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One of the greatest players in Tottenham’s history, Cliff Jones, has just been honoured for his lifetime contributions to the game.

Jones arrived at White Hart Lane in 1958 before lighting up English football under legendary manager Bill Nicholson. Known for his electrifying pace, dribbling, and eye for goal, he regularly got Tottenham fans off their seats.

The winger found the back of the net 159 goals across 378 appearances for the Lilywhites, cementing his place among the pantheon of greats who have represented the club.

Jones was a key part of the historic 1960-61 double-winning Spurs side, won the FA Cup thrice and also contributed to the 1963 European Cup Winners’ Cup victory, which ensured that Tottenham became the first British club to win major European silverware.

Tottenham legend Cliff Jones honoured with an MBE

Jones broke through the ranks at Swansea City and had already become a key part of the Welsh national team prior to his move to North London in 1958.

The Spurs legend won a total of 59 caps for the Dragons across his career, scoring 16 goals, and starred in the nation’s infamous 1958 World Cup campaign, where they made it to the quarter-finals.

For his glorious achievements on the pitch and for the ambassadorial work that he has done over the past few decades for Welsh football, the 91-year-old has now been crowned with an MBE.

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It is a thoroughly deserved honour for Jones, and one that will make both Spurs fans and Welshmen immensely proud.

Jones joins illustrious Spurs figures who have also been awarded MBEs

With this royal recognition, Jones has taken his rightful place alongside a proud list of Tottenham icons who have also been awarded an MBE over the decades.

His double-winning Spurs teammate, Martin Peters, as well as the likes of Mike England, Steve Perryman, Gary Mabbutt, Pat Jennings, Teddy Sheringham, and Chris Hughton, have all been conferred the same honour.

Spurs Web has crunched the numbers to see how game-changer Antonio Nusa compares with Tottenham’s wingers amid the Lilywhites’ interest in the RB Leipzig star.

Tottenham Hotspur are dealing with a crisis on the left of their attack, with several of Roberto De Zerbi’s options now sidelined.

Mykhailo Mudryk is out injured, with a return likely this month, but given his lack of game time over a long stretch, the Ukrainian is unlikely to be thrown straight into the mix.

Mathys Tel has only just joined the treatment table following a nasty challenge from Jayden Bogle, who caught the winger studs-first on the Achilles.

Meanwhile, other options out wide, Xavi Simons and Wilson Odobert, are still recovering from their respective ACL injuries, with a return pencilled in for December. Just like Mudryk, these players will need time to get back to their very best.

But with the winter transfer window not too far off, Tottenham have been linked with left-wing options, including Antonio Nusa. The RB Leipzig man was on the Lilywhites’ radar even last summer, but Spurs never put in an offer for him.

Given their injury crisis on the left, that could now change, although the winger’s value has risen to £60 million.

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Competition, though, remains for Nusa, with Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain also in the race for the Spurs target. But it could well be now or never for Tottenham in their pursuit of Nusa, according to Lokberg, who sent a warning to the sides keeping tabs on the Norwegian.

He said: “He is one of the world’s most exciting left-wingers. We have been waiting for his potential to come to full bloom, but now it is exploding. Then the big clubs can no longer sit on the fence. Then you have to act quickly before he disappears, or they will be left regretting it.

“In today’s football, he is worth quite a lot. We are going to pay over 500m NOK [€48m]. Then it ultimately depends on which clubs sign up. I guess Leipzig hope the Premier League clubs express their interest seriously, because that is where the biggest money lies.”

With interest ramping up in Nusa, Spurs Web has now crunched the numbers to see how he compares with Tottenham’s wingers this season.

How Antonio Nusa compares with Tottenham’s wingers this season

In terms of goals this campaign, Nusa is well clear of Tottenham’s wide options, which include Mohammed Kudus, Savio, Omar Marmoush and Mathys Tel.

The RB Leipzig man has managed an impressive six goals and eight assists in the 15 games he has played in all competitions this season.

That includes four goals in the Bundesliga, one in the DFB-Pokal and one in the Champions League. His eight assists, though, have all come in domestic competitions, with seven in the Bundesliga and one in the DFB-Pokal.

That return is far more than any of Spurs’ wingers have managed this campaign. At the moment, Tottenham’s highest-scoring wingers are Tel, Marmoush and Savio, with the trio scoring one goal apiece in all competitions.

None of the three has registered an assist, with Kudus topping that chart for Tottenham with three assists in all competitions, but no goals just yet.

Given Antonio Nusa’s output, there is no denying that, should he make the switch, Spurs will be getting a winger capable of not just finding the back of the net but also creating chances for their centre-forward, something Tottenham have struggled with this season.

Nusa’s best season vs Spurs wingers

Spurs Web also dug deeper into the stats to see how Nusa’s best season compares with those of Spurs’ wingers.

Interestingly, the Norwegian ranks bottom on that metric, with Savio, Tel, Marmoush and Kudus all having enjoyed far more impressive campaigns than the Leipzig winger.

Marmoush tops the list, with the versatile forward’s best season coming in 2024/25, when he managed an impressive 45 goal contributions, scoring 28 and assisting 17 in 48 games.

In second is Kudus, whose best season came in 2022/23 with Ajax. The Ghana international managed 25 goal contributions, scoring 18 goals and providing seven assists in 42 games.

Next up is Savio, whose best campaign came in 2023/24 with Girona, when he scored 11 times and provided ten assists in 41 appearances, totalling 21 goal contributions.

Tel ranks fourth, with the Frenchman’s best season coming in 2023/24, when he scored 10 goals and provided six assists in 41 appearances for Bayern Munich.

Then, in last place, is Nusa, whose best season before this one came in 2024/25, when he had 13 goal contributions, with five goals and eight assists in 40 appearances for Club Brugge and Leipzig.

Best club seasons: Kudus vs Marmoush vs Tel vs Savio vs Nusa

The winger has already surpassed that with 14 goal contributions in 15 appearances this campaign, and he could well overtake Tel, Savio and Kudus if he maintains his form.

For the second time in two weeks, Pedro Porro has directly addressed the reports linking him with a move from Tottenham Hotspur to Barcelona.

Over the last few weeks, it has been widely reported that Barcelona have been in contact with Porro’s representatives about a move to Camp Nou.

In fact, just a few days ago, Sport claimed that Barca had asked the Spain international to help bring down Tottenham’s asking price so they can bring him to Catalonia in January or next summer.

What will concern Tottenham fans is that in an interview earlier two weeks ago, Porro admitted that he dreams of going back to Spain.

When asked about the speculation linking him with a move to Camp Nou and the Santiago Bernabeu, he said: “Obviously, I’d love to return to Spain someday. It’s my country, and I like the league.

“Right now, it would be very unfair to talk about anything other than my club because I’m under contract, but obviously, I’d love to go back to Spain; it’s a big dream of mine.”

Tottenham star Pedro Porro admits he is flattered by Barcelona’s interest

The 27-year-old is currently back in Spain on international duty, and the media back in his home country did not miss the chance to ask him about a potential move to Catalonia.

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Some reports over the last month have claimed that Barca president Joan Laporta is driving the La Liga champions’ interest in the Spurs man.

When Porro was asked directly about the claims that Laporta is a big fan of his, he told Sport: “Really?! I hadn’t seen that. Well, it’s flattering coming from him. It’s nice that the president of another club, one that isn’t mine, likes me. It probably means I’m doing things well.”

“I have a contract with my club, and I’m very happy there. I also have to respect my club. Obviously, that’s football; things come out, rumours come out. But I’m focused on the national team now, and then we’ll see.”

“Yes, of course it’s flattering. When the best clubs in the world are interested in you, or at least that’s what you’re telling me, it’s always good. It probably means you’re doing your job well, so you just have to keep going in the same direction.”

Porro admits he loves linking him with Lamine Yamal

It has been suggested since the summer that Lamine Yamal is clamouring for Barca to sign the Tottenham man, having established a great understanding with the full-back on Spain’s right side during their successful World Cup campaign.

Pedro Porro has now revealed that he loves playing with Yamal and supporting the 19-year-old, describing the wide-forward as the ‘best’ in the world.

When asked about his partnership with Yamal, the former Sporting Lisbon star said: “He’s a wonderful lad, as I’ve always said. He helps you and contributes to the team. For me, it’s a privilege to play with him because, in my opinion, he’s the best.

“Of course. He’s a player who helps you and supports you when he knows you’re struggling. Obviously, his strength is attacking. I’ve already told him he can attack, because I’ll be there to help him.”

With Tottenham continuing to strengthen their squad, Spurs Web has taken a look at five players who could be handed new contracts.

It is understood that Tottenham Hotspur could dip into the transfer market this winter as they look to bolster their attack.

Spurs Web relayed reports claiming that Tottenham are on the lookout for good opportunities in the centre-forward market, and should one present itself, they will look to take it.

However, strengthening the squad will be far from the only priority in the coming months, as the Lilywhites will also look to extend the contracts of a few of their stars, and Spurs Web has identified five renewals that could happen before the season ends.

Spurs will be keen to tie down teenage sensation Luca Williams-Barnett

The teenager has impressed so far this season, with his Premier League debut performance catching the attention of pundits and those within Tottenham.

It was even explained that several people at Spurs expect Williams-Barnett to be competing for a first-team spot by the end of the season.

That is how highly rated the teenager is, and he is exactly the sort of talent the Lilywhites will be aiming to keep at N17, especially with reports of interest from elsewhere.

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Borussia Dortmund are one of the sides keeping tabs on Williams-Barnett, alongside clubs in the Premier League.

Ben Davies set for another one-year Tottenham extension

Another player who could be in line for a renewal is Ben Davies. The Wales international only signed a contract extension with Tottenham last summer, for just one extra year.

However, about six months into his new deal, reports already suggest that Tottenham are looking to extend Davies’ contract for another year.

Should that happen, the 33-year-old will remain the longest-serving Spurs player, taking his stay to over 13 seasons. This campaign, he has certainly proven his value, with two goals in all competitions.

Martin Dubravka could be handed one more year at Spurs

The former Burnley man was brought in on a free transfer as an understudy to Antonin Kinsky and has made only one appearance all season, in the Carabao Cup defeat to Liverpool.

His game time could well improve once the FA Cup comes around. He is clearly the second-choice option at Tottenham, and with his initial deal lasting a year, a renewal that would keep him at N17 beyond the summer could well be on the cards.

But it is far from guaranteed, as Tottenham could opt against a renewal if the Lilywhites change their approach in the goalkeeping department and look to bring in a goalkeeper capable of competing with Kinsky for the number one spot.

That, in fact, is not far-fetched, as Tottenham have been linked with a few shot-stoppers, including Hull City’s Konstantinos Tzolakis and Aston Villa’s Zion Suzuki.

Next season could also pose a different challenge if the Lilywhites qualify for European competition, raising further doubts over Dúbravka’s future.

Dejan Kulusevski must prove his worth for a new Tottenham deal

The Swede has shown immense mentality to come back from an injury that kept him out for over a year, despite the various setbacks he encountered.

He is now back on the pitch, having made a few cameos off the bench. Kulusevski is one of the highest earners at Spurs, taking home £110,000 a week.

With the Swede on such high wages, the Lilywhites will certainly not be rushing to extend his contract if he does not prove value for money.

There is no rush at the moment, with his deal running until 2028, but should the versatile midfielder return to his best between this season and next, an extension is very likely.

Crucial 18 months ahead for James Maddison’s Spurs future

Maddison is another whose contract is slowly winding down, and it expires at the same time as Kulusevski’s in the summer of 2028.

Interestingly, the two midfielders find themselves in the same boat. Both are equally talented, but injuries have limited their impact.

When fit, they are among the best players at the club, but that might not justify an extension if they fail to get back to their best and continue to suffer injury setbacks.

The next year and a half will surely be crucial for Maddison if he is to keep his place at Tottenham, and it could be even harder given that he is 29 and will be around 31 when his contract runs out.

But all hope is not lost, as one would expect Tottenham to hand the Englishman a new deal should he impress while staying fit

Tottenham’s Dejan Kulusevski has now opened up on the grim options that he was faced with after going under the knife twice to fix his knee last year.

The Tottenham man’s complicated patella injury proved extremely complicated to solve as his cartilage had completely broken off his right kneecap.

Kulusevski had two different operations last year, and the attacking midfielder has admitted that he started to fear that his career would be over, as he still was not able to walk properly 12 months after the injury.

However, the 26-year-old has been able to successfully battle back against all odds and is now back out on the pitch, having featured as a substitute in each of Spurs’ last four games.

The former Juventus man has now been called up to the Sweden squad for the first time in two years after missing the country’s World Cup campaign in the summer.

Tottenham star Dejan Kulusevski shares why he rejected knee transplant option

In a candid interview with Fotbollskanalen (as relayed by Sport Witness), the 26-year-old has now confessed that he was given the option of having another procedure earlier this year.

Kulusevski revealed that a knee transplant was suggested to him as an option, but he was warned that the procedure would put him out for another 18 months and his chances of returning to football after the operation would only be 50 per cent.

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He said: “I spent the whole summer talking to other doctors about having another operation. It would have been a knee transplant. I would have exchanged my knee for someone else’s. I said no. If I’m in pain when I play, then I’ll have to play with pain.

“I was training ten hours a day, but it wasn’t working. It didn’t matter what I did. That’s when I started thinking: ‘If it’s over, it’s over.’ Eventually, he felt he had to prepare his family for the worst. I had to tell my mum: ‘I don’t think it’s going to work’.”

Dejan Kulusevski shared that Sweden legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic and his former Spurs teammate Ivan Perisic were the ones who suggested the doctor who gave him a clear roadmap to get back into the pitch.

He added: “Zlatan and Perisic wanted me to go there. I went, and the Serbian doctor was important to me. He said: ‘Don’t think about other operations, this is what we’re going to do’.”

The Tottenham man shared that after he successfully managed to return to the pitch against Coventry City, Ibrahimovic sent him a one-word message: “Bravo”.

Dejan Kulusevski shared that many people, including some at Tottenham, were sceptical about whether he could overcome his knee problem and make a comeback.

However, Kulusevski confessed that he does not hold grudges against any of those figures, and is now enjoying football with a youthful exuberance after the game was taken away from him for more than a year and a half.

The former Juvenuts man revealed: “There were many who didn’t believe it; many were sceptical. Even at the club. I’ve been disappointed in people during this period, but at the same time I have to forgive everything.

“Sometimes you wish you’d received more help and so on. But at the same time, I understand we’re all part of a business. I’ve moved on, and I love being at the club. I received a really good welcome when I came back.”

“I’m trying to get rid of everything and become that little boy again. Little Dejan, who was eight years old and knew nothing, but knew how to play football.”

Tottenham star Xavi Simons has opened up on the mental struggles he went through following his ACL injury and has shed light on how far he is from returning to football.

Xavi suffered his ACL injury against Wolves in April just as he was starting to play his best football at Tottenham after a tough start to life in the Premier League.

At the time, it looked like the Dutchman’s injury blow, which came soon after other injuries to Mohammed Kudus and Cristian Romero, looked like it was the final nail in Spurs’ coffin.

However, the Lilywhites managed to dig deep and show tremendous fight, inspired by Roberto De Zerbi, eventually staying up on the final day of last season.

Tottenham star Xavi Simons opens up on mental health struggles during injury layoff

This is the first major injury of the 23-year-old’s career, and meant that not only did he miss a lot of important football for Spurs, but also missed out on the World Cup, which is the pinnacle of a professional’s career.

The Netherlands international has now revealed that it was not easy to have the game he loves suddenly taken away from him, confessing that he had to explore other avenues to keep his mind busy.

The Tottenham man was invited to speak at the Oxford Union, and he said (via ESPN): “I had to watch the remainder of the season from my hospital bed and let me tell you, it was not easy. I felt completely out of control, infuriated because I couldn’t contribute and help. I couldn’t do a thing. Luckily, the boys did their job.

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“Mental is just as important as physical. I’ve had bad moments at night, not even my family know how bad. I’ve cried, I’ve wanted so bad to contribute to Spurs, to my national team.

“I read books, I enhanced my knowledge on certain things, I wanted more information, I wanted to stimulate my mind. I wanted calmness in my brain. That was as important as going to the gym every day.

“It’s ultimately about finding the balance. You can’t underestimate the importance of good psychological health. If your brain isn’t working, your body isn’t working.”

Xavi admits he is getting stronger every day

The attacking midfielder has been training outdoors by himself over recent weeks, as he enters the final stage of his recovery.

In fact, some reports have indicated that Xavi Simons could rejoin Tottenham training by the end of this month, which would undoubtedly come as a major boost to De Zerbi’s side.

When quizzed on his recovery and how he plans to return to his best, the Tottenham man said: “My knee has to feel good. I need to feel strong. Right now, I’m on track, I’m getting stronger every day. I’m putting in endless hours. I have a great team that has been with me this entire journey. Everyone has a different schedule.

“Everyone’s journey is different. For me, I want to come home and only think, ‘I can’t move my legs anymore,’ because I have pushed myself to the limit daily. I want to feel tired. That feeling is when I allow myself to rest. That’s how I’ve approached it throughout.”

Tottenham’s Dejan Kulusevski has revealed what Graham Potter has told him about the minutes he can expect to play for Sweden in their upcoming Nations League fixtures.

Given how passionate the Tottenham man is about representing his country, it was a huge moment for Kulusevski when he finally managed to get back into the Sweden squad after two years.

The 26-year-old has been included in the setup for the country’s upcoming Nations League clashes against Bosnia and Poland after playing 42 minutes for Tottenham across their last four matches.

The attacking midfielder is yet to start a game for the Lilywhites since his return, with the club slowly building up his workload after he spent more than 500 days out of action.

Tottenham’s Dejan Kulusevski expects to play a total of 60 minutes

There would be some concerns among Spurs fans about whether the former Juventus man’s body can handle the potential workload during the international break.

However, Graham Potter has clarified that Sweden are in close contact with Tottenham regarding Kulusevski, hinting that the club will have a say in how many minutes he plays.

The Sweden boss said on Monday: “We are of course in contact with Tottenham and it is logical that we work closely with them. They have worked with Dejan for so long to get him back to the level he is at now.

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“Therefore, it is reasonable that we have a close dialogue. We have a pretty good idea of ​​how we can use him. But the most important thing for us is that he is here.”

The Spurs star has now shared that he has been told he can expect to play around half an hour in each of Sweden’s two upcoming fixtures.

When asked how many minutes he expects to play on his return to the Sweden camp, Dejan Kulusevski told Fotbollskanalen: “I’ll get to play some minutes in both games. Around 30 minutes in each. That’s what’s been said.

“It’s better than zero, so I’m happy. I actually can play 90 minutes in both matches. But that’s what I can do. I’m not the one who decides.”

Kulusevski admits he prefers playing centrally

While the Swede has transitioned from a winger into a number 10 under Ange Postecoglou prior to his knee injury, he has been used exclusively on the right wing by Roberto De Zerbi so far.

As we await to see Potter’s usage of him, Kulusevski has now confessed that he feels most comfortable centrally.

On his return to the national team, the Tottenham man added: “It’s a dream. It’s what I’ve worked hard for. I’m just happy, and I’m a competitive person. I want to get out there, compete and show who I am.”

“I feel most comfortable as a number ten. But it doesn’t matter. Sometimes the coach puts me on the wing and then I have to adapt.”

Former Tottenham boss Thomas Frank is the favourite to replace Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage, who is on the verge of being sacked. The Eagles have plenty of problems to solve, and a January reunion with some of the Dane’s former players in north London could be on the cards.

Frank was dismissed by Tottenham Hotspur in February after spending less than eight months in charge and the 53-year-old has yet to return to management.

However, another managerial opportunity could soon come his way, with multiple reports suggesting he is the leading candidate to take over at Crystal Palace if the club decide to part ways with Sage.

The Frenchman has endured a miserable start to life at Selhurst Park. Palace have dropped to the bottom of the Premier League table after 10 games, and Sunday’s 3-1 defeat to Liverpool marked their fourth consecutive league loss.

A potential return to management would also come at an interesting time, with the January transfer window less than two months away. Palace are in desperate need of reinforcements if they are to avoid being dragged further into the relegation battle.

Should Frank take charge, he could look towards his former club for some familiar faces. Here are five Tottenham players who could attract his attention.

Conor Gallagher was brought to Tottenham by Thomas Frank in a £35 million deal from Atletico Madrid in January. The Dane’s ‘phone call’ was apparently the decisive factor, convincing the midfielder to choose Spurs over Aston Villa, who had initially been leading the race for his signature.

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Gallagher later admitted that the decision was ‘very easy’ for him, while Frank was equally enthusiastic about the signing, later saying:

“His character is unbelievable. He is a player who can build a top culture going forward. His work-rate and how he can carry the team on his back, more or less, though it’s not only about one player.”

Unfortunately, Frank was sacked less than a month after Gallagher’s arrival, having managed the England international for just five games.

The 26-year-old has since struggled to establish himself under Roberto De Zerbi, making only three Premier League starts this season and largely featuring as an impact substitute.

A move back to Selhurst Park could be possible. Gallagher was named Crystal Palace’s Player of the Year during his loan spell in 2021/22, scoring eight goals in 34 appearances. Frank clearly knows what he can offer, and a reunion could give the midfielder an opportunity to get his career moving again.

Crystal Palace have been desperately short of goals this season. Their strikers, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Jorgen Strand-Larsen, have managed just one league goal between them in 11 games, while Mateta is also heavily tipped to leave in January. Finding a reliable centre-forward could therefore become one of Frank’s biggest priorities.

He could turn towards the player who scored more goals for him than anyone else during his time at Tottenham: Richarlison.

The Brazilian is currently at odds with Spurs after De Zerbi decided not to register him in Tottenham’s Premier League squad. His proposed moves to Everton and Turkey both fell through during the summer, leaving him with little choice but to wait until January for another opportunity to find a new club and return to competitive football.

Palace could offer exactly that. Frank knows Richarlison well, and the forward’s experience in the Premier League would make him an interesting option for a side struggling to find the net.

There has been very little noise surrounding a potential departure for Rodrigo Bentancur since he joined Tottenham in 2022, but there is no guarantee that will remain the case in the upcoming transfer windows.

The Uruguayan is contracted until the summer of 2029, although the number of options Tottenham have in midfield could make a move elsewhere worth discussing.

Interestingly, it was under Frank that Bentancur signed his contract extension last year. The former Spurs boss rated the midfielder highly, and he was even considered a candidate for the captaincy following Heung-min Son’s departure last season.

Wilson Odobert was one of the very few Tottenham players who impressed under Frank last season. The Frenchman made 33 appearances in all competitions – although only starting 18 of them – and recorded two goals and four assists before suffering an ACL injury during the 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United in February. That also happened to be Frank’s final game in charge.

The Dane had always spoken highly of the winger, saying:

“Wilson (Odobert), I’ve said it many times, is a very promising player that I believe a lot in.”

Odobert has still not returned from that injury, although there is hope he could be back around the new year.

The 21-year-old is a very talented winger who can operate comfortably on either flank, and Tottenham already have a shortage of options in those positions. Letting him leave would therefore be difficult to justify, unless Spurs bring in another winger during the January window.

Lucas Bergvall was heavily tipped to leave Tottenham during the summer, having even submitted a well-documented transfer request.

However, he began receiving more opportunities under De Zerbi during pre-season, eventually changed his mind and decided to stay. He also signed a new contract just two months ago.

The Swedish midfielder remains a promising talent, but opportunities have been difficult to come by this season because of the competition for places. He has started just two Premier League games, which could leave Tottenham considering a temporary departure to ensure his development does not stall.

A loan move to Palace would give him the opportunity to play more regularly, although there is one obvious complication. Frank struggled to use Bergvall effectively in midfield last season, deploying him in a role that did not suit his strengths. That was one of the major reasons the youngster wanted to leave in the summer.

So, while a reunion is possible, it might not be the most appealing option for Bergvall himself.

Tottenham have managed to climb into mid-table after an unbeaten October, but can Roberto De Zerbi’s side maintain their momentum over the next five Premier League fixtures? There are some interesting tests ahead, including a North London Derby that could have a big say in how Spurs’ season unfolds.

It took until mid-October, and six games into the 2026/27 Premier League season, for Tottenham Hotspur to finally get their first win, beating Coventry City 3-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The North London club then built on that result, making it three consecutive league victories after an underdog win against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and another convincing performance against Crystal Palace.

Rather unexpectedly, however, that run came to an end against Leeds United at the weekend in a 1-0 defeat. Leeds had not won any of their previous five games, which perhaps tells you everything about why predicting Tottenham is no easy task.

Still, to keep our sanity during the two-week international break and give ourselves something to look forward to, we have had a go at predicting Spurs’ next five results. We have considered head-to-head records, fixture congestion and each side’s home and away form, starting with a home clash against Ipswich.

Two weeks is a long time for frustration to build, and after that thoroughly underwhelming display against Leeds, Tottenham’s players should have a point to prove in front of their home supporters.

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Spurs are finally beginning to give their home crowd something to celebrate after some dreadful results at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium over the past two seasons. They have now won their last two games there and will be keen to make it three.

To their credit, Ipswich have done reasonably well by newly promoted standards. They have managed the same number of wins as Tottenham so far, although an extra defeat and an inferior goal difference leave them a point behind in 14th.

That said, they also have the second-worst defensive record in the division, having conceded 19 goals in 10 games – only behind Crystal Palace’s 24. Containing an improving Spurs attack will be a difficult task.

The Tractor Boys have won just once in their previous six league games (L3 D2), making Tottenham the obvious favourites. The two sides last met during the 24/25 season, when they won one game apiece, although both clubs had different managers back then.

After an incredible previous season in the Premier League, when they even managed to secure European qualification, Sunderland have endured a drastic change in fortunes.

Regis Le Bris’ men spent much of the campaign rooted to the bottom of the table, but a 1-0 win over Chelsea at the weekend helped them climb to 19th, where they now sit with eight points from 10 games.

Make no mistake, though, Sunderland looked a completely different side against Chelsea compared to the struggling team we have seen for much of this season. Tottenham will need to be wary.

However, while Spurs have a week to prepare after the Ipswich game, Sunderland also have a Europa League fixture to contend with.

That could give De Zerbi’s side the edge they need. It is also worth remembering that the Black Cats have won just once in their previous 16 meetings with Tottenham, with that victory coming towards the end of last season, in De Zerbi’s first game in charge of the Lilywhites.

Sunderland have struggled badly for goals this season, managing just three from open play. If Tottenham can get on the scoresheet, the hosts could find it difficult to fight their way back into the game.

Credit has to go to Alvaro Arbeloa for the turnaround he has managed at Fulham this season. After a dreadful start, which included a six-game winless run similar to Tottenham’s, the Cottagers have finally found their feet.

They are unbeaten in their previous four games, winning two and drawing two. There is one statistic that should offer Spurs some encouragement, though: Fulham have not scored more than once in any of their previous seven league games.

But they have still scored the same number of total goals as Tottenham this season (10). More importantly, Fulham are unlikely to arrive in North London carrying the same momentum they have now.

They have two difficult fixtures against Manchester City and Bournemouth before this meeting, and either result could dent their confidence. That should work in Tottenham’s favour.

And now for the big one. It feels a little unfair that a fixture of this magnitude has been pushed all the way to December, but there is plenty to look forward to.

We have already covered the fact that Arsenal will have an extra day to prepare for this fixture. Tottenham, meanwhile, will have just two days to get the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium ready after the Fulham game.

The Gunners are currently five points clear at the top of the Premier League table. However, they also have an important meeting with Real Madrid just three days after this derby and Mikel Arteta could therefore consider resting some of his key players – provided his side maintain their advantage at the top.

That said, it has been well over four years since Tottenham last beat Arsenal, but the recent victory against Chelsea has given supporters some reason to believe Spurs could produce a similar performance in this derby.

Predicting a Tottenham win might be a little unrealistic, especially when Arsenal have such a clear advantage in recent form and head-to-head records. But this is a derby, and we are allowed a little bias. We will be generous enough to predict a draw.

Hull started the season brilliantly, picking up consecutive wins against Man United and Coventry and enjoying what looked like a dream return to the Premier League. Unfortunately, that run came to an abrupt end, and they have failed to win any of their previous eight games.

Despite that, they sit just a point below Tottenham and actually have a better goal difference. And the Tigers have given some good teams a difficult afternoon, including Arsenal in their recent unfortunate 1-0 defeat. They will not be pushovers for Spurs.

There is another reason to be cautious about this fixture. Hull are unbeaten at home this season, having won once and drawn four times at the MKM Stadium.

Tottenham should have enough quality to take all three points, but this could be another awkward afternoon away from home. We are going for a draw again.

Tottenham Hotspur have already launched an enquiry about Malo Gusto, who wants to exit Stamford Bridge in January.

It has been widely reported over recent weeks that Barcelona are hatching a plan to secure Pedro Porro from Tottenham in January, having identified the Tottenham man as their top right-back target.

Concerningly for Spurs fans, Porro has admitted that he dreams of returning to Spain, signalling an openness to joining either Real Madrid or Barca.

In fact, sources from Spain indicate that Barcelona have asked the Tottenham full-back to do his part to facilitate a move to Camp Nou by bringing the Lilywhites’ asking price down.

It appears that Roberto De Zerbi’s men have identified a Chelsea man as a potential replacement for the Spaniard.

Tottenham battling Liverpool for Chelsea’s Malo Gusto

It was first reported by Flashscore two weeks ago that Tottenham were keeping an eye on Malo Gusto, who is valued by Chelsea at €80m (£70.6m).

A new report in TEAMtalk has now revealed that the right-back is ready to leave Stamford Bridge in search of regular game time after falling behind Marco Palestra and Josh Acheampong in Xabi Alonso’s pecking order.

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The report says that Chelsea are open to the possibility of Gusto’s departure and are planning to listen to offers for the player in January.

It is revealed that Tottenham have explored the Frenchman’s availability while Liverpool have also made enquiries about the defender.

However, the Premier League pair could also face competition from around the continent, with Atletico Madrid, Como and RB Leipzig also monitoring the 23-year-old.

Chelsea’s relationship with Spurs has improved since Daniel Levy’s departure

Chelsea and Tottenham did not do business together for a long time, but a change in leadership at both clubs has led to softening of ties.

The takeover of the Blues by Clearlake Capital, followed by Daniel Levy leaving his role as Spurs chairman, has led to a change in stance in both boardrooms when it comes to doing business with each other.