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Ange Postecoglou has now officially begun working in his new role as Nottingham Forest’s head coach, but he is expected to be unsuccessful in his attempts to prise away his former colleague from Tottenham Hotspur.

The Postecoglou era at Tottenham was one of extremes, encapsulated by the fact that the club achieved their worst-ever Premier League finish last season but managed to secure the Europa League trophy, their first piece of silverware in 17 years.

There were mixed emotions among Spurs fans when the club decided to sack Postecoglou, but given the impact Thomas Frank has made at N17, the decision is viewed as the right one in hindsight by the majority of the supporters.

Just a few months on from leaving Spurs, Postecoglou has returned to the Premier League, replacing another former Tottenham head coach, Nuno Espirito Santo, at the City Ground.

Tottenham coach is not expected to follow Ange Postecoglou to Nottingham Forest

According to reports, Postecoglou’s former Spurs assistants, Mile Jedinak and Nick Montgomery, will join him at Nottingham.

However, The Telegraph claim that Spurs coach Matt Wells is considered unlikely to be part of the Australians’ staff at City Ground.

Wells was a key part of Tottenham’s coaching staff during Postecoglou’s two seasons at the club, and took the lead on defensive coaching at Spurs.

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The 36-year-old has since been retained by Thomas Frank as a part of his coaching staff, but despite Postecoglou’s good relationship with Wells, he is not expected to reunite with the 60-year-old in the East Midlands.

Matt Wells has bigger ambitions

The Telegraph say that one of the reasons why Wells will not join Nottingham is that he has his eyes set on becoming head coach elsewhere.

He is now a key part of Frank’s set-up at Spurs and is thought to harbour ambitions of trying his hand at the top job next.

Wells saw his former Spurs colleagues, Chris Davies and Ryan Mason, land managerial jobs in the EFL with Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion, respectively, and it appears he wants to follow their lead.

Paul Merson has made his Premier League prediction for West Ham United vs Tottenham Hotspur at the London Stadium on Saturday evening.

Tottenham Hotspur are gearing up as they prepare to do battle with West Ham United and it seemed this would be a straightforward fixture after two matches each in the Premier League.

Spurs kept clean sheets in wins over Burnley and Manchester City, while West Ham were thrashed by Sunderland and Chelsea, and even lost to Wolves in the Carabao Cup.

However, a dramatic twist occurred before the international break, which has made this a far more interesting fixture. Tottenham limped to a 1-0 defeat at home to Bournemouth, while West Ham blew Nottingham Forest away at the City Ground.

On top of this, West Ham usually give Spurs a good game, regardless of their form. Of the last 10 Premier League meetings between the cross-city rivals, both teams have won three matches each, while four have ended in draws.

Paul Merson predicts a Tottenham victory over West Ham

Paul Merson has highlighted what this fixture means to West Ham. While Tottenham have bigger rivals in Arsenal and Chelsea, West Ham supporters despise Spurs more than any other club, and it shows on the pitch.

However, Merson believes the Hammers will be required to take the game to Tottenham due to the occasion, which could work in favour of Thomas Frank and his team.

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Merson told Sportskeeda: “Two unbelievable results for both these teams last time out. I did have a feeling about Tottenham messing up that Bournemouth game, and I said it here too! But I never expected West Ham to win, hugely significant three points for them before the international break.

“Don’t get me wrong, it was a great result for West Ham against Nottingham Forest, but three goals in the last 10 minutes can sort of paper over the cracks! This is West Ham’s cup final, Spurs at home is their biggest game of the season. So they must play on the front foot from the start, and I don’t think it suits them.

“There isn’t much pressure on Graham Potter this weekend as compared to in the past few weeks. But if he doesn’t win, he will be back to square one. That is exactly what I think will happen at the London stadium, Spurs win.”

Paul Merson’s prediction: West Ham 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur

Thomas Frank has a poor record against Graham Potter

Merson may believe West Ham will be forced to play in a way which does not suit Graham Potter’s squad, but the former Brighton and Chelsea manager knows how to get the better of Frank. Potter’s team have come out on top five times out of seven against a Brentford team managed by Frank.

Of course, the players each manager has had at his disposal should be a factor to consider. Potter had access to players who cost a fortune at Chelsea, while Frank was more limited at his former club.

Now, it is Frank who has the stronger team on paper, and Tottenham will surely be the favourites to take all three points.

West Ham United have announced a strange rule for fans attending the London Stadium for the derby against Tottenham Hotspur.

The atmosphere for Saturday’s clash is going to be as intense and hostile as it ever has been between West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur due to the events of the summer.

The two clubs have not done any business at all for well over a decade, but the protocol was broken when Mohammed Kudus made the switch from West Ham to Spurs.

There is no doubt that the Ghana international needs to have a thick skin tomorrow afternoon, as all sorts of chants will likely be targeted at him.

West Ham ban a strange item for London derby vs Tottenham

According to The Standard, West Ham have now warned fans not to wear “items illustrating the colours/crests of both clubs”, making it clear that those will be binned by the security staff.

The East London club claim that they have made this decision as part of the “increased security measures” to prevent away supporters from getting access to home sections.

The club’s statement reads: “West Ham United would like to make supporters aware that enhanced security measures will be in place for Saturday’s match against Tottenham Hotspur.

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“This includes additional checks at turnstiles, restrictions on half-and-half scarves or items illustrating the colours/crests of both clubs and steps to ensure home areas remain for West Ham United fans only.

“We would like to kindly ask all supporters for patience when entering the stadium to allow our staff to perform these checks, especially during the busiest times in the 45 minutes ahead of kick-off.”

This warning signals that authorities expect the crowd to be on a short fuse

No real Tottenham or West Ham fan would ever consider wearing a half-and-half scarf, but this announcement is probably intended for tourists, of whom there are a lot at the London Stadium.

This also signals that the authorities expect an extremely hostile crowd and the supporters to be on edge.

Chris Sutton has made his prediction for Tottenham Hotspur’s visit to the London Stadium and he has one concern about West Ham.

Tottenham Hotspur do not have a great record at the London Stadium. The past three meetings at the Stratford ground have all ended in 1-1 draws, while Spurs have failed to win a match there in almost six years.

Heung-min Son opened the scoring that day and his goal was followed by strikes from Lucas Moura and Harry Kane. None of these three players remain at the club. In fact, Son and Lucas do not even play in Europe anymore.

However, West Ham were defeated 5-1 by Chelsea in their first home fixture of the season, and this was just a continuation of their previous campaign.

The Hammers picked up more points on the road than at home and would have finished 17th in the Premier League if only home results counted. Even Tottenham recorded more points at home in their worst-ever league season.

Chris Sutton predicts Tottenham to defeat West Ham

Chris Sutton is aware of West Ham’s appalling record at home and he believes this could be a key reason why Tottenham will record a victory this weekend.

Interestingly, Sutton has blamed the West Ham supporters for this record, accusing them of being ‘edgy’ at the former Olympic Stadium.

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He told BBC Sport: “For West Ham to go to Nottingham Forest and win 3-0 was an incredible result – I never saw that coming, so fair play to those of you who did.

“Now it is about Graham Potter’s side backing it up, but I don’t think they will. I never really fancy West Ham at home the same way I do with other teams because their fans always seem edgy at London Stadium.

“Tottenham have a point to prove too after their surprise home defeat by Bournemouth. I didn’t think that would happen either, but Thomas Frank’s teams are usually so well-balanced and I am expecting them to bounce back.”

Chris Sutton’s prediction: West Ham 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur

Spurs may benefit from the international break

Tottenham were on a high after wins against Burnley and Manchester City, but the defeat to Bournemouth was very poor. Thomas Frank’s side went behind early and if anything, they looked more likely to concede another goal than score one.

It is not easy to come up with an immediate solution, but the Spurs manager has had plenty of time to consider what went wrong and to work out how to fix the problem.

Returning West Ham United star Crysencio Summerville has just fired a huge warning shot at Tottenham Hotspur ahead of the derby at the London Stadium tomorrow.

Tottenham’s record at the London Stadium over recent years has been poor, and that is something that the Lilywhites will look to put right on Saturday.

Spurs fans are excited about getting a first glimpse of Xavi Simons in a Tottenham shirt after the attacking midfielder trained with the squad over the last few days on his return from international duty.

According to predictive algorithms, Tottenham are only slight favourites against West Ham, and one Hammers star has now sent a warning to Thomas Frank’s men.

Crysencio Summerville tells Spurs he is a ‘big game player’

While the Hammers had a poor start to the season, they come into Saturday’s game with renewed confidence after thrashing Nottingham Forest 3-0 at the City Ground before the international break.

Summerville came on as a substitute and played 17 minutes in what was his first appearance in almost eight months, and he admits that he cannot wait to take on Tottenham Hotspur.

The Dutch winger told West Ham’s official website: “The victory [at Nottingham Forest] was very important, and I hope we can build some momentum from this. I hope this is a really good start for us, and it can kickstart our season.

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“For me, it’s important to get some minutes. I see every game now as a final, and I’m just very grateful and happy to be back. I hope I can stay fit, and then I can guarantee you it’s going to be a great season for me with loads of goals and assists.

“Everyone knows I’m a big game player, so I love to play against all the big teams, and I think everyone is looking forward to the Tottenham Hotspur game. We are sharp, we are ready, and we can’t wait.”

Tottenham should expect an extremely hostile atmosphere

The atmosphere at the London Stadium when Spurs visit is always hostile, but it will be especially so after the events of this summer.

Mohammed Kudus became the first player to join Tottenham from West Ham in 14 years, and he may get a similar reception to the one Sol Campbell often did at White Hart Lane when he returned as an Arsenal player.

Alasdair Gold has said that Tottenham Hotspur could soon start handing out new contracts to several of their key players, starting with Rodrigo Bentancur.

A couple of key men have already committed their futures to the club over recent weeks, with Djed Spence signing a new long-term deal, and the new club captain, Cristian Romero, also putting pen to paper on a contract.

According to reports over recent days, Spurs have already begun work on tying down an experienced star, who has been an important player for Thomas Frank so far.

Some sources have claimed that Tottenham CEO Vinai Venkatesham is now stepping up efforts to agree a new deal with Rodrygo Bentancur, who is in the final year of his contract at N17.

More new contract talks expected at Spurs

Alasdair Gold has now confirmed that tying down Bentancur is the priority for the Lilywhites since Thomas Frank is a big fan of the Uruguayan.

He suggested that Micky van de Ven, Dejan Kulusevski and Pedro Porro could also be rewarded with new deals, while a decision will be made on Richarlison’s future depending on his fitness this season.

When asked if any new contracts are in the offing at Tottenham, the journalist said on a Q&A on Football.London: “I think Rodrigo Bentancur is the obvious one and Thomas Frank really likes the Uruguayan so hopefully that will get done before it gets a bit nervy.

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“A decision will have to be made over Richarlison if he can keep fit for the bulk of this season, and then I would imagine it’s about rewarding those who have impressed since arriving like Micky van de Ven, Pedro Porro and Dejan Kulusevski.”

Tottenham ready to double centre-back’s wages

This update from Alasdair Gold comes just after a report from TBR Football claimed that Tottenham are prepared to make a lucrative contract offer to Micky van de Ven.

The outlet asserted that the North London side are prepared to double the Dutchman’s current salary in an effort to tie him down.

An eagle-eyed Alasdair Gold has spotted some interesting details in the training footage shared by Tottenham, which potentially hint at the role that Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani are expected to play against West Ham.

Spurs will look to bounce back from their 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth and get back to winning ways at the London Stadium, which is not a venue they have a good record at of late.

The atmosphere will undoubtedly be electric, not just because it is a London derby but also given the context of Mohammed Kudus becoming the first player to join Tottenham from West Ham since 2014.

Spurs will be boosted by the arrival of two new faces late in the transfer window, with Xavi and Kolo Muani potentially in line for their debuts.

Alasdair Gold reveals what Tottenham coach was yelling to Xavi Simons

Tottenham released footage of Xavi Simons on his first day of training at Hotspur Way, and the video has been combed over by Football.London’s Alasdair Gold, who noticed a couple of interesting things.

Gold points out that Matt Wells was leading the session, and the Spurs assistant coach made it clear what he expects of the attacking midfielder.

According to the Football.London journalist, when Spurs academy youngster Yusuf Akhamrich got on the ball, Wells was heard shouting “find Xavi” and when the ball arrived at the 22-year-old’s feet, he yelled “Go on Xavi, you create. Create, whatever you want.”

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The former RB Leipzig man was primarily used centrally in the drill, being asked to evade his marker and spread the ball wide, which is perhaps confirmation that he will play as a number ten against West Ham.

Is Randal Kolo Muani going to start out wide against West Ham?

Gold also noticed in the video that Kolo Muani was used on the left in the training drill rather than as the central striker.

Following the Frenchman’s arrival, Frank remarked that Kolo Muani can play centrally or out wide, thus giving Tottenham plenty of options in attack.

Thomas Frank has addressed questions over why he has yet to confirm his Tottenham leadership group, despite already handing the captain’s armband to Cristian Romero following the departure of Heung-min Son.

Thomas Frank would no doubt be pleased with how his start to life at Tottenham Hotspur has unfolded, although it has not been entirely smooth sailing.

Since taking charge, there has been clear progress for the north London club, with two wins from three Premier League fixtures and two clean sheets to show for it, even if there have been bumps along the way.

Those setbacks arrived in the UEFA Super Cup, where Tottenham surrendered a two-goal lead against PSG, and again in matchweek three’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth.

Thomas Frank explains Tottenham leadership group decision

The Tottenham boss could also be proud of how his side has responded to the departure of club legend Heung-min Son, who left N17 after a decade-long stay.

Son had been captain for the past two seasons, but Frank has since handed the armband to Cristian Romero for this campaign, although the wider leadership group remains unnamed.

Speaking to the club’s official website, Frank explained why he has not yet finalised that part of his squad structure, admitting that the matter is still pending. He said: “It is a big note on my paper. I need to do that. The answer is no.”

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Thomas Frank on Tottenham’s summer business and squad assessment

Spurs have also been active in the transfer market this summer, strengthening key areas of the squad that required attention.

Six new signings arrived with more than £150 million spent, underlining the significant backing Thomas Frank has received in his first season as Tottenham manager.

When assessing the squad following the close of the window, Frank was quick to praise the work that had been done, telling the club’s official website: “I am really happy with the squad. I think the club has done a really good job.

“It is very impressive what they have been doing and how they have improved the squad. I am pleased with the squad.”

Thomas Frank has praised Daniel Levy for the foundations he laid at Tottenham Hotspur and has discussed whether his departure has any impact on how he works at the club.

The long-serving Tottenham supremo hired and sacked many managers during his 24 years at the helm of the North London club, and Frank proved to be his last appointment.

Speaking earlier in the summer, Levy was confident that Frank was the right man to bring success to Tottenham, speaking highly of the Dane’s ability to develop players.

However, little did he know at the time that his time at Tottenham was about to run out, with reports indicating that Levy was completely blindsided by ENIC’s decision to get rid of him.

Thomas Frank reflects on Daniel Levy’s Tottenham departure

The Tottenham head coach insisted that the 63-year-old deserves a lot of plaudits for the foundations he has laid at the club to compete at the top.

Frank admitted that not too many people at Tottenham expected the development and wished Levy the best going forward.

When asked about Levy’s departure, the Spurs boss said (via the official website): “He deserves huge praise. One of the longest-serving chairmen in the Premier League ever. He has laid the foundations for the future in terms of the world-class training centre and stadium.

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“I have spoken to him. It has been brief. I said thank you. I can only appreciate that in every aspect. I wish him all the best going forward.

I don’t think anyone expected it, but a decision has been made. It was very clear that the roles for the window (just gone).”

Frank reveals whether he will be impacted by Levy’s departure

The 51-year-old stated that he worked well with Levy in the summer and insisted that the change in the leadership structure does not have an impact on his role.

The former Brentford boss also admitted that he was not involved in the club’s ultimate decision regarding the 63-year-old.

Frank added about Levy’s departure: “I don’t think it has a big impact on me. This window, I only experienced good collaboration where we agreed on targets. I expect the same going forward.”

When asked when he found out about the news, the Dane responded: “I was involved but not early, early. That is something for the CEOs and shareholders, and then they inform the football side at the right time.”

Thomas Frank has provided an update on potential debuts for Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani, with both summer signings now in contention as Tottenham prepare to face West Ham United this weekend.

Tottenham Hotspur’s attention is firmly back on the Premier League following the conclusion of the international break, which saw several of their players travel across the globe to represent their countries.

With no fresh injury concerns reported on their return to N17, Thomas Frank finds himself with a wide range of options to select from, and that includes two new faces in Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani.

Neither Simons nor Kolo Muani has featured for Tottenham since sealing their respective moves two weeks ago, yet Frank has now lifted the lid on the likelihood of both players being involved in the upcoming London derby against West Ham United.

Thomas Frank on Tottenham debuts for Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani

Speaking ahead of the clash, Thomas Frank admitted that both players have made a strong impression since arriving at the club and could be named in the squad.

He explained that Simons, having already featured for the Netherlands and for RB Leipzig earlier this year, is naturally further along in his preparations, while Muani still has to build up his fitness.

He said (Tottenham official): “Both of them are looking good. Both are in contention for the squad. Xavi, for natural reasons, is further down the line as he has played for Holland and a few games for Leipzig.

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“Randal has not played since the Club World Cup and did not really train at PSG so he is not as fit as Xavi,” he admitted.

“I have some ideas. It is still a team I am learning. It is one thing to look from the outside, it is another to feel them. Xavi I see as mainly a 10 or a left-side player. Kolo I see as a striker or can play on either wing.”

Xavi Simons could spark creativity for Spurs

Tottenham struggled in their last outing against Bournemouth, where they managed just one shot on target in what was a laboured attacking display.

Simons has been brought in to carry much of the creative burden, particularly in the absence of James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, and with fixtures set to come thick and fast, the Dutchman could well be handed his first start this weekend.