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The Tottenham Hotspur starting line-up for the Premier League match against West Ham United has been announced.

Following a rather short FA Cup run that saw Tottenham Hotspur knocked out in the third round of the competition, Spurs return to Premier League action once again looking to improve upon their difficult first half of the campaign.

This afternoon, they take on struggling London rivals West Ham United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with Thomas Frank hoping his side can get back to winning ways.

Both sides are a far cry from where they want to be, with Spurs sitting 14th in the Premier League table, while West Ham are in the relegation zone in 18th place.

Conor Gallagher will make his Tottenham debut

James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski remain sidelined for this clash, as they continue their rehabilitation from long-term injuries.

Mohammed Kudus, Rodrigo Bentancur and Richarlison are the latest Spurs players to have picked up injuries in recent weeks and face extended spells on the sidelines.

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Pape Matar Sarr remains on AFCON duty with Senegal, having booked a place in the final, while Yves Bissouma has returned to north London.

Frank received a boost in the FA Cup last time out, with Dominic Solanke returning and getting a few minutes into his legs following a six-month absence, while Destiny Udogie was named on the bench.

Lucas Bergvall is fit enough to be included in today’s matchday squad, while new signing Conor Gallagher has been handed his Tottenham debut.

This is the Tottenham team which takes to the field at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this afternoon:

Tottenham: Vicario; Porro, Romero, van de Ven, Davies; Gray, Gallagher; Odobert, Xavi, Tel; Kolo Muani.

Subs: Kinsky, Dragusin, Danso, Udogie, Bissouma, Bergvall, Spence, Solanke, Scarlett

West Ham United have managed just one draw in their last five league outings and will be looking to bounce back with a derby-day victory.

Thomas Frank, however, will be hoping his side can get one over their London rivals once more this season after the 3-0 thrashing at the London Stadium.

Journalist Matt Law has revealed why Tottenham Hotspur are reluctant to call time on Thomas Frank’s project in N17.

Some Spurs fans remain convinced that Frank’s days at the club are numbered as the Lilywhites struggle to get themselves out of the bottom half of the Premier League table.

In fact, Tim Sherwood has claimed that defeat against West Ham may spell the end for Frank at Tottenham, referring to Saturday’s London derby as ‘El Sackico’.

However, it has now been reported that the feeling at Spurs regarding the Dane’s future is entirely different to what is being reported and said on the outside.

Thomas Frank is not at risk of being sacked by Tottenham

The Telegraph’s Matt Law has now revealed that the Spurs hierarchy remains supportive of Frank despite all the outside noise.

While defeat against West Ham would pile up the pressure on the Tottenham head coach, the 52-year-old has not been given any reason to think that such a result would spell the end of his time at the club.

Law explains that Tottenham CEO Vinai Venketesham’s experience at Arsenal is something that could help the current Spurs head coach.

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Venketesham stuck with Mikel Arteta despite Arsenal’s struggles in the Spaniard’s first couple of seasons in charge, which proved to be the right call and the Spurs CEO is expected to follow a similar blueprint at N17.

Why Spurs are hesitant to sack Frank

Law also explains that despite what the fans may feel about where Tottenham belong, there is an acceptance internally that Frank inherited a squad which is a long way away from being Champions League ready.

The club also do not want to continue their vicious cycle of sacking managers, which they have done one too many times since 2019, and instead want some continuity.

Finally, the January window is seen internally at Hotspur Way as a chance to rebuild the squad and start afresh.

Tottenham Hotspur are not done just yet in the January transfer window after strengthening at left-back and in midfield.

Conor Gallagher has become Spurs’ first £35m signing of the January window, and a second one is expected to be announced soon, with Tottenham alleged to have struck a £13m agreement for Brazilian starlet Souza.

According to various reports, at least one more signing is expected to be completed by the Lilywhites this month, with the club wanting to show ambition.

A new report has shed light on which other areas the North Londoners want to strengthen within the next two weeks.

Tottenham assess two more transfers for January window

The Telegraph’s Matt Law has now reported that Spurs are scouring the market for further additions at the moment.

He revealed that Thomas Frank wants to add another attacking player to his squad, preferably someone who can play off the left.

Meanwhile, he adds that Tottenham were also looking at various ball-playing midfielders before they made a move for Gallagher.

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Law does not reveal if a creative midfielder remains on the agenda at the North London club despite the arrival of the 25-year-old.

Spurs may kill two birds with one stone by signing 23-year-old

Law is not the only one to make this claim, with other sources also reporting that Tottenham are eyeing a creative passer in midfield despite adding Gallagher to their squad.

Interestingly, it was reported by The Independent a couple of days ago that the Spurs could kill two birds with one stone by landing Moncao’s Maghnes Akliouche.

The outlet explained that Akliouche is an attractive option for the Lilywhites because of his versatility, with the France international capable of featuring as an attacking midfielder and a winger.

John Heitinga’s agent has spoken about his decision to return to the game so quickly at Tottenham after parting ways with Ajax.

One rarely sees coaches go back to being assistants after having experience as a head coach, but John Heitinga has done just that.

Following his success as part of the coaching staff at West Ham and Liverpool, the former Everton centre-back was given the top job at Ajax last summer.

However, he only lasted a few months in the role, with the Eredivisie club deciding to part ways with him in November. Just two months later, Heitinga has now been confirmed as the first-team assistant coach at Tottenham.

John Heitinga’s agent sheds light on how Tottenham move happened

His agent, Rob Jansen, has been speaking to the Dutch media about his client’s decision to jump straight back into coaching at the highest level so soon after departing the Johan Cruyff Arena

In fact, Jansen revealed that the move could have happened even sooner, asserting that the 42-year-old is rated very highly in England.

Heitinga’s agent told De Telegraaf: “In England, John is highly regarded, has a fantastic reputation, and is seen as one of the most talented managers of the moment. This new job seems to be coming quickly, but it could have happened much sooner.

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“Just like after the first time he was sent away from Ajax, there was enormous interest in John. This time, too, there was almost immediate concrete interest. And one of the options was Tottenham Hotspur. So, for me, this move is not unexpected at all.”

Heitinga spoke to all stakeholders at Spurs before making decision

Some may feel that the Dutchman is taking a big risk joining Spurs, particularly given the ongoing rumours about Frank’s job being under threat.

However, Jansen explained that Heitinga had detailed conversations with everyone at Tottenham before deciding that it was the right project for him.

When asked about joining Frank’s coaching staff, Heitinga’s representative said: “Football is one big risk. But you either run away from that, or you don’t. John has listened to Tottenham Hotspur’s story and spoken to everyone who matters. He’s become convinced and knows what he’s getting into.

Thomas Frank has revealed why John Heitinga was the perfect candidate to become his new assistant at Tottenham Hotspur.

It has been a busy day at Tottenham Hotspur, which began with Carlos Raphael Moersen joining the club as their new Director of Football Operations.

Little did Spurs fans know, this would not be the only big announcement coming out of North London. It was later revealed that Tottenham had named John Heitinga as their new assistant coach.

The former Premier League star has already racked up some valuable coaching experience, and his appointment shows there is ambition to turn the current situation at Spurs around.

Thomas Frank raves about John Heitinga’s experience

It would appear Thomas Frank is delighted to be joined by John Heitinga, because the Dane has already been singing the praises of his new vice coach.

Frank believes Heitinga possesses the ‘perfect profile’ because of the vast experience he has gathered in the Netherlands.

When asked if he drove the process to secure Heitinga, Frank told Tottenham Hotspur: “Yeah, it was a process we did together. Of course, I was a big part of it because Johan [Lange], Fabio [Paratici} and I were the main drivers of that.

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“I think he was a standout candidate with everything he’s experienced. Of course, obviously, a top playing career, that’s one thing.

“But also like how he then did after that in terms of his experience in the academy of Ajax. Of course, when you play there, that’s one thing. But when you also go back and coach there, that’s one of the best academies in the world. So he walked the hard way.

“And then on top of that, had two good experiences in Premier League in West Ham and Liverpool. And now also been trying to stand out there where there’s a bit more noise and wind sometimes. That gave him the perfect profile.

“Then, of course, I’ve met him now a few times before and all the character reference we took, just a top guy, top integrity, top football person.”

Heitinga is a smart appointment by Tottenham

Frank appears to be safe in his role as Spurs for now, but this does not mean he will continue to be given more time if his team’s results do not improve.

Bringing in Heitinga is a clever move because he will be useful in helping Frank to succeed at Tottenham. However, if the former Brentford boss is still unable to change the club’s fortunes, the ideal interim manager is already in place to keep things ticking until the end of the season.

Heitinga already has experience as the primary manager of a big European club, so he will have no problem stepping up to the main role if he is required to do so.

In January 2026, Tottenham announced John Heitinga was joining Thomas Frank’s coaching team, so here’s all you need to know about the Dutchman.

Despite going through a difficult time at Tottenham Hotspur, the Club has given Thomas Frank what he needs to succeed when it comes to new players — like Conor Gallagher — and new staff like Heitinga.

Tottenham made the decision to hire John Heitinga after Matt Wells departed to take on the head coach role at Colorado Rapids.

While a lot of fans will remember Heitinga from his time in England as a player, there’s a lot we all need to learn about him when it comes to his coaching work.

Why did Tottenham hire John Heitinga?

With Matt Wells moving on, Thomas Frank had a considerable gap to fill in the Tottenham coaching staff, with a particular focus on defensive work needed.

Upon announcing the appointment of John Heitinga as his new assistant coach at Tottenham, Frank told the Club website: “John is a great addition to our coaching staff. His ability, personality and character will add huge value both on and off the pitch.

“He had an impressive playing career across Europe – including five years in the Premier League – and with the Dutch national team.

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“As a former defender, that will be one of his main responsibilities on the training pitch, and he brings great coaching and management experiences from all levels of the game, which will really help us moving forward.”

Sounds like that Spurs backline is going to get some help from Heitinga, but it’s surely hoped the 42-year-old can benefit the whole team behind the scenes and in the dugout.

Heitinga’s coaching career so far

Since retiring as a player back in 2016, Heitinga has worked a vast number of roles at his boyhood club, Ajax over in the Netherlands.

He worked with the Dutch giants youth team across just about every age group, as assistant manager, manager, and club representative.

Heitinga’s first job in England came at London rivals West Ham, where he served as assistant manager to David Moyes across the 2023/24 Premier League campaign.

He was snapped up by Liverpool in the summer of 2024 to work with Arne Slot as assistant manager, and would go on to help the Reds claim the Premier League title that season.

From there, Heitinga returned to Ajax to take on the top job. However, he only lasted 15 games and won five of them before fans grew impatient and he was sacked in November 2025.

Heitinga’s playing career explained

As a player, Heitinga was snapped up by the Ajax academy after showing great promise at local side Alphense Racing Club. After developing through the youth ranks, he made his breakthrough with the Ajax senior squad in 2001 and would go on to enjoy seven years of first-team football there.

He was signed by Atletico Madrid in 2008 for around £8.5m but only spent one season in Spain before Everton signed him for roughly £6m.

After five years on Merseyside, Heitinga left Everton on a free and joined Fulham in January 2014, but would only last six months with the Cottagers. He moved on to Hertha Berlin that summer, spent a season in Germany and then returned to Ajax.

It’s also worth noting Heitinga had a brilliant career at international level, winning 87 caps for the Netherlands and scoring seven goals. He represented his country at Euro 2004 and 2008, and at the World Cup in 2006 and 2010.

What people have said about Heitinga before Tottenham move

John Heitinga has earned plenty of praise for his work as a coach, with Mohammed Kudus having positive things to say about his time working with him during their time at Ajax.

Kudus said: “I felt very good under Heitinga. He is the best trainer I have had at Ajax. Apart from the training aspect, I also have a very high regard for him in terms of standards and values. Personally, I would have loved to work with him longer.

“He is a top trainer, and I really appreciated his efforts to make the players better at the time. When he took over for the rest of the season, he made an immediate impact. It got better.”

Meanwhile, Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch described Heitinga as a “very good coach”, having worked with him in the Ajax youth setup and again at Liverpool. He said it was a “shame” Heitinga left Liverpool last summer.

However, there has been a degree of criticism around Heitinga, too. This comes mainly from Ajax fans after the disappointing spell he had as head coach there.

Some described the decision to appoint Heitinga as the “most baffling choice ever at the club”, while even his own agent admitted he had told Heitinga not to take the job in the first place.

Heitinga was said to have been found out in terms of his inexperience in the manager role. Alongside this, communication with the press was an issue, with ESPN journalist Thijs Zwagerman saying speaking to Heitinga was “kind of a maze”.

John Heitinga personal information

John Heitinga was born in Alphen aan den Rijn, Netherlands, on 15 November 1983. He was 42-years-old when he joined Spurs.

He is 1.81m tall, which is roughly 6ft tall. He weighs a fairly average 77kg.

Though he is a Netherlands native, Heitinga does have some Indonesian heritage through his grandfather on his dad’s side of the family.

Interestingly, Heitinga is married to Charlotte-Sophie Zenden, who is the sister of his former Dutch teammate, Boudewijn Zenden. They have three children together and have been married since 2010.

Thomas Frank has outlined the thinking behind Conor Gallagher’s decision to join Tottenham, offering insight into what ultimately convinced the midfielder to make the move to north London.

Tottenham Hotspur had shown interest in Conor Gallagher back in 2024 when Ange Postecoglou was manager, but failed to land the former Chelsea man.

However, this winter, with Spurs in desperate need of reinforcements amid an injury crisis and poor form, they moved to secure the services of the midfielder, who arrives with a wealth of Premier League experience.

Tottenham did not have a free run at Gallagher either, having to fend off interest from Aston Villa, who had reached a verbal agreement with Atletico Madrid, and Thomas Frank has now highlighted three reasons why Gallagher opted for a Spurs move.

Thomas Frank explains why Conor Gallagher chose Tottenham

Speaking to the club’s official Tottenham channels, Frank was asked directly why Gallagher chose to sign for Spurs, with the head coach outlining the factors that appealed most to the midfielder.

He said: “I think, of course, one thing is the Premier League, secondly is the project and the opportunity here, the role he could get in the team.

“I think, first and foremost, as a player that can help the team with his abilities, the character and the culture architect I think he is as well, in terms of pushing the group every single day, in training and in matches. I think you could see he is very exciting, there is some very exciting potential in this club.”

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Frank on Gallagher’s development and long-term motivation

Frank was also asked whether Gallagher had evolved as a player during his time in Madrid, with the Tottenham boss reflecting on the midfielder’s experiences abroad.

He said: “Yes, I think every experience makes us better in a way, either clear impact or reflection over it and learning from the experience.

“Quite a few conversations I had with Conor, he really liked the experience at Atletico. He really liked working with Diego Simeone, he really liked everything about it.

“Of course, we were pleased that he would like another chance and it was possible. But I think that experience added to how he ended his last year at Chelsea.

“I think he was at times unplayable. I think he was a fantastic player for Chelsea that season. So that is the Conor Gallagher we are looking at. That is the Conor Gallagher that I think can step straight into this team and help us straight away.”

Speaking on whether an England World Cup call-up played a role in Gallagher’s thinking, the Dane added: “To be fair, that we did not speak about. Sometimes you could do that, he did not mention it, I did not mention it.

“I could imagine it is a very important thing for him. But for me, it was all about Tottenham. What can he add to us, short term and long term? What is the plan, what is the vision for him and the club?”

Tottenham Hotspur are not giving up on a highly-rated winger even though the deck is stacked against them in the transfer race.

Until a little over a week ago, it appeared as if Spurs were among the clubs leading the race for Yan Diomande, who has exploded at RB Leipzig this season, with seven goals and four assists to his name.

However, the situation appears to have changed drastically over the last few days, with Tottenham thought to have fallen behind their rivals in the race for the Leipzig man.

To make matters worse, Diomande himself has named Liverpool as his dream destination, which seemingly leaves the Lilywhites with a mountain to climb.

Tottenham ready to go toe-to-toe with Liverpool for Yan Diomande

However, journalist Alan Nixon has now claimed that Spurs have not given up on their hopes of landing the Ivory Coast international just yet.

He suggested that the North London club are prepared to battle it out with the Reds for the 19-year-old’s signature, and are willing to splash the cash on the winger.

Nixon wrote on his Patreon: “Tottenham are taking on Liverpool in the race for Red Bull Leipzig wing sensation Diomande. Spurs are keen to splash out in this window and could top any offer for the Ivory Coast talent, who is just 19.

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“Liverpool have been hovering and see Diomande as a long-term capture, but Tottenham could make the big offer that lands him now. Diomande has shot to prominence with his speed and skills, and Spurs think a buy would work for them now and be an investment too. The auction may take the deal over £40 million, but Tottenham are backing Thomas Frank as they go for it in the market.”

Spurs may have to forgo Diomande January dream

It appears that Thomas Frank’s men may have to give up this deal for now and revisit it in the summer.

This is because it has been widely reported that Leipzig are unlikely to let Diomande leave before the end of this month.

Thomas Frank has spoken candidly as pressure continues to mount in north London, addressing whether collective trust and backing are required if Tottenham are to arrest their slide in form.

It has been anything but a perfect opening six months for Thomas Frank in the Tottenham Hotspur dugout.

The Dane, who enjoyed a relatively strong start to life in north London that included a London derby victory against West Ham United, has since seen his side’s form and performances take a significant downturn.

Spurs’ struggles make the next five months of the campaign absolutely crucial for Frank, who has made it clear that support from all sides will be important if momentum is to shift.

Thomas Frank on trust and backing at Tottenham

Speaking via the club’s official channels, Frank was asked directly whether he needed the trust and backing of everyone at Tottenham to help turn the club’s fortunes around.

The Spurs head coach offered a detailed and candid response to the question, highlighting the recent results, progress and culture of the club in recent weeks.

He said: “Yes. I am very aware of how this football world works, no doubt about that. I know that we have not got enough of the results we want.

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“I can see the small steps we are constantly taking. I still refer to the last six games with more positive, consistent performances, not perfect, but there are some good signs of a team.

“We talk about sometimes not being able to deal with enough setbacks or resilience, the two second-half performances against Bournemouth and Villa.

“It is so easy to fall apart but the team actually sticks together and adds more. I think that talks about a culture that is getting a little bit stronger, a little bit more, come on, let us do everything we can to turn this momentum. In football, sometimes momentum changes like that.

“I can see the small signs in the culture, the training, how the boys have been training here, especially Tuesday and Thursday.

“Very intense, focused, working very hard on the offensive part of the game because we know the defensive in many ways looks quite good, not through the roof, but quite good.

“It is the offensive we need to do better and that is what we are working hard on. I think all the small steps we are taking with everything from signing Conor [Gallagher], signing John Heitinga as an assistant coach, an excellent signing, Rafi as a Football Operations Officer, I think that is the correct title, a key member in the direction of how we want to do things.

“So everything is moving forward. We just need to add a top performance and a win on Saturday.”

Frank addresses pressure ahead of West Ham clash

While the Dane is eager to turn things around, Spurs fans are still not convinced that the 52-year-old is the man for the job.

A protest has already been organised by supporters ahead of Tottenham’s clash with West Ham on Saturday at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Frank also spoke about handling the growing personal pressure, again via Tottenham’s official channels, with the focus firmly on performance levels rather than external noise.

He added, “Yes, that is fine. I am happy to take that. It is all about how we can get the players out there full of confidence, brave and playing forward. We need to.

“I know it is a big London derby, of course, against West Ham, with the rivalry and everything, but it is all about us. For me, it is all about us.

“It is how we come out with energy, positive, forward, adding, hopefully, the first half against Sunderland and the second half against Villa. If we can do that, then we will put a top performance out there and then we will win the game.”

Tottenham Hotspur have told Mathys Tel whether he will be able to leave the club on loan in January amid interest from Paris FC.

Brennan Johnson has departed Tottenham for Crystal Palace, but he may not be the only wide player to leave N17 before the end of the month.

It has been widely reported over the last few days that Mathys Tel is open to a loan move away from Spurs in order to get regular game time under his belt.

We have heard over the last 48 hours that Tottenham are not keen on offloading Tel, and it appears the club have now communicated their stance to the player.

What Tottenham have told Mathys Tel about his future

TEAMtalk now report that Thomas Frank’s men have now ‘put their foot down’ and have informed Tel that they have no plans to let him go this month.

The Frenchman has reportedly voiced concerns to the club earlier this month about his lack of game time, and various clubs have expressed an interest in signing him.

Tel sees his long-term future at the North London club, but he wants to leave on loan so that he can have a shot at making the France squad for the World Cup.

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However, Spurs have now informed the 20-year-old as well as his suitors that a deal is currently not being considered.

One industry source told the outlet that while Tottenham respect Tel’s situation, they do not feel they are in a position to let him go right now.

Spurs could change their mind on Tel under one condition

Interestingly, TEAMtalk assert that the former Bayern Munich man could still be loaned out before the end of the window, as long as one condition is fulfilled.

Tottenham will be open to greenlighting a temporary move for Tel if they can sign another forward, which they are currently attempting to do.