The False 9

Tottenham Hotspur will visit St James’ Park to face Newcastle United on Sunday which will be the third Premier League game of the season for both the clubs. Spurs enter the game on the back of a resounding 4-0 victory over Everton, while Newcastle United will be keen to improve their goal-scoring form following a somewhat fortunate 1-1 draw against Bournemouth.

Newcastle’s Recent Form and Challenges

Newcastle’s start to the season has been mixed, although 4 points out of the first 2 games is decent, their performances have not been great. After a solid defensive display in their opening fixture, they struggled to create clear-cut chances in their draw against Bournemouth. The match was not without controversy, as the Magpies were fortunate to see Dango Ouattara’s goal disallowed due to a handball. Newcastle’s attacking woes have been compounded by a growing injury list, adding pressure on Eddie Howe to find solutions ahead of the clash with Spurs.

Team News and Injuries

Newcastle’s injury concerns are mounting. Midfielder Joe Willock, who scored Newcastle’s only open-play goal of the season so far, is out with a thigh injury. He joins key players like Sven Botman, Callum Wilson, Jamaal Lascelles and Lewis Miley on the sidelines, while Fabian Schar will miss out due to suspension. The potential absence of these players means Howe will have to get creative with his lineup.

Eddie Howe’s Rejigged 4-3-3 Formation

Eddie Howe is expected to stick with his preferred 4-3-3 formation, albeit with a few adjustments to cope with the injury crisis and lack of form in certain areas.

Newcastle Predicted Lineup against Spurs

After playing 90 minutes in the Carabao Cup against Nottingham Forest, Lewis Hall might be considered for a return to the starting lineup against Spurs. Although Eddie Howe initially preferred Lloyd Kelly at left-back for Newcastle’s match against Bournemouth, Hall replaced him after 69 minutes.

In midfield, Sandro Tonali could be given his first Premier League start in nearly a year now that he is eligible following his betting ban. The Italian midfielder, who joined from AC Milan for £55 million last summer, played over an hour in Newcastle’s Carabao Cup tie and might replace Sean Longstaff, who, despite his recent consistency, is expected to serve as a backup once Newcastle’s squad is fully fit.

Eddie Howe might also consider making changes to his front three. While Alexander Isak is likely to retain his place, there’s a possibility that Harvey Barnes could be given a chance to secure a spot in the starting lineup. Barnes, who came off the bench against Bournemouth to provide an assist, could potentially start, given Newcastle’s current lack of strong options on the right wing with Jacob Murphy and Miguel Almirón. If Barnes does start, it might lead to Anthony Gordon switching to the right wing, a position he has played in the past.

Newcastle’s clash with Spurs will be a stern test of Eddie Howe’s tactical acumen and the depth of his squad. With key players missing, the Magpies will need a collective effort to secure a positive result. A rejigged 4-3-3 formation, with the right balance of defense and attack, could be the key to unlocking Spurs’ defense and getting Newcastle back to winning ways.

Tottenham Hotspur are set to face Everton in their second Premier League match of the season, with manager Ange Postecoglou likely to make a couple of key changes to his lineup. Following a frustrating 1-1 draw against Leicester City in the opening gameweek, Spurs will be eager to secure their first win of the season at home. Everton, reeling from a 3-0 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion, will be equally desperate to bounce back, making this an important game for both the teams.

Spurs entered the season with high expectations after an impressive first year under Ange Postecoglou. Despite an injury-plagued campaign that saw them miss out on Champions League football, Postecoglou’s attacking philosophy has endeared him to the fans. The team’s offensive flair, combined with a blend of young and experienced talent, has made Spurs a thrilling side to watch.

In their opening match against Leicester, Tottenham showcased their attacking prowess, creating numerous chances especially in the first half. New signing Dominic Solanke was particularly lively, pressing effectively and getting into good positions, though he was unable to convert his opportunities. James Maddison, orchestrated the play brilliantly, while the fullbacks Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie caused constant problems for the Leicester defense with their advanced positioning.

However, the match also exposed a potentially fatal flaw in Postecoglou’s tactics. While Spurs dominated the first half, their aggressive approach left them vulnerable at the back. As the game wore on, Leicester began to exploit the spaces left by Tottenham’s high-pressing fullbacks. Jamie Vardy’s equalizer was a prime example, with Cristian Romero caught out of position, allowing Vardy to head home unchallenged at the back post. Leicester continued to find joy on the counter-attack, with Vardy coming close to scoring a second after being played through by Facundo Buonanotte. The gaps around Spurs’ backline and midfield became increasingly apparent, and while Leicester were unable to capitalize further, it highlighted a potential Achilles’ heel for Tottenham going forward.

Team News

Rodrigo Bentancur, who suffered a head injury in the Leicester match, will miss out due to concussion protocols. This paves the way for Yves Bissouma, who was absent in the last game due to suspension, to return to the starting XI. Bissouma’s inclusion could add much-needed balance and defensive cover in midfield, potentially mitigating some of the vulnerabilities that were exposed against Leicester. Pedro Porro, who sustained a minor knock in the same match, is expected to be fit for the weekend, ensuring that Spurs retain their attacking threat down the right flank. Fraser Forster remains sidelined with a foot injury, but Guglielmo Vicario, who made a crucial save against Vardy, will continue as the first-choice goalkeeper.

Predicted Tottenham Lineup in the 4-2-3-1 formation against Everton

Another change expected is Dejan Kulusevski to replacing Brennan Johnson in the starting lineup. Despite an impressive pre-season where he excelled in a new ‘false nine‘ role, Kulusevski was surprisingly left on the bench for most of the match against Leicester City. Given Kulusevski’s standout form over the summer, and with Tottenham in need of more cutting edge in the final third, Ange Postecoglou may turn to the Swedish playmaker to inject the creativity and craft that was sorely missing in their Premier League opener.

Tottenham’s clash with Everton presents an opportunity for Postecoglou’s side to demonstrate that they can learn from their mistakes. While their attacking play was impressive against Leicester, the defensive vulnerabilities could be a concern against more clinical opposition. The return of Bissouma should help shore up the midfield, providing better protection for the backline. For Spurs to secure a top-four finish this season, they may need to strike a better balance between attack and defense. The high-pressing, expansive style of play that has become synonymous with Postecoglou’s tenure is undoubtedly exciting, but it must be tempered with tactical discipline to avoid being caught out on the counter.

According to the English media outlet, TeamTalk, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool are battling it out to secure the signature of Bayer Leverkusen’s highly sought-after defender, Piero Hincapie. The 22-year-old Ecuadorian has rapidly established himself as one of the most promising young defenders in European football, making him a prime target for top clubs looking to bolster their defensive lines.

Hincapie, born on January 9, 2002, in Ecuador, has made significant strides since his professional debut. He first caught the eye on the international stage during the 2021 Copa America, where he started all five games for Ecuador, helping them reach the quarter-finals. His performances during the tournament led to a move to Bayer Leverkusen at the age of 19, where he quickly became a crucial part of the team. Standing at 6’0″, Hincapie is known for his versatility, capable of playing both as a central defender and a left-back. His technical abilities, coupled with a tenacious playing style, have drawn comparisons to former Bayern Munich defender Lucas Hernandez.

Hincapie’s impact at Leverkusen has been profound. In his debut Bundesliga season, he made 27 appearances with an impressive 85% tackle success rate and an 82% pass completion rate. His development continued on the international stage, where he played a pivotal role in securing Ecuador’s place in the 2022 World Cup, featuring in all of their group stage matches. By the end of the 2023/24 season, Hincapie had helped Leverkusen to a Bundesliga-DFB Cup double, further cementing his reputation as a top defender. He has also accumulated 26 appearances in UEFA club competitions, showcasing his ability to perform at the highest levels.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly made a verbal bid of €25 million for Hincapie, highlighting their determination to strengthen their defensive options as they push for a top-four finish in the Premier League. Spurs have already made significant moves in the January transfer window, including securing Arnaut Danjuma on loan from Villarreal and closing in on a deal for Pedro Porro from Sporting Lisbon.

However, it remains to be seen whether Leverkusen will accept Tottenham’s bid. Given Hincapie’s importance to the team and his potential for future growth, Leverkusen may demand a higher fee, particularly considering their recent upturn in form with five consecutive league victories.

Liverpool, on the other hand, have been closely monitoring Hincapie for several months and are prepared to enter the bidding war. With key defensive departures on the horizon, including potential exits for veterans like Joel Matip and Joe Gomez, Liverpool see Hincapie as a long-term solution who could eventually fill the void left by Virgil van Dijk. The Reds are confident that they can outmaneuver Tottenham and Atletico Madrid, who are also in the hunt for the talented defender.

Hincapie’s rise has not gone unnoticed by his coaches and peers. Former Leverkusen head coach Gerardo Seoane expressed his admiration for Hincapie’s ability to adapt quickly to the demands of Bundesliga and European football. Similarly, Leverkusen’s sporting director, Simon Rolfes, highlighted the defender’s international quality and emphasized the club’s commitment to his development by extending his contract until the summer of 2027.

Hincapie’s journey from watching videos of Carles Puyol and Sergio Ramos on long bus rides to becoming a key player for Leverkusen and Ecuador is a testament to his dedication and potential. As the transfer window heats up, it remains to be seen which club will secure the services of this rising star. One thing is certain: Piero Hincapie is a name that will be at the forefront of European football for years to come.

As Leicester City prepare to face Tottenham Hotspur in their opening fixture of the upcoming Premier League season, Steve Cooper’s team’s selection will be at the forefront. Cooper is an adventurous manager with a pragmatic approach as seen by his tenure at Nottingham Forest, where he utilised a low-block and rapid-counter attacks to keep the club up. As for the Monday night clash at the King Power, he is expected to line up with a 4-2-3-1 formation whilst becoming a 3-2-4-1 when attacking. With some key players unavailable and new figures eager to make an impact, this could be a tough fixture for Leicester.

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Steve Cooper’s 4-2-3-1 formation

Mads Hermansen will start in goal, providing a safe presence between the sticks with his shot-stopping and distribution. The backline is expected to feature Victor Kristiansen at left-back, offering width and attacking support as he operates further up the pitch to create an overload on the left. A centre-back partnership of Wout Faes and new-signing Caleb Okoli seems likely as the duo started in the most recent pre-season friendly against Lens. James Justin would be the likely choice to start at right-back as he can tuck into a back three better than Ricardo Periera, which allows Victor Kristiansen to push forward and attack down the wing as he did in pre-season.

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In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi will anchor the side, using his prior experience in the top division to break up play and progress the ball. He’ll be partnered by Harry Winks, who will act as a deep-lying playmaker and allow Leicester to retain the ball, where they can. Loanee Facundo Buonanotte from Brighton will operate in the central attacking midfield role, where his creativity will be pivotal in unlocking the Spurs backline. On the wings, Abdul Fatawu on the right will look to cut inside and create opportunities, while De-Cordova Reid will come inside and act as an attacking midfielder as Kristansen overlaps and creates from the wing.

Leading the line, Stephy Mavididi is set to lead the line, offering pace and threat throughout. With Jamie Vardy and Patson Daka injured, Mavividi will be opted to fill the role of converting chances over out-and-out striker Tom Cannon. This lineup highlights the need for reinforcements to the Foxes’ side and how tough it will be to win points against quality sides like Tottenham Hotspur, but with pace on the counterattack, Cooper’s side could offer problems to Spurs, as they look to create an competitive encounter for Postecoglu’s side.

As Tottenham Hotspur prepare to face Leicester City in their opening fixture in the Premier League, Ange Postecoglou’s teams choices will be under the spotlight. Known for his attacking philosophy, Postecoglou is expected to line up with a 4-2-3-1 formation, balancing defensive solidity with offensive flair. With some key players unavailable and new signings eager to make an impact, this match promises to be an exciting challenge for Spurs.

Ange’s 4-2-3-1 formation against Leicester

Guglielmo Vicario will start in goal, providing a reliable presence between the posts. The backline is expected to feature Pedro Porro at right-back, offering width and attacking support, with Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven forming a strong central defensive partnership. Destiny Udogie, despite missing much of pre-season, is likely to start at left-back, contributing both defensively and offensively.

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In midfield, Pappe Sarr will anchor the side, using his experience and composure to break up play and distribute the ball. He’ll be partnered by the debutant Archie Gray, whose box-to-box capabilities will add dynamism to Spurs’ midfield. Gray will start in place of Yves Bissouma, who would have been a key figure in the midfield, but is unavailable due to a suspension following an off-field incident. James Maddison will operate in the central attacking midfield role, where his vision and creativity will be crucial in breaking down Leicester’s defense. On the wings, Dejan Kulusevski on the right will look to cut inside and create opportunities, while Heung-Min Son, captaining the side from the left, will aim to exploit Leicester’s defense with his pace and finishing.

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Up front, Dominic Solanke is set to lead the line in his debut, offering movement and a clinical edge in front of goal. With Richarlison still working his way back to full fitness, Solanke’s role will be vital in converting the chances created by the attacking trio behind him. This lineup not only highlights Postecoglou’s commitment to a balanced approach but also showcases the depth and versatility of Spurs’ squad, setting the stage for an exciting encounter at the King Power Stadium.

Tottenham Hotspur is set to face Bayern Munich in a highly anticipated pre-season friendly this Saturday, August 3rd, 2024, at the Seoul World Cup Stadium in South Korea. This match marks the first of a two-game series for Spurs, who would be eager to test their mettle against a top quality side as they prepare for the upcoming season under manager Ange Postecoglou.

With both teams having contrasting pre-season schedules, Tottenham seems to be in a more advanced stage of their preparations, having already secured victories against Hearts, QPR, Vissel Kobe, and most recently against a K-League All Stars XI. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich, led by new manager Vincent Kompany, have kicked off their pre-season by netting 14 goals against the lower-league side Rottach-Egern.

Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou has shared some promising updates on his squad. Oliver Skipp, who was suspected of an injury against the K-League All Stars, is fit to play. Destiny Udogie is also expected to return soon, providing additional options in defense. The spotlight, however, is on Mikey Moore, who could find himself in the starting lineup.

Tottenham’s Predicted 4-2-3-1 Lineup

Tottenham is likely to adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation, which generally has been Ange’s preferred option

-Goalkeeper

–Guglielmo Vicario-

– Defense:

– Pedro Porro (Right-Back)

– Ben Davies (Center-Back)

– Emerson Royal (Center-Back)

– Destiny Udogie(Left-Back)

– Midfield:

– Oliver Skipp/P Sarr (Defensive Midfielder):

– Yves Bissouma (Defensive Midfielder):

– Attacking Midfield:

– Dejan Kulusevski (Right Winger):

– James Maddison (Central Attacking Midfielder):

– Son Heung-Min (Left Winger):

– Striker:

– Mikey Moore (Center Forward):

With Tottenham being further along in their pre-season preparations, they hold a slight edge over Bayern Munich. Ange Postecoglou’s men will have a higher level of fitness and coupled with the fact that Bayern Munich have a new manager, Spurs should be comfortably the better team in their friendly match.

According to the English outlet Football.London Tottenham Hotspur is interested in Brentford’s striker Ivan Toney as they look to fill the void left by Harry Kane’s departure to Bayern Munich last season. Even though they had a moderately successful season without Kane, his goals and assists were a big miss for them last season.

Ivan Toney has been a standout performer for Brentford, consistently proving his worth as one of the Premier League’s top strikers. His performances at Euro 2024, including a crucial penalty against Switzerland, have further cemented his reputation as a player with ice-cool composure and a knack for scoring goals in high-pressure situations.

With only one year remaining on his current contract, Toney’s future up in the air. Brentford initially placed an £80 million price tag on their prized asset, but reports suggest they might lower their demands, making a move to Tottenham more feasible. For Spurs, signing Toney could be the ideal solution to their striker woes following Kane’s exit. Ivan Toney’s playing style—characterized by his physical presence, aerial ability, and clinical finishing will be a slight departure from Tottenham’s offensive system under manager Ange Postecoglou but this variety in attack will help Spurs in the longer run.

While Brazilian forward Richarlison remains in Spurs’ ranks, his future at the club is uncertain amid interest from several Saudi Pro League clubs. If Richarlison departs for a reported £60 million, Tottenham would have the financial backing to make a serious bid for Toney, providing them with a much-needed boost in attack.

While Spurs appears to be leading the chase for Toney, they are not the only club interested in the striker. West Ham United has also shown interest, viewing him as a key addition to their squad. However, other Premier League giants like Chelsea and Arsenal have cooled their interest, with Arsenal focusing on Riccardo Calafiori and Chelsea eyeing Atletico Madrid’s Samu Omorodion. Manchester United has already secured Joshua Zirkzee for £36 million, removing themselves from the competition for Toney. This leaves Tottenham with a potentially clear path to pursue the Brentford star.

Brentford on the other hand faces a challenging decision regarding Toney’s future, especially given recent developments within their squad. They signed Igor Thiago from Club Brugge for £30 million as a possible replacement for Toney. However, Thiago suffered a meniscus injury in a pre-season friendly against Wimbledon, casting doubt on Brentford’s readiness to part with their star striker. Meniscus injuries can sideline players for extended periods, leaving Brentford without a reliable No. 9 should Toney be sold. This injury complicates their decision-making process, as they weigh the financial benefits of selling Toney against the risk of losing him and being short on attacking options.