The Football Faithful

Tottenham Hotspur have wasted no time in finding players to strengthen Roberto De Zerbi’s squad.

After another 17th-place finish and a close scare with Premier League relegation, Spurs are moving swiftly in the market. The North Londoners have agreed deals with free agents Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi, two Premier League-ready options that will add experience to a youthful squad.

De Zerbi also continues to be linked with several other Premier League-based targets, including a raid on his former club Brighton. The Italian has changed between 4-2-3-1 and 3-4-3 systems during his coaching career, and it’s arguably the second shape that could be an ideal match for his squad next season.

We’ve looked at how Tottenham could line up next season, based on imminent transfers and rumoured transfer targets.

Goalkeeper: Bart Verbruggen

One of three Brighton players recently linked with North London, Verbruggen has emerged as a potential replacement for Guglielmo Vicario. The latter’s unconvincing performances are set to lead to a Serie A return, with Verbruggen regarded as one of the best up-and-coming goalkeepers in the Premier League.

Right wing-back: Pedro Porro

Pedro Porro is one of the few in the current Spurs squad capable of top-tier production when at his best. The Spaniard is capable of wicked deliveries and has previously excelled in a wing-back role that provides added licence to attack. Porro ranks in the top 10% of full-backs in Europe for progressive passes completed and accurate crosses.

Centre-back: Luka Vuskovic

The expectation is that Luka Vuskovic will sign a new deal and then go back on loan to Hamburg, where he shone last season. The Croatian scored six goals and earned inclusion in the Bundesliga Team of the Season, boasting the best duel success rate in Germany. Spurs should reconsider another loan and instead integrate the 19-year-old into the team.

Centre-back: Marcos Senesi

Marcos Senesi is set to sign for Spurs as a free agent after deciding to leave Bournemouth. The 29-year-old’s outstanding distribution, ability to carry, and defensive smarts seem an ideal replacement for Cristian Romero, who appears set for an exit.

Centre-back: Micky van de Ven

A back three could unleash the best from Micky van de Ven, whose power and pace are a massive weapon. The Dutch defender could cover the large spaces vacated by a wing-back, while charging forward – with added security behind – with devastating underlapping runs.

Left wing-back: Andy Robertson

Andy Robertson looks set to arrive in North London after leaving Liverpool. The 32-year-old feels he still has plenty to give at the top level, despite being squeezed out at Anfield.

The Scotland captain has more Premier League assists than any other left-back in the league’s history and could provide elite ammunition from wing-back.

Midfield: Joao Palhinha

Roberto De Zerbi has spoken highly of Joao Palhinha, whose goal ensured Spurs survived on the final day.

The Portugal international lacks creativity in possession but is an elite ball-winner, ranking in the top four percent of midfielders in Europe for possessions won. Spurs hold a €30m purchase option in last season’s loan.

Midfield: Carlos Baleba

The Brighton midfielder is reportedly on the radar of De Zerbi, who was behind the deal to bring the powerhouse to the Premier League.

Baleba’s stock is not quite as high as it once was after a mixed campaign, but the 22-year-old has massive potential. A midfield pairing of Palhinha and Baleba would, at the very least, ensure Spurs are no soft touch.

Right-wing: Dejan Kulusevski

Dejan Kulusevski hasn’t kicked a football competitively for more than a year, and his absence has been massively felt. The Swede’s troublesome cartilage issues have hindered Spurs’ creativity. Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons both offer alternatives for this role.

Left-wing: James Maddison

Another whose season was decimated by injury. James Maddison returned late in the campaign after an ACL injury. The 29-year-old can add spark from a position in the left-side channel.

Forward: Dominic Solanke

The jury is out on whether any of the current Spurs forwards are the right man for the role, but Dominic Solanke deserves another chance to prove his worth.

Ankle surgery impacted his campaign in 2025-26, one of several injuries the North Londoners were forced to deal with. If he can get back to the level that saw him score 37 goals over the previous two campaigns, he can be a focal point for De Zerbi.

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The latest Spurs transfer news as the club prepare for next season after avoiding relegation from the Premier League.

Tottenham are evidently looking to get their business done quickly this summer after finishing 17th in the table for the second year in a row.

Improvements are needed across the squad if they are to get back to challenging in the top half of the league and for a place Europe.

Spurs transfer news:

Savinho talks underway

Spurs have “reactivated talks” to sign Savinho from Manchester City, with “initial discussions underway”, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Brazilian winger is “open to the move” after starting just seven league games this season for City, who decided not to sell him to Tottenham last summer.

However, Newcastle United have also been linked with Savinho and are “monitoring” him ahead of the window.

Senesi deal ‘agreed’

Marcos Senesi is set to join Spurs after reaching a “verbal agreement” with the club, who are working on a four-year contract, according to Matteo Monetti.

The Argentine centre-back announced he will be leaving Bournemouth when his contract expires in June, meaning he can join another club on a free transfer.

Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked with the defender, but it was reported back in April that he had “given his commitment” to the Lilywhites.

Competition emerges for Robertson

That’s not the only free transfer Spurs have been eyeing up, with the north London outfit linked with Andy Robertson for the past two months. The left-back is leaving Liverpool after nine years when his contract expires.

Tottenham, who tried to sign the 32-year-old for a fee in January, were reported to have verbally agreed a deal to sign Robertson as early as April, fending off competition from Scottish Premiership champions Celtic.

However, they now face new competition to land the Scotland international after Sky Italia reported that Juventus have “registered their interest” in signing him.

Palhinha comments on Spurs future

João Palhinha says he wants to stay at Tottenham after scoring the goal that secured their Premier League status against Everton last Sunday.

The midfielder joined Spurs on a season-long loan from Bayern Munich last summer, with the option to make the move permanent for £25.9 million.

“Since the first day I arrived, I feel at home,” Palhinha told reporters after the game. “From the supporters, the crowd. Top club. Who doesn’t want to play for Tottenham and stay here? I have everything here.

“But this is like a marriage. What I can say to you is I would really like to be here and I enjoy it a lot this season with this club even being a tough season.”

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Aston Villa aim to finalise their Champions League qualification when they host Tottenham at Villa Park on Sunday.

Unai Emery has been superb at juggling European and domestic duties throughout this season. Villa have won 9 of 12 league matches immediately after a Europa League fixture. They currently hold a seven-point lead over sixth-placed Brentford in the table. A victory today would guarantee their place in Europe’s elite competition next term.

Aston Villa team news

Amadou Onana is definitely ruled out for Sunday’s visit of the North London side. The Belgian midfielder underwent a scan after his early withdrawal against Nottingham Forest. Emery confirmed his absence during Friday’s press briefing at Bodymoor Heath. The manager described the situation as difficult for the squad’s midfield depth.

Boubacar Kamara joins Onana on the sidelines with a long-term injury. That said, Ross Barkley and Alysson are back in contention for the starting lineup. Both players were ineligible for the Europa League squad on Thursday night. Their return provides much-needed energy as the Lions navigate a congested fixture list.

Emery expects a scan to reveal the true consequences of Onana’s physical issue. The hosting manager must find tactical solutions for his tired midfield unit. Ollie Watkins remains the primary attacking threat for the home side. He has scored ten of his eleven league goals since the start of December.

Aston Villa predicted lineup

Aston Villa predicted XI: Martínez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Tielemans, Bogarde, McGinn; Rogers, Buendía, Watkins.

When will the match kick off?

The match at Villa Park kicks off at 19:00 BST on Sunday, 3 May 2026.

How to watch Aston Villa vs Tottenham?

UK viewers can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1. Coverage begins at 18:00 BST before the 19:00 kick-off. Fans can also stream the action through the HBO Max app and website.

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Liverpool and Manchester United are set to miss out on one of their transfer targets this summer as Bournemouth star Marcos Senesi has reportedly agreed to join Spurs.

The centre-back’s contract with the Cherries expires at the end of the season, meaning he will be free to join another club with no transfer fee changing hands.

Senesi has been a key player in Andoni Iraola’s side this season, starting all 33 matches in the Premier League. He is second amongst all players in the division for blocks (41) and third for interceptions (51), while he has also registered five assists.

Liverpool and Man Utd snubbed as Senesi agrees Spurs move

The 28-year-old’s performances have led to interest from other clubs in his signature, particularly as he will be a free agent in the summer.

According to Florian Plettenberg, Spurs have beaten Liverpool and Man Utd to the punch as he reports they have “reached an agreement in principle” with Senesi.

The Argentina international has “given his commitment” to join Tottenham in the summer, but only if they stay up.

With the Lilywhites currently sitting third from bottom in the Premier League table and two points away from safety, relegation to the Championship is a very real possibility. Should they go down, then Liverpool or United would be very well placed to snap Senesi up.

Spurs have a similar arrangement with Andy Robertson, who will leave Liverpool this summer when his contract runs out. The left-back has reportedly agreed to join the north London outfit if they avoid the drop.

Tottenham are keen to add depth and experience to a backline that has been plagued by injuries and suspensions this season.

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Spurs have reportedly agreed a deal to sign Liverpool defender Andy Robertson in the summer transfer window.

The Scotland international announced this week that he will leave Anfield when his contract expires at the end of the season.

The 32-year-old can join a new club on a free transfer when the window opens and Spurs have seemingly wasted no time in snapping him up.

Spurs ‘agree’ shock transfer with Liverpool star Andy Robertson

According to Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham Hotspur have reached a “verbal agreement” with Robertson, with “all terms in place” for him to sign with the club in June.

The deal, however, hinges on Spurs being in the Premier League next season. The Lilywhites are in serious danger of being relegated to the Championship after dropping into the bottom three this week.

The report adds that nothing has been signed or sealed yet as staying in the top flight will be a “key factor” in proceeding with the deal, but Robertson is “ready to pick” Spurs if they do stay up.

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The left-back will leave Liverpool after nine illustrious years on Merseyside. Since joining the Reds from Hull City for an initial £8 million in 2017, he has won two Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League, the FA Cup and two League Cups.

“I wanted to try to bring trophies back to this football club, try to help put us back onto a place where I believe this football club belongs,” Robertson said in a statement when announcing his decision to depart.

“I’m very proud that I’ve been a part of fantastic teams that have been able to do that. The club means everything to me. The people within the club mean the world to me. The fans have always taken to me.”

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Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest meet in North London this afternoon for what is arguably the biggest match of the season for both clubs, as they battle to preserve their Premier League status.

The Lilywhites enter this fixture sitting just one point above the relegation zone, knowing that anything less than a victory could see them drop into the bottom three. Under interim boss Igor Tudor, Spurs finally tasted victory on Wednesday night with a 3–2 win over Atlético Madrid in the Champions League, although they ultimately exited the competition on aggregate.

While that result provided a morale boost, Tottenham remain the only side in the division without a Premier League win so far in 2026. Notably, Spurs have lost their last three league games against Forest and possess the worst home record in the division this season, picking up just 10 points from 15 games.

Nottingham Forest travel to the capital, occupying the final relegation spot, desperate to leapfrog their rivals and secure a massive tactical win under Vítor Pereira. The Tricky Trees arrive on a high after reaching the Europa League quarter-finals following a dramatic penalty shootout win over Midtjylland on Thursday.

However, their domestic form remains fragile; Forest are winless in their last seven Premier League games and have failed to score in 14 different matches this term. Significantly, Pereira remains unbeaten in his three previous league meetings with Spurs, and Forest have a strong recent record at this ground, having won this fixture 2–1 last season.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Nottingham Forest – Match preview and team news

Date: Sunday, 22 March 2026

Kick-off: 14:15 GMT

Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London

Referee: Michael Oliver

VAR: Tony Harrington

Last Meeting: Nottingham Forest 3–0 Tottenham (14 Dec 2025, Premier League)

Team News

Tottenham Hotspur

Igor Tudor oversees a squad that looks significantly healthier following the return of Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, and Destiny Udogie. Guglielmo Vicario is expected to start before undergoing hernia surgery next week, while Joao Palhinha is back in training following a head injury.

However, Dominic Solanke remains a doubt with a hip issue, and the hosts are still without James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, and Yves Bissouma. Notably, Richarlison remains the primary threat, having scored nine goals this term—more than twice as many as any other Spurs player.

Nottingham Forest

Vítor Pereira is likely to recall his big guns after making nine changes for the midweek European clash. Notably, Elliot Anderson continues to be a vital component of the Forest engine room.

He has made more successful passes (1,679) than any other midfielder in the Premier League this season. The visitors remain without long-term absentees Chris Wood, Willy Boly, and John Victor, while Callum Hudson-Odoi faces a late fitness test.

Form

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham finally ended their winless rut under Igor Tudor with a midweek European success, following a gritty 1-1 draw at Liverpool that provided the first signs of domestic life in months.

Despite the uptick, the Lilywhites are winless in 12 Premier League matches—their longest such run since 1935. Significantly, Spurs have conceded more goals from outside the box (11) than any other side this term, a weakness Forest will look to exploit.

Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest arrive in North London fresh from a Europa League breakthrough, though their league form stands at a disappointing seven-game winless run following a 0-0 draw with Fulham.

While they have struggled for consistency, the Tricky Trees have been settled in their selection, making fewer starting XI changes (46) than any other team in the Premier League this season. Notably, Forest convincingly won the reverse fixture 3–0 in December.

Predicted Lineups

Tottenham Hotspur Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Sarr, Gray; Tel, Simons, Richarlison; Kolo Muani

Nottingham Forest Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Anderson, Sangare; McAtee, Gibbs-White, Dominguez; Jesus

How to Watch Tottenham Hotspur vs Nottingham Forest?

The match will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. Coverage begins at 13:30 GMT ahead of the 14:15 kick-off.

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Nottingham Forest travel to North London today, aiming to secure a historic fourth consecutive Premier League victory over Tottenham and move out of the relegation zone.

The Tricky Trees have moved into a positive frame of mind after reaching the Europa League quarter-finals on Thursday, and manager Vítor Pereira oversaw a 3–0 demolition of Spurs in the reverse fixture back in December.

Forest have won four times at Tottenham in their Premier League history—more than any other away ground except Southampton—and will look to use that historical edge to ignite their survival charge.

Nottingham Forest team news

Vítor Pereira manages a squad reaching a critical physical juncture but bolstered by tactical consistency. Notably, Forest have made fewer starting XI changes (46) than any other side in the Premier League this season. Consequently, Pereira is expected to revert to his strongest lineup after resting nine players in midweek.

Notably, Elliot Anderson remains the engine of this team; he has made more successful passes (1,679) and created more chances (45) than any other Forest player this season. Igor Jesus is expected to lead the line despite scoring only twice this season, though Taiwo Awoniyi is pushing for a start after a strong cameo against Fulham.

Matz Sels will start in goal behind a defence anchored by Murillo and Nikola Milenković. In midfield, Anderson will partner Ibrahim Sangaré, while Morgan Gibbs-White operates in his customary creative role.

Notably, Forest have struggled to score lately, failing to find the net in 14 matches this term—a record second only to Wolves’. They will look to exploit a Spurs defence that has frequently collapsed under pressure this year to secure their first away win since January.

Nottingham Forest predicted lineup

Nottingham Forest Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Anderson, Sangare; McAtee, Gibbs-White, Dominguez; Jesus

When will the match kick off?

The Premier League fixture takes place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, 22 March 2026. Kick-off is scheduled for 14:15 GMT.

How to watch Tottenham vs Nottingham Forest?

UK fans can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event. Highlights will be available shortly after the final whistle on the Sky Sports app.

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Tottenham Hotspur travel to the Spanish capital tonight aiming to maintain their perfect European defensive record and take a massive step towards the Champions League quarter-finals.

The Lilywhites have moved into the knockout stages with surprising ease compared to their domestic struggles, finishing ahead of several European heavyweights in the league phase.

Manager Igor Tudor oversaw a disappointing loss at Crystal Palace on Thursday, but his side has saved its best displays for the continental stage.

Spurs have won their last three Champions League games without conceding a goal, and another shutout tonight would set a new club record of four consecutive clean sheets in the competition.

Tottenham Hotspur team news

Igor Tudor manages a squad missing several influential creative figures but receives a significant boost to his defensive core. Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero are both available to anchor the backline after serving suspensions in the Premier League. Consequently, Tudor can field his preferred centre-back pairing at a vital time.

However, the injury list remains extensive, with James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, and Wilson Odobert all sidelined with long-term knee issues. Randal Kolo Muani—who has been involved in five goals in seven European games—is expected to be the primary threat.

Guglielmo Vicario will start in goal behind a projected back three of Kevin Danso, Romero, and Van de Ven. In midfield, João Palhinha and Pape Matar Sarr will likely provide the industrial base, while Pedro Porro and Archie Gray operate as wing-backs.

Xavi Simons is poised to start in the number 10 role, supporting a front two of Mathys Tel and Dominic Solanke. Spurs have lost just one of their last five Champions League meetings with Spanish opponents and will look to maintain that resilient record tonight.

Tottenham Hotspur predicted lineup

Tottenham Hotspur Predicted XI (3-4-1-2): Vicario; Danso, Romero, Van de Ven; Porro, Palhinha, Sarr, Gray; Simons; Tel, Solanke

When will the match kick off?

The Champions League fixture takes place at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Tuesday, 10 March 2026. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 GMT.

How to watch Atletico Madrid vs Tottenham Hotspur?

UK fans can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1. Highlights will be available shortly after the final whistle on the TNT Sports app.

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Crystal Palace travel to North London tonight, aiming to secure consecutive away league victories against Tottenham Hotspur for the first time in their history.

The Eagles have moved into a more stable position in the bottom half of the table, currently sitting in 14th place. Manager Oliver Glasner oversaw a spirited but ultimately fruitless performance in Sunday’s 2–1 loss at Manchester United and now faces a Spurs side sitting just six points behind them. Notably, Palace have won both previous managerial meetings between Glasner and Tudor, with his Frankfurt side beating Tudor’s Marseille twice in 2022.

Crystal Palace team news

Oliver Glasner manages a squad dealing with a major defensive suspension following the weekend’s events. Notably, Maxence Lacroix is unavailable after his red card at Old Trafford. Consequently, Chadi Riad is expected to be drafted into the back three. Notably, goalkeeper Dean Henderson will look to maintain his impressive record against elite opposition; the Eagles have lost just one of their last nine away London derbies. Striker Jørgen Strand Larsen is expected to be fit to lead the line despite a minor knock on Sunday.

Dean Henderson will start in goal behind a defensive line featuring Chris Richards and Jaydee Canvot. In midfield, Adam Wharton and Daichi Kamada are expected to anchor the side, with Daniel Muñoz and Tyrick Mitchell operating as wing-backs. Ismaïla Sarr and Brennan Johnson will provide the threat from wide areas in support of Strand Larsen. Notably, Thursday Premier League fixtures this season have been extremely low-scoring, averaging just 0.86 goals per game, with four of the previous seven ending goalless.

Crystal Palace predicted lineup

Crystal Palace Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Henderson; Canvot, Richards, Riad; Munoz, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell; Sarr, Johnson; Strand Larsen

When will the match kick off?

The Premier League fixture takes place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday, 5 March 2026. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 GMT.

How to watch Tottenham vs Crystal Palace?

UK fans can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1. Highlights will be available on the TNT Sports app shortly after the final whistle.

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Tottenham Hotspur host Crystal Palace tonight, aiming to end a 10-match winless run and secure their first Premier League victory of the calendar year.

The Lilywhites have moved into a critical phase of their season, currently sitting 16th and just four points clear of the relegation zone. Manager Igor Tudor oversaw a disappointing 2–1 loss to Fulham on Sunday and is now desperate to avoid becoming the first manager since 2004 to lose his first two matches in charge of the club. Notably, Spurs have won 16 of their last 21 Premier League meetings with Palace, though they have lost two of the last three encounters.

Tottenham Hotspur team news

Igor Tudor manages a squad still missing nine senior players through injury and suspension. Notably, Djed Spence remains a doubt with a calf problem, which could force a reshuffle on the wings. Consequently, teenage midfielder Archie Gray could be asked to fill a versatile role in a 3-4-2-1 system. Notably, Conor Gallagher has a prolific record against tonight’s opponents, having scored more goals against Palace (4) than any other side. Fans are also calling for Mathys Tel to be handed his first start after his energetic cameo at Craven Cottage.

Guglielmo Vicario will start in goal behind a back three featuring Kevin Danso, Micky van de Ven, and Radu Drăgușin. In midfield, João Palhinha and Pape Matar Sarr are expected to anchor the side, with Pedro Porro returning to the right flank. Xavi Simons will look to provide the creative spark behind a front two of Richarlison and Mathys Tel. Notably, Spurs are winless in their last 12 midweek Premier League games, a trend Tudor must break to prevent his side from being cut adrift.

Tottenham Hotspur predicted lineup

Tottenham Hotspur Predicted XI (3-4-1-2): Vicario; Danso, Van de Ven, Dragusin; Porro, Sarr, Palhinha, Gray; Simons; Tel, Richarlison

When will the match kick off?

The Premier League fixture takes place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday, 5 March 2026. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 GMT.

How to watch Tottenham vs Crystal Palace?

In the UK, the match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1. Fans can also stream the action via the discovery+ app.

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