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Tottenham Hotspur are awaiting their Champions League Round of 16 opponent, with the play-off first legs now complete.

The sides that failed to secure a top-eight finish in the league phase of the Champions League are currently battling for a Round of 16 spot via the play-offs.

Tottenham Hotspur, however, secured a top-four finish under Thomas Frank in the Champions League and, as such, have avoided the extra games.

Still, eyes remain on happenings in the play-off rounds as Tottenham remain eager to see who they will face in the Round of 16.

Tottenham will have a keen eye on Atletico Madrid vs Club Brugge

Spurs already know their round of 16 opponents will be one of four teams – Juventus, Galatasaray, Club Brugge or Atletico Madrid.

Last night, Galatasaray put a foot in the round of 16 thanks to a 5-2 win over Juventus in the first leg of their play-off tie at RAMS Park.

Tonight, Atletico Madrid and Club Brugge played out the first leg of their play-off tie, and it ended in a stalemate with both sides drawing 3-3.

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Goals from Julian Alvarez, Ademola Lookman and an own goal from Ordonez, were cancelled out by Brugge, who showed some fight coming from two goals down with Onyedika and Tresoldi drawing them level, before Tzolis made it 3-3.

Spurs watch knockout permutations unfold

Spurs will no doubt be hoping to avoid any of the European heavyweights and will be hoping for Brugge to turn the tie around and secure a win in the second leg.

However, that in itself is a big ask given that the return leg will take place at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.

Nothing is certain as of yet, as Tottenham will play either the winner of Galatasaray vs Juventus or the winner of Club Brugge vs Atletico Madrid in the round of 16, while Liverpool will play the other.

Tottenham take on Arsenal this weekend, and Igor Tudor’s first game in charge of the Lilywhites will be one of his biggest challenges to date.

Going into this game, Spurs are a whopping 28 points behind their North London rivals in the Premier League table. While Arsenal look destined to win the title, Tottenham could well end up being relegated.

There can be no question that Arsenal are the better team right now, but, anything can happen in a North London Derby. With home advantage and (hopefully) a new manager bounce, Spurs will still fancy their chances.

Igor Tudor has a plan for Arsenal, insisting he will set the team up to play the way Spurs fans have wanted all season. However, the Lilywhites’ recent record against the Gunners does not make for happy reading.

Tottenham are on a three-game losing streak vs Arsenal

It’s actually been a while since Spurs hosted Arsenal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and the last meeting there was not a fun one for the home side. Ange Postecoglou was in charge, and a Gabriel goal just after the hour mark was enough to separate the two teams.

We saw a far more entertaining game earlier in 2024, but it was still a defeat for Tottenham and Postecoglou. Spurs were actually three goals down at half-time here, but a fightback after half-time saw Cristian Romero and a Heung-min Son penalty give the Lilywhites a glimmer of hope.

Things weren’t much better under Antonio Conte, at least towards the end of his reign. The Italian suffered a dismal 2-0 defeat against Mikel Arteta at the start of 2023, with a Hugo Lloris own goal and a Martin Odegaard strike sealing the win for Arsenal after just 36 minutes.

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That loss ended a brilliant home run against the Gunners, during which time Tottenham had avoided defeat in seven games. Here’s how that all played out.

Spurs were unbeaten in seven against Arsenal

Conte was in charge for a comprehensive 3-0 win at home, with a Harry Kane brace giving Spurs a nice cushion at the break. Heung-min Son scored immediately after the interval to secure a big win that pushed Tottenham to Champions League qualification.

It was that dynamic duo who delivered once again back in December 2020, with Kane and Son grabbing a goal each to help Jose Mourinho record the win over Arsenal. That Son goal, in particular, was an absolute beauty, as you can see below.

Prior to that, with no fans in the stadium due to Covid, Tottenham and Mourinho got another win, this time in more dramatic circumstances. Alexander Lacazette actually gave Arsenal the lead after 16 minutes, but Son levelled things up just three minutes later. The scoreline stayed that way for more than an hour, before Toby Alderweireld popped up with the winner with ten minutes to go.

This was a huge game for Spurs, with the chance to record a third successive home victory over Arsenal for the first time since 1961. Sadly, it wasn’t to be, with the spoils shared. Arsenal had taken the lead early on through Aaron Ramsey, but a Kane penalty evened things up in the 74th minute, gaining a point for Mauricio Pochettino’s men.

Playing at Wembley, this North London Derby actually broke records, with a bumper crowd of 83,222 being the highest attendance in Premier League history. It was Spurs who rose to the occasion, and that man Harry Kane once again who proved the difference.

Sad times, as this was the final North London Derby to be played at White Hart Lane. But, a wonderful Dele Alli goal and another Kane penalty ensured it was a happy ending, and allowed Tottenham to finish above their rivals for the first time since the 1994/95 campaign.

A thrilling encounter at White Hart Lane here saw Arsenal take a narrow lead into half-time thanks to an Aaron Ramsey goal. Spurs then bounced back quickly, with Alderweireld and Kane bagging in the 60th and 62nd minutes. It wasn’t enough, though, as Alexis Sanchez rescued a point for the Gunners with around 15 minutes to go.

Tottenham Hotspur might be on the lookout for a new goalkeeper this summer, with Inter Milan sniffing around Guglielmo Vicario.

Spurs find themselves in 16th place in the Premier League table and are currently in a relegation battle. Five points is the difference between them and 18th-placed London rivals West Ham United.

Signing players who will bolster their squad and keep them competitive on all fronts next season will be vital, but Tottenham could also lose a few of their top stars.

Club captain Cristian Romero has been linked with a move away from north London, while his defensive partner, Micky van de Ven, has also attracted interest from sides in Europe. Radu Dragusin, only just recovering from an ACL injury, is said to be on the radar of AS Roma.

Tottenham target James Trafford opens up on Manchester City future

Guglielmo Vicario is also another player attracting interest from Italy, and a move in the summer has not been written off.

Should the Italian depart north London, Tottenham will be looking to secure a replacement for the 28-year-old, and one of their past targets could well be available.

James Trafford was linked with a Tottenham move back in the winter window, but those reports were quickly dismissed by Pep Guardiola, who stated the Englishman was set to stay put.

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However, a lack of game time has now left the former Burnley man frustrated, with Donnarumma clearly the preferred number one goalkeeper, leaving Trafford limited to cup appearances.

Speaking in a recent interview following City’s FA Cup victory over Salford, the English goalkeeper vented his frustrations, as quoted by The Guardian.

“I did not expect the situation [with Donnarumma] to happen but it happened, so just get on with it. So it has happened so I work very hard every day and see what happens, give it my best shot,” he said.

“So it is what it is. It is football, you have got to keep grafting every day and the games that come, play as hard as you can. This is just another experience to add to my career and it has been a good learning experience.”

Spurs goalkeeper planning and summer outlook

When asked if he could stay at Manchester City this summer, the City goalkeeper added: “Who knows, it is football. Let us take it a day at a time and try and work as hard as I can and whatever happens, happens.

“I have obviously got a contract, so do not know what happens next season. I just know that I will just take it a day at a time and try and improve.”

On his World Cup hopes, he added: “No, obviously everyone knows what is going on with me. So I have just got to, whenever I play, play as well as I can. I have not spoken to them about if that is enough, but I play as well as I can and train every day very hard and it is just down to me.”

With the 23-year-old seemingly unhappy, Tottenham could well return for him in the summer as they carry out a rebuild.

Tottenham Hotspur have a tough task ahead of them when they take on Arsenal on Sunday, but there are three players who could make the difference for the hosts.

Tottenham Hotspur have never looked more like underdogs going into a North London derby than they do right now, but that does not mean a victory is off the cards.

Igor Tudor just so happens to be the mid-season specialist, and he will be looking to make an instant impact at Spurs with a big result at the weekend.

However, the Tottenham first-team squad has more than its fair share of injuries, so big performances are needed from those set to take to the pitch. Here are the three Spurs players who could have what it takes to get their team over the line.

Micky van de Ven is the ultimate threat

It is rare for a player to be his club’s best available defender and their most dangerous attacking threat too, but here we are.

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Micky van de Ven will be crucial to Tottenham, as he uses his pace to make recoveries and win duels, but that is just one aspect of his game.

The Dutchman is an aerial threat at set pieces, and he also has an eye for goal whenever he finds himself on the edge of the opposition penalty area.

If Spurs are to claim a surprise victory over Arsenal, van de Ven will surely contribute in some shape or form.

Xavi Simons can unlock Arsenal’s defence

Tottenham fans were left red-faced when Eberechi Eze hammered home a hat-trick in the North London derby earlier this season. Then there was Xavi Simons, who was signed instead of the England international, yet looked like a massive flop.

Plenty has changed since then, with the 22-year-old silencing those who chose to disrespect him with some tremendous attacking displays.

Simons can create moments of magic with just one pass, and his innovation could be the difference between Spurs winning or losing their upcoming derby fixture.

It will be very interesting to see whether the attacking midfielder looks even more dangerous under the management of Tudor, as Frank’s system appeared to hold him back.

Dominic Solanke has been scoring goals for Tottenham

There have been a number of attacking players at Spurs who have failed to perform this season, but Dominic Solanke has gone the opposite way.

The 28-year-old struggled in front of goal during his first campaign at Tottenham, but he has already netted four times since his long-awaited return from injury.

Solanke is really impressive as a link-up player, and he looks even better as a goalscorer, although he has not scored in his two most recent appearances.

Can the Englishman rediscover his shooting boots and get Spurs a goal or two on Sunday? Let us hope so.

Tottenham Hotspur have been eyeing a move for a Championship starlet since last summer, but they will face Man United competition.

One would expect Spurs to bolster the middle of the park in the summer, with Tottenham keen on adding a top-class creative passer to their midfield.

Adam Wharton has been described as Tottenham’s dream midfield target, but the North Londoners may have to set their sights a little lower as they look set to miss out on European qualification.

Spurs were reportedly considering a move for Middlesbrough’s £30m Hayden Hackney in January before they signed Conor Gallagher, but a deal for the Boro star may not be easy to complete in the summer.

Tottenham face Manchester United competition for Hayden Hackney

TEAMtalk have now claimed that Tottenham also explored an approach for Hackney last summer, but ultimately, Boro were not willing to sell their midfield starlet.

The London club may have more competition to contend with in the summer, as the report says that Man United are now monitoring the 23-year-old ahead of the summer window.

The Red Devils allegedly view the England U21 international as someone who can bolster their midfield depth and as part of their long-term succession planning.

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The belief at the Manchester club is that the Championship star is capable of developing into a Premier League regular.

Middlesbrough’s fate this season could dictate Hackney’s future

TEAMtalk say that Boro priced Hackney out of a move in the January window after Nottingham Forest showed ‘serious interest’.

The report says that the belief is that the midfielder will be playing Premier League football next season, either through his boyhood club being promoted or by making a big move.

Boro are currently sitting in second place in the Championship table, and the publication adds that they will be in a strong position to retain their academy graduate should they get promoted to the top flight.

Ramon Vega, who was one of Thomas Frank’s biggest critics, believes that Igor Tudor will instantly fix one of the Dane’s mistakes at Tottenham

Multiple times over the last few months, Vega insisted that the Spurs job is simply too big for Thomas Frank.

The former Tottenham defender even suggested that the Spurs players did not respect Frank, claiming that the Dane was too nice for the role.

The 54-year-old may feel that he has been proven right, given the reports that have come out since the former Brentford boss departed Tottenham Hotspur.

Ramon Vega says Igor Tudor will demand discipline from Tottenham players

It was reported by The Athletic last week that Frank struggled to get the Tottenham players to work hard in training and that the intensity of the sessions under the Dane dropped compared to those under Ange Postecoglou.

Vega believes that the new interim Spurs head coach will not allow standards to drop and will demand full discipline from the Tottenham squad.

He wrote on X about Tudor: “One thing is for sure about him. He is a no-nonsense manager. He will demand 100% discipline and character from the players. This dressing room needs to be after no respect for Frank to keep us up.”

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Tudor has told Spurs fans what to expect

In his first interview as Tottenham boss, Tudor revealed that he has asked each Spurs player to give something more than they have recently as the club attempts to get out of the difficult spot they are in.

The Croat has also expressed a desire for Spurs to play positive and offensive football, which would be music to the supporters’ ears.

Tottenham are battling two other Premier League clubs for a former Chelsea star, who is dominating the Serie A this season.

Spurs are expected to prioritise strengthening their forward line in the summer, and they have reportedly set their sights on a winger who has scored eight goals and provided two assists from just 17 Serie A games this season.

It has been reported over recent days that Tottenham have moved into pole position to land Christian Pulisic from AC Milan.

According to an update by CaughtOffside, Milan are expected to demand £60-£70m for Pulisic, and it has now emerged that the Lilywhites will have to battle two other clubs for the winger.

Tottenham facing competition from Arsenal for Christian Pulisic

The USA international is not only Milan’s top scorer this season, but is the joint second-highest goalscorer across the Italian top flight, with only Lautaro Martinez having found the back of the net more often in the competition.

He has thus emerged as the linchpin for this Rossoneri side, and according to Football Insider, his form has attracted a lot of interest from the Premier League.

The report claims both Tottenham and Arsenal have expressed an interest in a summer deal for the 27-year-old.

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The two North London clubs have also joined in the race for Man United, but Milan are not expected to let him go without a fight.

Milan are reluctant to lose Pulisic

Pulisic is set to enter the final year of his contract at the San Siro this summer, but Football Insider reveal that Milan hold an option to extend it by one more year.

The Serie A giants are ‘extremely reluctant’ to lose the former Chelsea man despite the interest from the Premier League elite.

Former Tottenham Hotspur scout Mick Brown reveals that one former Spurs player is very high on the North London club’s managerial wishlist for the summer.

Igor Tudor has taken charge of Tottenham until the summer, but reports indicate that Tudor is not likely to be given the job permanently unless something extraordinary happens over the coming months.

It has been claimed that Mauricio Pochettino and Roberto De Zerbi are among Spurs’ leading contenders, but more recently, another English manager has also been mooted as a contender.

Just a few days ago, TEAMtalk reported that the Tottenham hierarchy have been very impressed with Michael Carrick’s work at Man United, having considered him for the role last summer as well.

Brown has confirmed that the Lilywhites have indeed been keeping tabs on their former midfielder, but suggested that the 44-year-old will also be of interest to many other clubs.

He asserted that Carrick will be one of Tottenham’s top targets should United decide against appointing him permanently.

Brown told Football Insider: “Tottenham Hotspur are keeping tabs on Michael Carrick. He’s obviously got connections at the club after his time there as a player, the same as he does at Man United, so he’ll be on their radar if he is available.

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“They’ve been impressed by the job he’s done at United in the short time he’s had. Carrick has been impressing at Man United and that’s going to mean a lot of clubs are looking at him, including Tottenham, if he doesn’t get the job.

“Man United, obviously, are in control there and if they decide he’s the man they want, then that’s the job he’ll get regardless of who else wants him. But if he becomes available, I’m sure he’s going to be very high on the list at Tottenham, because they’re looking at all of their options.”

Brown says Spurs are confused about which manager to turn to

Over recent days, there have also been suggestions that Tottenham have discussed a move for Eddie Howe, who has come in for criticism at Newcastle this season.

Brown claimed that there is confusion at the North London club regarding what to do next after the recent managerial failures at the club.

The former Tottenham scout added: “It’s difficult to see where Tottenham are going to go with their next manager, do they want to go back to attacking football or stick with a stable, pragmatic style?

“They can’t seem to decide, they’ve bounced between the two for so long with Mourinho, Conte, Postecoglou, now Frank and none have worked out.”

Tottenham Hotspur have been told that one of their midfield targets is not for sale this summer, and he has Premier League experience.

After a quiet January window, reports indicate that Tottenham are plotting an ambitious squad rebuild in the summer.

One would expect that to include significant reinforcements in the middle of the park, where Spurs have been lacking in options to create chances and progress the ball.

It was revealed by former Tottenham scout Mick Brown a few days ago that Spurs are eyeing a move for Everton’s Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

Everton will not sell Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to Tottenham

After his struggles at Chelsea, the 27-year-old has impressed at the Hill Dickinson Stadium this term, scoring five times and providing four assists in 19 Premier League outings so far.

Football Insider have now claimed that Everton will resist any attempts to prise Dewsbury-Hall away from the club at the end of the season.

The Toffees want to kick on next campaign and build on the foundation they have laid, and are set to take a firm stance that they will ‘definitely’ not sell their star midfielder.

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It is revealed that Spurs will thus be forced to look elsewhere for centre midfield additions in the summer window.

Spurs may struggle attract the calibre of players they want

This report comes amidst repeated claims over recent weeks that Adam Wharton has emerged as Tottenham’s dream midfield target.

However, as one would have expected, Spurs are not the favourites to land the Crystal Palace star, who is also attracting interest from several top clubs in the Premier League.

With the Lilywhites looking set to miss out on European qualification, they will likely have a hard time convincing elite players to come to N17 in the summer.

Bayern Munich director Max Eberl has responded when asked about the Bundesliga club’s interest in Tottenham starlet Luka Vuskovic.

The 18-year-old centre-back has surpassed all expectations in his first taste of football at the highest level, and his stock is continuing to grow with each appearance for Hamburg.

Unsurprisingly, Vuskovic’s impressive displays this season have garnered the attention of some of the biggest clubs in Europe.

One of those is Bayern Munich, who are planning to test the waters for the Spurs youngster in the summer transfer window.

Max Eberl keeping his cards close to his chest regarding Tottenham’s Luka Vuskovic

Amidst the transfer speculation, we have also seen some Bayern Munich legends waxing lyrical about Vuskovic.

However, Eberl has now revealed that Bayern are relaxed about their squad planning for the summer and suggested that the targets will be finalised by the time the transfer window opens.

He was asked about centre-backs like Vuskovic, Inter Milan’s Yann Aurel Bisseck and Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck being linked with a switch to the Allianz Arena.

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Erbel responded to Sport1: “We’ve reached the point where we’re not under pressure regarding squad planning. We can calmly decide what happens next. Of course, we’re still keeping an eye on the market. We certainly won’t rule out any option that would benefit Bayern.

“I’m someone who finalises his squad planning early. I managed to do that in Mönchengladbach, in Leipzig, and, incidentally, here at Bayern as well. Everything was done by mid-July, before the start of preseason training.”

Spurs have no intention of letting Vuskovic go

According to updates over recent weeks, Tottenham are expected to rebuff any approaches for Vuskovic in the summer.

In fact, it has been reported that Spurs have already knocked back approaches from Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig for the 18-year-old.