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Tottenham expert shares Damola Ajayi hope after ‘difficult’ Carabao Cup assignment

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Tottenham breezed past Doncaster Rovers with a 3-0 win in the Carabao Cup last week.

The Lilywhites have made a bright start in the Premier League, and they carried that over into the domestic cup competition with a routine victory.

One of the standout moments in the game was when Luca Williams-Barnett was introduced for his senior Tottenham debut, and the youngster now looks set to pen a new contract in the aftermath.

However, it was a bizarre night for fellow academy starlet Damola Ajayi, who continued what has been a strange start to his season.

This article includes exclusive comments from Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham.

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Damola Ajayi can use performance vs Tottenham to build confidence

Tottenham loanee Damola Ajayi was left in a bizarre situation recently, as he turned out for Doncaster against his parent club in that Carabao Cup clash.

The winger played 61 minutes of the tie on the visitors’ right flank, after the Lilywhites gave permission to their League One opponents to use the starlet in the encounter.

The 19-year-old caught the eye for the South Yorkshire outfit during their pre-season campaign, but is still yet to start a game for them in league action, and has received limited minutes so far.

However, Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – is hoping that Ajayi can use his performance against his parent club to try and build some confidence moving forward.

“I thought Ajayi did okay,” Wenham said.

“He was obviously up against Djed Spence, which is always difficult. But I thought he did okay, and some of the Doncaster fans I spoke to afterwards said they wanted to see a bit more of him.

“He hasn’t started a league game for them yet, having been amazing in preseason, when he was scoring goals every game. So he’s had sub-involvement thus far and featured in the Cup, and he played and scored at Middlesbrough away.

“So hopefully he can get a bit of confidence from his performance and continue pushing on.”

Spurs may regret sending Damola Ajayi to Doncaster

Ajayi’s loan move would have pleased Tottenham when it was agreed, as they have been able to secure him the opportunity to go and make a name for himself in senior men’s football.

However, they may now be regretting their chocie of club to send him to, given the lack of league football that he has seen so far.

The youngster has unsurprisingly found himself below Luke Molyneux in the pecking order at Doncaster, after he completed a clean sweep of the club’s end-of-season awards, thanks to 28 league goal contributions last term.

It is unlikely that Ajayi will be able to dethrone the impressive winger, and Spurs may be inclined to re-evaluate his situation in January if nothing changes.

Thomas Frank set to be without ‘quality’ star in Tottenham clash vs Bodo/Glimdt as training ground footage emerges

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Tottenham will be striving to return to winning ways when they face Bodo/Glimt on Tuesday night.

Thomas Frank’s side rescued a point against Wolves thanks to a late goal from midfield maestro Joao Palhinha.

Spurs defeated Villarreal unconvincingly in their Champions League opener, and they will be expected to come away from Norway with another three points.

However, Frank is set to be without two key players after the latest developments from Hotspur Way.

Randal Kolo Muani and Dominic Solanke absent from Tottenham training

Neither Kolo Muani nor Solanke featured against Wolves as they continue their recoveries from their respective injuries.

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Kolo Muani has been missing with a dead leg suffered in training, while Solanke has been sidelined with an ankle injury.

Given that they missed Spurs’ draw on Saturday, it was always going to be a push for them to be ready for the trip to Norway.

Now, it appears certain that neither will feature on Tuesday night, as they were both absent from Tottenham’s training session on Monday.

However, there could be some positive team news to come from Frank as Ben Davies, Kota Takai, and Yves Bissouma all trained.

Spurs fans keep waiting for Randal Kolo Muani impact

Kolo Muani was a headline addition for Tottenham at the end of the transfer window, but supporters have been starved of the France international.

The forward has enjoyed irresistible goalscoring form across Europe, and while he has struggled to do that for PSG, there is a reasonable expectation he can be a success in England.

However, the 26-year-old has played just 13 minutes of football for the Lilywhites, having come on as a substitute against Villarreal.

Upon his arrival in North London, Frank was quick to hype up the forward’s attributes.

“Randal is a quality player who has proven himself over a number of years, playing for big teams in the Champions League and also with good experience for the France national team,” he told Tottenham’s official website in early September.

“He’s a good age, in the prime of his career, has good qualities that will suit both us and the Premier League, and gives us a different option in the final third, being able to play out wide and through the middle.”

Indeed, Spurs could do with his quality in the final third right now after what occurred on home soil on Saturday evening.

Frank’s side missed several opportunities, and if a fit and in-form Kolo Muani had been there, it could have been very different.

While there is substantial time left for the France international to find his feet, his absence comes at a cost for the Lilywhites.

Bodo/Glimt vs Tottenham preview: Team news, likely lineups, score prediction

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Tottenham will be aiming to continue their winning start to their European campaign when they take on Bodo/Glimt on Tuesday night.

The Lilywhites tasted victory in their opening Champions League outing, as they edged past Villarreal on home turf thanks to a calamitous own goal from the visiting goalkeeper.

A trip to Bodo/Glimt is the next assignment for Tottenham, as they attempt to inflict yet more pain on the team that they knocked out of the Europa League at the semi-final stage last term.

Thomas Frank and Co. will be desperate to get back to winning ways after Saturday’s draw with Wolves in the Premier League, and with that in mind, Tottenham News rounds up everything that you need to know ahead of the game.

Form Guide

Bodo Glimt: W, D, D, W, W

Tottenham: D, W, D, W, W

Team News

Randal Kolo Muani has missed the last three games for Tottenham with a dead leg, and it is highly unlikely that he will be fit enough to play any part on Tuesday night.

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Dominic Solanke is also continuing his recovery from injury and could potentially be ready to feature in the matchday squad, but is likely to be unable to start.

With that in mind, it will be Richarlison to lead the line once again for the visitors, as he looks to build on a bright start to the new campaign.

Pedro Porro was left out of the starting XI for Saturday’s home clash with Wolves, but the full-back is set to come back into the fold after getting something of a break in that game.

The hosts could be without centre-back Brede Moe and winger Daniel Bassi, after they were both brought off with injuries during the cup victory over Odd last Thursday.

Likely lineups

Bodo/Glimt: Lund, Riisnaes, Bjortuft, Nielsen, Maatta, Auklend, Berg, Klynge, Bjorkan, Helmsersen, Hauge

Tottenham: Vicario, Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie, Bergvall, Palhinha, Bentancur, Kudus, Richarlison, Johnson

Prediction: Bodo/Glimt 1-3 Tottenham

Tottenham dispatched Bodo/Glimt relatively comfortably in last season’s crucial Europa League tie, and Frank’s men will be hoping for a similar outcome this time around.

The North Londoners face a unique away trip when they travel into the Arctic Circle on Tuesday, but with that now a familiar experience for most of the squad, the conditions shouldn’t play too much of a factor for them.

With that in mind, Tottenham News is predicting that the visitors will make their additional class telling, with a 3-1 win enough to see Spurs take the points back to N17.

Guglielmo Vicario issues highlighted at Tottenham

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‘I worry about him’ – Guglielmo Vicario issues highlighted at Tottenham

Guglielmo Vicario is going through something of a struggle at Tottenham at the moment.

The Italian has been largely reliable between the posts for the Lilywhites since his arrival from Empoli back in 2023, but his performances have left a lot to be desired of late.

Vicario made a notable error during Tottenham’s draw with Brighton, as he was unable to get a strong enough hand to prevent Yasin Ayari’s swerving strike from finding the back of the net.

The 28-year-old has been the undisputed number one ‘keeper under Thomas Frank, but his recent struggles will undoubtedly provide concern for the boss.

This article includes exclusive comment from former Tottenham scout Bryan King.

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Guglielmo Vicario is still the best goalkeeper at Tottenham

Vicario was also found wanting for Tottenham in their 1-1 draw with Wolves last weekend, as he parried an effort straight against Joao Palhinha following a corner, and that allowed Santiago Bueno an easy finish to put the visitors ahead.

It was another moment of concern from the gloveman, as he failed to push the ball into a safe area following the initial attempt on goal.

Frank had previously highlighted his need to improve following the Brighton incident, and his first-choice shot stopper has already found himself in the spotlight once again.

Ex-Spurs scout and former goalkeeper Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes that Vicario still has plenty of credit in the bank, and remains the best option to don the gloves in N17.

“I think he (Vicario) has made more good saves than he has errors, that’s for sure,” King said.

“Spurs have got three ‘keepers, and neither of the other two are going to win them anything.

“Vicario has proved himself in the past. He’s made crucial saves in the early stages of games to keep his team in them.

“Where I worry about him sometimes is when high balls come into the box, he tends to allow himself to be boxed in. But then again, there’s nobody at that football club who is better than him.”

Guglielmo Vicario is still crucial for Spurs

Vicario may have made a couple of errors for Tottenham of late, but we are certainly not at the stage where his ability to perform for them should be called into question.

He is a largely reliable ‘keeper, who has faced a significant volume of shots in the early stages of the season, and dealt with the vast majority of them very effectively.

High-profile errors are part and parcel of being a ‘keeper, and the test always comes in how they can bounce back.

Vicario began the new campaign with several clean sheets in the opening games, and another shut out would be invaluable right now to help rebuild his confidence.

Tottenham to eye Carabao Cup ‘opportunity’ as date confirmed for ‘difficult’ Newcastle test

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Tottenham ensured their progression to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with their routine 3-0 win over Doncaster Rovers last week.

The Lilywhites eventually ran out as comfortable winners at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, on a night when promising academy starlet Luca Williams-Barnett was handed his senior debut.

Tottenham saw goals from Joao Palhinha and Brennan Johnson propel them through to the next round, with those strikes coming either side of an own goal from Jay McGrath.

Thomas Frank’s men have been handed an away trip to face Newcastle United in the fourth round, but they may be viewing it as more of an opportunity than a tricky test.

This article includes exclusive comments from Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham.

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Tottenham have chance to avenge poor record on 29 October

The Carabao Cup draw has not been kind to Tottenham, as it has handed them a trip to a ground where they have a torrid record in recent years.

Spurs have lost on each of their last three visits to St James’ Park, with chastening 6-1 and 4-0 defeats both coming since their last victory.

The fixture details have now been confirmed for the clash, with the pair set to meet on Wednesday 29 October at 8pm, and the game to be shown on both Sky Sports and ITV.

Despite the N17 outfit’s woeful record in the North East, Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes the tie presents the perfect opportunity for Frank’s side to put those struggles to bed.

“It’s a difficult draw against Newcastle,” Wenham said.

“But it’s about time we got a win up there, we’ve had some really difficult results there in the last few seasons. So maybe a Cup game is the right opportunity to try and get a win there.

“But we’ll have to bear in mind that we’ll be playing them on Wednesday night away and then playing Chelsea at home on Saturday. They are always two really big high-intensity games for Tottenham.”

Spurs should eye Carabao Cup triumph

Tottenham ended their trophy drought with their Europa League win back in May, but if they are to continue to change the culture in N17, then winning trophies must become a habit for them.

With that in mind, the Carabao Cup is surely a realistic target for them, and as a result, must be treated with the utmost respect.

The Lilywhites were a laughing stock for years due to their inability to get their hands on silverware, and if that is to change moving forward, then they must pay due attention to the domestic cup competitions.

A trip to face Newcastle is arguably one of the most challenging draws that they could have got, but if they can come away with a win, then it will be one less competitor for the trophy that remains.

Bodo/Glimt vs Tottenham: Kick off time and how to watch

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Tottenham will be looking to secure their second win of the UEFA Champions League season against Bodo/Glimt on Tuesday.

Tottenham defeated Bodo/Glimt 1-5 on aggregate to secure their place in the UEFA Europa League final last season.

Spurs prevailed against Manchester United in the final, ending a 17-year trophy drought, and kickstarting a series of events that would see Thomas Frank replace Ange Postecoglou and Daniel Levy step down as Tottenham chairman.

But with the Joe Lewis family repelling Tottenham takeover bids and focusing on the sporting direction of the club, Frank will be expected to return to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with a win.

Bodo/Glimt vs Tottenham kick-off time

Tottenham will travel to the Aspmyra Stadion to face Bodo/Glimt on Tuesday, 30 September at 8:00 pm BST.

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Frank will be searching for another win after Spurs’ unconvincing 1-0 victory over Villarreal.

There is no doubt that the Norwegian side will be looking for revenge following the Lilywhites’ Europa League victories. As a result, Frank could look to bench Xavi Simons for Brennan Johnson to balance out his front three.

Simons has struggled to find his rhythm on the left wing, and with Lucas Bergvall shining in midfield, it could be weeks before he starts as a 10 for Spurs.

But with Tottenham keen to excel in all competitions, there will be enough games for the Dutchman to find his footing.

How to watch Bodo/Glimt vs Tottenham: Channel and stream

The greatly anticipated Champions League game between Bodo/Glimt and Tottenham will be available to watch on TNT Sports 2 for UK viewers.

Furthermore, TNT Sports customers can also watch the confrontation via the Discovery+ website or the Discovery+ app.

As well as this, fans will be able to catch up on all the highlights on TNT Sports’ YouTube page following the game. Users can also access the Discovery+ app for highlights of the match.

Meanwhile, both clubs will upload highlights and insights about the match in the days leading up to the confrontation and after.

Tottenham can rival Liverpool in the Premier League thanks to these two players

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Tottenham have had to dig deep for results in the Premier League as they strive to keep pace with leaders Liverpool.

Having salvaged an unlikely draw with Brighton, Thomas Frank’s side rescued a point against Wolves courtesy of Joao Palhinha on Saturday.

It was a weekend of upsets in the top flight, with Liverpool and Chelsea among the teams to drop unexpected points.

While it may be tough to catch the reigning champions this season, Frank has a couple of assets at his disposal who can help them chase ground.

This story includes exclusive comment from former Premier League midfielder Martin Allen.

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Pape Matar Sarr and Lucas Bergvall the future of Tottenham

Although he did not enjoy the best afternoon against Wolves, Bergvall has been a revelation for Spurs this season.

At 19, the Swede has produced mature performances that surpass his years, leading to understandable links to Europe’s elite.

Pape Matar Sarr is another player who has shown vast improvement this season, demonstrating his attacking quality as well as his defensive attributes.

Indeed, former Brentford manager Martin Allen – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – has highlighted why they will continue to thrive in North London.

“I do think Sarr and Bergvall are the long-term solutions for Tottenham’s midfield,” Allen said.

“They’ve both got legs. They’ve got energy. And all the top, top teams, that’s where they excel.

“They’re the brilliant athletes, Liverpool, as we see them with them, they can run all day, all of them, they’ve got no passengers. As a manager, that’s what you have to try and build.”

What else does Thomas Frank need to challenge for the Premier League title?

Tottenham’s 1-1 draw with Wolves was a stark warning that Frank’s side are still not ready to challenge for the Premier League title.

The Lilywhites toiled in the first half to bag a goal, but were unable to land the clinical touch past Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.

Indeed, that inability to score is something that could prove costly this season and highlights the need for a quality number nine.

While Richarlison has performed admirably this term and will score some important goals, he is not the long-term solution for Frank.

Another area that can be improved is the goalkeeping position, with Guglielmo Viacrio’s parry onto Palhinha unfortunate, but avoidable.

There is plenty to be hopeful about in North London, but there are clear signs that Spurs have work to do to challenge for the Premier League.

Xavi Simons already in limbo at Tottenham after what Thomas Frank has admitted

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Joao Palhinha stepped up to score a late stunner to save Tottenham from an embarrassing defeat to Wolves on Saturday evening.

Thomas Frank has enjoyed a successful start at Tottenham, with his side impressing in several competitions early in the season.

Spurs were looking to get back to winning ways in the Premier League after Frank was disappointed in Tottenham’s result against Brighton.

Unfortunately, a 1-1 draw at home to Wolves is still points dropped as Tottenham’s striker conundrum was evident in the game.

Frank’s remarks about Xavi Simons after the match may raise fresh questions among Spurs fans about his first-choice lineup.

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Thomas Frank says Xavi Simons ‘didn’t work’ as a number 10 against Wolves

Frank has been urged to play Simons as a number 10, as the summer signing impressed in the role against Brighton.

Simons was deployed on the left wing against Wolves but drifted in-field throughout the match.

However, according to Alasdair Gold on football.london, Frank wasn’t overly impressed by what he saw against Wolves.

“I think it’s trying to get the right balance into the team,” Frank said. “Also, for me to learn the players and get the best players on the pitch at the same time.

“He (Simons) came on against Brighton as a 10 and did well. I think when he got into it today as a 10, it didn’t really work, but that wasn’t just him.”

Simons has clear quality, but which position will get the most out of the Dutchman?

Xavi Simons is best at left wing for Tottenham

Simons has had the most success from out wide so far under Frank.

His Premier League debut came on the left wing in Spurs’ 5-1 thrashing of West Ham, where he picked up an assist and looked a threat all game.

Frank is known for developing Premier League-level wingers like Bryan Mbeumo and Kevin Schade, and Simons may develop best off the left.

Lucas Bergvall has so far looked like the best fit for the number 10 role, as Frank will have a decision to make on who will play there against Bodo/Glimt on Tuesday night.

Thomas Frank set to face huge Luka Vuskovic decision as Tottenham star achieves five-year first

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Luka Vuskovic is continuing to make a name for himself during his latest loan spell away from Tottenham.

The 18-year-old is spending the season in the Bundesliga with Hamburg, as he has taken a crucial step up from his previous loan spells in Poland and Belgium.

Vuskovic finally arrived at Tottenham this summer after his signing was confirmed over two years ago, and he immediately catapulted himself into the first-team conversation with some eye-catching pre-season performances.

The Croatian was ultimately loaned out once again, but Thomas Frank may have to review his situation pretty quickly, given the progress that he is already making.

Luka Vuskovic wins 18 aerial duels to achieve five-year first

Tottenham will have been watching Vuskovic with pride last week, when he netted Hamburg’s first Bundesliga goal for 2688 days in their 2-1 victory over Heidenheim.

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Creating history is quickly becoming a routine habit for the centre-back, who turned in a remarkable display to help his team to a clean sheet in their 0-0 draw at Union Berlin on Sunday.

Vuskovic was at the heart of a solid defensive effort from Hamburg, as he won a scarcely believable 18 aerial duels throughout the encounter, according to Sofascore via their X account.

That is the first time that a player has achieved that total in a single game in Europe’s big five leagues in the last five seasons.

However, Vuskovic’s impressive display went far beyond his staggering 90% success rate when it came to aerial challenges.

The youngster completed 12 defensive actions (more than any other player) and used the ball effectively, completing a game-high 88 accurate passes and playing one key pass.

It was a display of real maturity from the starlet, who is going from strength to strength during his time in Germany.

Thomas Frank may want to recall Luka Vuskovic to Tottenham

Tottenham have the option to recall Vuskovic in January, and that is surely an option that Frank must pay serious consideration to in the coming months.

The Lilywhites are not blessed with an abundance of options at the centre of their defence, although the duo of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are always likely to play if they are fit.

Vuskovic is clearly thriving at Hamburg, and there is certainly an argument to suggest that he should be left to finish off his loan spell in an environment where he is excelling.

However, it must surely be tempting for Frank to bring him back into the fold, as he continues to progress with every passing game in Germany.

Ultimately, regardless of what happens in January, it feels as though Tottenham have an incredible prospect on their hands for the future.

Pedro Porro returns in two changes from Wolves draw

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Xavi Simons axed in two changes from Wolves draw – Tottenham predicted XI vs Bodo/Glimt

Tottenham return to action in the Champions League when they travel to face Bodo/Glimt on Tuesday night.

The Lilywhites won their first game of the season in continental action on matchday one, as they survived a scare to cling on to a 1-0 win over Villarreal on the opening night of the league phase.

Tottenham needed a stoppage-time Joao Palhinha intervention to avoid defeat to Wolves in the Premier League on Saturday night, and they will be desperate to put that right in midweek.

Thomas Frank has some crucial decisions to make in the aftermath of that draw, and with that in mind, Tottenham News predicts the XI that will turn out in Norway.

Xavi Simons dropped for Brennan Johnson vs Bodo/Glimt

Xavi Simons has struggled at Tottenham so far, as he has largely been tasked with operating on the left flank, rather than in his preferred central position.

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The Netherlands international didn’t provide his usual quality in the draw with Wolves at the weekend, as only 27% of his crosses were accurate, while he also completed just 25% of his dribbles.

Simons created one big chance during the game, but with just one key pass to his name, it still feels like there is a lot more to come from him.

The 22-year-old needs time to settle into life in English football, and with that in mind, Frank may decide to operate for a more natural winger outlet for the trip to the Arctic Circle.

Brennan Johnson has largely struggled for gametime so far during the Dane’s reign, but he was the hero for Spurs on numerous occasions in Europe last season, and he may be relied upon to come in and make an impact.

Frank is expected to revert to the 4-3-3 formation that we have seen several times already, in order to provide slightly more defensive security away from home, and that should see Lucas Bergvall keep his place in the midfield.

Pedro Porro will surely come back into the fold, having been rested on Saturday, with Djed Spence the likely candidate to make way.

Tottenham need a win in Norway on Tuesday

Tottenham’s Champions League campaign will get progressively more difficult, with clashes against the likes of PSG and Borussia Dortmund on the horizon in the second half of the league phase.

With that in mind, it is vital that they pick up points in their early outings if they want to have a strong chance of progressing to the knockout stages.

Bodo/Glimt is a unique away trip at this level of football, and while it certainly represents a potential banana skin for Premier League sides, it is a game that Spurs simply have to win.

They dispatched the Norwegian outfit in the Europa League semi-finals last year, and a similar outcome is much-needed this time around.