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Tottenham Hotspur - Crystal Palace prediction & tips 05.03.2026

Tottenham Hotspur welcome Crystal Palace to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday, 5th March 2026, at 21:00 for Matchday 29 of the Premier League season. Both teams arrive at this fixture following disappointing away defeats, with Spurs suffering a 1-2 loss at Fulham while the Eagles fell by the same scoreline at Manchester United. The hosts currently occupy 16th position with 29 points, six points behind their visitors who sit 13th with 35 points accumulated from their 27 matches thus far.

Our Betting Prediction for Tottenham Hotspur vs Crystal Palace

Our betting tip for this Premier League encounter favours a home victory for Tottenham Hotspur, with the best odds of 2.46 available at 1win. Despite their disappointing league position and recent struggles, Spurs possess superior individual quality and will be desperate to secure three points in front of their home supporters. The historical advantage they hold over Palace, combined with the urgency of their situation, makes them an attractive proposition at the current odds.

Our second betting prediction focuses on both teams finding the back of the net, with "Both Teams to Score - Yes" priced at 1.65 with Paripesa. Given that both sides have demonstrated attacking capabilities throughout the campaign and defensive vulnerabilities that have contributed to their respective struggles, goals at both ends appear highly probable. Tottenham have scored 37 goals while conceding 41, whereas Palace have netted 29 times and shipped 32 goals, suggesting an open encounter with scoring opportunities for both teams.

Tottenham Hotspur Form Analysis

Tottenham find themselves in an unprecedented crisis, languishing in 16th position with a mere 29 points from 27 Premier League fixtures. Their recent form has been nothing short of catastrophic, with the North London club failing to register a single victory in their last five league encounters, managing only one draw alongside four defeats. This alarming run has left supporters questioning the direction of the club under Igor Tudor's stewardship.

The Croatian manager inherited a challenging situation and has struggled to implement his tactical philosophy effectively. Tudor's approach typically emphasises high-intensity pressing and attacking football, yet his players have appeared unable to execute his vision consistently. The home record provides particular cause for concern, with Spurs managing just two victories, four draws, and eight defeats at their impressive stadium this season. Such statistics represent a dramatic fall from grace for a club with European aspirations.

Their most recent outing exemplified their current predicament, as they surrendered a lead to lose 2-1 away to Fulham. This defeat highlighted persistent defensive frailties and a concerning inability to manage games effectively when in advantageous positions. With 37 goals scored and 41 conceded, their statistics suggest a team capable of creating chances but fundamentally flawed in their defensive structure. Tudor must find solutions quickly to arrest this decline and restore confidence among his squad.

The pressure continues to mount on the former Marseille manager, whose reputation for transforming underperforming teams faces its sternest examination. His tactical acumen will be tested against a Palace side who have demonstrated greater resilience and organisation throughout the campaign.

Crystal Palace Current Situation

Crystal Palace have established themselves as a solid mid-table proposition under Oliver Glasner's guidance, currently occupying 13th position with 35 points from their 27 Premier League matches. The Austrian manager has instilled a pragmatic approach that has yielded nine victories, eight draws, and ten defeats, representing a respectable return for a club with limited financial resources compared to their competitors.

Glasner's tactical setup typically features disciplined defensive organisation combined with quick transitions in attack, utilising the pace and directness of his forward players to exploit counter-attacking opportunities. This approach has proven particularly effective away from home, where Palace have recorded six wins, two draws, and five defeats, demonstrating their ability to adapt their game plan according to the opposition and circumstances.

Their recent form of two wins, one draw, and two defeats from their last five Premier League fixtures suggests a team capable of competing effectively against various levels of opposition. However, their most recent performance saw them fall to a 2-1 defeat against Manchester United at Old Trafford, a result that highlighted both their competitive spirit and the fine margins that often determine outcomes at this level.

The Eagles have scored 29 goals while conceding 32, statistics that reflect their cautious approach and emphasis on defensive solidity. Glasner has successfully created a cohesive unit that maximises the collective strengths of his squad rather than relying heavily on individual brilliance. This philosophy has served them well throughout the campaign and provides a solid foundation for their remaining fixtures.

Palace's ability to remain competitive despite limited resources speaks volumes about the Austrian manager's coaching abilities and his players' commitment to the collective cause.

Last Direct Encounters

The recent head-to-head record between these London rivals favours Tottenham, who have claimed three victories compared to Palace's two wins from their last five meetings across all competitions. Their most recent encounter resulted in a 1-0 away victory for Spurs, demonstrating their ability to secure positive results against the Eagles even during challenging periods.

This historical advantage provides some encouragement for Tottenham supporters, suggesting that Tudor's side possess the tactical knowledge and individual quality necessary to overcome Palace's organised approach. The psychological edge gained from recent success in this fixture could prove crucial, particularly given the current confidence issues plaguing the home side.

However, Palace have shown they can compete effectively against Tottenham, securing two victories from their last five encounters. These results demonstrate that Glasner's tactical approach can neutralise Spurs' attacking threats while exploiting defensive vulnerabilities that have become increasingly apparent throughout the current campaign.

Current Form Comparison

The contrasting form of both teams provides fascinating insight into their respective trajectories. Tottenham's winless run of five Premier League matches, featuring four defeats and one draw, represents their worst sequence in recent memory and has contributed significantly to their precarious league position. This alarming decline has raised serious questions about Tudor's ability to reverse their fortunes.

Crystal Palace's more balanced recent record of two wins, one draw, and two defeats suggests greater stability and resilience under pressure. Glasner's side have demonstrated the capacity to bounce back from disappointments and maintain competitive performances across various fixtures, indicating superior mental strength during challenging periods.

The statistical evidence strongly supports Palace's superior recent form, yet football matches are not decided purely on paper. Tottenham's individual quality and desperate need for points could provide the motivation necessary to overcome their recent struggles and secure a vital victory.

Best Odds and Betting Recommendations

Our extensive experience working with leading bookmakers and analysing betting markets across the industry has identified excellent value in backing Tottenham for victory at odds of 2.46 with 1win. Despite their poor recent form, the combination of home advantage, superior individual talent, and historical dominance over Palace presents an attractive betting proposition.

Many betting sites with welcome bonus offers provide new customers with enhanced opportunities to maximise their returns on fixtures such as this. Welcome bonus sites typically offer freebet credits upon first deposit, allowing punters to explore various markets with reduced risk while potentially securing substantial profits.

Our secondary recommendation focuses on both teams scoring, priced at 1.65 with Paripesa. The defensive frailties exhibited by both sides throughout the campaign, combined with their respective attacking capabilities, strongly suggest goals at both ends of the pitch.

Conclusion

This Premier League encounter presents Tottenham with a crucial opportunity to arrest their alarming decline and begin climbing away from the relegation zone. Despite their woeful recent form, the combination of home advantage, superior individual quality, and historical success against Palace provides sufficient justification for backing Tudor's side to secure all three points. The defensive vulnerabilities demonstrated by both teams throughout the campaign make both teams scoring an equally attractive proposition, offering punters multiple avenues to profit from what promises to be an entertaining London derby with significant implications for both clubs' remaining season objectives.

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Fulham FC - Tottenham Hotspur prediction & tips 01.03.2026

Fulham FC welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Craven Cottage on Sunday, 1st March 2026, at 15:00 for what promises to be a crucial Premier League encounter on Matchday 28. The Cottagers currently occupy 10th position with 37 points from 27 matches, while Spurs find themselves in a precarious 16th place with just 29 points. Both sides enter this fixture seeking vital points, though for vastly different reasons - Fulham aiming to consolidate their mid-table position and potentially push for European qualification, while Tottenham desperately need victories to distance themselves from relegation concerns.

Our Betting Prediction for Fulham FC vs Tottenham Hotspur

Our betting tip for this London derby favours a home victory for Fulham FC at odds of 2.19 with 1win. The Cottagers' superior league position, stronger home record, and recent head-to-head dominance make them the logical choice despite their inconsistent recent form. Fulham have secured seven victories in thirteen home fixtures this season, compared to Tottenham's modest away record of five wins from thirteen travels.

For our secondary prediction, we recommend backing both teams to score at 1.65 with Paripesa. Both sides have demonstrated defensive vulnerabilities throughout the campaign, with Fulham conceding 41 goals and Tottenham also shipping 41. The attacking capabilities of both teams, combined with their defensive frailties, suggest goals at both ends are highly probable.

Fulham FC Form Analysis

The Cottagers have endured a turbulent period recently, managing just two victories in their last five Premier League outings while suffering three defeats. However, their most recent performance provided significant encouragement, as they secured an impressive 3-1 away victory against Sunderland AFC, demonstrating their capacity to perform when the pressure intensifies.

Marco Silva's men have accumulated 37 points from 27 matches, positioning them comfortably in 10th place with a respectable goal difference of 38:41. Their attacking output has been particularly noteworthy, averaging 1.41 goals per game, while their defensive record suggests room for improvement with 1.52 goals conceded per match.

At Craven Cottage, Fulham have proven considerably more formidable, recording seven victories, two draws, and four defeats from thirteen home fixtures. This represents a win percentage of 53.8% on home soil, significantly superior to their overall campaign performance. The familiar surroundings of their historic riverside stadium have consistently provided the catalyst for improved performances throughout the season.

Silva's tactical approach has emphasised attacking fluidity and quick transitions, though defensive consistency remains a concern. The Portuguese manager's experience in English football has proven invaluable in navigating the complexities of Premier League competition, and his ability to motivate players during challenging periods will be crucial against a Tottenham side desperate for points.

Tottenham Hotspur Struggling for Consistency

Tottenham's campaign has been characterised by profound disappointment and underachievement, with the North London club languishing in 16th position with merely 29 points from 27 matches. Their recent form has been particularly concerning, failing to register a single victory in their last five Premier League encounters while managing two draws and suffering three defeats.

The nadir of their recent struggles was exemplified in their latest outing, a humiliating 1-4 home defeat to Arsenal FC in the North London Derby. This result not only damaged their already fragile confidence but also highlighted the significant gulf in quality and organisation between the two North London rivals.

Spurs have managed seven victories, eight draws, and twelve defeats this season, producing a goal difference of 37:41 that mirrors their inconsistent performances. Their away record of five wins, four draws, and four defeats from thirteen matches suggests they possess the capability to compete away from home, though their overall form indicates systemic issues that transcend venue.

Tudor's appointment was intended to provide tactical discipline and defensive solidity, yet the Croatian manager has struggled to implement his philosophy effectively. The former Marseille boss favours a pragmatic approach emphasising defensive organisation and counter-attacking opportunities, though his methods have yet to yield consistent results. The pressure on Tudor continues to intensify with each disappointing performance, and another defeat could prove terminal for his tenure.

Last Direct Encounters

Recent history strongly favours Fulham in this fixture, with the Cottagers securing three victories, one draw, and suffering just one defeat in their last five meetings across all competitions. Their most recent encounter resulted in a 2-1 away victory for Fulham, demonstrating their ability to compete effectively against their London rivals.

This head-to-head dominance provides additional confidence for Silva's side, particularly considering their superior current league position and form. The psychological advantage of recent success against Tottenham could prove decisive in what promises to be a closely contested encounter.

The statistical evidence from recent meetings suggests Fulham have developed effective tactical solutions to counter Tottenham's approach, while Spurs have struggled to adapt their game plan accordingly. This pattern of results indicates underlying tactical and mental advantages that extend beyond individual match circumstances.

Current Form and Latest Results

Fulham's recent form across all competitions shows two victories and three defeats from their last five fixtures, with their latest result being the encouraging 3-1 victory over Sunderland. This performance demonstrated their attacking potency and ability to maintain concentration throughout ninety minutes.

Conversely, Tottenham have managed just one victory, one draw, and three defeats in their last five matches across all competitions. Their latest result, the 1-4 home capitulation against Arsenal, exposed fundamental defensive weaknesses and lack of mental resilience under pressure.

The contrasting trajectories of both teams' recent performances suggest Fulham possess superior momentum and confidence heading into this crucial encounter.

Betting Analysis and Recommendations

Our extensive experience working with leading bookmakers and analysing betting markets across the industry indicates exceptional value in backing Fulham for victory at 2.19. This price reflects the uncertainty surrounding both teams' form while undervaluing the Cottagers' home advantage and superior league position.

Many reputable betting sites with welcome bonus offers provide attractive opportunities for new customers, with welcome bonus sites typically offering freebet credits upon first deposit. These promotional offers can enhance potential returns significantly when combined with carefully selected betting opportunities.

The both teams to score market at 1.65 represents excellent value considering both sides' defensive vulnerabilities and attacking capabilities. Historical data from recent encounters supports this prediction, with goal-scoring opportunities likely to arise for both teams.

Conclusion

Fulham's superior league position, stronger home record, and recent head-to-head dominance over Tottenham provide compelling reasons to support their victory at Craven Cottage. While both teams have experienced inconsistent form recently, the Cottagers' encouraging latest result against Sunderland suggests improved confidence and tactical cohesion under Silva's guidance. Tottenham's struggles, exemplified by their humiliating derby defeat to Arsenal, indicate deep-rooted issues that are unlikely to be resolved quickly. The combination of home advantage, better current form, and psychological superiority from recent meetings makes Fulham the logical choice for victory, while both teams' defensive frailties support the both teams to score prediction.

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Tottenham have appointed Igor Tudor as interim head coach until the end of the season. The former Juventus manager had been out of work since leaving the Bianconeri at the end of last season. He will now prepare for his first taste of Premier League football, as he aims to turn around a dismal season at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Danish boss Thomas Frank was sacked earlier this week after eight months in the job, with Tottenham just five points above the relegation zone. Instead of hiring a long-term replacement now, Spurs decided to name an experienced coach to guide them to safety before undertaking a more extensive search in the summer. However, they are expected to consider Tudor for the permanent role should he perform.

The 47-year-old Croatian was sacked as Juve boss in October last year after just 24 games in charge. He has also had previous stints at Lazio, Marseille, and Hellas Verona but has never lasted more than 48 matches in charge in any of his jobs. With expert insight from Italy, we bring you more on the new Spurs boss.

What kind of manager is Igor Tudor?

Stefano Buonfino is one of Transfermarkt's Content Managers in Italy and tells us more about the kind fo football Tudor likes to play: "Tudor plays aggressive football with a strong focus on defence and ball possession. He favours counter-attacks or quick direct moves. A three-man defence is almost mandatory with him." He arrived at Juventus last summer, but with plenty of scepticism, as Buonfino explains: "His reputation is still being built. Before arriving at Juve, few fans were happy with him. Those who defended him did so more because he was part of the club's history and because of his mentality, but many wondered if he was up to the task of managing a big club, and him being sacked shortly after confirmed those doubts."

So why has he not lasted very long in either of his four management jobs so far? "Sometimes he preferred not to stay, as at Lazio or Verona, in search of better options," admits Buonfino. "Other times, he was unable to solve the problems in the environment and ended up failing. He has yet to find a project that can give him continuity. Even at Juve, he was confirmed in the summer because they were unable to get Antonio Conte, who remained at Napoli, but clearly they did not fully believe in him.

"At Tottenham, he finds a team that has already been accustomed to a three-man defence in the past, but he also finds a club in a mess. With his sergeant-like mentality, he could immediately make an impact on the environment, but perhaps a more experienced coach would be needed at Spurs, given the situation that is falling apart. However, it is certainly an excellent opportunity for him, but he has yet to prove that he can successfully coach a top team."

Danish boss Thomas Frank was sacked earlier this week after eight months in the job, with Tottenham just five points above the relegation zone. The hunt is now on for his replacement, with reports suggesting that Spurs plan to name an experienced head coach as an interim manager for the remainder of the season, before making a long-term appointment in the summer. Although, they are expected to consider the interim boss for the permanent role should he perform.

The name now reportedly leading the list is former Juventus manager Igor Tudor. Tottenham are thought to have verbally agreed a deal to appoint Tudor as interim head coach until the end of the season. The 47-year-old Croatian was sacked as Juve boss in October last year after just 24 games in charge. He has also had previous stints at Lazio, Marseille, and Hellas Verona but has never lasted more than 48 matches in charge in any of his jobs. With expert insight from Italy, we bring you more on the potential new Spurs boss.

What kind of manager is Igor Tudor?

Stefano Buonfino is one of Transfermarkt's Content Managers in Italy and tells us more about the kind fo football Tudor likes to play: "Tudor plays aggressive football with a strong focus on defence and ball possession. He favours counter-attacks or quick direct moves. A three-man defence is almost mandatory with him." He arrived at Juventus last summer, but with plenty of scepticism, as Buonfino explains: "His reputation is still being built. Before arriving at Juve, few fans were happy with him. Those who defended him did so more because he was part of the club's history and because of his mentality, but many wondered if he was up to the task of managing a big club, and him being sacked shortly after confirmed those doubts."

So why has he not lasted very long in either of his four management jobs so far? "Sometimes he preferred not to stay, as at Lazio or Verona, in search of better options," admits Buonfino. "Other times, he was unable to solve the problems in the environment and ended up failing. He has yet to find a project that can give him continuity. Even at Juve, he was confirmed in the summer because they were unable to get Antonio Conte, who remained at Napoli, but clearly they did not fully believe in him.

"At Tottenham, he finds a team that has already been accustomed to a three-man defence in the past, but he also finds a club in a mess. With his sergeant-like mentality, he could immediately make an impact on the environment, but perhaps a more experienced coach would be needed at Spurs, given the situation that is falling apart. However, it is certainly an excellent opportunity for him, but he has yet to prove that he can successfully coach a top team."

Things went from bad to worse for Tottenham on Saturday after a reckless red card from their captain Cristian Romero saw them have to play for an hour with 10 men at Old Trafford, eventually losing 2-0 to Manchester United. And in turn sliding further down the table. Spurs were taken apart by Michael Carrick's side once they went down to 10. It means that Thomas Frank's team are now as low as 15th in the table. Pressure is beginning to crack up on the Dane, and a potential relegation battle is starting to look like a genuine threat for Spurs.

Last season was a strange campaign for Tottenham. They won their first trophy in 17 years as they beat Man United in the Europa League final, but it was a disastrous domestic campaign, with Spurs finishing as low as 17th in the Premier League table. They got just 38 points. That eventually led to manager Ange Postecoglou getting relieved of his duties. But in fact, under Frank, Spurs are actually worse off than they were at this stage last term. Worrying times. It's almost relegation form.

Tottenham 24/25 vs 25/26 compared

Last season was Spurs' worst ever Premier League points total (38) and worst ever Premier League final position (17th). It looked like there was only room for improvement this term. But if we actually compare Tottenham's record after 25 games this term, to their numbers after 25 matches last season, the North London club are actually doing worse. At this stage last season, Spurs had 30 points and were 12th in the table. Now, they have 29 points and are 15th. Back in the 2024/25 campaign, Postecoglou's side had scored as many as 49 goals and conceded 37. Under Frank they have scored just 35 and also let in 35.

The idea was that Frank would come in and make Tottenham more solid, tactically adaptable and harder to beat. However, in reality, the results are no better, and the football is far less exciting to watch than it was under the Australian, Postecoglou. With the promoted sides putting up a far better fight this time around and a much better relegation battle looming, it's not completely unfeasible that Tottenham find themselves in that fight. Results and performances must improve.

The stakes couldn't be higher ahead of Newcastle's Premier League clash with Tottenham on Tuesday night. Following a disastrous defeat to Brentford at the weekend, in which Eddie Howe's side lost 3-2 despite taking the lead and then levelling the scoring 10 minutes from time, the Newcastle manager was forced to confront the pressure on him and whether he was still the right man for the job. "That's why I'm sitting here," said Howe ahead of what might be a must-win game for the 48-year-old manager. "If there was doubt, I wouldn't be - because the club is the most important thing. I've never put myself before the club. If I didn't think I was the correct man to take the team forward, and I couldn't give the players what they need, then I would step aside and let someone else do it."

Following the defeat to Brentford, Newcastle have now won just one of their last eight games in all competitions, which has seen then drop out of the English League Cup and slump to twelfth in the Premier League table. And if the St James's Park side can't overcome a Spurs team that sit fifteenth in the league table and just six points above relegation, then some serious questions may need to be asked of Howe and what's gone wrong for Newcastle this season.

In no uncertain terms, Newcastle’s season has so far been one to forget for the club’s passionate fanbase. Alongside getting knocked out of the League Cup they had hoped to defend after last season’s historic title win, Howe’s side have spent just one matchday out of 25 in the Premier League top six. And while the Geordie club have advanced through the Champions League group stage to the first knock-out round, that alone hasn’t been enough to spare Howe’s record at the club from nosediving this season.

When we consider Howe’s record as Newcastle manager in each of his five seasons at the club, we can see that this current campaign is his worst ever since taking over the job at St James’s Park. Across all games, Howe has averaged just 1.51 points per game, which is lower than the 1.57 points per game he averaged in 21/22 and 23/24 and, staggeringly, a 20 percent drop on last season’s form. And, as Newcastle fans may have already noted, the English tactician’s poor form in 23/24 and this season also coincided with the club juggling the demands of domestic football and the Champions League.

However, chalking up Newcastle’s poor form to extra games and a crowded schedule doesn’t explain everything and, in Howe’s defence, he touched on the club’s biggest issue after the Man City defeat in the League Cup. "In both games if you look back. We are frustrated we only scored one goal in two games,” said the Newcastle boss. "We don't feel we should have lost the first leg 2-0 on the balance of opportunities created. It could have been different but we accept the reality. The last thing you want to do is have to chase a game. We were going for the match, we were trying to attack."

Indeed, Howe’s side have been extremely shy in front of goal this season, with just two occasions in their last 10 Premier League games when they’ve scored more than two goals. And it’ll come as no surprise to fans of the club to learn that their 35 goals in 25 games ranks them twelfth among all clubs in the English top-flight, as they sit precariously with a goal difference of -1. In stark contrast, Newcastle had the fourth best attacking stats in the Premier League and enjoyed a goal difference of +21.

The major issue here is, of course, the fact that the club were more or less forced to sell want-away striker Alexander Isak to Liverpool in the summer transfer window. The Sweden international not only impressed with 27 goals in 42 games across all competitions but scored a staggering 16 more goals than the next best goalscorers in Howe’s side. Newcastle are struggling without Isak’s goals this time around and the players they signed in a bid to replace him have so-far failed to live up to the billing.

As we all know, Newcastle took the €145 million they received for Isak’s transfer and essentially spent it directly on centre forwards Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa from Stuttgart and Brentford respectively, as well as Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest. In total, the attacking trio cost a staggering €194m and should have provided more than enough cover for Isak’s goals but that hasn’t exactly worked out for Howe and his team and as a result they have seriously struggled to score goals and win games.

The numbers are stark. Following the weekend's clash with Brentford, Elanga has managed just one goal and two assists in 32 games for Newcastle, Wissa has failed to replicate his form from last season with just three goals and one assist in 17 games and Woltemade has just nine goals and four assists in 35 games across all competitions. Which means even if we combined the contributions of all three players together, their combined total of 20 goals and assists still comes some way short of Isak’s 34 goals and assists last season.

Of course, it takes time for new signings to adapt to new surroundings and no one expected any of Newcastle’s new players to step into Isak’s shoes and replace the striker overnight. But unless Howe can get any of his three big signings to start scoring and creating goals on a regular basis in the weeks to come, this season could finish with Newcastle stuck in midtable and potentially looking for a new manager in the summer.

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Manchester United continued their impressive unbeaten run under Michael Carrick with a 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur, who are facing a crisis after losing two more players to suspension or injury. Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes made it four wins in a row for the Red Devils since Carrick took charge, and they were largely untroubled after Spurs captain Cristian Romero was shown a straight red card for a high challenge on Casemiro in the 29th minute.

The Argentine will be banned for the next four matches as it was his second dismissal of the campaign, and it comes at the worst possible time for head coach Thomas Frank, who is already missing 11 players due to injury.

Ironically, Romero had complained only last week that the north London side only had "11 players available", and now their squad is looking even more threadbare with his forthcoming suspension. Unfortunately for the 27-year-old, no player has accumulated more disciplinary points this season than his 16 - with eight yellow cards and two reds in 21 matches.

Worse yet for his manager, left-back Destiny Udogie was forced off with a suspected injury and replaced by new signing, Brazilian teenager Souza, who did not appear to be daunted by the raucous atmosphere at Old Trafford. It proved to be another difficult day for Frank, whose side now lie 14th in the league table, while United continue their march up the standings and are closing the gap on the likes of Aston Villa and Manchester City.

The Europa League final backdrop

Last season's Europa League final was strange in many ways. The team that finished 17th in the Premier League - Spurs - beat the team that finished 15th in the Premier League - Man United. Yes, in a European final. In many ways, it highlighted the strength of the English top-flight compared to other European divisions. Some also argued it emphasised the drop in quality in the Europa League after the change in format saw more teams go into the Champions League, and no teams drop down.

Seven months on from that night in Bilbao, in which Spurs ran out 1-0 victors thanks to a Brennan Johnson goal and won their first trophy in 17 years, Tottenham faced the Red Devils again - this time travelling to Old Trafford. Since May 21 2025, it's been rather contrasting journeys for the two teams, although plenty of uncertainty remains within both camps. Like the goalscorer Johnson (now at Crystal Palace), both managers that were in charge that night - Ange Postecoglou and Rúben Amorim - are now gone. Frank remains under immense pressure after a mediocre start to say the best, whilst new interim boss Carrick has enjoyed a superb early start in the dugout.

Why are clubs heading in different directions?

Tottenham (€877m) currently have a higher squad market value than Man United (€719m) but we could see a swing to these figures in March's Premier League market value update. So why do Man United find themselves back in the fight for the Champions League places whilst Spurs continue to sit just above the relegation zone? "It's worth remembering that we finished 17th last season," manager Frank uttered in a recent press conference.

Club Comparison

Manchester United

Tottenham Hotspur

Premier League

Premier League

€719.15m

Market Value

€876.50m

First Tier

League Level

First Tier

€250.70m

Expenditures 25/26

€265.60m

Michael Carrick

Managers

Thomas Frank

Full Club Comparison

The first area to look at is perhaps recruitment. Man United brought in in-form Premier League-proven stars in Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, who have both started life at Old Trafford well and transformed the club's attack. Whilst striker Benjamin Sesko has had a slower start to his United career, there have been recent signs of his potential. In total United splashed out €251 million this summer, but that was mainly on that aforementioned trio.

Meanwhile, Tottenham also had a busy summer, spending a total of €221m, but it's hard to say any of their new signings have properly hit the ground running. There were promising signs from winger Mohammed Kudus before he broke down with a long-term injury. But Xavi Simons has failed to adapt to the Premier League thus far following his €65m move - although he remains young and was always going to take to acclimatise to the new league. But there has been no real major impact from any of the summer business, with Spurs splashing out a further €55m this January to sign Conor Gallagher and Brazilian youngster Souza.

Tottenham's signings seem to have been approached with more of a look to the future than the present, but that squad needs help now. It has also been a frustrating start for manager Frank, who has been heavily criticised for a negative style of play and a more pragmatic approach - ironically exactly what some Spurs fans were calling for last season under Postecoglou. But the real issue is that results haven't improved a whole lot despite their more cautious approach.

Both teams are still well off where they would want to be, but this Saturday's encounter at Old Trafford suggested that gap is widening with every week - and that can only be bad news for Frank and Spurs.

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Manchester United continued their impressive unbeaten run under Michael Carrick with a 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur, who are facing a crisis after losing two more players to suspension or injury. Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes made it four wins in a row for the Red Devils since Carrick took charge, and they were largely untroubled after Spurs captain Cristian Romero was shown a straight red card for a high challenge on Casemiro in the 29th minute.

The Argentine will be banned for the next four matches as it was his second dismissal of the campaign, and it comes at the worst possible time for head coach Thomas Frank, who is already missing 11 players due to injury.

Ironically, Romero had complained only last week that the north London side only had "11 players available", and now their squad is looking even more threadbare with his forthcoming suspension. Unfortunately for the 27-year-old, no player has accumulated more disciplinary points this season than his 16 - with eight yellow cards and two reds in 21 matches.

Worse yet for his manager, left-back Destiny Udogie was forced off with a suspected injury and replaced by new signing, Brazilian teenager Souza, who did not appear to be daunted by the raucous atmosphere at Old Trafford. It proved to be another difficult day for Frank, whose side now lie 14th in the league table, while United continue their march up the standings and are closing the gap on the likes of Aston Villa and Manchester City.

The Europa League final backdrop

Last season's Europa League final was strange in many ways. The team that finished 17th in the Premier League - Spurs - beat the team that finished 15th in the Premier League - Man United. Yes, in a European final. In many ways, it highlighted the strength of the English top-flight compared to other European divisions. Some also argued it emphasised the drop in quality in the Europa League after the change in format saw more teams go into the Champions League, and no teams drop down.

Seven months on from that night in Bilbao, in which Spurs ran out 1-0 victors thanks to a Brennan Johnson goal and won their first trophy in 17 years, Tottenham faced the Red Devils again - this time travelling to Old Trafford. Since May 21 2025, it's been rather contrasting journeys for the two teams, although plenty of uncertainty remains within both camps. Like the goalscorer Johnson (now at Crystal Palace), both managers that were in charge that night - Ange Postecoglou and Rúben Amorim - are now gone. Frank remains under immense pressure after a mediocre start to say the best, whilst new interim boss Carrick has enjoyed a superb early start in the dugout.

Why are clubs heading in different directions?

Tottenham (€877m) currently have a higher squad market value than Man United (€719m) but we could see a swing to these figures in March's Premier League market value update. So why do Man United find themselves back in the fight for the Champions League places whilst Spurs continue to sit just above the relegation zone? "It's worth remembering that we finished 17th last season," manager Frank uttered in a recent press conference.

Club Comparison

Manchester United

Tottenham Hotspur

Premier League

Premier League

€719.15m

Market Value

€876.50m

First Tier

League Level

First Tier

€250.70m

Expenditures 25/26

€265.60m

Michael Carrick

Managers

Thomas Frank

Full Club Comparison

The first area to look at is perhaps recruitment. Man United brought in in-form Premier League-proven stars in Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, who have both started life at Old Trafford well and transformed the club's attack. Whilst striker Benjamin Sesko has had a slower start to his United career, there have been recent signs of his potential. In total United splashed out €251 million this summer, but that was mainly on that aforementioned trio.

Meanwhile, Tottenham also had a busy summer, spending a total of €221m, but it's hard to say any of their new signings have properly hit the ground running. There were promising signs from winger Mohammed Kudus before he broke down with a long-term injury. But Xavi Simons has failed to adapt to the Premier League thus far following his €65m move - although he remains young and was always going to take to acclimatise to the new league. But there has been no real major impact from any of the summer business, with Spurs splashing out a further €55m this January to sign Conor Gallagher and Brazilian youngster Souza.

Tottenham's signings seem to have been approached with more of a look to the future than the present, but that squad needs help now. It has also been a frustrating start for manager Frank, who has been heavily criticised for a negative style of play and a more pragmatic approach - ironically exactly what some Spurs fans were calling for last season under Postecoglou. But the real issue is that results haven't improved a whole lot despite their more cautious approach.

Both teams are still well off where they would want to be, but this Saturday's encounter at Old Trafford suggested that gap is widening with every week - and that can only be bad news for Frank and Spurs.