive how she does that, out of possession especially and how she deals with set-pieces, she's a very good footballer to dictate the game. But then you still see some mistakes she's doing, back and forth with the tempo of the play in this league, so it's a journey for her to adapt, but I think in the long run, she will be one of the best centre-backs in this league because she's so good in and out of position. She's strong to handle the big strikers in this league as well, it has been a great first month with her but also even more potential. The last thing is her leadership, she's only 25 years old, but she she's speaking and acting like she's 35.”

Bouncing back from Liverpool game

Robert was asked about the motivation in his squad to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat to Liverpool…

Robert: “Liverpool are one of the best teams in the league, they finished in fourth-place last season. They’re so difficult to play against is because they are really aggressive, they press very well and they’re quite straight forward with how they play. So, if you make a mistake or anything like that, they are there directly and that's tough. I feel like the first half was tough, but then we found a way to get back in the game and I feel like we actually dominated the second half in a good way. We created chances, we scored two goals, but then they scored to make it 2-1 and, in the last minute, they got a penalty to make it 3-2. Obviously that's really hard for us to have a good half but to still lose the game in the last minute. The players have worked hard and trained very well, so we are prepared.”

Reflecting on the first three games

Robert was posed with the question, ‘Where do you feel you are currently for where you want your team to be at the minute?’

Robert: “If you look at the three games, we have scored eight goals and that's a good number to get. I feel like how we have conceded goals has been quite easy so, if we can remove them and keep scoring goals, that will look good. But the other thing, if you look at performances, we haven't dictated the games and actually dictate it for a long time, especially against Aston Villa and in the first half against Liverpool. We need to take steps on how to be better in those three halves because we should create more chances, we should have the ball more and make sure we dictate the game. Crystal Palace was a good game, the second half of Liverpool was a good game so we just need to find ways to dominate the games more.

“We're not there yet, but we're taking steps. We score more goals, we create many goal chances, perhaps we didn't convert a lot of those chances, but when you look at the opportunities against Liverpool, we have five or six in the second half where I feel like that could have been a goal if we were a little sharper in those finishing moments. I'm not stressed about that. It's more about the toughness of this league, it’s so competitive so you cannot expect us now to win 3-0 every game because it's too tough right now. We need to learn how to take every new game as it is and find a way to win, and still do the game model and play the Tottenham way at the same time – that’s the balance. We are in a good spot, but we have a few really tough games coming up so we also need to focus on getting points, but also make sure we develop our game.”

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Tottenham Transfers: Spurs’ Strategic Moves Ahead of the January Window

Spurs Eye January Boost with LaLiga Talent

Tottenham Hotspur’s early-season struggles have prompted manager Ange Postecoglou to consider new additions to rejuvenate his squad. Currently positioned ninth in the Premier League, the team’s unsatisfactory performance, highlighted by a recent 3-2 loss to Brighton after leading 2-0, underscores the need for strategic reinforcements.

Javi Puado on Tottenham’s Radar

Football Transfers reports that Espanyol winger Javi Puado has caught the attention of Spurs’ scouts. The 26-year-old Spanish international, notable for his performance with three goals in eight LaLiga appearances this term, is seen as a potential winter signing. A decision must be made soon, as Puado’s contract is set to expire at the season’s end, offering Spurs a chance to engage in pre-contract talks or secure a cut-price deal in January.

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Photo: IMAGO

“Puado, who is out of contract at the end of the season, has scored three goals in eight LaLiga appearances so far this term,” noted Football Transfers, underlining the winger’s immediate impact potential.

Assessing Fit and Necessity

Although Spurs are already equipped with strong wingers like Brennan Johnson and Son Heung-min, the allure of adding Puado at a reasonable cost or even free could be tempting. Johnson’s current form, with goals in six consecutive matches, and the reliable performances from Son and others pose a question: does Tottenham truly need another winger, or is this move more about seizing a valuable opportunity?

Other Transfer Targets and Competition

Spurs’ interest isn’t limited to Puado. The North London club is also eyeing Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze and Torino’s Samuele Ricci. However, securing Eze, who has a £68m release clause in his contract, could be challenging with clubs like Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal also in pursuit. Ricci, with a price tag of around £18.4m, adds another layer to Tottenham’s strategic planning in bolstering their squad competently.

Tottenham’s Strategic Transfer Considerations

As the January window approaches, Tottenham must carefully weigh their options. Enhancing squad depth while managing financial implications under the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules is crucial. The potential acquisition of Puado, alongside other targets, may provide the necessary impetus Spurs need to climb higher in the league standings and compete on all fronts.

Statistical Analysis by EPL Index: Javi Puado’s Impact at Espanyol

Puado’s Offensive Contributions

Javi Puado, the Espanyol forward, has shown a commendable performance in LaLiga, as captured in the visual representation by Fbref. The radar chart succinctly breaks down his capabilities in three fundamental areas: attacking, possession, and defending. In terms of attack, Puado’s numbers are particularly promising. His non-penalty expected goals (npXG) plus expected assisted goals (xAG) situate him comfortably in the upper echelons amongst forwards, signifying a potent threat in the final third.

Possession and Playmaking Skills

Puado’s proficiency isn’t just limited to direct goal contributions. The chart highlights his commendable pass completion rate and his ability to maintain possession, crucial for Espanyol’s build-up play. His 84th percentile rank in passes attempted and 77th percentile in progressive carries showcase his integral role in transitioning the ball and setting up play. This ability to drive the ball forward and link up play underpins his value beyond just finishing chances.

Defensive Work Rate and Adaptability

While primarily an attacker, Puado’s willingness to engage in defensive duties is evident. His high percentile in blocks and clearances reflects an admirable defensive work rate. Such adaptability adds an extra layer to his on-field utility, making him a versatile option for teams seeking a forward who can also contribute defensively.

In conclusion, Javi Puado’s performance data from Fbref paints a picture of a forward who is not only effective in front of goal but also possesses the technical skills and work rate to play a well-rounded role. His stats highlight why he is considered a valuable asset for Espanyol and potentially, for a top-tier club like Tottenham Hotspur, should they secure his services in the upcoming transfer window. His ongoing development and performance will be crucial as he approaches a critical junction in his career.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As a devoted Tottenham Hotspur supporter, the prospect of Javi Puado joining Spurs is incredibly exciting! Given our start to the season, it’s clear we need that extra spark, and Puado could be just the right player to inject some pace and precision on the wings. His ability to create chances and score, evidenced by his three goals in LaLiga so far, could complement our existing attacking options perfectly.

Securing Puado on a free transfer would be a masterstroke from the management. It’s not just about adding depth; it’s about making smart, cost-effective moves that bolster our squad for the second half of the season and beyond. The potential signings of Eze and Ricci also show a clear intent to strengthen crucial areas, ensuring we remain competitive against the top teams.

With rivals like Manchester City and Arsenal also strengthening, it’s vital we don’t fall behind in the transfer market. I’m hopeful and optimistic about the direction our club is taking with these transfer targets. Let’s get behind the team and management and look forward to a revitalised squad come January!

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Araya Dennis reflected on a ‘proud’ moment as she made her competitive debut for the Club and the impact from learning off her team-mates over pre-season.

Coming on as a second-half substitute in the 2-1 win over Charlton Athletic in the Women’s League Cup last week, the young forward certainly caught the eye with her speed and power.

The 18-year-old, just minutes into her first minutes of the season, collected the ball on the right-hand side before advancing forward, evading two Charlton defenders, and she repeated it on a few occasions during her 23-minute cameo at The Valley.

Following her first outing in Lilywhite, we sat down with Araya and the England youth international admitted that she didn’t have the time to take in what was happening but was delighted to achieve the special occasion.

“It was a a proud moment for me to make my debut for the Club and also a great experience, plus it was important to get some minutes on the pitch and help the team to a win,” she told us.

“I didn’t really have time to register what was happening at the time, I also had to run over and let Drew [Spence] know that she was also coming on before going for another quick warm-up and going through set-pieces, so there wasn’t any moment to actually stop and think about what was happening.

“I have been used to that role of coming on and trying to make an impact in games, especially as a young player gaining experience, so I didn’t really feel any pressure when I came on and I knew what I needed to do to try and help the team.”

Araya joined us in February, 2024, after signing a professional contract with the Club before spending the second half of the 2024/25 campaign at Crystal Palace, where she made 20 appearances in the FA Women’s Championship.

Having now spent an entire pre-season with the squad while being involved in the opening three matchdays in the Barclays Women’s Super League, she has relished the opportunity to learn from her team-mates and be around the environment.

“It has been really good and helpful, but also been interesting to see the different characters within the squad. It has helped me come out of my shell quite a lot,” she added.

“The players I’m also around every day are very experienced at this level, so it has been a great opportunity to learn from them and also play alongside them, it’s only making me better.”