The Boy Hotspur

Good evening, all, and welcome to another instalment in this series of daily shorts from The Boy Hotspur himself, sharing opinions on and insights from behind the scenes at Tottenham Hotspur Football Club.

This afternoon, Ange Postecoglou’s Nottingham Forest lost again, which made it 6 in 8 and no wins since the Aussie began destroying the good that Nuno had done.

Marinakis apparently sacked the flop just minutes after the full-time whistle blew in the stadium. With any luck, he will crawl back to wherever he came from.

It’s early in the season, but tomorrow’s clash between Tottenham and Aston Villa sees the third in the division take on those in 13th. This fixture has historically been high-scoring and competitive, with Tottenham holding a slight edge in recent home encounters. Tottenham’s consistency could give them the upper hand against a Villa team that’s finally found some rhythm. The bookmakers think so, and they are currently favouring Spurs at 2.15, while Villa are out at 3.6, and the draw is also 3.6 in most places.

Form guide for both teams

Tottenham sit comfortably in third with 14 points from seven matches, having conceded just five goals in the league—the joint-best defensive record. They’ve gone unbeaten in their last seven games across all competitions, including a gritty 2-1 win at Leeds United before the break.

Our Premier League form reads: W L W D D W.

Aston Villa, meanwhile, are tied for 11th with nine points, having endured a dismal start (winless in their first six, scoreless in four). However, they’ve turned it around with four straight wins across the Premier League and Europa League, including 3-1 over Fulham and 2-0 against Burnley.

Villa’s recent PL form: L L D D W W.

How to stream the game

The game is scheduled for Sunday, October 19, 2025. Kick-off is at 9:00 a.m. ET / 2:00 p.m. BST at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.

In the UK, it’s Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League. For fans who haven’t started following Nottingham Forest, you can watch us on Optus.

Radio options include BBC Radio 5 Live (UK) or SiriusXM FC (US).

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in the highly rated Brazilian attacker Rayan.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, they have already made contact with the agents of the 19-year-old attacker, and they will face competition from Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool.

Tottenham could use Rayan

Rayan is highly rated in South America, and he has been described as an “extremely unique player”. There is no doubt that he is an elite young talent for the bright future, and he could develop into a future star for Tottenham. They could use more quality in the final third, and Rayan would be a long-term investment for them.

The opportunity to move to the Premier League will be an exciting one for the young attacker. It will be a step up for him, and he will get to test himself in English football. He has the technical attributes to do well at the highest level, and Tottenham could groom him into a future star.

Rayan asking price revealed

The player has nine goals in 2025, and he is valued at £35 million. However, the asking price could rise if he continues to impress. Real Madrid and Barcelona are keeping tabs on his progress as well.

Vasco da Gama will certainly hope to recoup as much as possible for him. It will be interesting to see if Tottenham are willing to pay £35 million for him. They will probably look to sign him for a more reasonable amount of money.

Meanwhile, his performances have not gone unnoticed by Carlo Ancelotti. It remains to be seen whether he is a part of the Brazilian squad for the upcoming World Cup.

Arsenal and Chelsea could use more depth in the final third as well. Both clubs have done well to bring quality strikers this summer, but they need a versatile attacker like Rayan, who is capable of slotting anywhere across the front three. It remains to be seen where he ends up.

Tottenham head into the match with a lengthy injury list, but there are some positive returns. Long-term absentees Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, and Radu Dragusin remain sidelined, while Yves Bissouma and Dominic Solanke are expected to rejoin training soon but are unlikely to feature. Randal Kolo Muani is back in contention after recovering from a dead leg that kept him out for five matches.

We also witnessed strong international form from young attackers Wilson Odobert and Mathys Tel, who are pushing for starts after impressive showings for France U21s (Odobert with two braces and an assist; Tel with two goals), but might that be undone, in the Premier League which is an entirely different level to playing frankly embarrassing, third-rate International sides?

Richarlison is likely to feel fresh after limited minutes for Brazil, and he will expect to compete for a spot in the attack.

In defence, Djed Spence could replace Destiny Udogie at left-back following clean sheets with England U21s, partnering Pedro Porro on the right. Who might have predicted that Spence would be an England go-to player, when he joined Tottenham?

Cuti Romero is rested and ready to lead alongside Micky van de Ven. Midfield duo Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur provide solidity, with Pape Sarr or Xavi Simons vying for the No. 10 role. Personally, I’d like to see Sarr and Simons operate a double pivot and, with any luck, set up Richy with balls that even he couldn’t miss.

Villa’s starting XI is likely to take on a fresher vibe, as Unai Emery could well welcome back Ollie Watkins, who withdrew from the England squad as a precaution after a collision but has returned to training and is in contention to lead the line. But that’s not it.

Jadon Sancho, Emiliano Buendia, and Tyrone Mings should be available for the bench after recent recoveries. Donyell Malen has earned a start following a superb brace in Villa’s last win against Burnley, while Morgan Rogers is hitting form in attack.

How you can watch the game is all here.

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Nicolas Raskin from Rangers in the coming months.

The 24-year-old has impressed with the Scottish club and the Belgian national team in recent months. He has shown that he is capable of playing in the Premier League, and the move to Tottenham could be quite exciting for him.

Nicolas Raskin would be useful for Spurs

They could use more defensive cover, work rate and physicality in the middle of the park. The Belgian could be the ideal acquisition. The hard-working midfielder has the quality to adapt to Thomas Frank’s style of football, and he could be an asset for the north London club.

He is still relatively young, and he could improve with coaching and experience. He could develop into a key player for the club.

Raskin fancies Premier League move

According to Football Insider, the player could be tempted to move to the Premier League this summer, and that will come as a huge boost for Tottenham. They will hope to secure an agreement with the Scottish club in the coming months. They have the resources to get the deal across the line.

Pete O’Rourke explained: “I’m sure he’d be tempted by a move to the Premier League. There’s no doubt about that. I think for Raskin right now, it’s a clean slate for him again under a new manager. He’s impressing for Belgium on the international stage as well. So it’s no surprise he’s attracting interest.”

The opportunity to move to England will be hard to turn down for the player, and Rangers are unlikely to stand in his way if a suitable offer is presented. It remains to be seen how the situation unfolds.

Rangers will look to recoup as much as possible for their key star, and it remains to be seen whether Tottenham are ready to pay up.

Tottenham Hotspur remain interested in signing Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth in the coming months.

The 25-year-old reportedly held talks with Tottenham before signing a new deal with the Cherries, and the north London club remains keen on securing his signature in the future, as per talkSPORT.

Antoine Semenyo is in red-hot form

The 25-year-old has been in spectacular form this season, scoring six goals and picking up three assists in seven league matches. He’s one of the best attacking players in the Premier League right now, and Tottenham would do well to secure his signature. They could use more quality on the flanks, and the African could prove to be an upgrade on players like Wilson Odobert.

Semenyo has been described as a “box-office player” recently.

It will be interesting to see if they can get the deal done in the near future. He is likely to cost a substantial amount of money, and the Cherries will not want to lose him easily.

Semenyo could fancy a move

Meanwhile, the player will be attracted to the idea of joining an elite club. He has shown his quality in the Premier League consistently, and he will look to test himself in the UEFA Champions League and fight for trophies. Tottenham could provide him with that platform.

They are not the only club interested in the 25-year-old attacker. They will face competition from Premier League champions, Liverpool as well. It will be interesting to see where the African ends up. He has the quality to improve most teams in the country.

Tottenham have started the season, but they need to improve the squad if they want to fight for major trophies. Someone like Semenyo could be a game-changer for them in future. The Ghanaian is entering the peak years of his career, and he could improve further.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Luka Vuskovic is currently on loan at Hamburger SV, and his performances have been exemplary.

The 18-year-old has already established himself as an important player for the German club, and top teams are now monitoring his progress. According to TBR football, RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund are interested in the 18-year-old defender, and they have him on their radar ahead of the upcoming transfer windows.

However, he is highly rated at Tottenham, and it is unlikely that they will sanction his departure. He has a bright future ahead of himself, and Tottenham simply cannot afford to lose a player of his potential.

Luka Vuskovic is attracting attention

Graeme Bailey said: “Vuskovic is playing very well in the Bundesliga, and it is no shock that his performances are turning heads.

“RB Leipzig and Dortmund are both in the market for a new defender in 2026, and Vuskovic is very much on their radar.

“Spurs love the player and have no intention to sell, but let’s see what the player thinks. Is there a pathway for him at Tottenham with Romero and Van de Ven in place? Currently, it’s hard to see one.”

Vuskovic is a prodigious talent

The 18-year-old will look to continue his development with regular football at the German club. There is no doubt that he is a promising young player, and he will hope to establish himself as a key player for Tottenham in future.

He needed to gain some valuable first-team experience, and the loan is doing wonders for him. He will hope to return as a better player and force his way into Thomas Frank’s first team plans next season.

It will be interesting to see if RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund decide to come forward with an offer to sign the player in future. It will be hard for them to convince Spurs. The London outfit are looking to build a team for the future, and they will not want to sell one of their best young players.

Harry Kane has been linked with a return to Tottenham Hotspur ever since he left the club.

He has been exceptional for Bayern Munich, and he has helped them win the league title recently. His goal-scoring record at the German club is nothing short of flawless, and he could prove to be an exceptional addition for Tottenham if they manage to bring him back to the club. There is a clause in his contract which allows him to leave the German club in the summer of 2026.

Kane has 103 goals in 106 matches for Bayern Munich, and he has 18 goals in 10 matches this season.

It will be interesting to see if Tottenham are willing to pay. According to a report from Fichajes, ENIC are prepared to fund a move for the England international.

Tottenham need Harry Kane

Tottenham could use a quality striker, and Kane would be a world-class signing for them. He knows the club well, and he could make an instant impact. He has won a major trophy with Bayern Munich, and the opportunity to return to his boyhood club could be an interesting one for him now.

Tottenham have an ambitious project and quality players. They will be hoping to fight for trophies regularly. Signing a world-class striker could make a huge difference for them. Dominic Solanke has not been able to find the back of the net consistently, and Kane would be a huge upgrade.

Kane would be a superb addition

He has been labelled as a “genius”, and there is no doubt that he could transform them going forward. Apart from his ability to find the back of the net consistently, he will help create opportunities for his teammates as well.

Even though he might not be a long-term acquisition for the club, he could make an instant impact and help Spurs win trophies immediately.

Tottenham Hotspur are looking to improve their defensive unit with the signing of Mario Gila during the January transfer window.

According to a report from CaughtOffside, Tottenham are interested in securing the services of the Spanish defender, and they are impressed with his performances for Lazio.

The player is likely to cost around €45-50 million. The report confirms that Tottenham are expected to test the waters in January. It will be interesting to see if they can get the deal done.

Spurs do not need Mario Gila

They have Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Radu Dragusin, and Kevin Danso at their disposal and signing another central defender in January would not make a lot of sense. They should talk to invest in the attacking unit instead.

Gila is unlikely to be guaranteed regular opportunities at Tottenham during the second half of the season. He will not want to sit on the bench at the north London club. He’s one of the best defenders in Italy right now, and he will look to play every week.

While there is no doubt that he would be an exceptional acquisition for Tottenham, they will not be able to accommodate him in the starting lineup, and the move would be quite surprising.

Spurs should improve the other areas

Tottenham have started the season well and they are third in the league table. They will look to push for trophies and secure Champions League qualification for the next season as well. They should look to improve the weaknesses on their side. Signing a quality attacker would be ideal for them.

It will be interesting to see what they decide in the coming weeks. They will find it difficult to convince the Spanish defender to join the club without assurances of regular gametime.

The football is back, and so let’s look at how Tottenham stand, injury-wise. Thomas Frank needs to assess the fitness of Solanke, Kulusevski, and Kolo Muani ahead of the game, but they may not start if not fully recovered. The good news is that no other major physical concerns have been reported, touch wood.

Bissouma’s latest ankle injury occurred during Mali’s World Cup qualifier against Madagascar, where he was stretchered off shortly after substituting in. This follows a prior knee issue that sidelined him earlier in the season.

Solanke and Kolo Muani have both progressed in training during the international break, with Kolo Muani playing for 45 minutes in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Watford.

Longer-term absentees like Maddison and Kulusevski are in rehab, with Maddison expressing optimism about returning before the end of the 2025-26 season.

Aston Villa have no fresh injury worries and could field a near-full-strength side, with Unai Emery likely sticking to the line-up that has delivered their recent wins.

Tottenham sit third in the Premier League table with 14 points from seven matches (4 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss), boasting a strong goal difference of +8 (13 goals scored, 5 conceded). Under new manager Thomas Frank, they’ve shown promise but have been inconsistent at home, recording one win, one draw, and one loss in their three league games at the stadium so far. Our recent form includes a 2-1 away win at Leeds on October 4, a 1-1 home draw against Wolves on September 27, and a 2-2 draw at Brighton on September 20.

Spurs are notional favourites at 11/10, Villa are around the 5/2 mark, and the draw is 11/4, which may prove not to be bad value.