Sports Mole

Manchester City Women will look to maintain their unbeaten start to the season when they play host to Tottenham Hotspur Women on Friday.

The home side are sitting top of the Women's Super League table, while the visitors are currently in seventh position.

Match preview

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Man City have been in fine form during the first two months of the season, having won nine and drawn one of their nine matches in all competitions.

Six of those matches have taken place in the WSL, with Man City drawing their opener against Arsenal before recording five consecutive league victories.

Last weekend, the Citizens cruised to a 3-0 away victory over Crystal Palace thanks to goals from Jess Park, Jill Roord and Khadija Shaw.

Having taken 16 points from six matches, Man City are sitting top of the standings with a narrow one-point lead over second-placed Chelsea, who have a game in hand over Gareth Taylor's side.

After winning 10 of their last 11 home league games, the Citizens will have high hopes of taking maximum points from Friday's contest.

They will also have fond memories of their most recent home game against Tottenham in November 2023 when they produced a dominant display to run out 7-0 winners.

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Tottenham have experienced mixed success in the WSL this season, with their six matches producing two wins, one draw and three defeats.

Spurs took four points from their opening two matches, before they fell to three consecutive league defeats against Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea.

After experiencing a poor run of form, Tottenham would have been pleased to halt their slide with a narrow 2-1 victory in last Sunday's home meeting with West Ham United.

Bethany England cancelled out Riko Ueki's first-half opener, before a late Camila Saez own goal handed Tottenham their first league win since September 22.

Having netted 12 goals across their 16 games, Spurs are the league's second-highest scorers along with Friday's opponents, Man City.

However, they will be concerned by the fact they have the division's second-worst defensive record after shipping 14 league goals this season.

Manchester City Women Women's Super League form:

Manchester City Women form (all competitions):

Tottenham Hotspur Women Women's Super League form:

Tottenham Hotspur Women form (all competitions):

Team News

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Man City defender Laia Aleixandri is likely to miss a second straight game with an injury she sustained while on international duty.

The visitors are also without the services of Risa Shimizu, Sandy MacIver, Naomi Layzell and Vivianne Miedema.

Ayaka Yamashita and Mary Fowler could return to the matchday squad after missing the win over Palace through illness.

As for the visitors, they are unable to call upon Kit Graham and Maite Oroz due to knee and quad injuries respectively.

Amanda Nilden, Amy James-Turner and Hayley Raso are all doubts and will have to be assessed ahead of Friday's contest.

Finland international Olga Ahtinen could be given a starting place after coming off the bench to play over half an hour against West Ham.

Manchester City Women possible starting lineup:

Yamashita; Casparij, Kennedy, Greenwood, Ouahabi; Park, Hasegawa, Roord; Fujino, Hemp, Shaw

Tottenham Hotspur Women possible starting lineup:

Spencer; Morris, Bartrip, Hunt, Neville; Summanen, Ahtinen; Naz, Spence, Vinberg; England

We say: Manchester City Women 3-1 Tottenham Hotspur Women

Man City have won each of their previous eight matches in all competitions, and with confidence flowing through the squad, we think the WSL leaders will sweep past Tottenham to maintain their place at the top of the league table.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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Tottenham Hotspur travel to Istanbul to face Galatasaray at Rams Park in the Europa League on Thursday evening.

Spurs secured a slender 1-0 win over AZ Alkmaar on matchday three a fortnight ago, while Galatasaray won 4-3 at home to Elfsborg last time out, and here, Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest team news for the two clubs.

GALATASARAY vs. TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

GALATASARAY

Out: Ismail Jakobs (knee)

Doubtful: None

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Muslera; Ayhan, Sanchez, Bardakci, Kohn; Torreira, Sara; Yilmaz, Mertens, Akgun; Osimhen

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

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

Doubtful: Christian Romero (foot), Djed Spence (groin)

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Vicario; Gray, Dragusin, Davies, Udogie; Bergvall, Bissouma, Maddison; Johnson, Solanke, Werner

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

Tottenham Hotspur could be without up to five players for Thursday's Europa League clash with Galatasaray in Istanbul.

Richarlison was forced off with a hamstring injury in Spurs' 4-1 win over Aston Villa in the Premier League last weekend and he is set to join Micky van de Ven and Wilson Odobert - who are also nursing hamstring injuries - in the treatment room.

Christian Romero was also taken off against Villa with a foot injury and the Argentine has emerged as a major doubt for the trip to Turkey, while Djed Spence will be assessed ahead of kickoff as he closes in on a return from a groin problem.

Should Romero miss out on Thursday, Ben Davies will likely deputise in central defence alongside Radu Dragusin, meaning Destiny Udogie should retain his spot at left-back. Pedro Porro, meanwhile, could be replaced at right-back by Archie Gray.

Ange Postecoglou will consider freshening up his midfield and could recall both James Maddison, Yves Bissouma and Lucas Bergvall at the expense of Dejan Kulusevski, Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr.

Dominic Solanke scored twice in the second half against Villa and he is poised to retain his place up front with Richarlison sidelined, while Postecoglou will weigh up whether to hand both Son Heung-min and Brennan Johnson starts on the flanks or recall Timo Werner and Mikey Moore.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup: Vicario; Gray, Dragusin, Davies, Udogie; Bergvall, Bissouma, Maddison; Johnson, Solanke, Werner

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Seeking to make it four wins from four in the Europa League, Tottenham Hotspur travel to Istanbul to face Galatasaray at Rams Park on Thursday evening.

While Spurs currently sit second in the 36-team table, Galatasaray are only three places and two points further back in fifth spot.

Match preview

Completing in the Europa League for the first time in four years, Tottenham are one of only three teams, along with Lazio and Anderlecht, who have picked up a maximum nine points from their opening three fixtures in this season's competition.

A 3-0 win with 10 men against Qarabag on matchday one was followed by a 2-1 victory away against Ferencvaros on matchday two, before a second-half penalty from Richarlison sealed a slender 1-0 home success over AZ Alkmaar a fortnight ago.

Ange Postecoglou's side currently sit level on points with Lazio at the top of the 36-team Europa League table, while they have climbed up to seventh in the Premier League standings after coming from behind at half time to beat Aston Villa 4-1 on home soil last weekend.

Spurs have now won each of their last six home fixtures across all competitions, scoring 17 goals and conceding just four in the process, while they have also come out on top in each of their last eight Europa League games in North London by an impressive aggregate score of 26-2, keeping a clean sheet in their last six matches during this run.

However, Tottenham will travel to Turkey on Thursday seeking to avoid losing a third straight away match in all tournaments, while their last trip to Istanbul also ended in defeat - a 1-0 loss to Besiktas in December 2014.

Galatasaray may not have made a perfect start to their Europa League campaign like Spurs, but they have still collected seven points from their opening three matches and have provided plenty of entertainment for supporters, with at least four goals scored in all three games.

A 3-1 home win over PAOK on matchday one, secured thanks to two goals in the final 15 minutes, was followed by a 2-2 draw with Rigas Futbola Skola on matchday two in which they threw away a two-goal lead in Latvia. The Lion then came out on top in a seven-goal thriller with Elfsborg a fortnight ago, winning 4-3 on home soil.

Okan Buruk's side have since extended their unbeaten run across all competitions to 11 matches (W9 D2) after beating Istanbul rivals Besiktas 2-1 at Rams Park in the Turkish Super Lig a week last Monday, moving eight points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand on second-placed Samsunspor.

Galatasaray will play host to Samsunspor on Sunday, but they must first shift their focus to the Europa League and will endeavour to boost their hopes of reaching the knockout rounds for the third time in four years with a victory against Spurs on Thursday.

Success against English opposition had been hard to come by for Galatasaray, though, as they have won just one of their last six such meetings (D2 L3) - a 3-2 win against Manchester United at Old Trafford in last season's Champions League.

Galatasaray Europa League form:

Galatasaray form (all competitions):

Tottenham Hotspur Europa League form:

Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions):

Team News

Galatasaray's only absentee is left-back Ismail Jakobs, who remains sidelined with a knee injury, while goalkeeper Fernando Muslera is available to return from a European ban and is expected to start between the sticks.

Former Tottenham defender Davinson Sanchez, who scored against Besiktas last weekend, is set to partner Abdulkerim Bardakci in the heart of defence, while ex-Arsenal man Lucas Torreira will likely start in centre-midfield next to Gabriel Sara - a signing from Norwich City in the summer.

Star striker Victor Osimhen - on loan from Napoli - has scored four goals in his last three games for Galatasaray and is set to start up front either alongside or instead of top scorer Mauro Icardi, who has six goals to his name this term.

As for Tottenham, Richarlison was forced off with a hamstring injury in the win over Aston Villa last weekend and he is set to join Micky van de Ven and Wilson Odobert - who are also nursing hamstring injuries - in the treatment room.

Christian Romero was also taken off early against Villa with a foot injury and the Argentine has emerged as a major doubt for the trip to Turkey, while Djed Spence will be assessed ahead of kickoff as he closes in on a return from a groin problem.

Ben Davies will likely deputise in central defence alongside Radu Dragusin if Romero does miss out, while Postecoglou will also consider handing recalls to the likes of James Maddison, Yves Bissouma, Lucas Bergvall, Timo Werner and Mikey Moore.

Galatasaray possible starting lineup:

Muslera; Ayhan, Sanchez, Bardakci, Kohn; Torreira, Sara; Yilmaz, Mertens, Akgun; Osimhen

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Gray, Dragusin, Davies, Udogie; Bergvall, Bissouma, Maddison; Johnson, Solanke, Werner

We say: Galatasaray 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur

Both teams enter Thursday's contest in buoyant mood and will fancy their chances of success, especially Galatasaray in front of a raucous home crowd that will create a hostile atmosphere for Spurs.

Considering Postecoglou could be missing his first-choice centre-back paring and may look to rotate in a few other positions, we can see Galatasaray taking advantage of that and securing at least a point in Istanbul, ending Spurs' perfect Europa League start.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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Seeking a fourth win from four in the 2024-25 Europa League, Tottenham Hotspur make the long trek to Turkey to meet Galatasaray on Thursday evening.

The Lilywhites have already overcome Qarabag FK, Ferencvaros and AZ Alkmaar in the 2024-25 edition, eking out a 1-0 victory over the latter in October thanks to a Richarlison winner.

Ange Postecoglou's nine-point side are only trailing Lazio in second place in the 36-team table, and their fightback powers came to the fore in a 4-1 thrashing of Aston Villa in Sunday's Premier League affair.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Tottenham's latest injury and suspension news ahead of their showdown with Galatasaray, who lie fifth in the Europa League rankings on seven points.

Cristian Romero

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Foot

Possible return date: November 7 (vs. Galatasaray)

Cristian Romero was one of two casualties of the win over Villa, coming off with a foot problem just past the hour mark, and it would be a surprise to see the Argentine involved in Thursday's game.

Richarlison

Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: Unknown

In the process of setting up Dominic Solanke's second against the Lions, Richarlison pulled his hamstring and had to be substituted after coming off the bench himself; even if his problem is a minor one, he will certainly not be available for Thursday.

Micky van de Ven

Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: November 23 (vs. Man City)

Spurs could be without both of their first-choice centre-backs this week, as Micky van de Ven also hurt his hamstring in the recent EFL Cup win over Manchester City and will not play again before the international break.

Djed Spence

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Groin

Possible return date: November 7 (vs. Galatasaray)

Djed Spence's groin problem prevented him from making the squad to face Villa, but the defender is thought to be in the final stages of his recovery and might be in contention to make his return on Thursday.

Wilson Odobert

Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: Unknown

After making a full recovery from one hamstring issue, Wilson Odobert was then immediately sidelined again with a "serious" setback, and the ex-Burnley winger will be out for some time.

TOTTENHAM'S SUSPENSION LIST

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly earmarked 20-year-old FC Midtjylland winger Dario Osorio as an ideal transfer target for the summer of 2025.

Ange Postecoglou reinforced his wide ranks over the summer with the surprise capture of Wilson Odobert from Burnley, while also re-signing Timo Werner on loan from RB Leipzig.

However, Odobert has experienced an injury-hit start to life in North London and recently suffered a severe setback with a thigh problem, while Werner has only netted once this season, in Wednesday's 2-1 EFL Cup win over Manchester City.

Werner has otherwise cut an extremely wasteful figure in front of goal this season, but the emergence of Mikey Moore has slightly eased Spurs' attacking concerns, as the 17-year-old made his full Premier League debut in their 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace two weekends ago.

Captain Son Heung-min also made his return from a thigh problem in Sunday's 4-1 thumping of Aston Villa, providing an assist for Brennan Johnson before being substituted just before the hour mark, reacting angrily to his premature change.

Tottenham to move for Osorio in summer of 2025?

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Son's current contract runs out at the end of the season, although Tottenham possess an option to extend his terms by another year and are expected to trigger that clause in the near future.

Whether the 32-year-old signs a fresh deal beyond 2026 is unclear, though, and in a move that may suggest Spurs are planning for life without their skipper, journalist Ekrem Konur claims that they are running the rule over Osorio.

The 20-year-old predominantly plays on the right flank, but he is equally comfortable on the left wing, and Tottenham are believed to have 'regularly' sent scouts to keep an eye on his performances.

Konur adds that Tottenham are unlikely to make a move for Osorio in the January transfer window, though, instead targeting the youngster for a summer switch in 2025.

Osorio is contracted to Midtjylland until the summer of 2028, meaning that the Danes have no need to let him go on the cheap, but they may find it difficult to reject a lucrative bid from a high-profile Premier League club.

Who is rumoured Tottenham target Dario Osorio?

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Coming through the Club Universidad de Chile youth system, Osorio joined Midtjylland in a £4.4m deal in the summer of 2023 and has already come up with 11 goals and three assists in 44 games for the Scandinavian giants.

From 20 matches in all competitions in the 2024 campaign, the 20-year-old has found the back of the net three times, including in a 1-1 draw with Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim in the Europa League.

During his debut campaign in a Midtjylland jersey, Osorio particularly excelled during the Championship round of the Danish Superliga season, registering three goals and two assists in nine matches en route to winning the title.

A 6ft tall winger, Osorio made his debut for the Chile national team in 2022 and scored his first goal for his nation in a 3-2 friendly loss to France in March, before featuring in all three of their Copa America matches later in the year.

Tottenham Hotspur secured the option to purchase Real Betis midfielder Johnny Cardoso for a fixed fee of €25m (£21m) as part of Giovani Lo Celso's permanent transfer to the Spanish club last summer, according to a report.

However, the North London outfit have a deadline to do so, with the clause expiring at the end of June next year.

Postecoglou has often opted to use a midfield three featuring James Maddison, Yves Bissouma and Dejan Kulusevski this season, and the results have been mixed so far.

However, during Sunday's 4-1 win against Champions League rivals Aston Villa, the Spurs boss selected a more defensively oriented trio consisting of Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Sarr alongside Kulusevski, and the Australian manager could look to replicate that set-up going forward.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano reports that Tottenham have the option to buy Real Betis' defensive midfielder Johnny Cardoso for a fee of just £21m, and they will also have matching rights and a percentage on any future sale should they decide not to sign the player.

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Cardoso to revamp midfield?

One of the consistent criticisms of Postecoglou's Spurs side since his arrival last season has been the fact that they struggle to keep clean sheets.

Indeed, Tottenham prevented the opposition from scoring on just nine occasions in their last 48 Premier League games, and have kept only three clean sheets in their 21 most recent top-flight matches.

Some have suggested that Tottenham play recklessly, focusing so much on offensive phases of play that it leaves them vulnerable at the back, but Postecoglou has regularly dismissed such notions.

However, providing more cover in the midfield area could enable the likes of Kulusevski and Maddison to maximise their creative potential.

Losing out on Cardoso to a rival could be costly given teams like Liverpool are reportedly still in the market for a defensive midfielder, but at least Spurs have the option to match any offer after the June deadline.

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Cardoso compared to Spurs' midfield options

Cardoso ranks quite favourably in defensive metrics compared to midfielders such as Bissouma, Sarr and Bentancur, with the Real Betis player having attempted 13 tackles in La Liga this season, the joint most alongside Sarr.

The American has also made the most blocks of the quartet and has made 10 interceptions this term, with only Bentancur having made more.

Importantly, Cardoso is also comfortable in possession, and he would likely fit into Postecoglou's preferred style of play.

Perhaps pairing the Real Betis midfielder with an energetic ball carrier such as Sarr would get the most out of him, but the American would certainly help give Spurs even more tactical flexibility.

Tottenham Hotspur rounded out a phenomenal week as they came from behind to defeat Champions League rivals Aston Villa 4-1 in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, with Dominic Solanke scoring a quickfire double to help give the hosts all three points.

The match was largely played inside Aston Villa's half during the opening 20 minutes, with Tottenham's high press stopping the visitors from being able to play out from the back, but despite the control, the hosts failed to truly threaten the opposition goal as the match remained goalless.

The visitors did begin to grow into the game as it headed towards the half-hour mark, and it was Aston Villa who actually took the lead against the run of play when a corner was poorly dealt with by Spurs, with Morgan Rogers reacting fastest to the loose ball and smashing into the net from close range.

Just after the restart and Tottenham pulled themselves level, with Brennan Johnson beating Solanke to convert a beautiful cross from Heung-min Son at the back post.

The game was marred by injuries and stoppages following the goal, with both teams forced into making numerous changes due to injury concerns, which significantly disrupted the tempo of the match as a result.

Tottenham eventually took the lead with 15 minutes remaining when a brilliant piece of build-up play saw Dejan Kulusevski slide Solanke through on goal, with the striker deftly chipping Emi Martinez to make it 2-1.

Minutes later and the hosts had doubled their lead, with Solanke securing his second of the day as he raced onto Richarlison's cutback cross and easily converted into the net.

James Maddison added the cherry on top for Spurs as he breathtakingly curled his freekick around the Aston Villa wall and into the top right corner, a sensational strike from the midfielder.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR VS. ASTON VILLA HIGHLIGHTS

Morgan Rogers goal vs. Tottenham Hotspur (32nd min, Tottenham Hotspur 0-1 Aston Villa)

Villa have taken the lead against the run of play!

Lucas Digne delivers a corner, which Pedro Porro flicks on, and Rodrigo Bentancur almost converts into his own net, but Guglielmo Vicario makes an excellent save to keep the ball out.

However, Rogers reacts quickest to the rebound and smashes the ball into the net, giving Aston Villa the lead against the run of play and marking his third consecutive Premier League away game with a goal.

Brennan Johnson goal vs. Aston Villa (49th min, Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 Aston Villa)

Spurs are level and it's Johnson once again!

Son gathers the ball wide on the left and initially looks to take on his marker before shifting the ball to his left foot and whipping a beautifully curved, inviting cross into the box.

Solanke looks certain to get a touch and score the equaliser, but Johnson comes steaming in from the back post to get the first touch and level the game.

Dominic Solanke goal vs. Aston Villa (75th min, Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Aston Villa)

That is superb from Solanke!

Tottenham finally breaks through the middle of the Aston Villa defence, with Johnson and Kulusevski combining just outside the box before the Swede feeds the ball through to Solanke.

The striker, narrowly onside thanks to Ezri Konsa, races onto the pass and deftly chips his effort over the outrushing Emi Martinez, a truly fantastic finish.

Dominic Solanke goal vs. Aston Villa (79th min, Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 Aston Villa)

Tottenham and Solanke hit a quickfire double!

Aston Villa sloppily lose the ball deep inside their half, with Tottenham quickly springing forward as Richarlison receives the ball down the left side of the box.

The forward cuts his cross back across the box, with Solanke racing onto the ball and placing into the net from close range, doubling Spurs's lead and grabbing his second of the day.

James Maddison goal vs. Aston Villa (96th min, Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 Aston Villa)

That puts the cherry on top for Tottenham!

The hosts are awarded a free kick right on the edge of the area, providing Maddison with the perfect opportunity to get on the scoresheet, and the midfielder executes his effort flawlessly as he bends it around the wall and into the net, leaving Martinez with no chance.

MAN OF THE MATCH - DOMINIC SOLANKE

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Solanke was the game-winner for Tottenham Hotspur, scoring a quickfire double with goals in the 75th and 79th minutes, putting the game out of reach for Aston Villa.

Despite rarely getting involved in the game, it was a true poacher's performance from the striker as he scored two well-taken goals, something that will certainly please Ange Postecoglou.

Amadou Onana also deserves a mention, as the midfielder dominated the middle of the park for large parts of the game despite ultimately being on the losing side.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR VS. ASTON VILLA MATCH STATS

Possession: Tottenham Hotspur 51%-49% Aston Villa

Shots: Tottenham Hotspur 16-12 Aston Villa

Shots on target: Tottenham Hotspur 6-1 Aston Villa

Corners: Tottenham Hotspur 6-4 Aston Villa

Fouls: Tottenham Hotspur 14-14 Aston Villa

BEST STATS

WHAT NEXT?

Victory for Tottenham concludes an impressive week for Postecoglou's side, who have defeated both Manchester City and Aston Villa in recent days and they will aim for three consecutive wins across all competitions when they face Galatasaray next Thursday.

As for Aston Villa, a second defeat in as many matches leaves them without a victory in their last three outings across all competitions, a run that they will look to end when they face Club Brugge on Wednesday.

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Spurs vs. Aston Villa (Sunday, 2.00pm)

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After being on opposite ends of EFL Cup upsets, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa meet in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, in a clash of the Champions League contenders and pretenders.

Ange Postecoglou's men defied expectations to eliminate Manchester City from the EFL Cup on Wednesday, but their West Midlands counterparts were outwitted at home to Crystal Palace.

We say: Tottenham Hotspur 2-2 Aston Villa

Spurs and Villa's EFL Cup exploits should not be taken at face value, as a strong Lilywhites team squared up to a weakened City side, while Villa made numerous changes to meet Crystal Palace's A-team.

With Postecoglou's men proving near-flawless at home in recent weeks and Villa finding the net for fun on the road, Sunday's game should be a terrific watch for the neutrals, and we think this one has a high-scoring draw written all over it.

> Click here to read our full preview for this match

> Watkins or Duran? How Villa could line up against Tottenham

> Will Van de Ven, Son be available? Spurs predicted XI against Villa

> Fresh Van de Ven concern: Tottenham injury list for Aston Villa clash

> Son Heung-min's record vs. Aston Villa

Man Utd vs. Chelsea (Sunday, 4.30pm)

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With Ruud van Nistelrooy at the wheel, Manchester United headline this weekend's Premier League action on Sunday afternoon, when old foes Chelsea rock up to Old Trafford.

The two English behemoths suffered contrasting EFL Cup fates in midweek, as the Red Devils pummelled Leicester City 5-2 while the Blues were eliminated by Newcastle United.

We say: Manchester United 2-2 Chelsea

As pitiful as Chelsea were at St James' Park, Maresca's A-team will surely show more attacking bite than their B-team counterparts at Old Trafford, and Van Nistelrooy cannot fix Man United's defensive problems overnight.

However, if Wednesday is anything to go by, the hosts have been given a new lease of life in the attacking third, and we believe that Sunday's blockbuster will live up to the pre-match billing in a high-scoring stalemate.

> Click here to read our full preview for this match

> A full team of changes? How Chelsea could line up against Man United

> Hojlund or Zirkzee? Will Eriksen play? Man United predicted XI against Chelsea

> Can Sancho play? Chelsea injury, suspension list vs. Man United

> Mainoo, Yoro return dates: Man United injury, suspension news vs. Chelsea

> Marcus Rashford's record vs. Chelsea

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly set their sights on signing a 20-year-old Ligue 1 defender in the wake of Micky van de Ven's latest injury blow.

The Dutchman was overcome by emotion when he suffered a thigh injury in Wednesday's 2-1 EFL Cup last-16 win over Manchester City, having spent two months out last season with a similar issue.

Van de Ven's concern this time around is not thought to be as severe, but Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou confirmed on Friday that the centre-back will not return until after the international break.

As a result, the Netherlands international will at least be absent for three games, starting with Sunday's visit of Aston Villa in the Premier League, as well as imminent meetings with Galatasaray and Ipswich Town.

While Van de Ven is on the treatment table, Radu Dragusin is expected to step in alongside Cristian Romero, but Postecoglou's only other senior central option is Ben Davies, a left-back by trade and a player who is out of contract in 2025.

Tottenham to rival Newcastle United for Abdukodir Khusanov?

Dragusin - who struggles for Premier League game time when Romero and Van de Ven are fully fit - has been linked with an exit in January too, and Spurs are said to be targeting defensive reinforcements in January.

According to Football Insider, Lens and Uzbekistan defender Abdukodir Khusanov is a name on Spurs' radar, although the Lilywhites are not alone in their pursuit of the 20-year-old.

Newcastle United are also believed to be keen to bring the fledgling defender to the Premier League in 2025, and he is regarded as a quick centre-back who can add speed to a team's backline.

Van de Ven has become renowned for his blistering pace since making the move to North London in 2023, but the report adds that both clubs have been 'warned' about Khusanov's minimal experience.

As Spurs and Newcastle are expecting to challenge for European football this season, the two sides could target older options midway through the season instead, but Khusanov is still regarded as a top prospect for the future.

Who is rumoured Tottenham target Khusanov?

Formerly of Bunyodkor in his homeland and Belarusian side Energetik-BGU, Khusanov joined Ligue 1 upstarts Lens for just €100k (£84k) in the summer of 2023 and made 15 appearances in his debut campaign.

The 20-year-old did not immediately become a regular starter for Les Sang et Or, but under the tutelage of newly-appointed manager Will Still, he has cemented himself as a key man in the heart of the Lens defence.

Khusanov has already 12 appearances in all competitions this season, starting each of Lens' last eight Ligue 1 games, but he was sent off in a 1-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday.

Standing at 6ft 1in tall, the defender is also a fundamental part of the Uzbekistan national team squad and has helped them go unbeaten in all of their World Cup qualifiers in 2024 so far.

Khusanov is under contract at Lens for another three years, and the French side will no doubt earn a serious profit on the £84k that they paid for his services last year if he does make the switch to England in 2025. body check tags ::