Last Word On Sports

Last Word on Football brings you the latest team news and predicted lineups ahead of Brentford vs Tottenham Hotspur in Gameweek 1 of the 2026/27 Premier League season. Spurs begin their first full campaign under Roberto De Zerbi looking to put back-to-back 17th-place finishes behind them.

Tottenham have invested heavily during the summer transfer window, making six new signings to date, with several of those new arrivals in line to make their competitive debuts at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Brentford enjoyed a more successful 2025/26 campaign, finishing ninth under Keith Andrews and matching their highest Premier League finish. The Bees have also added to their ranks this summer and will be hoping to get off to a positive start on home soil.

Here is the latest team news for Brentford vs Tottenham.

Brentford vs Tottenham: Team News for Premier League Opener

Date: Saturday 22nd August 2026

Venue: Gtech Community Stadium

Kick-off: 17:30 BST

Last meeting: Brentford 0-0 Tottenham (1st January 2026, Premier League)

Referee: Michael Oliver

Current odds: Brentford 6/4, Tottenham 15/8, Draw 11/4

Brentford Team News

Brentford will be without Sepp van den Berg for the opening part of the season with a groin issue, meaning Kristoffer Ajer and Nathan Collins are expected to partner one another at the heart of the defence.

The Bees will also be without Antoni Milambo, who remains sidelined after suffering a serious knee injury last season. Otherwise, Andrews appears to have a fully fit squad to choose from ahead of the season opener.

Brentford have made four signings so far this summer, breaking their transfer record to sign Mamadou Sangare from Lens, while also adding Jaidon Anthony, Callum Wilson and Jannik Schuster to their ranks.

All four could make their competitive debuts in this one, although Sangare looks the most likely to feature from the start in midfield.

The Bees enjoyed an impressive end to pre-season, including a 7-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt, and will be hoping that form carries into the opening weekend of the Premier League campaign.

Read More: How Kinsky Became Tottenham Number 1 Just Months After Horror Night

Tottenham Team News

Tottenham have made significant changes to their squad during the summer, with Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson and Sandro Tonali all in line to make their competitive debuts for the club.

Mateus Fernandes has also been declared fit by De Zerbi, although his game time during pre-season was limited after he suffered a minor issue. The Italian has also confirmed that James Maddison, Destiny Udogie and Dominic Solanke are available despite the trio missing most of pre-season.

Spurs will be without newly appointed captain Micky van de Ven and vice-captain Pedro Porro for this one, while Pape Matar Sarr has also been ruled out with a hamstring issue.

Tottenham will also be without Mohammed Kudus, Wilson Odobert, Xavi Simons and Dejan Kulusevski, all of whom continue their recovery from long-term injuries. Kudus is the closest of the quartet to returning to action.

Read More: Roberto De Zerbi Delivers Injury Update on Tottenham Star

Their absences could open the door to a start for Mikey Moore, who scored twice in Spurs’ 3-0 win over Hoffenheim in north London last weekend.

De Zerbi’s side went unbeaten during pre-season and will be hoping to carry that momentum into their opening game of the 2026/27 campaign.

Brentford Predicted Lineup

Kelleher, Kayode, Ajer, Collins, Lewis-Potter, Sangare, Janelt, Jensen, Ouattara, Schade, Igor Thiago

Tottenham Predicted Lineup

Kinsky, Gray, Van Hecke, Senesi, Robertson, Tonali, Fernandes, Gallagher, Moore, Tel, Richarlison

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Tottenham Hotspur are working on a sensational deal to bring two Manchester City forwards to north London, with Savinho and Omar Marmoush the subject of transfer talks, per David Ornstein.

While Spurs have been working on a deal for Savinho for some time, the news that Roberto De Zerbi is after Marmoush as well as the Brazilian winger means Spurs are attempting a serious overhaul in the forward areas.

Tottenham are also working on a deal to sign Cody Gakpo from Liverpool, with Chelsea’s Pedro Neto also on the list, according to Fabrizio Romano.

However, signing Marmoush would be a huge statement of intent from Spurs, and here’s what he would be able to bring to De Zerbi’s Tottenham team.

How Omar Marmoush Could Fit at Tottenham

Marmoush’s Career To Date

The 27-year-old forward began his career in Egypt with Wadi Degla before moving to VfL Wolfsburg in 2017. After spending time with the development teams, Marmoush gained Bundesliga experience with Wolfsburg and a brief loan spell with VfB Stuttgart, while also featuring for St. Pauli on loan in the 2. Bundesliga.

A move to Eintracht Frankfurt followed in 2023, and it was here that Marmoush truly took off, scoring 37 times in 67 appearances and a forming prolific strike partnership with Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike during his 18 months at Frankfurt.

This impressive form earned him a move to Manchester City in January 2025, where the Egyptian has made 62 appearances and scored 16 goals, while also adding six assists.

While primarily being used as a backup to Erling Haaland, Marmoush has featured both behind the striker and in the number nine role, with that versatility no doubt being a major part of De Zerbi’s interest.

The forward is also capped 55 times by Egypt and has 11 international goals to his name.

How Marmoush Could Fit De Zerbi’s System

Tottenham are looking to spend big on attackers this summer after working hard to build a defence and midfield that fits De Zerbi’s unique style of play, and Marmoush could become another key cog in making this system click.

De Zerbi’s style of play typically sees the lone forward drop deep in possession to drag the centre-backs in, rather than remain up top to engage in physical and aerial battles with defenders like a ‘classic’ number nine.

With the idea being to bait players in and leave a big space in behind, Marmoush’s pace and explosiveness would allow him to exploit the area left by the defenders better than Spurs’ current striker options in Richarlison and Dominic Solanke, who tend to play as more traditional forwards.

Marmoush is also comfortable with the ball at his feet and linking play, again something required in a De Zerbi side and something that has been missing from Spurs since the departure of Harry Kane, with a striker capable of combining with the midfield and wingers to create chances.

With all things considered, it comes as little surprise that Spurs are willing to splash the cash on the Egyptian this window.

Tottenham’s Need for Attacking Change

While Spurs have worked hard on both incomings and outgoings to mould De Zerbi’s squad, the forward line has seen little attention until now.

Tottenham struggled for goals from their attacking players last season, with Richarlison top-scoring with 12 and existing options Solanke, Tel and Kudus adding just 13 between them.

Spurs are also without Wilson Odobert and Xavi Simons due to long-term knee injuries, while Dejan Kulusevski has only just returned to first-team training after more than a year out and will continue to be unavailable for some time.

This means Spurs are likely to call on the services of Mikey Moore, who scored twice in the pre-season friendly against Hoffenheim and enjoyed a fruitful loan at Rangers last season.

However, it outlines just why Spurs are after the likes of Marmoush and Gakpo, both of whom add goalscoring ability and versatility to the front line. Adding another winger in Savinho, who is capable of playing off both flanks, would also mean De Zerbi has plenty of quality to choose from in wide areas.

Read More: The Goalkeeping Domino Effect: Suzuki, Martinez and Vicario Caught in Transfer Saga

A Major Statement From Spurs

A move for Marmoush would be about more than simply adding another attacker to De Zerbi’s squad.

Tottenham have already invested heavily in building a team capable of implementing the Italian’s style, and bringing in a player with Marmoush’s technical ability and versatility could help turn that work into a more dangerous attacking unit.

With Ben Jacobs reporting the deal for the City pair could cost as much as £150 million, the price tag would make the Egyptian one of the most expensive signings in Spurs’ history, so there would inevitably be significant expectations attached to the deal.

But if Tottenham can provide De Zerbi with a forward capable of stretching defences and operating in multiple attacking positions, Marmoush could prove to be exactly the type of player required to take the next step in the manager’s rebuild.

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Tottenham Hotspur have endured a busy summer transfer window, with two more departures now on the horizon.

Fabrizio Romano has reported that Spurs have agreed deals for Djed Spence and Cristian Romero to join Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid respectively.

The departures of the two defenders could free up funds for Tottenham to finally complete a deal for long-term target Savinho, with Bruno Andrade of ESPN Brazil reporting this week that the move is expected to be completed soon.

Spurs have already made six first-team signings this summer and broken their transfer record twice, while overseeing six permanent outgoings and multiple loan departures.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Busy Window Continues With Further Departures

Spence Deal Agreed

Romano has reported that Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a £27 million deal with Italian giants Inter Milan for Spence.

The Englishman has made 85 appearances for Spurs but is set to bring his time in north London to an end in favour of a move to Italy.

Christian Chivu’s side have been searching for a replacement for Denzel Dumfries and have reportedly struck a deal with Spurs for the 26-year-old.

Sami Mokbel has subsequently reported that Tottenham have begun the process of signing a replacement for Spence, with Pedro Porro currently the only recognised senior right-back at the club.

Archie Gray is also capable of filling the role, but Spurs are seemingly looking for a more natural right-back to provide competition for Porro.

Read More: Tottenham to ‘Step Up Their Efforts’ for £165K Per Week Attacker

Captain Romero Departs

Romano has also reported that Atletico Madrid have agreed a deal to sign Spurs captain Romero for a fee of £34.1 million, with Tottenham retaining a 15% sell-on clause.

The deal will bring an end to Romero’s five-year stay in north London, with the Argentine swapping Roberto De Zerbi’s side for Diego Simeone’s Spanish giants.

Barcelona were also reported to be interested in the defender but ultimately decided against making an official offer.

With Spurs adding Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi to their defensive ranks this summer, Romero joins Luka Vuskovic and Radu Dragusin as the third centre-back to leave north London.

Romero made 156 appearances for Spurs in all competitions and captained the club to UEFA Europa League glory in 2025. He is also a FIFA World Cup winner with Argentina.

Read More: Tottenham Reject £38 Million Offer for Midfield Star

Tottenham Hotspur: Forward Interest Continues

Spurs have held a long-standing interest in Manchester City winger Savinho, with the Brazilian informing his club of his intention to leave this summer, according to Romano.

Tottenham first expressed interest in the winger in summer 2025 but are yet to finalise a deal, despite talks resuming during the current transfer window.

With Spence and Romero’s departures set to generate another £61.1 million for Spurs, the funds could help finance a deal for Savinho, who has made 84 appearances for Manchester City, scoring seven goals.

Andrade of ESPN Brazil reports that the deal is close and could be completed in the coming days, with the fee expected to “comfortably” exceed £70 million.

Romano has also reported Tottenham’s interest in Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, although Spurs are yet to make an official offer for the Dutchman.

AS Monaco striker Folarin Balogun has also been linked with a move to north London, but Romano has confirmed there is currently nothing concrete between the clubs as De Zerbi looks to strengthen his forward line.

A New Look Tottenham Hotspur Takes Shape

Tottenham Hotspur’s willingness to sanction the departures of Spence and Romero further indicates the scale of De Zerbi’s squad rebuild.

The pair have made 241 appearances for Spurs between them, with Romero departing as club captain and Spence having established himself as a valuable squad player over the past two seasons.

Their exits express Tottenham’s willingness to move on from key players as De Zerbi reshapes the squad, while the significant fees generated could allow the club to make further additions before the transfer window closes.

With the Premier League season now fast approaching, attention will turn to whether Spurs can use the funds from their latest departures to complete their pursuit of Savinho and give De Zerbi another attacking option before the opening game away to Brentford on August 22.

Featured Image Credit:

IMAGO / DeFodi Images

All connected with Tottenham Hotspur will be looking for a great improvement on their horrendous 2025/26 campaign, which saw the club only survive relegation on the final day of the season.

Thomas Frank lost his job, only to be replaced by Igor Tudor, who failed to win a single game in charge before he was replaced by Roberto De Zerbi, who managed to rescue a ship that was sinking rapidly. The club have been busy this summer, with players coming in, but Djed Spence appears to be going the other way, with Inter Milan and Spurs reaching an agreement for the transfer of the defender.

Tottenham Hotspur Strengthen Ahead of New Campaign

Spurs and Inter Milan Reach Agreement for Spence

The De Zerbi factor has improved morale at Tottenham, as has the club’s transfer dealings, with them being highly active this summer.

They have so far signed Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, Jan Paul van Hecke, Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, and Martin Dubravka. It remains to be seen if there will be any more incomings this summer.

The Lilywhites have also been boosted by the impending return of Dejan Kulusevski, who was recently pictured returning to training.

Read More: Why Tottenham Hotspur Need Attacking Reinforcements This Summer

Some young players and fringe first-team players, including Manor Solomon, have departed the club this summer, with the rumours of Spence leaving dominating the outgoing headlines.

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that a verbal agreement has been reached between Spurs and the Italian club for a fee of £26.8 million. A full agreement has been reached with Spence, who appears on the verge of getting the move he desires.

Why Tottenham Hotspur Are Willing to Sell Spence

Spence, on a reported £87,000 per week at Tottenham, enjoyed a successful World Cup, impressing for Thomas Tuchel’s England. He brings versatility to any team, being able to play right back or left back. Sam Tabuteau of The Standard reveals Spurs are willing to sell the defender because Roberto De Zerbi cannot guarantee Spence the minutes he wants.

Read More: Greatest Footballers of All Time: Pre World War One

Spence’s preferred position is right back, but it’s clear De Zerbi has his man there, in Pedro Porro. It’s clear Spurs are not actively trying to offload the England international, but De Zerbi has made it clear anyone who wants to go can leave the club.

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IMAGO / Action Plus

Aston Villa are advancing in talks to sign midfielder Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich, reports Ben Jacobs.

The 31-year-old looks set to leave Germany this summer after spending last season on loan at Tottenham Hotspur, where he became a key figure during their successful battle to retain their Premier League status.

Palhinha is also attracting interest from Newcastle United, but Villa currently appear to be further ahead in the race to sign the Portugal international.

The midfielder remains under contract with Bayern until 2028 after joining the German giants from Fulham in 2024.

Aston Villa Advance in Talks for Bayern Munich Midfielder

Palhinha’s Career So Far

The defensive midfielder began his career in Portugal with Sporting CP, representing the club’s B team before enjoying loan spells with Moreirense, Belenenses and Braga.

Palhinha broke into the Sporting first team in 2020, making 95 appearances before earning a move to Fulham in 2022.

The 31-year-old quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s best defensive midfielders during his two seasons at Craven Cottage, earning a £47.4 million move to Bayern Munich, including add-ons.

Read More: Aston Villa Eye Move for Magic Winger

However, regular first-team football proved difficult to come by in Germany. Palhinha made just 25 appearances for Bayern before returning to England on loan with Spurs for the 2025/26 campaign.

He played a huge role in Tottenham’s survival, making 45 appearances and scoring seven goals, including two spectacular overhead kicks and the winning goal against Everton on the final day of the season to secure Premier League survival.

With 101 Premier League appearances already to his name, it is little surprise that Unai Emery is interested in bringing the experienced midfielder back to England.

Villa Interest

Villa are looking to strengthen their midfield following the departure of Youri Tielemans to Manchester United earlier this summer.

The Villans have already added Johan Manzambi, João Gomes, Alejandro Garnacho and Modou Keba Cissé during a busy transfer window following their fourth-place Premier League finish in 2025/26.

Read More: Portuguese Midfielder Leaves Spurs as Cult Hero

Palhinha would provide additional experience and defensive solidity to Emery’s midfield, while offering valuable depth alongside the likes of John McGinn, Ross Barkley and Lamar Bogarde. The Portuguese midfielder has been praised over several seasons, including by former Fulham boss Marco Silva, who said Palhinha has qualities “that are hard to find in football.”

His arrival could be particularly important with Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana continuing their recoveries from ACL injuries.

Newcastle are also monitoring the Portuguese midfielder, according to Jacobs, although the Magpies had been prioritising a move for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

Fabrizio Romano has since reported that Newcastle’s move for the Danish midfielder is currently off, potentially leaving the door open for the Magpies to reignite their interest in Palhinha.

A Premier League Return?

With Palhinha seemingly set to bring his time in Germany to an end, Aston Villa currently appear to be the frontrunners to secure his return to the Premier League.

The midfielder’s tenacious style made him a popular figure during his spells with Fulham and Tottenham, while his experience at the highest level could make him an important addition to Emery’s squad.

Read More: Latest Tottenham Transfer News: A Summer of Change Continues

Villa’s participation in the UEFA Champions League also provides an attractive proposition for Palhinha, while for Emery, he would be adding physicality and experience to a side preparing to compete across four competitions in 2026/27.

With Newcastle still potentially in the picture, the race is not over, but Villa’s progress in negotiations suggests they are currently best placed to secure the Portuguese international.

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IMAGO / Sportimage

Tottenham Hotspur captain Cristian Romero is attracting serious interest from Atletico Madrid, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that the Spanish giants are preparing an offer for the Argentine defender. The team’s “next sales” will allow them to unlock a move for the Lilywhites’ skipper.

Romano previously revealed that Serie A side Inter Milan are also pursuing Romero, with the 28-year-old expected to leave north London this summer after five years at the club.

According to the latest report, Atletico manager Diego Simeone has identified Romero as a priority target, with the La Liga side preparing a bid as they look to reshape their defence following the potential departures of Nahuel Molina and Matteo Ruggeri.

Although the Argentine signed a new Tottenham contract until 2029 last summer, a move away now appears increasingly likely.

Atletico Madrid Preparing Bid for Tottenham Captain Cristian Romero

Time at Spurs

The defender joined Tottenham from Atalanta in the summer of 2021 during Nuno Espirito Santo’s brief spell in charge and has gone on to make 156 appearances for the club, scoring 13 goals.

The Argentine played a key role in Tottenham’s UEFA Europa League triumph in 2025, captaining the side to victory over Manchester United in the final before being permanently handed the armband by Thomas Frank following Son Heung-min’s departure.

He made 32 appearances across all competitions during the 2025/26 campaign, scoring six goals to finish as Spurs’ third-highest scorer.

However, his time in north London has also been disrupted by injuries and suspensions. His aggressive style makes him popular among supporters, but has also seen him receive six red cards during his Tottenham career.

His final campaign was cut short after suffering an injury away at Sunderland in Roberto De Zerbi’s first match in charge, limiting him to just 70 minutes under the Italian.

Internationally, Romero has earned 58 caps for Argentina, winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup before helping his country reach another final in 2026, where he was forced off through injury.

Transfer Battle Developing

Romano first reported in July that Romero was expected to leave Tottenham this summer, with Inter initially leading the race for his signature. His latest update states that the Italian club have assembled a package worth around £34 million but are yet to reach an agreement on personal terms with the defender.

Whether that valuation will be enough to convince Tottenham remains to be seen, particularly given Romero’s status as club captain and one of the Premier League’s most established central defenders. The Argentine is currently enjoying a post-World Cup break following Argentina’s run to the final and has yet to return to Hotspur Way for pre-season.

Spurs Preparing for Life Without Romero

Tottenham have already moved to strengthen the heart of their defence this summer, bringing in Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi to join Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso and Ben Davies among De Zerbi’s centre-back options.

Read More: Where Luka Vušković’s £50 Million Transfer Ranks Among Tottenham’s Biggest Sales

Those additions suggest the team have been preparing for the possibility of Romero’s departure, and attention would then turn to who succeeds the Argentine as captain ahead of the opening Premier League fixture against Brentford.

With Atletico Madrid now joining Inter Milan and Barcelona in the race, Romero’s future looks set to become one of Tottenham’s biggest transfer stories during the remainder of the window.

Featured Image Credit

IMAGO / Gonzales Photo

Tottenham Hotspur are stepping up their pursuit of Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Netherlands international has emerged as one of Roberto De Zerbi’s primary attacking targets as Spurs continue their summer rebuild after already completing six signings.

Romano reports that Gakpo is being considered alongside Manchester City winger Savinho, with Tottenham continuing negotiations over a potential move for the Brazilian.

The 27-year-old remains under contract at Liverpool until 2030, meaning Spurs would likely need to pay a substantial fee should they wish to tempt the Reds into a sale.

Dutch International Among Tottenham Targets

Gakpo’s Career So Far

Since arriving from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023, Gakpo has become an important player for Liverpool, making 180 appearances and scoring 50 goals across all competitions.

The Dutch forward is reportedly on £165,000 per week at Anfield, and has established himself as one of Europe’s brightest attacking talents during his time at PSV, progressing through the club’s academy before registering 105 goal contributions in 159 senior appearances.

Internationally, Gakpo has earned 54 caps for the Netherlands, scoring 24 goals since making his debut in 2021.

Read More: Latest Tottenham Transfer News: A Summer of Change Continues

His performances at the 2022 FIFA World Cup first propelled him onto the global stage after scoring three goals in Qatar, before adding another three goals during the 2026 tournament.

With extensive Premier League and UEFA Champions League experience, plus a Premier League title already on his CV, it is easy to see why Tottenham view Gakpo as an attractive option.

Why Spurs Want Another Forward

Despite strengthening both defence and midfield this summer, Tottenham’s attack remains an area De Zerbi is keen to improve.

Wilson Odobert and Xavi Simons are expected to miss much of next season through injury, while Mohammed Kudus and Dejan Kulusevski continue to manage fitness issues heading into the new campaign.

Spurs have also lost Randal Kolo Muani following the end of his loan spell, while Richarlison, Dominic Solanke and Mathys Tel combined for just 22 goals across all competitions last season.

Read More: Tottenham Reject £38 Million Offer for Midfield Star

Gakpo’s versatility is likely to be another attraction for Spurs. Comfortable operating from the left wing or through the middle, he would provide De Zerbi with greater flexibility while also adding proven Premier League quality to his side.

The Dutchman has scored 16, 18 and nine goals across his three full seasons at Liverpool, with Gakpo possessing the consistent attacking output Spurs are looking to add.

Liverpool Stance Could Complicate Deal

While Tottenham’s interest appears genuine, completing a deal may prove difficult.

According to Lyall Thomas and Vinny O’Connor at Sky Sports, Liverpool are reluctant to sanction Gakpo’s departure unless they first secure a replacement, while Romano also states that the Dutch international is not currently considered part of the club’s exit plans.

Read More: Where Luka Vuškovićs £50 Million Transfer Ranks Among Tottenham’s Biggest Sales

The Reds have been linked with Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, whose arrival could potentially alter Liverpool’s position later in the window.

Tottenham’s Summer Business Continues

Tottenham have shown throughout this summer that they are prepared to move quickly when key targets become available.

The club have already broken their transfer record twice to sign Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, proving their willingness to back De Zerbi during his first transfer window.

With Savinho also remaining a target, Spurs are clearly prioritising further attacking reinforcements before the new Premier League season begins.

Whether Gakpo ultimately becomes available remains uncertain, but Romano’s latest update suggests the Liverpool forward is firmly on Tottenham’s shortlist as the club continue their summer rebuild.

Featured Image Credit:

IMAGO / Sebastian Frej

The North London club will be eager to improve on last season’s terrible form. So far this summer, they have made significant moves in this window, with Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, Jan Paul van Hecke, and Marcos Senesi.

De Zerbi still has some big decisions to make regarding incomings and outgoings before the season opener against Brentford. One of the decisions De Zerbi had to make was who’d be his first-choice goalkeeper.

Roberto De Zerbi Confirms to Antonin Kinsky

Kinsky had a nightmare game in the Champions League last season against Atletico Madrid under previous manager Igor Tudor. However, De Zerbi made it clear that the 23-year-old Czech goalkeeper would be his number one as Vicario informed them he wanted to leave. The Czech keeper subsequently signed a new deal at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

“It made me happy to hear that. He was clear with me, which made it very easy for me to make the decision [to stay],” said the young Czech to Gold.

De Zerbi also spoke on the young Czech goalkeeper: “I think he can improve in the build-up a lot, but he will reach, for sure, the top.”

“With the goalkeeper coach and me, we will create the training just for him to better understand the free player and everything he needs.

“He is very clear with the pass, but he can become faster in the decision in build up. He has all qualities to become one of the best,” added De Zerbi.

This is the Chelsea confirmed lineup for their second public pre-season outing of the campaign as they remain in Australia. The Blues take on fellow Premier League outfit Tottenham Hotspur who have been playing mostly young prospects so far. With some of the squad still unavailable due to World Cup breaks, Xabi Alonso brought with him a bit of a Frankenstein unit that has star names like Cole Palmer alongside unproven names from the academy like Reggie Watson. While this is going to be far from the finished article, the continued use of a 4-2-3-1 and a build-up style can provide some hints at how the manager will take his team into the league term.

Read More: Chelsea to Welcome Back Player ‘Like a New Signing’ For Pre-Season

Chelsea Confirmed Lineup vs Tottenham Hotspur in Australia

Chelsea Travelling Squad

The available names are:

Robert Sánchez

Ted Curd

Teddy Sharman-Lowe

Josh Acheampong

Tosin Adarabioyo

Aarón Anselmino

Levi Colwill

Wesley Fofana

Jorrel Hato

Marco Palestra

Mamadou Sarr

Tayo Suboloye

Calvin Diakite

Landon Emenalo

Dário Essugo

Roméo Lavia

Madhi Nicoll-Jazuli

Reggie Walsh

Reggie Watson

Liam Delap

Jamie Gittens

Ryan Kavuma-McQueen

Omari Kellyman

Cole Palmer

João Pedro

Dastan Satpaev

Estêvão

Read More: Two New Chelsea Signings Suffer Injuries Early in Pre-Season

Chelsea Confirmed Lineup

Teddy Sharman-Lowe

Marco Palestra

Wes Fofana

Levi Colwill

Jorrel Hato

Dario Essugo

Romeo Lavia

Estevao

Cole Palmer

Jamie Gittens

Joao Pedro

Ones to Watch

Getting to see Romeo Lavia is always a treat, the midfielder has much to prove after an injury ravaged time with the London side but he could impress here and show his new manager he’s worth factoring in to the plans.

This is the Chelsea confirmed Lineup for their pre-season tie with Tottenham. We will be following along with all of the Blues’ tour of Australia and Asia as they gear up for the Premier League campaign ready to resurge after a dismal mid-table finish last term.

Featured Image Credit

IMAGO / Focus Images

Pre-Season friendlies roll on as the Blues get ready for their second public outing of the Xabi Alonso era. This Chelsea predicted lineup will try to predict the eleven that takes to the field after the Western Sydney Wanderers clash which ended 6-4 with a large chunk of minutes going to academy players. Tottenham Hotspur will provide a tougher opponent but they too are rocking up with young players throughout the squad. While the names on the marquee might be big Premier League brands, the names on the pitch might be more pub quiz answers for the first half or so of the game.

Read More: Xabi Alonso Tactics Analysis in Chelsea Debut

Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs Tottenham Hotspur for Pre-Season Friendly

Travelling Squad

The club announced the official list of players who are on the tour, in goal the options are Rob Sanchez, Ted Curd, and Teddy Sharman-Lowe. Filip Jorgensen travelled initially with the team but was absent against Western Sydney Wanderers and won’t rejoin the squad.

Defensive options in the middle are Josh Acheampong, Levi Colwill, Mamadou Sarr, Aaron Anselmino, Wes Fofana, Tayo Subuloye, and if needed Calvin Diakite or Jorrel Hato. New signing Marco Palestra is a right-back with Acheampong a possible replacement. At left-back, the team has Hato, Landon Emenalo, and Diakite as potential starters.

Read More: Ryan Kavuma-McQueen Scouting Report

In midfield, likely as a pivot the names brought are Reggie Walsh, Reggie Watson, Madhi Nicoll-Jazuli, Romeo Lavia, and Dario Essugo. Lavia was unable to play in the first friendly and was left out for Essugo, Walsh, and Watson getting a number of minutes, whether he features against the Lilywhites will be a late move.

There is a bounty of attackers with striking options Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, and Dastan Satpayev being supported by Jamie Gittens, Ryan Kavuma-McQueen, Omari Kellyman, Cole Palmer, and Estevao. Satpayev played as a wider attacker in the pre-season opener, operating off the left for some added variety to the attack.

How Chelsea Started Against WSW

It was a mostly academy lineup in the Sydney Cup as Sharman-Lowe started in goal with Tosin Adarabioyo leading a back line with Josh Acheampong, Tayo Suboloye and Landon Emenalo. Reggie Walsh, Dario Essugo and Reggie Watson made up the central midfielders with one at the ten ahead of a pivot. Dastan Satpayev was on the left with Ryan Kavuma-McQueen on the right and Liam Delap up front. The tactical setup was a 4-2-3-1 with some similarities to Enzo Maresca’s ideology with minor tweaks.

Read More: Projected Chelsea Squad for 26/27 as of July 30

The match finished with the regular starters coming on for the last half hour or so which could indicate the eleven who’ll take the field from the off against Tottenham, to rotate people in and out to aid match fitness.

Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs Tottenham Hotspur

GK – Rob Sanchez

LB – Aaron Anselmino

CB – Wes Fofana

CB – Levi Colwill

RB – Marco Palestra

DM – Dario Essugo

DM – Mahdi Nicoll-Jazzuli

LW – Jamie Gittens

CAM – Cole Palmer

RW – Estevao

ST – Joao Pedro

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IMAGO / Colorsport