The Football Faithful

Tottenham Hotspur host Aston Villa this evening while they aim to recover from a bruising midweek defeat and salvage their season through the FA Cup.

Spurs manager Thomas Frank is under immense pressure after a damaging 3-2 loss to Bournemouth. That result sparked heated exchanges between players and fans at full-time. Tensions rose further after Frank was pictured with an Arsenal-branded coffee cup. He has since apologised for the accidental “gaffe.” A professional performance is now vital to calm the storm in North London.

Tottenham Hotspur Team News

Tottenham are currently navigating a massive injury crisis with several key first-team players missing. Mohammed Kudus is a major absentee and is not expected back until April, while Rodrigo Bentancur is also sidelined after injuring his hamstring against Bournemouth. James Maddison, Dominic Solanke, and Dejan Kulusevski remain long-term absentees.

Consequently, Frank is likely to rely on squad depth. Antonin Kinsky is poised to start in goal, while Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven will anchor the defence. Joao Palhinha, who scored a bicycle kick in midweek, is expected to start in midfield alongside youngster Archie Gray. In attack, Mathys Tel and Richarlison will provide support for Randal Kolo Muani as Spurs look to improve on their poor record of two wins in their last 12 games.

Tottenham Hotspur Predicted Lineup

Tottenham Hotspur predicted XI: Kinsky; Spence, Romero, Van de Ven, Porro; Gray, Palhinha; Simons, Tel, Richarlison; Kolo Muani

When will the match kick off?

The FA Cup third-round fixture takes place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, 10 January 2026. Kick-off is scheduled for 17:45 GMT.

How to Watch Tottenham Hotspur vs Aston Villa?

The match will be broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+, with coverage starting at 17:00 GMT ahead of the 17:45 GMT kick-off.

Read more- Arsenal agree new long-term contract with Bukayo Saka

See Also- Five of the biggest FA Cup third round upsets

Follow the Football Faithful on Social Media:

Bournemouth host Tottenham Hotspur tonight while they aim to snap a historic 11-match winless streak.

Andoni Iraola’s side has moved to 15th in the table following a spirited but ultimately unsuccessful 3-2 defeat to Arsenal. Despite the poor run, the Cherries have the motivation of securing a first-ever league double over Spurs. However, the manager must navigate a significant injury crisis that has worsened following the weekend’s action.

Bournemouth Team News

The headline for the hosts is the loss of Justin Kluivert, who requires surgery on a left knee injury. His absence adds to a depleted midfield and attack, with Ryan Christie and Tyler Adams still out. In defence, Ben Gannon-Doak remains sidelined, though Veljko Milosavljević provides a glimmer of hope, having returned to light training.

The focal point of the attack will once again be Antoine Semenyo. Although a £65m transfer to Manchester City has been agreed, the winger is expected to start in what is likely to be an emotional farewell appearance at the Vitality Stadium. He will be supported by Evanilson and David Brooks as the Cherries look to exploit a Spurs defence that has looked vulnerable in recent weeks.

Bournemouth Predicted Lineup

Bournemouth predicted XI: Petrovic; Jimenez, Hill, Senesi, Truffert; Tavernier, Scott; Semenyo, Cook, Brooks; Evanilson

When will the match kick off?

The Premier League fixture takes place at the Vitality Stadium on Wednesday, 7 January 2026. Kick-off is scheduled for 19:30 GMT.

How to watch Bournemouth vs Tottenham Hotspur?

The match will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Golf. Coverage begins at 18:00 GMT.

Read more- Semenyo medical booked as Man City eye next transfer target

See Also- Enzo Maresca breaks silence on Chelsea exit with farewell message

Follow the Football Faithful on Social Media:

The Vitality Stadium prepares for another high-profile North London visit on Wednesday night as Bournemouth host a stuttering Tottenham Hotspur side.

Andoni Iraola’s men enter the midweek fixture looking to snap an 11-match winless streak. Unfortunately, this represents the longest barren run in the club’s history. Despite a spirited performance against Arsenal, a 3-2 defeat left the Cherries in 15th place.

Now, they face a Tottenham team led by Thomas Frank. However, the manager faces mounting pressure following recent poor results. Recently, a goalless draw at Brentford followed a “painful” 1-1 home stalemate against Sunderland. Currently, the Lilywhites sit 13th, just four points ahead of their hosts. Therefore, Spurs arrive in Bournemouth knowing the high stakes involved. Crucially, dropped points could see them slide down a congested mid-table. This follows Chelsea’s dramatic 1-1 draw at Manchester City on Sunday. Consequently, the European places remain highly competitive.

Bournemouth vs Tottenham Hotspur – Match Preview and Team News

Date: Wednesday, 7 January 2026

Kick-off: 19:30 GMT

Venue: Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth

Referee: Darren England

VAR: Jarred Gillett

Last Meeting: Tottenham Hotspur 0–1 Bournemouth, 30 August 2025

Team News

Bournemouth

Unfortunately, the Cherries suffered a major blow regarding Justin Kluivert. Specifically, the forward requires surgery on a left knee injury sustained against Arsenal. Now, he joins a lengthy injury list alongside Tyler Adams, Ryan Christie, and Ben Gannon-Doak.

Positively, teenage defender Veljko Milosavljević returned to training. Currently, he ranks as the closest long-term absentee to a return. Surprisingly, Antoine Semenyo expects to be available for his potential final appearance. This comes despite an agreed £65m move to Manchester City.

Tottenham Hotspur

Regrettably, Thomas Frank confirmed that star winger Mohammed Kudus “most likely” misses out. This follows a thigh injury he sustained against Sunderland. Worryingly, the recent sale of Brennan Johnson compounds this absence. Consequently, Spurs look thin on the right flank.

However, Xavi Simons becomes available for selection again. Notably, he returns after serving a three-match suspension. Meanwhile, Dominic Solanke, James Maddison, and Dejan Kulusevski remain out. Additionally, the Africa Cup of Nations claims Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr.

Form

Bournemouth

Currently, Bournemouth struggle with midweek woes. Specifically, they remain winless in their last seven Premier League games played midweek. However, the Cherries have the chance to complete a historic league double over Tottenham. This follows their 1-0 win in North London earlier this season. Remarkably, they proved themselves as entertainers this term. In fact, they scored at least twice in eight games they failed to win. Finally, teenager Junior Kroupi remains a bright spot. Currently, he leads all teenagers in the league with six goals.

Tottenham Hotspur

Spurs are also on a 10-match winless midweek run, a record Thomas Frank will be desperate to break. Despite their overall inconsistency, the Lilywhites have shown impressive road resilience, keeping five clean sheets in 10 away games this season—more than they managed in the entirety of the 2024-25 campaign. A tactical shift is evident under Frank; Tottenham are averaging just 9.9 shots per game, the first time they have averaged fewer than 11 per match since records began in 1997.

Predicted Lineups

Bournemouth predicted XI: Petrovic; Jimenez, Hill, Senesi, Truffert; Tavernier, Scott; Semenyo, Cook, Brooks; Evanilson

Tottenham Hotspur predicted XI: Vicario; Spence, Romero, Van de Ven, Davies; Gray, Bentancur; Simons, Bergvall, Tel; Richarlison

How to watch Bournemouth vs Tottenham?

In the UK, the match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Golf, with coverage starting at 18:00 GMT ahead of the 19:30 kick-off.

Read more- Semenyo medical booked as Man City eye next transfer target

See Also- Enzo Maresca breaks silence on Chelsea exit with farewell message

Follow the Football Faithful on Social Media:

Tottenham Hotspur host Sunderland on Sunday, looking to arrest a worrying slide at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Manager Thomas Frank faces pressure to improve a poor home record. Unfortunately, the Lilywhites lost 11 league matches in 2025. Consequently, Spurs must break down a resilient Sunderland side. However, they must do this while they manage a severe injury crisis.

Tottenham team news

Regrettably, the medical room remains crowded at Hotspur Way. Therefore, this presents a major challenge for Thomas Frank. Specifically, James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski remain out long-term. Additionally, Dominic Solanke and Destiny Udogie join them on the sidelines. Meanwhile, Xavi Simons misses out as he completes his suspension.

To make matters worse, Lucas Bergvall remains a major doubt. Furthermore, AFCON duties claimed Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr. Finally, the permanent transfer of Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace further depletes the squad.

Consequently, Archie Gray and Rodrigo Bentancur expect to step up in midfield. Likely, João Palhinha will anchor the side. This allows Pedro Porro and Djed Spence to attack from full-back. Up front, Richarlison leads the line. Impressively, the Brazilian scored 11 goals in his last 16 league starts here. Finally, Mohammed Kudus and Randal Kolo Muani will support him.

Tottenham Predicted Lineup

Tottenham Hotspur predicted XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Gray, Palhinha, Bentancur; Kudus, Richarlison, Kolo Muani

When will the match kick off?

The Premier League fixture takes place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, 4 January 2026. Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 GMT.

How to watch Tottenham Hotspur vs Sunderland?

The match will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. Coverage begins at 14:00 GMT.

Read- Chelsea in ‘advanced’ talks to appoint Strasbourg coach

See more- The biggest Premier League title race leads on January 1st

Subscribe to our social channels:

Sunderland travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this afternoon while aiming to maintain their incredible push for a Champions League spot.

Régis Le Bris has led the Black Cats to seventh place, but they must now navigate the most severe player drain in the division due to the Africa Cup of Nations. Despite missing six senior players, Sunderland arrive with momentum after a hard-earned draw against Manchester City.

Sunderland team news

Régis Le Bris is managing a decimated squad. Key players Reinildo Mandava, Chemsdine Talbi, Arthur Masuaku, Noah Sadiki, Bertrand Traoré, and Habib Diarra are all away on international duty. Additionally, the defence remains weakened as Dan Ballard is a serious doubt with an ankle injury. In attack, Brian Brobbey faces a late fitness test after suffering muscular tightness in midweek. If he is unfit, Wilson Isidor is expected to lead the line.

Consequently, captain Granit Xhaka will play a pivotal role as he returns to North London. He will likely be partnered by Lutsharel Geertruida in a midfield tasked with containing Spurs’ creative threats. Trai Hume and Dennis Cirkin will provide the width from full-back, while Eliezer Mayenda and Simon Adingra are poised to support the lone striker. While Sunderland have struggled for goals on the road this season, their defensive organisation remains their greatest asset.

Sunderland Predicted Lineup

Sunderland predicted XI: Roefs; Hume, Mukiele, Alderete, Cirkin; Geertruida, Xhaka; Mayenda, Le Fée, Adingra; Isidor

When will the match kick off?

The Premier League fixture takes place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, 4 January 2026. Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 GMT.

How to watch Tottenham Hotspur vs Sunderland?

The match will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. Coverage begins at 14:00 GMT.

Read- Manchester United exploring cost of January transfer for Brighton midfielder

See more- West Ham spree to continue with England u-21 star targeted

Subscribe to our social channels:

A resurgent Liverpool return to Anfield on Saturday afternoon for a festive fixture against Premier League basement boys Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Arne Slot’s reigning champions are looking to capitalise on their rivals’ slip-ups and break back into the top four. The Reds are unbeaten in their last six matches across all competitions, a run that includes a gritty 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur last weekend.

However, they face a Wolves side enduring a nightmare season. Rob Edwards’ men have just two points from 17 games, equalling the worst start to a season in English Football League history. Despite their struggles, Wolves will hope to exploit Liverpool’s growing injury list, which now includes record signing Alexander Isak.

Liverpool vs Wolves – Match Preview and Team News

Date: Saturday, 27 December 2025

Kick-off: 3:00 pm GMT

Venue: Anfield, Liverpool

Referee: Simon Hooper

VAR: Michael Salisbury

Last Meeting: Liverpool 2-1 Wolves , 16 FEB 2025, Premier League

Team News

Liverpool

Arne Slot has suffered a major blow with striker Alexander Isak ruled out for “several months” after undergoing surgery on a broken leg sustained against Tottenham. With Mohamed Salah also absent due to Africa Cup of Nations duty, the scoring burden falls to Hugo Ekitiké.

Midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai is suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season. On the positive side, Jeremie Frimpong has returned to fitness and could start at right-back, as Conor Bradley is rated as “50-50” due to a hamstring doubt. Cody Gakpo is also a doubt with a muscle issue, while Joe Gomez, Wataru Endō, and Giovanni Leoni remain sidelined.

Wolves

Rob Edwards welcomes back defender Yerson Mosquera from suspension. However, this boost is tempered by the loss of captain Toti Gomes, who is out for a “significant period” with a hamstring injury. Emmanuel Agbadou and Tawanda Chirewa have departed for AFCON, further depleting the squad.

The injury list remains extensive with Rodrigo Gomes, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, and Marshall Munetsi all unavailable. Hugo Bueno has returned to training and will be assessed late. In goal, José Sá could retain his place ahead of Sam Johnstone.

Form

Liverpool

Liverpool have rediscovered their rhythm, winning consecutive league games for the first time since their opening five matches of the season. They thrive during this period, having historically performed well between Christmas and New Year. Hugo Ekitiké is in lethal form, having scored five goals in his last three league appearances.

Wolves

Wolves are on the brink of unwanted history. They are winless in their last 21 Premier League games and have lost their last 10 in a row. A loss today would see Rob Edwards become only the second manager in Premier League history to lose his first seven matches in charge of a club. Furthermore, they have lost their last eight Premier League away games at Anfield.

Predicted Lineups

Liverpool predicted XI: Alisson; Frimpong, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones; Chiesa, Mac Allister, Wirtz; Ekitiké

Wolves predicted XI: Sá; Semedo, Mosquera, S. Bueno, Doherty; J. Gomes, André, Lemina; Bellegarde, Cunha, Larsen

How to watch Liverpool vs Wolves?

This match will not be broadcast live in the UK due to the Saturday 3:00 pm blackout. Highlights will be available on the BBC’s Match of the Day.

Read- Every Premier League title winner who was outside the top four at Christmas

See more- Five of the best: Premier League Boxing Day goals

Subscribe to our social channels:

Tottenham Hotspur host Fulham on Saturday evening, needing a response after a difficult week.

A 4-1 derby defeat to Arsenal was compounded by a 5-3 loss in Paris. Consequently, Thomas Frank is under pressure to tighten up his defence. Despite these setbacks, Spurs can rely on a dominant home record against Fulham.

The hosts have not lost three consecutive London derbies in the same campaign since 2021. Furthermore, they have overperformed their expected goals (xG) more than any other side this season. Today, they will look to Richarlison to fire them back to winning ways. In fact, the striker has scored in his last two league starts.

Tottenham Hotspur team news

Manager Thomas Frank faces a defensive reshuffle for the visit of Fulham. Vice-captain Cristian Romero is serving a one-match suspension after accumulating five yellow cards. Therefore, Kevin Danso is expected to come into the starting XI. He will partner Micky van de Ven in central defence.

In midfield, João Palhinha will likely line up against his former club. He should partner Rodrigo Bentancur in what promises to be a robust battle.

In attack, Spurs receive a boost with the return of Brennan Johnson. He is available after missing the Champions League trip due to suspension. Consequently, he is likely to slot back into the lineup on the right. Meanwhile, Randal Kolo Muani might have to settle for a place on the bench. This is despite scoring a brace midweek, as Richarlison is expected to retain his spot as the central striker.

Tottenham Hotspur predicted Lineup

Tottenham Hotspur predicted XI: Vicario; Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Udogie; Palhinha, Bentancur; Johnson, Simons, Kudus; Richarlison

When will the match kick off?

The Premier League fixture will take place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, 29 November 2025, with a kick-off scheduled for 8:00 p.m. GMT.

How to watch Tottenham Hotspur vs Fulham?

The match will air live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. Coverage starts at 7:30 pm GMT.

Read- Five of the best solo goals in Champions League history

See more- The Premier League teams set to be most impacted by AFCON

Subscribe to our social channels:

Spurs boss Thomas Frank confirmed that none of his injured players will be fit in time for the visit of Fulham in the Premier League this weekend.

Seven Tottenham players are currently on the treatment table, while Cristian Romero is suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season against Arsenal last weekend, incurring a one-match ban.

James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Dominic Solanke, Ben Davies, Yves Bissouma and Kota Takai are all ruled out through injury, while Radu Dragusin is inching towards a return to action.

Spurs missing eight players for Fulham clash

“Nothing changed from the Arsenal and PSG games apart from the suspension to Cuti,” Frank said in his pre-match press conference. “Radu will not be able to start yet. Progressing, training, that’s the latest.”

The former Brentford manager could not put a timeline on returns for long-term absentees Kulusevski and Solanke.

“I’d love to have them ready to play for us, but they’re unavailable, other players need to step up. It’s much easier to say they’re in, when available, rather than put a time-frame on it.”

Frank also hinted that Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall could start at the weekend after impressing against PSG.

“I think if you perform like you did against the European champions away from home, you’re ready to start in the Premier League.”

Meanwhile, Fulham have no new injury concerns heading into the London derby. Rodrigo Muniz and Antonee Robinson remain unavailable.

Read – Five takeaways from this week’s Champions League action

See Also – Champions League Team of the Week

Follow The Football Faithful on Social Media:

Thomas Frank has revealed he held talks with Manchester United and Chelsea about their managerial positions last year.

Frank was appointed as the new head coach of Tottenham Hotspur in the summer, and has led the North Londoners into the Premier League’s top five so far this season.

His appointment at Spurs came after seven successful seasons at Brentford, where the Dane won plaudits for winning promotion and consolidating the Bees as a top-flight team.

Frank has now revealed that he received interest in his services prior to joining Tottenham. Incredibly, he held negotiations with both Manchester United and Chelsea on the very same day in May 2024.

The 52-year-old was considered for both positions, though United ultimately stuck with former manager Erik ten Hag, only to dismiss the Dutchman five months later and appoint Ruben Amorim. Chelsea instead decided to appoint current boss Enzo Maresca, then of Leicester City.

Speaking to TV 2 Sport, Frank revealed the unusual circumstances of the conversations.

“Sitting down for interviews with two of the 10 biggest clubs in the world – two hours apart – is pretty unique,” he told said.

“I know I didn’t get either of the two jobs, but it was still a huge deal.

“I remember walking through Battersea Park between the two interviews and thinking: ‘Thomas Frank from Frederiksvaerk – am I really experiencing this?'”

Read – Roma view Spurs striker as potential Zirkzee alternative

See more – England Player Ratings vs Albania: Kane’s Brace Seals Perfect Campaign

Follow The Football Faithful on Social Media:

Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are among the growing list of clubs interested in signing Everton midfielder Iliman Ndiaye.

The Senegal international has had a brilliant impact since joining Everton from Marseille in 2024. Ndiaye scored 11 goals in all competitions during an impressive debut year with Everton and has opened the new season in similar form.

He has netted four times in 10 league appearances, while Ndiaye also ranks among the Premier League’s top performers for expected assists (3rd), successful take-ons (3rd), tackles won (8th) and progressive carries (9th).

TEAMtalk are reporting that Newcastle and Spurs are both interested in a potential deal. Everton are under no pressure to sell, however, with Ndiaye contracted until 2029.

Potential January interest is also set to be complicated by Ndiaye’s involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations, which runs from December 21st 2025 to January 18th 2026.

In addition to Premier League admirers, Ndiaye is also attracting interest from Europe. AC Milan, Juventus and Atletico Madrid are all tracking his progress.

Read – Manchester United shortlist midfield duo as part of January plan

See more – Sunderland star Xhaka hailed as ‘signing of the season’

Follow The Football Faithful on Social Media: