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Tottenham will face West Ham in their first London derby of the season this Saturday.

Tottenham are marginal favourites for the clash with West Ham in the Premier League, despite enjoying a better start to the season.

Mohammed Kudus could come back to torment West Ham after switching East London for North London this summer.

Now, the Hammers have taken a bold decision, which has been questioned ahead of the encounter.

West Ham to confiscate half-and-half scarves for Tottenham clash

Spurs and West Ham are set for blustery conditions, with strong winds expected for the Premier League battle.

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After two games, many would have expected the Lilywhites to walk the encounter, but the Hammers’ unexpected win over Nottingham Forest will have given them confidence.

The East London club are also preparing for breezy conditions off the pitch by banning half-and-half scarves as part of enhanced security measures.

However, that decision has been questioned by Alan Brazil on talkSPORT as he hosted alongside Gabby Agbonlahor on 12 September (06:06am).

Brazil said: “I’m reading today that they’ll confiscate them, but I don’t think that’s allowed.”

Agbonlahor replied: “You’re asking for trouble if you sell those outside West Ham’s stadium. West Ham have said they’re banning them.”

Brazil then added: “You can’t do that; you can’t confiscate them. It’s your property. How can they do that? I don’t think you can do that, legally.”

Why have West Ham banned half-and-half scarves?

The Irons have made this decision because half-and-half scarves blur the lines and make it difficult to know which club a person supports.

While that might not be a problem for most games, a volatile atmosphere could develop between the two teams.

One of the main concerns is that away supporters could get into the home end, which could lead to friction between supporters.

Given that the two clubs have become popular with tourists, there will likely be a significant number of neutrals in attendance.

Furthermore, the meaning of the match might get lost on them, and that could lead to unintentional trouble.

As the London Stadium is private property, it seems that West Ham are within their rights to make such decisions.

Thomas Frank has had a strong start to his career as Tottenham manager.

Tottenham coach Frank has a history of success at the elite level. Earning Premier League promotion with Brentford and keeping them up has helped him build a reputation as a sound tactician.

There is no doubt that he has already begun working his tactical mind in North London. His decision to start with a back five in Spurs’ defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup final was just the tip of the iceberg.

While Tottenham’s defeat against Bournemouth, which continued a poor record, was one of the first of the expected growing pains under a new manager, Frank’s start at Spurs has been widely praised.

Tottenham News presents the exclusive opinion of iconic football commentator Ian Darke.

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Thomas Frank ‘smarter tactically’ than Ange Postecoglou

There were concerns when Frank replaced Postecoglou as Tottenham head coach. The biggest one was his lack of experience coaching one of the Premier League’s ‘big six’.

However, he has since proven his doubters wrong with a string of solid performances. Meanwhile, former Tottenham manager Postecoglou has started his next chapter at Nottingham Forest.

While Spurs supporters will miss the chaotic nature of ‘Postecoglou ball’, Ian Darke – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes Frank is the smarter tactician of the two.

“I’d have to say the major difference is they look a lot smarter tactically than they did sometimes under Postecoglou,” Darke said.

“It was a very cute performance, I thought they put in against PSG in the Super Cup final, and they were unlucky not to win that match. Again against Manchester City, City were flying from their opening days, and Pep Guardiola was talking about a fresh energy about City.

“But Tottenham went there and did a number on them.”

What is Thomas Frank and Ange Postecoglou’s record as managers?

Postecoglou’s approach to football can be characterised by his high-intensity attacking approach. Meanwhile, Frank is content to switch between formations depending on the opposition.

Both methods have resulted in success. The Australian won five trophies in two seasons at Celtic before lifting the UEFA Europa League with Spurs. Meanwhile, the Dane guided the Bees to Premier League promotion in 2021.

While Frank slightly edges it on win-to-loss ratio, both managers have a pretty similar tally at their previous clubs. However, there is an argument to be made that, considering the resources at both managers’ disposal, the Dane’s feat is more impressive.

Either way, it seems that Tottenham are in safe hands for the foreseeable future.

Mohammed Kudus will need to keep an extra eye out when he returns to the London Stadium with Tottenham.

Kudus signed for Tottenham from West Ham in the summer, becoming the first player to move between the two clubs since Scott Parker in 2011.

The right winger has gone on to form an integral part of Thomas Frank’s attack. Kudus started strong in Spurs’ 3-0 win over Burnley, assisting Richarlison twice during the game.

Despite failing to notch a goal contribution, his performance against Manchester City was impressive. However, like most of his teammates, he struggled when up against Bournemouth’s organised press.

As a result, Tottenham’s Kudus will want to prove a point against his former side. But the Hammers are not planning on making it easy for him.

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West Ham ban half-and-half scarves against Tottenham

Tottenham will face extra security measures against Graham Potter’s side at the London Stadium on Saturday, 13 September.

According to The Guardian on Thursday, 11 September, West Ham have taken the “unusual step” of banning half-and-half scarves for the London Derby.

Most life-long fans will be happy to be rid of the controversial scarves for the game. But the decision is among several increased measures aimed at preventing away supporters from entering the home sections of the stadium.

Furthermore, the return of Kudus is set to be “among a number of anticipated flashpoints” that the Hammers are hoping to counter during the game.

His move to North London has gone down badly with some sections of West Ham supporters, with Kudus saying: “I only wanted Spurs”, in a clip posted by Tottenham via their X page.

As a result, both sides will likely be extra attentive during the confrontation.

What is Mohammed Kudus’ record at the London Stadium?

Kudus scored 13 goals in the Premier League during his two seasons with the Hammers.

His home tally at West Ham is solid. But it will be an entirely different feeling when he steps out as an opposition player. Nevertheless, all eyes will be on him from both sides of the stadium.

Tottenham will soon return to Champions League action after a two-year absence from the competition.

Mathys Tel was left out of Tottenham’s Champions League squad for the competition, as well as Yves Bissouma and a group of injured players.

There have been doubts over whether Spurs should have signed Tel, but he will be itching to prove those people wrong.

While the Frenchman will be gutted to have been left out by the Dane, there is now a surprise route back for him.

UEFA makes Champions League rule change

Tottenham may be underdogs to win the Champions League, but they have been handed a favourable opening run of games.

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The North London club kick off against Villarreal on 16 September, with a trip to PSG the standout fixture.

As expected, Frank had to leave out some of his big-name players for the competition, with a maximum of 25 players selected.

Now, UEFA has announced that clubs will be allowed to include a ‘temporary’ replacement if one of their outfield players suffers a ‘long-term injury or illness’.

This is particularly good news for Spurs, who suffered an abnormal number of injuries last season under Ange Postecoglou.

Indeed, it is also significant news for Tel, who was a surprise omission despite completing a £30million move this summer.

What must Mathys Tel do to get Tottenham chance?

There is no question that the France under-21 international is up against it to get a chance in Frank’s side.

As a left-sided winger, he is up against the in-form Brennan Johnson, while Wilson Odobert is also in direct competition.

The 20-year-old has featured twice as a substitute in the Premier League, coming off the bench against Burnley and Bournemouth.

However, he did show his worth during the international break by bagging a brace against Serbia under-21s.

In adversity, Tel has shown professionalism and can be called upon by his manager if required.

Archie Gray was one of the main benefactors of the Tottenham injury crisis last season.

Having signed from Leeds United as a star of the future, Ange Postecoglou had no choice but to blood the teenager early.

Harry Redknapp tipped Gray to star for Spurs this season despite the immense competition for places.

However, there is one part of his game that the midfielder will want to improve after the latest reveal.

Archie Gray the most shot-shy player since data records began

Despite starting against Burnley, Gray has since lost his place in Thomas Frank’s team as expected.

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That is by no means a reflection on his performances, but more so that the Dane needs different personnel depending on the opponent.

Gray is likely to be benched against West Ham, who could provide a trickier opponent after their early-season slump.

The 19-year-old is certainly more famed for his defensive work, and that has been reflected in an intriguing statistical reveal.

Gray is currently the most shot-shy player since the data revolution began in 2003, according to The Athletic on 11 September.

They report that the Englishman has played 1,814 Premier League minutes and taken only one shot.

Furthermore, that effort was taken against Bournemouth when the pair met last season.

When could Archie Gray get more opportunities for Tottenham?

Gray has featured as an unused substitute in Spurs’ last two games, having started against Burnley.

Indeed, it will likely be against weaker opposition that the teenager features, and he will have to remain patient for chances.

His most likely route to the first team will be in the cup competitions, primarily in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.

However, the midfielder could also benefit from action in the Champions League, given that they have a favourable run of games.

While Gray will not want to hold such a statistic to his name, it gives him an area for development in North London.

Thomas Frank will be hoping to deliver a convincing win against West Ham on Saturday.

Spurs’ defeat to Bournemouth means that the Lilywhites will need to work twice as hard when they travel to the London Stadium.

The Dane has had a fine start to the Premier League season otherwise. Tottenham’s wins against Burnley and Manchester City have given Frank a little bit of wiggle room.

However, failure to get a result against the Hammers could send Spurs into a downwards spiral. But there is no world where getting all three points will be easy.

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

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West Ham’s win over Nottingham Forest spells trouble for Tottenham

Tottenham face West Ham at the London Stadium on Sunday in a game that promises to be chaotic from beginning to end.

For the first time since signing for Tottenham from West Ham, Mohammed Kudus will return to the London Stadium. The could no doubt be fireworks if Kudus scores for Tottenham against the Hammers.

However, West Ham are no longer going into the match in crisis mode. A win against Nottingham Forest before the international break would have increased their confidence.

As such, Tottenham expert and Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – now expects a trickier game for Spurs to navigate.

“I think it’s a huge game to be playing right now,” Wenham said.

“I think it’s very, very frustrating from Tottenham’s point of view that West Ham had that big win at Forest, where the three goals came in the last five minutes, but totally changed the feeling going into this game.

“Now they’ll be feeling confident and up for it, whereas I think before they were feeling quite resigned to defeat before a ball’s been kicked, which would have played into Tottenham’s hands.”

What is Thomas Frank’s record vs West Ham?

Frank has faced West Ham eight times since Brentford earned promotion into the Premier League.

His dynamic approach to football and elite tactical systems were on full display during the confrontations.

With this record, there is no doubt that Spurs supporters will have a renewed sense of hope in the Dane to deliver a result.

Tottenham have been at the centre of near-constant speculation in the last few days after Daniel Levy’s departure was confirmed.

The Lilywhites announced that their executive chairman would be stepping down with immediate effect last week, and ever since then, talk of a potential takeover has been rife.

Amanda Staveley has shown an interest in buying Tottenham, but ENIC and the Lewis family have no intention of selling the club at the moment.

Levy’s departure has sparked huge uncertainty, but it has now been suggested that his decision to leave may not be quite what it seems.

Kieran Maguire thinks Daniel Levy was sacked by ENIC

Levy has come in for criticism at Tottenham over the years, but the timing of his decision to take a step back has certainly come as a surprise to many people.

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The Lilywhites chief oversaw the appointment of Thomas Frank and the entire transfer window, when he had the opportunity to go out on a high after the Europa League triumph back in May.

Instead, his exit came less than a month into the new Premier League campaign, and immediately after a seemingly successful transfer window that saw Spurs bolster their ranks in several key positions.

With that in mind, football finance expert Kieran Maguire believes that it is more likely that Levy was dismissed by ENIC, rather than leaving of his own accord.

Speaking on the latest edition of his The Price of Football podcast, he highlighted the Lewis family’s desire to take the club in a different direction.

“The statement that came from Spurs (on Levy) blindsided everybody, and it’s become increasingly evident that this was a sacking by ENIC,” Maguire said.

“It’s the Lewis family saying that they want the club to go in a different direction. They’ve got a new chief executive from Arsenal, and they’ve got other executives who have come in.

“It looks as if the family trust want to change direction, and they want to loosen the purse strings.”

Tottenham are better off without Daniel Levy

Levy’s successes at Tottenham on the business side of the club are undeniable, but the performance in a footballing sense during his tenure certainly left a lot to be desired.

Regardless of the reasoning behind his departure, it could certainly be argued that Spurs will be better off without him in the future.

His meticulous negotiating style and desire to micro-manage have held the North Londoners back from concluding deals swiftly in the past, and that has had major implications.

As a result, it is hard to argue against the fact that his departure is a satisfactory outcome for Tottenham.

Tottenham have a number of players who are out of contract at the end of the season as things stand.

The Lilywhites bolstered their squad with eight new signings during the recent summer transfer window, and that is likely to create movement elsewhere within the group in the coming months.

Rodrigo Bentancur’s future at Tottenham has come under heavy speculation in recent weeks, with Atletico Madrid potentially waiting in the wings to seal his signing, if Spurs do not extend his deal.

The same situation could be about to play out with other members of Thomas Frank’s squad, with Ben Davies’ future potentially already decided.

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

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Tottenham to allow Ben Davies to leave for free

Ben Davies is also out of contract at Tottenham at the end of the season, as he and Yves Bissouma complete the list of first-team stars who may be nearing the end of their stint in N17.

The Welshman has been largely excellent for the Lilywhites across a decade-long spell, and is now the longest-serving player at the club after Son Heung-min’s recent departure.

The 32-year-old has been a fantastic servant since he joined from Swansea City back in 2014, but he could now be entering the final months of his time in North London.

Ex-Spurs scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes that Tottenham will be happy to allow him to walk away for free next summer.

“Without doubt (Davies will leave for free),” King said.

“He’ll be moving into a player-coach role, or having a season abroad somewhere, I’d have thought.

“I would imagine that Spurs will say ‘thank you for your service, and good luck for whatever comes next’.”

Ben Davies has been a great servant for Spurs

The fact that Davies’ time at Spurs has outlasted all of his teammates from the group that he first joined is a testament to his consistency as a player over the years.

The 32-year-old has been a reliable and calming presence in the backline, and he has always been ready to step in for Tottenham when called upon.

Davies has now surpassed 350 appearances for the Lilywhites, a feat which has only been managed by 25 players in the club’s history, as per Transfermarkt.

With him yet to make a competitive appearance so far this term, it looks likely that his time in a Tottenham shirt is coming to a close, but if so, he will always be remembered as one of their strongest servants in recent years.

Daniel Levy rocked the footballing world by stepping down from his role as Tottenham executive chairman last week.

Since his departure, there has been substantial talk about whether ENIC could sell its majority stake in Spurs.

It has been reported that Amanda Staveley is interested in Tottenham, although she is currently prohibited from bidding for six months due to takeover rules.

Now, there has been a significant takeover update involving Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi.

Nasser Al-Khelaifi enquires about Tottenham ownership

ENIC reportedly does not wish to sell its Spurs stake and is driven by delivering greater success on the pitch.

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Staveley’s PCP Capital Partners, as well as a consortium led by Roger Kennedy and Wing-Fai Ng, have expressed interest.

However, if either wants to firm up interest, then they will need to do so by the deadline on 5 October.

Now, Al-Khelaifi has made inquiries about the current ownership situation at Tottenham, according to indykaila News on September 11.

They report that PSG owners Qatar Sports Investments are eyeing a minority stake at the North London club.

Furthermore, it’s stated that the information has come from a well-placed source in Qatar.

Who is Nasser Al-Khelaifi and why is he interested in Spurs?

Since 2011, Al-Khelaifi has been the chairman of PSG, who are owned by Qatar Sports Investments.

Moreover, the 51-year-old is president of global sports broadcaster beIN Media Group.

Importantly, Al-Khelaifi is chairman of the European Club Association (ECA), which gives him significant influence in European football politics.

His interest in Tottenham is obvious, given the financial strength of the North London club and the opportunity for growth.

Qatar Sports Investments have also invested in Sporting Braga, so adding a Premier League club would only expand their multi-club portfolio.

Now, all eyes will be on what news follows at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Why ENIC could agree Tottenham takeover for more than £4bn after new developments

Tottenham are now looking ahead to a new era after confirmation that Daniel Levy has vacated his position as executive chairman.

After the 63-year-old’s departure, the talk quickly shifted to whether ENIC could sell their majority stake in Spurs.

While Amanda Stavely is reportedly interested in Tottenham, she is not allowed to bid for another six months under the takeover code after another failed approach.

Although there has been talk of a £4billion valuation to purchase the North London club, they could go for even higher.

This story includes exclusive comments from football finance expert Dr Daniel Plumley.

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Tottenham have significant appeal to interested parties

With Levy out of the way, Joe Lewis will be striving to bring more honours to Tottenham after their Europa League triumph.

After talk of the North London club being valued at £4bn, football finance expert Dan Plumley – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – has provided insight on whether that would be a fair price.

“I think it is fair, and I think we’ve talked about this, you can easily get them into that £3-3.5b linked to all the things that we look for in the traditional metrics, the revenue, the value of the squad, the stadium, etc, and all the other things that are wrapped around it.

“We don’t often focus on the upside as well, which is where you can push that a little bit higher, so you add Champions League into that, you add a stadium naming rights deal into that that’s not yet been signed.

“You’ve got all the other stuff that Spurs do. You’ve got the fan base all around the world and the ability to tap in for that, so you’ve got that kind of digital footprint that’s probably being underutilised, really, from a financial perspective.

“And that’s when you can start to sell the upside, and of course, it’s a prestigious Premier League football club located in London, so all of those factors come into it.

“So I think £4bn is fair, and I think that’ll probably be the market prices we’re already starting to see, that’s going to be the starting point, and whoever’s going to come in is going to have to have a fair amount of money.”

What is the state of play regarding a potential Spurs takeover?

As it stands, ENIC have made it clear that they do not want to sell, while rejecting preliminary interest from two parties.

Those parties include Staveley’s PCP International Finance and a consortium led by Roger Kendey and Wing-Fai Ng.

Meanwhile, the deadline for the interested parties to make an offer is 5 October, or they must withdraw.

Of course, while ENIC does not wish to sell, that could all change if it receives a tempting takeover bid.

Now, all eyes will be on the impending October deadline to see exactly what happens in North London.