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Tottenham vs Alkmaar – Preview, Prediction & Team News | Europa League 2024-25

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Tottenham host Alkmaar in the UEFA Europa League

Tottenham Hotspur returned to winning ways in the Premier League at the weekend, thanks to a 4-1 thumping of West Ham at home. An emphatic win for the Lilywhites keeps them in the hunt for a top four berth, whereas the possibility of playing in the Champions League is also achievable by winning the UEFA Europa League – the team’s next challenge.

Ange Postecoglou’s side hosts Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar with the motive of maintaining a 100% start to the continental competition, in which Qarabag and Ferencvaros have already been dispatched aside to pick up six points in two games. Alkmaar, meanwhile, are fifth in the Dutch Eredivisie and will not be an easy opponent for Tottenham by any means.

Team News

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur’s injury problems are gradually becoming a thing of the past. Heung-min Son and Richarlison featured against West Ham at the weekend, leaving Wilson Odobert as the team’s only player on the treatment table.

At the back, Postecoglou could make a number of changes with Radu Dragusin’s inclusion imminent amongst that of others. A number of players might also be changed in midfield with the Spurs boss utilising his full set of players in the engine room.

A start could be on its way for Richarlison with Tottenham likely to tend to Son’s fitness with utmost care while Timo Werner has failed to perform on the left wing. Brennan Johnson and Dominic Solanke did not score at the weekend but are likely to start too.

PREDICTED TOTTENHAM XI (4-3-3): Vicario; Gray, Dragusin, Van de Ven, Davies; Sarr, Bentancur, Bergvall; Richarlison, Solanke, Johnson

AZ Alkmaar

Alkmaar have won once and lost once, so they need to pick up something on their trip to north London to ensure they are not pulled into an elimination scrap just three matches into the Europa League. However, they have a number of injury concerns to deal with.

Bruno Martins Indi, Lequincio Zeefuik, Lewis Schouten, Mexx Meerdink, Sem Westerveld and Wouter Goes are among those expected to miss the match. 20-year-old winger Ruben van Bommel, who has struck twice in the competition, is expected to be fit, however.

PREDICTED ALKMAAR XI (4-2-3-1): Owusu-Oduro; Wolfe, Dekker, Penetra, Maikuma; Belic, Clasie; van Bommel, Mijnans, Poku; Parrott

Match-deciding duel

Archie Gray vs Ruben van Bommel

Tottenham will have to be on their feet defensively and in saying that, they will need to thwart AZ Alkmaar’s young winger, Ruben van Bommel, who will be up against Archie Gray. How the teenager defends against the 20-year-old will be an interesting watch and could be decisive in the grand scheme of things.

Gray will also be given the license to venture forward and if he can have an impact in the final third, where Spurs will be hopeful of making as big a mark as they made against West Ham, the result could go their way.

Prediction

Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 Alkmaar

Alkmaar, in spite of possessing a good offensive name and a relatively balanced side, should be a comfortable match for Tottenham. The Lilywhites are likely to be dominant from start to finish, and with that in mind, they should easily outclass their opposition.

More Tottenham Hotspur News:

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Tottenham now in position to hijack Chelsea deal for Serie A ace

Richarlison will hope to get amongst the goals for the very first time this season, whereas the likes of Brennan Johnson and Dominic Solanke will be potent forces up front too.

Manchester City express interest in Porro

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Tottenham Hotspur full back Pedro Porro has been among the thick of transfer speculations off late, with multiple reports linking the Spaniard with a move away from White Hart Lane. The former Sporting Lisbon defender has taken massive strides in his game since he moved away to North London and has established himself as a key cog in Ange Postecoglou’s side at Hotspur Way.

Looking at his rise and impressive performances, which have lauded him as one of the best players in the League and Europe in his position, Real Madrid expressed interest in taking the 25-year-old to Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in 2025.

High price tag could keep Porro at White Hart Lane

Madrid are looking to replace Dani Carvajal following his season-long injury, and they have identified Liverpool defender Trent Alexander Arnold as the first option to replace the veteran; however, Porro has been recognised as a close alternative. However, in a recent report by Football Insider, Spurs Premier League rivals Manchester City are also said to hold interest in the Spaniard’s services as Pep Guardiola’s side look to replace Kyle Walker, who took a very similar road from Hotspur Way to Etihad Stadium.

The report goes on to suggest that Daniel Levy has put a £80 million price tag on Porro as he looks to blow away potential suitors with a hefty valuation.

-> Club insider backs Tottenham to benefit from Liverpool as European giant circles

Tottenham would be willing to keep hold of Porro unless a significant offer comes in. However, despite the speculations, the full-back has to keep his focus on the ongoing campaign at Hotspur Way.

And as for Tottenham, they will look to keep hold of the player as Levy attains to maintain a strong squad despite the tempting offers that could come their way over the next twelve months.

-> Former scout makes Premier League forward price claim amid Tottenham links

Would you sell Porro if a £80 million offer were to come in for his signatures? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

La Liga giants looking at Gray for a winter transfer

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Tottenham Hotspur did splendidly to sign Archie Gray from Leeds United in the summer transfer window as they worked in the eleventh hour to land one of the most exciting talents in English football as they snapped his signatures from under Brentford’s noses.

The versatile starlet who can play in the right back as well as midfield role was brought in a £40 million deal from Elland Road, and it got supporters at White Hart Lane pretty excited about the prospects of having such talent among Ange Postecoglou’s ranks.

Sevilla interested in loaning Tottenham’s Gray

The teenager was inducted straight into the first team, showing the trust that the club has put into him; however, the minutes have been difficult to come by under his belt, and looking to take advantage of the situation, La Liga giants Sevilla have expressed interest in landing the midfielder on a loan deal in the upcoming winter transfer windo, per Mucho Deporte.

-> Tottenham ready to sacrifice 2024 signing to sign highly rated German star

Victor Orta, who was at Leeds United in the technical director role before moving to Sevilla, is looking to bring the 18-year-old to the Spanish top tier, and Orta is ‘already asking about’ signing Gray on a loan deal. Sevilla are trying to position themselves in a way where they can pounce on the opportunity if Tottenham consider any loan exit for Archie.

The report gives massive credit to Orta for the behind-the-scenes role he played at Elland Road for Archie Gray’s rise; however, it looks highly unlikely for Tottenham to say yes to the prospect of loaning Gray.

-> Club insider backs Tottenham to benefit from Liverpool as European giant circles

If an opportunity were to arise in the upcoming window, would you consider loaning out Archie Gray for regular first team minutes? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Tottenham could demand £40million

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Tottenham could demand £40million-plus for Guglielmo Vicario, feels John Wenham

Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has been subject to interest from Italian champions Inter Milan of late.

Spurs took a gamble on the Italian last summer, signing him on an initial £17.2m fee from Empoli. The gamble has certainly paid off as he has established himself as an undisputed No.1 at the club.

Guglielmo Vicario has had his fair share of struggles when adapting to the demands of the Premier League but overall, he has proven to be a reliable pair of hands for Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham. The 28-year-old plays a crucial role in Spurs’ build-up play from the back whilst commanding his box. Furthermore, he is a vocal leader on and off the pitch.

Ex-Spurs scout Bryan King believes the club would only accept a ridiculous offer to sell Vicario in 2025. Regardless of exit links, he doesn’t believe that his former club will let Vicario leave until the summer.

-> Tottenham eye 20-year-old Italian midfielder likened to Wijnaldum

Now, John Wenham—owner of the reputable Spurs podcast Lilywhite Rose—expects Tottenham to demand upwards of £40million for their No.1. However, he doesn’t think any Italian club would be willing to splash around the £40million mark which the Big Ange-managed club would want.

Vicario played in every Premier League game for Spurs in his debut season, conceding 61 goals and keeping only seven clean sheets. Despite criticism coming his way from fans and pundits, the Italy international remains a pivotal figure in Big Ange’s Spurs and has done well so far this season. He has featured in all league games and conceded only nine goals, keeping two clean sheets.

The Udine-born talent’s form hasn’t been worrying at all to warrant a sale. Plus, he is the club’s No.1 and it doesn’t seem likely we would be open to offers for Vicario next year. Moreover, the shot-stopper is settled and happy at the Hotspur Way.

-> Tottenham insider blasts ‘silly’ Tottenham stars for unjust West Ham theatrics

So, chances of Vicario leaving at the end of the season and Spurs looking for a new No.1 appear extremely slim at this moment.

Former scout makes Semenyo price claim amid Tottenham links

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Tottenham Hotspur have been subject to aggressive links with a move for Bournemouth wide forward Antoine Semenyo as Ange Postecoglou looks to add quality and depth to his offensive options at White Hart Lane.

Daniel Levy looked over an exciting summer transfer window at N17, where the North Londoners not only oversaw some exciting arrivals but also got rid of surplus on Hotspur Way’s books. And going into 2025, the chiefs at Spurs are already prepping blue print for the upcoming transfer intervals as they look to raid Bournemouth for the second time.

The North Londoners brought in Dominic Solanke in a £65 million deal from Vitality Stadium in the past window, and they are looking to snap another highly acclaimed talent from the Cherries squad.

Tottenham linked to Bournemouth’s Semenyo

And former Spurs scout Mick Brown has been speaking about a possible move for Semenyo as his current employers ask for a fee of around £40-50 million for his signatures. Brown insists that clubs would not want to pay such hefty fees for Semenyo’s services given the probability that he would not be a nailed starter at any of the elite clubs. He went on to cite Harvey Barnes’ struggles at Newcastle United.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Football Insider, Mick said:

“No is the short answer, clubs won’t pay that price. From what I’ve seen of him, he’s improved and done better than I would have expected. He’s all-hearted, he gives everything he’s got and he’s very talented in possession. He’s also worked very hard to improve and step up.

“But will Newcastle pay £40-50million for him? Not based on what I’ve heard. Look at Harvey Barnes, for example, who has struggled to get into the team. Is Semenyo much better than him?

“They won’t pay that sort of fee if he isn’t going to be a nailed-on starter. It wasn’t that long ago they were forced to get rid of players for PSR reasons, and we know they’re still wary of falling into that trap again.

“So I think they’ll be put off of a move for a fee like that, even if the interest is there.”

While Spurs links with a move for Antoine Semenyo seem straight forward, he has been linked with multiple Premier League heavyweights given his performances for the Cherries in the new season, with Arsenal making all the noise to land the wide forward. However, it is to be seen if Arsenal, Tottenham, or any of the sides are willing to pay large fees for the 24-year-old winger.

Do you think Tottenham should be paying such hefty fees to sign Semenyo? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Former scout tags Vuskovic as 'super talent'

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A large part of Tottenham Hotspur supporters have been speaking highly about Luka Vuskovic, who is playing some football beyond his years at the moment, and the supporters cannot wait till he dons the Spurs badge.

Vuskovic has built a strong reputation since the Lilywhites secured his signatures from Croatian side Hajduk Spilt last year. The youngster has established himself as one of the best up-and-coming centres back in world football, and the decision by the chiefs at White Hart Lane looks to be an inspired one judging by the performances he has been putting in off late.

Vuskovic praised as ‘super talent’

The 17-year-old has been plying his trade for Belgian club Westerlo in the ongoing season, and he has shown great maturity in the Jupiler Pro League so far. And Saturday’s edition of Gazet van Antwerpen (as relayed by Sport Witness) takes a closer look at the player and his trajectory.

The report goes on to describe the player as a ‘super talent’ and insists that the 17-year-old as of now is ‘miles ahead’ of others in his age interval.

-> Tottenham insider blasts ‘silly’ Tottenham stars for unjust West Ham theatrics

Gazet van Antwerpen goes on to speak with former scout Bart Tamsyn, who insists that he came across the player for the first time in the 2022–23 season when Vuskovic featured in the UEFA Youth League final.

And Bart goes on to speak highly about Vuskovic, saying,

“I watched that match via WyScout and was immediately captivated. At kickoff, he immediately got the ball, and during the game, he kept ticking off qualities that every scout looks for in the Jupiler Pro League.”

-> Tottenham eye 20-year-old Italian midfielder likened to Wijnaldum

These words would be like music to Spurs supporters as another highly regarded man in the footballing world has approved of the 17-year-old, who is expected to make it big at the N17.

Tottenham plotting January swoop for Ipswich striker Liam Delap

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Tottenham in pole position to land Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap in January

Tottenham Hotspur enjoyed a productive summer transfer window, bringing in some exciting players to bolster their squad.

Ange Postecoglou was desperate to add a striker to his ranks after going the entire 2023/24 campaign without a recognised No.9. This saw the club fulfil his demands by landing Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth.

Dominic Solanke has shown glimpses of potential during his early days at the club. However, he is yet to fully adapt to Ange Postecoglou’s system, and with Richarlison unreliable due to his patchy injury record, the January transfer market could allow the Lilywhites to add some more firepower to the squad.

According to an exclusive report from Caught Offside, Tottenham are contemplating a January swoop for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap.

-> Tottenham eye 20-year-old Italian midfielder likened to Wijnaldum

Having largely come up through Derby County’s youth ranks, Liam Delap spent five years at Manchester City but barely got a chance to showcase his talent. He managed only six appearances and scored a goal in six senior appearances for Man City, mostly spending time away on loan at Championship clubs.

The England under-21 international made the switch to newly promoted Ipswich Town in the summer, and his performances have already attracted interest from several Premier League clubs. The aforementioned report adds Tottenham are leading the race for his signature, with Ipswich valuing Delap at around €40million.

Arsenal, Aston Villa and Newcastle United are all keen, while former employers Pep Guardiola’s Man City remain interested in re-signing the young striker. Ipswich are believed to be ready to assess offers for the 21-year-old, who has netted four goals in eight Premier League appearances thus far this season.

As far as Spurs are concerned, Richarlison’s future at the club is in jeopardy due to his unavailability and lack of productivity. Now that the Brazilian returned against West Ham from another injury issue, the club officials and Big Ange have now planned to ease him into the side in order to avoid any potential setback before selling him in the summer.

So, it would be wise for our club to invest in a new striker in the winter window, and Delap appears to be a good fit. The Englishman has already given glimpses of his vast potential at Portman Road, and under Big Ange’s watchful eyes, he could develop further and push Solanke.

-> Tottenham insider blasts ‘silly’ Tottenham stars for unjust West Ham theatrics

Daniel Levy decided to sell Harry Kane to Bayern Munich last summer, and it was always going to be an uphill task to fill his void at N17. However, it might be worth investing in a young English striker with high ceiling like Delap, who has the potential to become one of the best in his position in the future.

Club insider makes Pedro Porro claim amid Real Madrid interest

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Tottenham Hotspur defender Pedro Porro has been linked with a move away from White Hart Lane, with La Liga side Real Madrid expressing interest in signing the Spaniard in the 2025 summer transfer intervals. The 25-year-old has taken massive strides in his game since he moved to North London from Sporting Lisbon, and after having established himself as one of the better centre-backs in the league, the credentials have reciprocated into links with Los Blancos.

The La Liga side are looking to replace Dani Carvajal on the right defensive flank following the Spaniard’s long-term injury, and Liverpool superstar Trent Alexander Arnold has been dubbed as a first-choice target at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. However, in case they fail to land the 26-year-old England international, Porro has been identified as the first alternative.

-> Tottenham insider blasts ‘silly’ Tottenham stars for unjust West Ham theatrics

And with all the speculations linking him to Madrid, Porro recently commented about the links to Madrid and expressed his flattery of being linked with the Spanish giants.

Porro flattered by Madrid interest, but Wenham predicts stay

However, despite all the links away from N17, John Wenham, owner of the reputable Spurs podcast Lilywhite Rose, believes that Madrid would opt for Trent and Pedro Porro will end up penning new terms at Hotspur Way. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Tottenham News, Wenham said:

“I don’t see Porro signing for Real Madrid. They have an amazing opportunity to sign Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer. I could see Alexander-Arnold signing a pre-contract with Madrid in January.

“That gives him a chance to solidify himself as one of the greatest English players ever, while it would be a huge blow for Liverpool to lose him for free.

“Therefore, do I see anybody else offering £80million-plus for Porro? No, I don’t. As a result, I see Porro renewing his Tottenham contract and remaining with the club.”

Porro has established himself as an integral part of Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham, and any potential move away from White Hart Lane would be a big blow to the project that Spurs have undertook under the Australian’s tutelage.

-> Tottenham eye 20-year-old Italian midfielder likened to Wijnaldum

Do you think Pedro Porro will be a Tottenham player next season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Spurs looking to offer Dragusin for highly rated 23yo German CB

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Tottenham Hotspur defender Radu Dragusin has been subject to links with a move away from White Hart Lane, as the Romanian international has struggled to find minutes under his belt since he moved to the N17. The 22-year-old moved to Tottenham Hotspur Way at the start of the calendar year when Spurs beat Bayern Munich for his signatures despite a late attempt from the German giants to take Radu from under Levy’s nose.

Many expected that to be the start of a long and legacy career at Hotspur Way; however, that has not been the case, and with minutes hard to come by, a large group of supporters think he could already be looking for a potential way out of North London.

Tottenham could offer Dragusin in Bisseck deal

And in a latest report by Italian publication InterLive, the chiefs at Lilywhites could offer the Romanian centre-back in a player-plus-cash deal to land Inter Milan’s Yann Bisseck. The report states that Spurs haven’t given up on their pursuit to sign German-born 23-year-old defender, and they could re-enter negotiations with the Serie A giants to bring him to White Hart Lane.

-> Tottenham eye 20-year-old Italian midfielder likened to Wijnaldum

While Bisseck has only made 27 appearances for the Italian champions since moving to San Siro in 2023, he has managed to impress enough for the North Londoners to push for his signatures.

While Dragusin’s agent admitted that Radu will remain at N17 despite links, do Spurs want to keep him?

-> Tottenham insider blasts ‘silly’ Tottenham stars for unjust West Ham theatrics

That being said, the question remains: whether Spurs should push to bring Bisseck with Radu going the other way, especially considering how good the latter looked in the off-season’s European Championships? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Tottenham keen on Boca Juniors starlet Kevin Zenon

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Tottenham keen on Boca Juniors sensation Kevin Zenon

Tottenham Hotspur skipper Son Heung-min is not getting any younger and will turn 33 at the end of the season.

The forward is currently enjoying his tenth season at White Hart Lane, having scored 165 goals and registered 86 assists in 416 appearances across all competitions thus far. The South Korean international has earned a legendary status at Tottenham for his decade-long service.

However, he is out of contract at the end of the season (Transfermarkt) and talks over an extension are yet to take place. Whether Spurs exercise their option to extend his contract by another year remains to be seen but the time appears to be ripe for the club to think for our captain’s replacement.

According to an exclusive report from TBR Football, Tottenham Hotspur are among a host of clubs keeping tabs on Boca Juniors’ talented winger Kevin Zenon.

-> Tottenham insider blasts ‘silly’ Tottenham stars for unjust West Ham theatrics

Kevin Zenon has established himself as one of the hottest prospects in South American football since his arrival at Boca Juniors in early 2024 from Unión Santa Fe. With four goals and seven assists in 38 games across all formats, he has become one of Boca Juniors’ most important players.

The Argentinean under-23 international’s versatility allows him to perform not only as a winger but also in positions like full-back or central midfielder, empowering him to excel in various facades of the game. The youngster’s performances in a Boca shirt have caught the attention of several European clubs.

Atalanta, Sporting CP, Atletico Madrid and Napoli are among those who are interested in Zenon, who also has potential English suitors lurking. Tottenham faces direct Premier League competition from the likes of Liverpool, Newcastle United, Fulham, Manchester United and Everton. The aforementioned report adds Boca Juniors are expecting to lose Zenon when the transfer window reopens in January.

Tottenham have scouted the South American in the past six months. Zenon appears to be viewed as a potential replacement for Son, who despite his advancing years continues to produce the goods consistently for the club.

-> Tottenham eye 20-year-old Italian midfielder likened to Wijnaldum

While Ange Postecoglou bolstered his squad over the summer, the north London outfit remains open to making further acquisitions in the winter window if the right opportunity arises. Zenon has been making waves in Argentina, and given he fits the club’s profile of signings, Spurs must do everything possible to bag his signature.