Last Word On Sports

Sunderland travel to Tottenham, having begun 2026 with an impressive performance in their 0-0 draw with Manchester City. Spurs also drew their last game 0-0 at Brentford, leaving them 13th in the Premier League table and six places below their visitors ahead of the weekend fixtures. Here is the latest team news for both sides, along with their predicted lineups.

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Tottenham Hotspur vs Sunderland: Team News and Predicted Lineups for January 4th

Tottenham Team News

Lucas Bergvall is a doubt, having missed the draw at Brentford with a muscular injury. However, Thomas Frank is hopeful he will be available. Dominic Solanke, who has been missing since August, has returned to light training and could be back by the end of the month.

Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, and Destiny Udogie are long-term injury concerns. Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr are away at the Africa Cup of Nations. Xavi Simons serves the final game of his three-match suspension following his red card against Liverpool.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Thomas Frank said this about Bergvall and Solanke. “Lucas Bergvall is a doubt, but we hope he’ll be ready.” On Solanke returning: “The thing I need to know about, of course, is when he’s out there on the pitch with pictures, then that’s positive. To say mid-Jan, end of Jan, or 25 Jan, I will not do that. I will very much look forward to naming the dates when he’s involved in the squad.”

Sunderland Team News

Dan Ballard has missed the last two games with an ankle injury, but could return to the squad and possibly make the substitutes bench. Long-term absentee Aji Alese has returned to training, but is still some way off from returning. Brian Brobbey came off in the game against Manchester City but is expected to be part of the squad; however, he may have to settle for a place on the bench.

Habbib Diarra, Bertrand Traore, Chemdine Talbi, Reinildo, Noah Sadiki, and Arthur Masuaku are away at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris said in this pre-match press conference that he is expecting another tough challenge. “We are expecting another tough challenge in a great stadium. It’s exciting for the squad, but we have to recover quickly after Thursday’s game against Manchester City.”

“Thomas Frank is a great manager who has worked at a high level for a long period of time. They have many good players and are well organised, but probably a bit inconsistent. We can’t expect gifts from them, so let’s focus on ourselves. Football is so unpredictable, so the most important thing is for us to play our game.”

Oxford United have boosted their midfield options with the arrival of Spurs youngster, Jamie Donley.

The 20-year-old has joined the U’s on loan until the end of the season but the club have an option to make the deal permanent.

Read More: Three Talking Points as Oxford United Lose at Ipswich

Oxford United Sign Tottenham Youngster

Jamie Donley Joins the U’s

Highly-rated and capped at international level with Northern Ireland, Jamie Donley has already spent time on loan in the Football League.

The attacking midfielder scored eight goals and registered ten assists for Leyton Orient as they reached the League One playoff final last season. He joined Stoke in the summer but hasn’t had as many minutes as he would have liked, with just six appearances in all competitions and four in the league, all from the bench.

Donley has also turned out four times for the Tottenham first team and he’ll now join up with Spurs teammate Will Lankshear and Northern Ireland colleagues, Ciaron Brown and Brodie Spencer, as the U’s look to avoid relegation from the Championship.

What Was Said

Speaking after completing the move, Donley said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for me and one I’m determined to make the most of.

“I want to influence games and be decisive in the final third, but that all starts with hard work. I take real pride in working for the team and doing the basics right.

“My loan experiences have taught me a lot. I’ve had big highs and challenging moments but those are what shape you as a player. I feel ready to come here, compete, and show what I can bring.

“First and foremost, I’m here to fight for the badge. When I get on the ball, I want to be positive, take responsibility and create moments that help the team win.”

Featured image courtesy of IMAGO / Focus Images

Crystal Palace enjoyed a memorable start to the 2025/26 season, before falling away, and currently find themselves in 11th place in the Premier League. It appears the Eagles are looking for attacking reinforcements in the January transfer window. According to Fabrizio Romano, Palace have been given permission by Tottenham Hotspur to discuss personal terms with Welsh international Brennan Johnson, with a “deal at final stages.”

Fabrizio Romano gives latest on Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace

‘Deal at Final Stages’ for Brennan Johnson to Join Crystal Palace

Welsh international Brennan Johnson joined Spurs on September 1, 2023, and enjoyed an impressive 2024/25 season, which saw the Welsh international score 18 goals in 51 games in all competitions. Despite that form, under the new Spurs manager, Thomas Frank, Johnson has found his game time limited.

Read More: Ledley King Names ‘Favourite of All Time’ with Chelsea Legend John Terry

The deal appears to be at the final stages for the Welsh international to join Palace, with the player receiving permission to discuss personal terms with the South London club. Johnson will not be in the Spurs squad to face Brentford, adding fuel to the fire that a deal is close.

Johnson Set to Meet Oliver Glasner Ahead of Palace Transfer

A report from BBC Sport reveals that Johnson will meet Palace manager Oliver Glasner before finalising a move to Selhurst Park.

Despite agreeing on a few details of a £35 million deal with Spurs, Palace are waiting for the final green light to complete the deal. The meeting between Johnson and Glasner looks like the major final step needed to complete this deal.

Wales international Johnson showed his value last season and was vital for Spurs in their successful Europa League campaign, scoring 5 in 13 games.

Read More: Thomas Frank Addresses Players’ Mentality Following 2-1 Defeat Against Fulham

Signing a player of Johnson’s quality would be a huge boost for Crystal Palace.

Will Spurs regret losing Johnson? And what does the Welsh international bring to Selhurst Park?

Featured Image Credit:

IMAGO / Colorsport

These are the Tottenham vs Liverpool confirmed lineups for their Premier League clash. This will see two relatively under fire managers collide as both teams started the campaign hot and have fallen away due to inconsistencies and poor runs of form. Thomas Frank appears to be in the midst of a worse skid while Arne Slot has slightly got a handle on things, it will be interesting to see who can pull through in this one and make a big step forward.

Read More: Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs Tottenham for December 20

Tottenham vs Liverpool Confirmed Lineups for Premier League Tie

Tottenham Team News

Gulielmo VIcario starts in goal with Cristian Romero, Micky Van de Ven, Djed Spence, and Pedro Porro at the back. Archie Gray and Rodrigo Bentacur come into midfield with Xavi Simons, Lucas Bergvall, and Mohamed Kudus supporting Randal Kolo Muani up front.

Notable Changes

Looks like a 4-2-3-1 with on change from the defeat to Nottingham Forest as Simons likely pushes wide to make room for Bergval, Richarlison is the one dropping out.

Liverpool Team News

Alisson starts in goal with Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez, Ibrahima Konate, and Connor Bradley in the back line. Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister are in midfield with Dominik Szibiszlai, Curtis Jones, and Florian Wirtz supporting Hugo Ekitike up front.

Notable Changes

One change from the win over Brighton with the same shape. Bradley returns at full-back with the same midfield shake-up, presumably. This sees Mac Allister move forward ahead of a pivot to both press high and defend as a three, something similar to what Aston Villa employed for parts of last season.

Tottenham Premier League Squad

Guglielmo Vicario

Antonin Kinsky

Brandon Austin

Luca Gunter

Radu Dragusin

Kevin Danso

Destiny Udogie

Cristian Romero

Pedro Porro

Djed Spence

Kota Takai

Ben Davies

Micky van de Ven

Malachi Hardy

Jun’Ai Byfield

James Rowswell

Joao Palhinha

Xavi Simons

Yves BIssouma

James Maddison

Archie Gray

Lucas Bergavll

Mohammed Kudus

Dejan Kulusevski

Pape Matar Sarr

Rodrigo Bentacur

Callum Olusesi

Rio Kyerematedn

Luca Williams-Barnett

Richarlison

Mathys Tell

Dom Solanke

Brennan Johnson

Wilson Odobert

Randal Kolo Muani

Dane Scarlett

Tynan Thompson

Yusuf Akhamrich

(both squads via Premier League site)

Liverpool Premier League Squad

Alisson Becker

Giorgi Mamardashvili

Freddie Woodman

Arman Pecsi

Kornel Misciur

Joe Gomez

Virgil van Dijk

Ibrahima Konate

Milos Kerkez

Conor Bradley

Giovanni Leoni

Andy Robertson

Jeremie Frimpong

Rhys Williams

Calvin Ramsay

Carter Pinnington

Amara Nallo

Wellity Lucky

Wataru Endo

Florian Wirtz

Dominik Szoboszlai

Alexis Mac Allister

Curtis Jones

Ryan Gravenberch

Trey Nyoni

Stefan Bajcetic

Kieran Morrison

Tommy Pilling

Michael Laffy

Alexander Isak

Mohamed Salah

Federico Chiesa

Cody Gakpo

Hugo Ekitike

Kaide Gordon

Trent Kone-Doherty

Kayrol Figueroa

Rio Ngumoha

Jayden Danns

Stay tuned for the Tottenham vs Liverpool confirmed lineups.

Featured Image Credit

IMAGO / Pro Sports Images

These are the Newcastle vs Tottenham confirmed lineups for their Premier League clash. They have the distinguished honor of taking the 8:15 kick-off slot for out first round of midweek December fixtures as the entire league gets set to be put through their paces and juggle competing in multiple games a week for the near future. Both sides surprisingly find themselves in the bottom half of the table as the Lilywhites have been on a poor run in all competitions, while the Magpies are suffering from a slow start and an unshakeable inconsistency.

Read More: Chelsea vs Arsenal Confirmed Lineups for November 30

Newcastle vs Tottenham Confirmed Lineups for Premier League Tie

Newcastle Team News

Aaron Samdsale starts in goal with a back line of Malick Thiaw, Dan Burn, Tino Livramento, and Lewis Hall. Joelingon, Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes, Jacob Murhy, Lewis Miley, and Nick Woltemade round out the eleven.

Notable Changes

The 4-3-3 system remains with Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Elanga dropping out.

Tottenham Team News

Guglielmo Vicario is in goal with Kalvin Danso, Destiny Udogie, Pedro Porro, and Cristian Romero in the back line. Lucas Bergvall is with Pape Matar Sarr and Rodrigo Bentacur in midfield. Randal Kolo Muani is up front with Mohammed Kudus and Brennan Johnson.

Notable Changes

A few changes from the Fulham defeat as Richarlison, Archie Grey, Joao Palhinha, and Micky van de Ven dropping out in what could be a switch to a 4-3-3 from the system last used.

Newcastle Premier League Squad

Nick Pope

John Ruddy

Mark Gillespie

Max Thompson

Aaron Ramsdale

Kieran Trippier

Lewis Hall

Sven Botman

Fabian Schar

Jamaal Lascelles

Malick Thiaw

Emil Krafth

Tino Livramento

Harrison Ashby

Dan Burn

Alex Murphy

Joelinton

Sandro Tonali

Harvey Barnes

Jacob Murphy

Joe Willock

Bruno Guimaraes

Jacob Ramsey

Lewis Miley

Sam Alabi

Yoane Wissa

Anthony Gordon

William Osula

Anthony Elanga

Nick Woltemade

Sean Neave

Park Seung-Soo

Tottenham Hotspur Premier League Squad

Guglielmo Vicario

Antonin Kinsky

Brandon Austin

Luca Gunter

Radu Dragusin

Kevin Danso

Destiny Udogie

Cristian Romero

Pedro Porro

Djed Spence

Kota Takai

Ben Davies

Micky van de Ven

Malachi Hardy

Jun’Ai Byfield

James Rowswell

Joao Palhinha

Xavi Simons

Yves BIssouma

James Maddison

Archie Gray

Lucas Bergavll

Mohammed Kudus

Dejan Kulusevski

Pape Matar Sarr

Rodrigo Bentacur

Callum Olusesi

Rio Kyerematedn

Luca Williams-Barnett

Richarlison

Mathys Tell

Dom Solanke

Brennan Johnson

Wilson Odobert

Randal Kolo Muani

Dane Scarlett

Tynan Thompson

Yusuf Akhamrich

(both squads via Premier League site)

Stay tuned for the Newcastle vs Tottenham confirmed lineups.

These are the confirmed lineups for Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates, as the Gunners look to go six points clear of second-place Chelsea.

Arsenal’s strength in depth has helped them navigate some early-season injuries and remain unbeaten in all competitions since an early-season defeat against Liverpool. Mikel Arteta is set to be without some key first-team players as Spurs make the short trip across North London.

Can Spurs defeat their bitter rivals? Or will Arsenal move further clear at the top of the table?

Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur Confirmed Lineups

Arsenal Confirmed Lineup

Starting XI: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Hincapie, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Rice, Eze, Trossard, Saka, Merino.

Subs: Arrizabalaga, Mosquera, White, Martinelli, Norgaard, Madueke, Nwaneri, Lewis-Skelly, Dowman.

Tottenham Hotspur Confirmed Lineup

Starting XI: Vicario, Danso, Palhinha, Richarlison, Udogie, Romero (c), Kudus, Spence, Odobert, Bentancur, van de Ven.

Subs: Kinsky, Pedro Porro, Gray, Sarr, Bergvall, Xavi, Johnson, Tel, Kolo Muani.

Arsenal Premier League Squad

David Raya

Kepa Arrizabalaga

Tommy Setford

William Saliba

Cristhian Mosquera

Ben White

Piero Hincapié

Gabriel Magalhães

Jurriën Timber

Riccardo Calafiori

Myles Lewis-Skelly

Martin Ødegaard

Eberechi Eze

Christian Nørgaard

Ethan Nwaneri

Mikel Merino

Martín Zubimendi

Declan Rice

Max Dowman

Bukayo Saka

Gabriel Jesus

Gabriel Martinelli

Viktor Gyökeres

Leandro Trossard

Noni Madueke

Kai Havertz

Andre Harriman-Annous

(Squad details via)

Tottenham Hotspur Premier League Squad

Guglielmo Vicario

Antonín Kinsky

Brandon Austin

Luca Gunter

Radu Dragusin

Kevin Danso

Destiny Udogie

Cristian Romero

Pedro Porro

Djed Spence

Kota Takai

Ben Davies

Micky van de Ven

Malachi Hardy

Jun’ai Byfield

James Rowswel

João Palhinha

Xavi Simons

Yves Bissouma

James Maddison

Archie Gray

Lucas Bergvall

Mohammed Kudus

Dejan Kulusevski

Pape Matar Sarr

Rodrigo Bentancur

Callum Olusesi

Rio Kyerematen

Lucá Williams-Barnett

Richarlison

Mathys Tel

Dominic Solanke

Brennan Johnson

Wilson Odobert

Randal Kolo Muani

Dane Scarlett

Tynan Thompson

Yusuf Akhamrich

(Squad details via)

Featured Image Credit:

IMAGO / Visionhaus

These are the Tottenham vs Manchester United confirmed lineups for their Premier League clash. With both sides level on points coming into this one it makes a win all the more crucial with very points separating most of the teams in the top half of the table. While Ruben Amorim appears to have got things flowing his opposition are just coming off one of their worst performances, maybe ever as they generated just one shot on target against Chelsea last time out.

Read More: Chelsea vs Qarabag Confirmed Lineups for November 5

Tottenham vs Manchester United Confirmed Lineups for Premier League Tie

Tottenham Hotspur Team News

Guglielmo Vicario is in goal with Cristian Romero, Pedro Porro, Djed Spence, and Micky Van de Ven in the back line. Joao Palhinha is in midfield with Pape Matar Sarr as Brennan Johnson, Xavi Simons, Richarlison, and Randal Kolo Muani round out.

Notable Changes

Rodrigo Bentacur, Destiny Udogie, and Wilson Odobert miss out from the midwek win as we have what could be a 4-2-3-1 or a fluid front two with Richarlison and Kolo Muani capable of being the striker.

Manchester United Team News

Senne Lammens is in goal with Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, and Patrick Dorgu in the back five. Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes partner in midfield with an attacking unit of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbuemo, and Amad.

Notable Changes

A few changes from the las outing as Benjamin Sesko comes out for a more energetic attacking unit with Amad moving up from wing-back. Diogo Dalot and Leny Yoro also drop out as the more physical back three of Shaw, Maguire, and De Ligt is in use.

Stay tuned for the Tottenham vs Manchester United confirmed lineups. There will be news as well as discussions on who started, who missed out, and what tactical alterations we could see from either coach.

These are the Tottenham vs Chelsea confirmed lineups for another London derby. These two teams have shown inconsistencies with only three points separating them in the Premier League even though the home side are third and the visitors are in ninth. With such a logjam developing everywhere outside of the bottom three a result will be crucial for both teams and their ambitions to not only finish in the top four but also to eventually challenge Arsenal’s status atop the table.

Read More: Chelsea Team News vs Tottenham

Tottenham vs Chelsea Confirmed Lineups for Premier League Clash

Tottenham Team News

Guglielmo Vicario is in goal with Kalvin Danso, Pedro Porro, Micky Van de Ven, and Djed Spence in the back line. Joao Palhinha, Lucas Bergvall, Pape Matar Sarr and Rodrigo Bentacur make up the midfielders. Mohamad Kudus and Randal Kolo Muani start as attackers.

Notable Changes

Some continuity from midweek as Pahinha, Bergvall, Porro, Danso, and Spence keep their spots but there’s also some fresh legs in Kudus, Kolo Muani, and Bentacur. The setup will be interesting as it has four natural midfielders but we could see an unorthodox back five or one pushing forward to join the attack as a technical player.

Chelsea Team News

Ribert Sanchez starts in goal with a back line of Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, and Marc Cucurella. Reece James partners Moises Cacicedo in defensive midfield with Pedro Nero, Enzo Fernandez, and Alejandro Garnacho supporting Joao Pedro up front.

Notable Changes

Changes throughout from the midweek cup win over Wolves but most notably a fairly fresh back four. It is rare to see Fofana with Chalobah and even rarer to see them with Gusto. Enzo and Pedro push up from their usual positions while Garnacho comes back in after scoring against Sunderland despite Jamie Gittens doing well in the cup.

Stay tuned for the Tottenham vs Chelsea confirmed lineups. There will be news as well as discussions on who started, who missed out, and what tactical alterations we could see from either coach.

These are the Everton vs Tottenham confirmed lineups for their Premier League clash. The Lilywhites started the season looking very strong under Thomas Frank but some woes have seen them drop down the pecking order a little, even failing to win their last two Champions League outings. Their opponents had a similar trajectory, briefly rising up the table with some good form but with one win in five, they’re now on the wrong side of mid-table.

Read More: Arsenal vs Crystal Palace Confirmed Lineups

Everton vs Tottenham Hotspur Confirmed Lineups for Premier League Tie

Everton Team News

Jordan Pickford is in goal with a back like of Jake O’Bren, James Tarkowski, Michael Keane, and Vitalii Mykolenko. Idrissa Gueye is in midfield with James Garner. Illiman Ndiaye, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and Jack Grealish support Beto up front.

Notable Changes

As usual, David Moyes sticks largely with what is tried and true. The only change see Grealish return to the lineup after missing the last outing against his parent club.

Tottenham Team News

Guglielmo Vicario is in goal with Kalvin Danso, Pedro Porro, Djed Spence, and Micky Van de Ven in the back line. Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentacur are in midfield with Mohamed Kudus, Xavi Simons, and Brennan Johnson supporting Randal Kolo Muani up front.

Notable Changes

Rotation from midweek as all of Richarlison, Wilson Odobert, Lucas Bergvall, and Archie Gray come out for a change to what looks like a 4-2-3-1 system. Simons, Johnson, Spence, and Kolo Muani are those who come in.

Stay tuned for the Everton vs Tottenham confirmed lineups. There will be news as well as discussions on who started, who missed out, and what tactical alterations we could see from either manager.

These are the Tottenham vs Aston Villa confirmed lineups for their Premier League clash on Sunday. The two teams have differing fortunes as the Villans sit in the lower half of the table after failing to hit the ground running. They didn’t make many additions to their squad over the summer and have looked stagnant. Compare that to the Lilywhites who not only got Thomas Frank in as coach but also added the attacking power of Xavi Simons and Mohamed Kudus, they are flying high and will be hoping to keep a spot in the Champions League.

Read More: Fulham vs Arsenal Confirmed Lineups for October 18

Tottenham vs Aston Villa Confirmed Lineups for Premier League Tie

Tottenham Team News

Guglielmo Vicario starts with Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky Van de Ven, and Djed Spence in the back line. Rodrigo Bentacur, Joao Palhinha, Xavi Simons, Mohamed Kudus, Wilson Odobert, and Mathys Tel round out the lineup.

Notable Changes

Almost the same eleven as the Leeds win. The only change sees Destiny Udogie out for Spence with the shape remaining the same 4-2-3-1.

Aston Villa Team News

Emi Martinez starts in goal with a back line of Matty Cash, Pau Torres, Ezri Konsa, and Lucas Digne. Amadou ONana partners Boubacar Kamara with John McGinn, Morgan Rogers, and Donyell Malen supproting Evann Guessand.

Notable Changes

Two changes as Lamare Bogarde and Ollie Watkins drop out for Guessand and Onana. Could continue to be the newwer 4-2-2-2 twist that Unai Emery has been employing.

Stay tuned for the Tottenham vs Aston Villa confirmed lineups. There will be news as well as discussions on who started, who misses out, and what tactical shifts we could see.