Spurs fans will be hoping to see more new signings make their debuts
Sam Tabuteau
COMMENTS
Tottenham’s pre-season tour of New Zealand and Australia continues on Wednesday morning as they take on Sydney FC at the Allianz Stadium.
Roberto De Zerbi’s side started their pre-season tour with a comfortable 2-0 win over Auckland FC at Eden Park last weekend, and they will be looking to make it three wins from three after also beating Milton Keynes 1-0 in a behind-closed-doors friendly.
The Italian named a youthful team against Auckland as he was wary of exposing some of the senior players to match action so quickly after a 30-hour round trip to New Zealand.
Some more familiar faces are expected to take the field in Sydney, and supporters will be hoping to get a first glimpse of new signings Andy Robertson and Jan Paul van Hecke.
Club record signing Sandro Tonali also missed out against Auckland, and De Zerbi will be keen to get the £100million man back involved as quickly as possible.
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James Maddison and Destiny Udogie were both absent from the Auckland game, and De Zerbi revealed afterwards that he was unwilling to take risks with their fitness. The pair are doubts to play against Sydney and will be assessed ahead of kick-off with Tonali.
"He's not working the last five days, I think, like Udogie, but they have not a big problem, just to stay focused, don't take any risks,” De Zerbi said.
"For the next friendly game against Sydney, maybe we play with Tonali, with others, maybe, we've got to see."
Dominic Solanke was also not named in the matchday squad against Auckland, as De Zerbi looks to manage the minutes of those who struggled with injuries last season.
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That means there will continue to be opportunities for the younger players in the squad. Centre-back Malachi Hardy has particularly impressed, while Mikey Moore is hoping to seal a place in the first team.
Mathys Tel made a positive impact off the bench against Auckland, while strikers Dane Scarlett and Richarlison were both on the scoresheet as they look to make a case for their futures at the club.
Midfielder Jamie Donley has made a good impression on De Zerbi, but hobbled off against Auckland and headed straight down the tunnel. It is unclear how severe his injury is, but he will hope to play again before the tour ends.
Spurs take on Sydney in the first of two games as part of the Sydney Super Cup, with De Zerbi’s side also set to face London rivals Chelsea this weekend.
Tottenham predicted XI: Kinsky; Hall, Van Hecke, Takai, Robertson; Fernandes, Gray, Gallagher; Tel, Moore, Richarlison
Doubts: Donley, Tonali, Udogie, Maddison
Date and time: 10.45am BST on Wedneday, July 29, 2026
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
How to watch: SpursPlay
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