The 4th Official

Tottenham Hotspur entertained Aston Villa at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium earlier today as they hoped to secure all three points at home in the Premier League. Spurs made a good start to the game and got their noses ahead in the fifth minute thanks to Rodrigo Bentancur’s goal. However, Morgan Rogers equalised for the visitors with a great strike in the 37th minute. Both teams went into the half-time break with a 1-1 scoreline.

Emiliano Buendia scored the winning goal for the Villans in the 77th minute as Thomas Frank’s men crashed to a tough 2-1 loss away from home.

Let’s take a look at how each Tottenham Hotspur player fared during the clash against the Villans.

GK: Guglielmo Vicario – 5.5/10

He failed to make a save in the game and ended up conceding twice this afternoon.

RB: Pedro Porro – 6.5/10

Porro was a positive influence at both ends of the field.

CB: Kevin Danso – 6.5/10

He gave a good account of himself on the defensive end of the field, but it was not enough today.

CB: Micky van de Ven – 6/10

Van de Ven dealt with the danger when he could, but failed to keep the opposition attackers quiet.

LB: Djed Spence – 6/10

He did his fair share of defending, but offered very little going forward.

CM: Rodrigo Bentancur – 7/10

Bentancur anchored the midfield well and gave Tottenham the lead in the fifth minute.

CM: Joao Palhinha – 7.5/10

He was a positive influence at both ends of the pitch.

RW: Mohammed Kudus – 6.5/10

Kudus delivered some dangerous crosses into the opposition penalty area but failed to threaten the opponent’s goal.

CAM: Xavi Simons – 6.5/10

He did his fair share of defending and made one decent chance in the final third.

LW: Wilson Odobert – 6.5/10

Odobert caught the eye at times, but never looked like he would score.

ST: Mathys Tel – 6/10

He struggled to be a menace on the offensive end of the field.

Substitutes:

ST: Richarlison – 6/10

He made one key chance in the final third.

ST: Randal Kolo Muani – 6/10

His impact on the game was minimal.

CM: Lucas Bergvall – 6/10

He struggled to influence the game.

CM: Pape Matar Sarr – N/A

In a recent newsletter, renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano said that Tottenham Hotspur are keeping tabs on Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo. Romano said, “Many clubs are tracking him, Spurs and not only. But it’s not something being discussed now, it’s too early.”

Semenyo’s Good Run Of Form In The Premier League

The Ghanaian wide player has enjoyed a decent campaign at Bournemouth so far after producing a string of eye-catching displays for them in the Premier League. Semenyo has netted six goals and earned three assists in eight matches for the Cherries this season on all fronts.

The 25-year-old has caught the eye at times in the final third as he is averaging 2.29 shots per 90 minutes in the Premier League. He has kept 50% of his shots on target. However, Semenyo needs to be more careful when distributing the ball in the opponent’s half after completing just 67.1% of his attempted passes in the English first division (stats via fbref.com).

His current contract at Bournemouth will expire in the summer of 2030, which could make it tough for the Spurs to sign him on the cheap next year.

What Will Semenyo Bring To Tottenham Hotspur?

Semenyo has got the pace to cause a lot of headaches for his marker out in the wide areas. He has got the vision to create a few promising chances for his teammates to find the back of the net and is a good dribbler with the ball at his feet.

The Ghanaian talent is primarily a right-winger but can also serve as a left-sided wide player or as a striker up top if asked to do so. He is already quite familiar with the Premier League and won’t take much time to adjust to life at Tottenham.

Semenyo would bring more pace and goals to Spurs boss Thomas Frank’s attack. He is more than capable of earning a regular starting spot at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

At 25, Semenyo has his peak years ahead of him, which makes him a worthy option for the North London club to pursue this January or at the end of this season. He could even help Tottenham compete for some major trophies over the next few years.

Aston Villa step into their next Premier League challenge with confidence growing again. After a steady climb up the table, Unai Emery’s side now prepares to face Tottenham Hotspur away. This match will test their recent form. The Birmingham side’s recent performances have impressed everyone.

They have shown togetherness and fight after a slow start. Yet, injuries could affect their approach this weekend. Youri Tielemans is still recovering from a calf problem that needs time to heal. Ross Barkley continues his recovery from a groin injury.

Meanwhile, Ollie Watkins keeps working on his fitness after he withdrew from his England duty. The club expects him to return for this game. Villa will treat every detail as crucial in a fixture of this intensity.

Aston Villa Predicted 4-2-3-1 Starting Lineup Against Tottenham Hotspur:

Defence:

At the back, Aston Villa will likely keep a familiar and steady structure. Emiliano Martinez will guard the goal with confidence. He will bring calmness and leadership to the backline. The Argentine short-stopper’s quick reflexes and control of the penalty area often save Villa during difficult moments.

In front of him, Matty Cash and Lucas Digne should handle the full-back duties. Cash pushes forward on the right, while Digne supports attacks on the left and tracks back quickly. Ezri Konsa and Pau Torres will control the centre of defence.

They rely on sharp positioning and fast reactions. Konsa wins physical duels, and Torres carries the ball forward to link play into midfield. Torres should move freely after recovering completely from his injury. Villa’s defence should stand firm and stay flexible to handle Tottenham’s pace and movement.

Midfield:

The midfield duo of Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana will bring strength and balance to the team. Kamara generally controls the tempo and moves the ball with accuracy. He shields the defence with awareness and perfect timing. Onana uses his power and drive to push the team through transitions.

His return from injury will provide the midfield more calmness and stability. Together, they will build a strong partnership that absorbs pressure and starts quick counters. Emery should trust them to stop Tottenham’s creativity through the centre. Kamara reads the game well, while Onana wins challenges and moves the play forward fast. Their quick switches from defence to attack will shape the rhythm of Villa’s performance.

Attack:

In attack, Donyell Malen, John McGinn, and Morgan Rogers will support the main striker. McGinn will drive attacks through the middle and keep the team’s energy high. Malen will run at defenders on the right and stretch their line. Rogers will add pace and directness on the left.

Both wide players beat opponents and deliver precise crosses into the box. Their sharp movement should help Ollie Watkins, who leads the line with confidence. Watkins makes clever runs and finishes chances with calmness. He breaks records and strengthens Villa’s attack every week. If he stays fit, the Englishman will test Tottenham’s defenders with his movement and timing of the runs.

Tottenham Hotspur will welcome Aston Villa at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this Sunday afternoon as they look to secure all three points at home in the Premier League. Spurs managed to earn a hard-fought 2-1 win over Leeds United before the international break, which should keep them in good spirits going into this game.

Thomas Frank will set his team up in a 4-2-3-1 formation and is expected to keep changes to a minimum for this game. Hence, Mathys Tel will once again lead the charge for the North London club up top.

Defence

Guglielmo Vicario will function in between the sticks for Tottenham after conceding one goal in his last appearance. Cristian Romero will operate alongside Micky van de Ven at the heart of Frank’s defence as they look to keep a good shape at the back throughout the game.

Pedro Porro will fill in as the right-back, while Destiny Udogie looks to catch the eye on the other side as the left-back. Both of them will try to go forward and express themselves in the opponent’s half.

Kevin Danso and Djed Spence will offer cover for the defensive positions on the bench.

Midfield

Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur will operate as the holding midfielders as they look to win the 50-50 battles at the centre of the park.

The gifted trio of Wilson Odobert, Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus will play just ahead of them as part of Tottenham’s attack. All three of them need to link up with each other well if they want to create enough chances for Spurs to secure a convincing win this weekend.

Pape Matar Sarr and Brennan Johnson will have to be content with a place on the bench and might come on to make an impact in the second 45 minutes if required.

Attack

Mathys Tel will spearhead Frank’s attack on the offensive end of the field. He would be eager to find the back of the net after scoring against Leeds in his last outing.

Randal Kolo Muani will be in a race against time to be fit for a place on the bench and might come on to influence the game in the latter stages if needed.

In a recent interview with Football Insider, former Premier League scout Mick Brown revealed that Tottenham Hotspur could move in for Brentford winger Kevin Schade this January. Brown said, “Kevin Schade is somebody the manager knows inside out.

“He’s had him before and worked with him closely, so he will know what his strengths and limitations are and how he would fit into this Tottenham team.

“So if he thinks he’s the type of player who would improve them, he’ll be pushing for the club to go out and sign him in January.

“It seems to me that Spurs are quite well-stocked out wide, I wouldn’t expect it to be a priority for them.

“But you never know, they’re always looking to add more depth and build on what they’ve got.

“If the manager thinks bringing him in would help them be successful and compete at the right end of the table, then it could be one they look to do.”

Schade’s Recent Form In English Football

Schade has made a decent start to this campaign as he has put in some impressive displays for Brentford in the final third. The 23-year-old has registered one goal in eight matches for the Bees this season across multiple competitions.

The German wing wizard has given a good account of himself on the left flank and deserves credit for averaging 1.42 shots per 90 minutes in the Premier League. He has kept 33.3% of his attempts on target. However, Schade has to find a way to improve his ball distribution in the opponent’s half, based on his pass success rate of 58.6% in the English top flight (stats via fbref.com).

Will Schade Be A Good Choice For Tottenham Hotspur?

Schade is a good dribbler with the ball at his feet and has got the eye to create the odd chance for others around him on the offensive end of the pitch. He can strike the ball with venom from long range, but needs to find a way to be more consistent in front of the opponent’s goal.

The German sensation is primarily a left-winger but can also operate as a right-sided wide player or as a centre-forward if needed. He already knows the Premier League well and won’t take much time to adjust to life at Tottenham.

Schade would inject more quality into Thomas Frank’s frontline. He is good enough to serve as a good rotational piece in the North London club’s squad. Thus, Schade would be a good choice for Spurs to pursue this January.

In a recent report, Fichajes mentioned that Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing a move for Real Sociedad midfielder Luka Sucic. It has been stated that Spurs are showing interest in bringing the Croat midfield ace to North London next year.

Sucic’s Impressive Form In La Liga Last Season

Sucic had an impressive campaign at the Spanish club recently as he produced a handful of eye-catching displays for them at the centre of the park. The Croatia international registered three goals and grabbed two assists in 40 appearances for Real Sociedad this season across multiple competitions.

The 23-year-old deserves some credit for making 25 tackles, 30 blocks, 15 interceptions and 16 clearances in La Liga. He was even accurate when distributing the ball from midfield after completing 82.4% of his attempted passes in the Spanish top flight (stats via fbref.com).

His current contract at Real Sociedad will run out in the summer of 2029. Thus, Spurs would have to make a convincing offer if they want to bring Sucic on board next year.

Should Tottenham Hotspur Boss Thomas Frank Get Sucic On Board?

Sucic loves a tackle and can sense the danger well to make some important interceptions for his team at the centre of the park. He doesn’t mind putting his foot through the ball when needed and is an accurate passer of the ball as well.

The Croatia international can even contribute by scoring and creating his fair share of goals going forward. However, there are some question marks over whether he can adapt to the physicality and high intensity of the Premier League if Spurs manage to sign him next year.

Sucic would no doubt enhance the quality of Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank’s midfield. He is good enough to challenge for a regular first-team spot at the North London club.

At 23, Sucic’s best years are ahead of him. Therefore, he would be a good fit for Tottenham’s needs in the long run. Sucic would also help the London giants compete across all fronts in the coming years. All in all, Frank should focus on going all out to get him on board this January or at the end of this campaign.

Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, journalist Pete O’Rourke revealed that Tottenham Hotspur are keeping tabs on Porto striker Samu Aghehowa. O’Rourke said, “I’m sure he’s [Aghehowa] somebody who’s maybe on the list of Tottenham and other clubs in the Premier League.

“Chelsea [came] very close to signing him a couple of transfer windows ago before the player decided to stay.

“Then Newcastle had him on their list in the summer window as they looked at potential replacements for Alexander Isak before signing Nick Woltemade.

“So I think he’s a top young player, 21 years old, Spain international. It’s no surprise that Tottenham and all these other big clubs in the Premier League are looking at him.

“He’s a player with huge potential and could really develop into one of the best strikers in Europe, if he continues his rise. I think that’s why these Premier League clubs are looking at him.

“He has got a release clause in his contract at Porto of around £86million, which is a big price tag on his head.

“But, I think if he continues what he’s doing right now and develops as a player and fulfils his potential, that could be a decent fee for somebody who wants to take him.

“[For] Tottenham, again, the number nine is coming a bit of an issue for them in some respects. Solanke’s had his injury problems so far this season.

“Then Richarlison has obviously slotted in and done quite well there, but there’s been ongoing speculation in regards to his future.

“Porto will be doing well to hang on to him [Aghehowa] in the next couple of transfer windows because I’m sure that interest will remain.”

Aghehowa’s Excellent Form In Portugal

Aghehowa has made an impressive start to this season as he has put in a run of productive displays for Porto up top. The Spanish talent has banged in five goals in seven league matches for the Portuguese club so far in this campaign.

His current contract at Porto will expire in the summer of 2029. Therefore, Tottenham would have to launch a big offer if they are serious about recruiting Aghehowa next year.

What Will Aghehowa Bring To Tottenham Hotspur?

Aghehowa is proficient at finding a yard of space for himself to get some strikes in at goal. He is also quite clever with his movements in and around the opposition penalty area.

The Spanish talent has managed to be a consistent performer for Porto this season. However, the jury is still out on whether he can maintain his good form in the Premier League.

Aghehowa would no doubt bring more quality to Tottenham’s attack in the long run. He has what it takes to fight for regular first-team football at the North London club.

At 21, Aghehowa has the potential to be a future star in European football. Hence, Frank should focus on getting him on board next year.

In a recent post on X, journalist Rudy Galetti revealed that Tottenham Hotspur are in the running to sign AS Trencin winger Suleiman Sani. It has been stated that Spurs would have to rival Rangers and Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the race to land the Nigerian talent next year.

Sani’s Impressive Rise In Slovakia

The 19-year-old came through the youth ranks of Akwa United before joining Trencin in the summer of 2024. Sani has caught the eye at times with his performances on the left side of the Slovak team’s attack.

The talented teenager has made 30 senior appearances for Trencin so far, finding the back of the net four times and earning two assists in various competitions. However, he is still quite raw and would need time to settle into life in the Premier League if Spurs manage to land him next year.

His current contract at Trencin will expire at the end of this campaign, which could open the door for Tottenham to sign him on a free transfer.

Tottenham Hotspur Are In The Running To Land Sani: Is He A Prospect For The Future?

Sani can make a few driving runs with the ball out in the wide areas. He can strike the ball with power from long range and has got the eye to play some killer passes in and around the opponent’s penalty area.

The Nigerian whizkid has already added a few goals and assists to his game. Sani is primarily a left-sided wide player but can also function as a right-winger if told to do so by his manager. However, he is far from a finished product and would need time to cope with the physical side and the high intensity of the Premier League.

Sani would no doubt improve the quality of Tottenham’s attack in the long run. He has what it takes to compete for a regular first-team spot at the North London club in the coming years.

At 19, Sani is undoubtedly a prospect to watch out for in the future. Therefore, Spurs head coach Thomas Frank would be wise to step up his efforts to sign him this January or at the end of this campaign.

Aston Villa’s scouts have been active across South America in recent months. The club keeps searching for young attacking talent. Their interest in Brazilian football has grown stronger, and reports now link them again with one of the country’s brightest young forwards.

We reported earlier that Aston Villa are showing strong interest in Vasco da Gama’s young forward, Rayan. The 19-year-old has become a standout name in Brazil’s Série A. He has attracted several European clubs with his sharp finishing and confident play in attack.

Aston Villa keeping close watch as Tottenham eye Vasco da Gama’s young gem

Brazilian journalist Jorge Nicola reports that Tottenham Hotspur have joined the race for Rayan Vitor Simplicio Rocha. They plan to pay €30 million for him. The Lilywhites want a new attacker who can grow under Thomas Frank’s system and bring long-term promise. Chelsea are also watching closely. Aston Villa are quietly assessing whether the youngster fits into Unai Emery’s plans.

Villa’s entry into the chase adds more interest. They already face some tough internal decisions this season, including a crucial call on Emiliano Buendia amid tightening PSR pressure. That issue may affect how they handle transfers.

Even so, their recruitment team continues to look for high-potential players. Rayan has impressed at Vasco da Gama with his pace and direct attacking style, which has drawn heavy attention from across Brazil. Moving to England would test him, but he keeps showing signs that he can rise to the challenge of senior football.

Talking about Rayan’s potential impact on Aston Villa’s project

Opinions differ on how much Rayan could offer immediately if Aston Villa sign him. The Brazilian winger represents a long-term investment rather than a quick fix. He has the qualities to become a special player. He runs fast, plays with confidence, and shows instinct in front of the goal. However, the Premier League demands more than flair. He must improve his decision-making and defensive work.

Rayan scored 12 goals for Vasco da Gama in 2025, proving his attacking instinct. Yet he needs patience and time to adjust to England. Emery trusts his ability to develop young players, so if Villa move ahead, they could strengthen their future. For now, Rayan stands as an exciting prospect instead of an immediate impact player. His success will depend on how quickly he adapts to English football and how much support Villa give him to grow.

In a recent interview with Football Insider, former Premier League scout Mick Brown claimed that Tottenham Hotspur are keeping tabs on Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney. Brown said,

“I’m told Tottenham have been watching him and I expect they’ve been impressed by his performances, so they could be the ones to make a move.

“I still think he has room to improve, but I think he’d be able to go to a team like Tottenham and strengthen their squad and work his way into the starting XI.”

Hackney’s Decent Run Of Form In The EFL Championship This Season

Hackney has made an impressive start to this campaign after he put in a few eye-catching displays for them at the centre of the park. The 23-year-old has registered one goal and grabbed two assists in ten matches for Middlesbrough this season in various competitions.

The English talent works hard for his team defensively as he has made 16 tackles, 13 blocks, six interceptions and six clearances in the EFL Championship. He has even distributed the ball well from midfield, based on his pass success rate of 81.7% in the second tier of English football (stats via fbref.com).

Should Tottenham Hotspur Boss Thomas Frank Move In For Hackney?

Hackney is a solid tackler of the ball and can time his challenges well to secure possession back for his team inside his half. He usually puts his foot through the ball when required and is a good passer as well.

The English sensation is an energetic runner with the ball and can even shoot the ball with venom from long range. However, there are some question marks over whether he can maintain his good form in the Premier League if Spurs manage to acquire his services next year.

We can expect Hackney to inject more quality and depth into Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank’s midfield. He has what it takes to fight for regular first-team football at the North London club.

At 23, Hackney has his best years ahead of him, which makes him a good choice for Tottenham to consider next year. He might even help Spurs compete across all fronts in the coming years. Therefore, Frank should focus on moving in for Hackney soon.