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Tottenham face Slavia Prague on Tuesday evening as they look to get their Champions League campaign back on track.

Tottenham were beaten 5-3 by Paris Saint-Germain last time out in the competition – a result which leaves them in danger of an early European exit.

Thomas Frank’s side led twice at the Parc des Princes but came away empty-handed, and they now sit 16th in the Champions League table after five games.

Tottenham beat Brentford 2-0 at the weekend, so they should be full of confidence for the visit of Slavia Prague, as they look to move a step closer to the knockout stages.

Tottenham are big favourites against Slavia Prague

Tottenham have had a mixed start to their Champions League campaign, picking up just eight points so far.

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However, they are still five points clear of Tuesday night’s opponents Slavia Prague, so will go into the contest as big favourites.

According to the Opta supercomputer, Frank’s side have a massive 63 per cent chance of winning, while Slavia Prague are given just a 17 per cent shot at coming away with the victory.

The odds are stacked in Spurs’ favour, but there is still a 20 per cent chance that the game ends in a draw.

A win for Tottenham would all but confirm their place in the top 24 of the group phase, which would see them enter the Champions League play-offs at the very least.

Tottenham have history on their side against Slavia Prague

Tottenham have not lost consecutive games in a major European competition since March 2020, so they will fall to a five-and-a-half-year first if they are beaten by Slavia Prague on Tuesday.

However, as well as the Opta supercomputer, Spurs have history on their side and will be expecting to secure all three points in North London.

Tottenham are unbeaten in their previous four meetings with Slavia Prague, winning three and drawing one.

The Czech outfit have also won just two of their last 16 games against English opposition in Europe, and have never beaten a Premier League side in the Champions League.

Thomas Frank’s options have dwindled further ahead of Tottenham’s Champions League game against Slavia Prague.

Frank is already in the midst of a major injury crisis, with the likes of Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski still out with long-term issues.

On a positive note, Tottenham beat Brentford 2-0 in the Premier League on Saturday, so they will go into Tuesday night’s game in good spirits.

After struggling to create chances in recent weeks, Spurs were much better offensively against the Bees, and will look to continue that trend as Slavia Prague come to town.

Thomas Frank restricted by more injuries

Tottenham’s injury crisis has taken another turn for the worse, with defender Destiny Udogie ruled out until January, while Brennan Johnson also missed training on Tuesday.

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It means that Frank doesn’t have the option to rotate Djed Spence, and the English international is almost certain to start on Tuesday.

Archie Gray impressed against Brentford and should keep his place, while Pape Matar Sarr will likely come in for Rodrigo Bentancur to help manage the Argentina international’s minutes.

Xavi Simons grabbed his first Tottenham goal last weekend, so looks set to keep his spot, but may be pushed out wide so that Lucas Bergvall can come into midfield.

Bergvall, once hailed a “generational talent” by Tottenham’s head of scouting Robert Mackenzie, missed out against Brentford but is set to return here.

Out wide, Wilson Odobert is often favoured in Champions League games by Frank, which would see Richarlison drop to the bench.

Xavi Simons deserves a run in the Tottenham team

There is an argument for keeping Simons in the number 10 role, where he performed so well on Saturday, but Frank may opt to give Bergvall some minutes.

Simons is more than capable of showing his class out wide though, and will expect to continue his good form from the weekend.

The Dutchman sparkled against Brentford, picking up an assist for Richarlison’s opener before driving from his own half and doubling Spurs’ lead.

Across the 90 minutes, Simons maintained an 84 per cent pass accuracy, as well as firing off four shots, two of which hit the target.

The 22-year-old now needs to kick on and show some consistency in order to realise some of the obvious potential that he holds.

Tottenham still have plenty of work to do even after securing victory against Brentford.

Spurs beat Brentford 2-0 last time out as Thomas Frank picked up a home win in the Premier League for the first time since August.

The Lilywhites have gone nearly three months since Tottenham scored three against Burnley to keep three points in North London.

The icing on the cake came as Xavi Simons scored his first Tottenham goal with a stunning solo effort as he marched forward the halfway line.

Simons’ strike was certainly a boost in N17, but may not be the end of the issues Frank has faced since taking over as head coach.

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Xavi Simons doesn’t cover up Tottenham concerns

Spurs signed Simons after missing out on Morgan Gibbs-White, but the Netherlands international has largely struggled since coming in.

The RB Leipzig star was seen as a real coup for the Lilywhites, but he has failed to live up to the expectations surrounding him.

Simons now has three goal involvements in 12 Premier League matches, and there is hope that he can help drag Spurs out of the mire.

Former Spurs scout Bryan King isn’t sold quite yet, suggesting that Frank still needs to find a stable side before his team can push on in the Premier League.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, King said: “Let’s remember that they played Brentford, not Manchester City.

“I’ve said all along that Simons is a good player, and I think he proved it.

“Talk about goal of the season, there won’t be many better than that.

“The fans have been begging for a win. Tottenham need their 11 players; Simons isn’t going to win games on his own.

“They need a settled team to put in settled performances, and from that, they’ll get results. They’ve got quality players, but they’ve been playing like individuals.“

Simons can turn the tide under Thomas Frank

The former PSG youngster has been a reason for additional frustration at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this season, but may now be over the hump.

Simons was on target against Brentford, and everyone associated with the Lilywhites will hope he can finally kick on moving forward.

The Dutchman needs to be given the platform to succeed, and King is right in suggesting that Frank needs to find his best 11 and stick by it.

Chopping and changing won’t have a positive impact and is something that needs to change.

Cristian Romero wrongly escaped being sent off in Tottenham’s weekend victory over Brentford, according to Dermot Gallagher.

Tottenham beat Brentford 2-0 on Saturday to ease pressure on Thomas Frank against his former side, and finally record another win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Xavi Simons overcame his struggles since signing for Spurs to be instrumental vs the Bees, with an assist for Richarlison and a wonderful solo goal.

But captain Romero, fresh from scoring twice in the 2-2 draw at Newcastle, almost made the day much more uncomfortable mid-way through the first half, yet escaped with a booking.

Dermot Gallagher expected Romero red card

Romero scythed down Igor Thiago from behind with a scissors-style tackle during the first half of the Tottenham win, but was only shown a yellow card by Rob Jones.

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Former PGMOL boss Keith Hackett told Tottenham Hotspur News it was close but Romero only deserved the booking.

However, speaking on Sky Sports Ref Watch, Gallagher disagreed, while ex-England forward Jay Bothroyd also bemused that the challenge was punished more heavily.

Gallagher said: “I think this is a red card. I expected a red card. He comes in at speed. He can never win that ball because Thiago has put himself in between.”

Bothroyd then added: “Definitely a red card. He’s lunged, left the floor, it’s a two-footed challenge from behind. What else does he have to do to get a red card? You can’t tackle from behind let alone lunge.”

New injuries for Frank vs Slavia Prague

Having wrested some momentum together off the back of a miserable November Frank and his men absolutely have to keep building on it in a winnable home game against Slavia Prague next up.

A home game in the Champions League could be the ideal occasion to continue breeding new-found confidence, which was arguably started almost single-handedly by Romero at St. James Park last week.

He might have been the most likely to throw it away with his rash challenge back in North London at the weekend, but escaped.

And Frank is facing new selection issues with Brennan Johnson and Destiny Udogie both missing training ahead of the Tuesday European fixture, so the Dane may have to switch things around to keep the run going.

Richarlison currently has the highest xG overperformance in the Premier League after his goal against Brentford on the weekend.

Tottenham beat the Bees 2-0 on Saturday, with the Brazil international netting the opener.

This took the 28-year-old’s goal tally to six this season in the Premier League, his second-highest total yet for Spurs, despite not being halfway through the season.

Now, it has become clear how good Richarlison has been this season under Thomas Frank.

Richarlison is overperforming his xG by 2.83 in the Premier League

Richarlison had often been criticised last season at Tottenham for his lack of goals.

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Throughout the 2024-25 season, he had only managed to find the net five times in all competitions, which was an awful return.

However, under Frank, these performances have become a thing of the past, with the Brazilian now becoming a reliable goalscorer for Spurs.

According to Opta on 8 December, Richarlison has netted six goals in the Premier League from a 3.17 xG.

This gives him an overperformance of 2.83, the best in the Premier League.

As a result, stars such as Ryan Gravenberch and Phil Foden are lower than the Brazilian international, with the duo sat on an overperformance of 2.38 and 2.17.

Therefore, it is clear that Richarlison is back to his best, and could easily go on to score 15 plus goals for Spurs in all competitions this campaign.

If he can manage this, it would no doubt give Frank an excellent chance of keeping his job.

Richarlison’s stats this season explained

According to Fotmob on 8 December, Richarlison has been excellent in multiple areas so far this season.

On top of the goals, the striker is also picking up assists, averaging 0.20 a match.

Therefore, it is clear that Richarlison has become a real asset this season as Spurs look to regain their place in the top half of the Premier League table.

Hopefully, the striker can continue this form going into the rest of the season.

Lord Alan Sugar is under no impression about the struggles Tottenham have faced this season.

Thomas Frank has faced scrutiny of the sack at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after what has been a hugely frustrating start to life in N17.

Pressure has lifted on the Dane somewhat after Tottenham secured a 2-0 win against Brentford last time around in North London.

Xavi Simons got on the scoresheet against Brentford as the summer signing finally got on the scoresheet for the Lilywhites.

Three points against the Bees hasn’t stopped Sugar from slamming the North London club, just days after hitting out at Piers Morgan on social media.

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Lord Alan Sugar slams Tottenham for Premier League position

Harry Redknapp can’t see Frank facing the sack just yet, even after what has been a hugely frustrating start to life across the capital.

The ex-Brentford boss may be in a precarious position right now, but he appears to have saved himself with a win against his old side.

That hasn’t truly benefited Spurs’ position in the Premier League, with the Lilywhites sitting 10th after 15 games and at risk of dropping further if Manchester United beat Wolves on Monday.

Arsenal are sitting top of the tree by contrast, and it is little surprise that their fans are poking fun at their North London rivals.

One supporter took to X on 6 December ahead of the Brentford clash and responded Sugar, after he addressed Morgan directly, sharing an image of the table with Tottenham cut off.

They said: “Where are Spurs?“

Something that was met with a sharp response from Sugar that simply reads, “I know we are terrible.“

What did Lord Sugar say to Piers Morgan?

The former Spurs chairman has always been known for his social media activity, especially for his football opinions.

With Sugar being a Tottenham fan and Morgan being an Arsenal supporter, the outspoken duo are always bound to clash on social media.

After the Gunners fell to a late defeat against Aston Villa on Saturday, it was no surprise that Sugar would reach out to the broadcaster publicly.

He said: “Piers Morgan, it’s that time of the season where you have to ask yourself if Arsenal will bottle it. For me, it’s the only excitement of the season as Spurs are hopeless. Comment Piersy!“

Responses from Arsenal fans have flooded in, with Sugar taking the opportunity to reply to the one above and put his own side down in comedic fashion.

Tottenham could be without a couple more first-team players for their Champions League match against Slavia Prague on Tuesday.

Spurs beat Brentford 2-0 at the weekend, and they must prepare themselves for another tricky test at home against the champions of Czechia.

Tottenham have had their fair share on injuries this season, and there are concerns that several players won’t be fit in time for Tuesday’s match.

While Randal Kolo Muani was spotted in training on Monday, some other senior figures were nowhere to be seen.

Brennan Johnson and Destoiny Udogie not seen in training

Udogie sustained an injury against Newcastle on 2 December, while Johnson didn’t feature against Brentford due to a knock.

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Speaking on Sky Sports News on Monday, reporter Michael Bridge confirmed that neither player was sighted in training.

He said: “I can’t see Destiny Udogie out there after he picked up an injury a few days ago. I also can’t see Brennan Johnson.”

Johnson has struggled at Tottenham this season, starting only six matches under Frank.

According to FotMob, the Wales international has only created five chances in the Premier League this season, and he has been bitterly disappointing in comparison to Mohammed Kudus on the opposite side.

As for Udogie, he has been impressive from an attacking perspective, but has had lapses of concentration when defending his own box.

His threat going forward will be missed as he accumulated 25 touches in the opposition box, ranking in the 80th percentile for left-backs in this metric.

Frank will likely opt to start Spence at left-back again, while Kolo Muani can fill in for the injured Johnson on the left wing.

The positive news for Tottenham fans is that Kolo Muani has been spotted in training, and looks set to play a key role against Slavia Prague.

Randal Kolo Muani primed to continue promising Champions League form

It’s been in Europe where Kolo Muani has excelled, scoring two goals against parent club Paris Saint-Germain in Tottenham’s last Champions League match.

As a result, he became just the fourth Tottenham player with three or more goal involvements in a Champions League away match.

Kolo Muani has been directly involved in four goals in four UEFA Champions League games for Tottenham this season, and fans will be thrilled to see him supposedly fit.

Bridge added: “Kolo Muani limped through the mixed zone on Saturday limping, but he’s out there training, and that’s good news.”

“He’s played ever so well since wearing this special mask and is a regular starter under Thomas Frank.”

Frank is constantly having to chop and change plans to deal with injuries and suspensions, but there are still no excuses not to beat Slavia.

Thomas Frank is in real danger of guiding Tottenham to an early Champions League exit as the group phase draws to a close.

Spurs currently sit 16th in the table but have picked up just eight points from their first five games, and their chances of progressing to the knockout stages still hang in the balance.

Tottenham were beaten 5-3 by Paris Saint-Germain in their most recent Champions League game, coming away from the Parc des Princes empty-handed despite leading twice.

The North London outfit face Slavia Prague on Tuesday as they look to get back to winning ways in the competition and put to bed any fears of a premature exit.

Archie Gray holds the key to Tottenham’s success

Frank has been under real sack pressure in recent weeks, following several poor performances and results.

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However, Tottenham beat Brentford 2-0 on Saturday, with goals from Richarlison and Xavi Simons lifting some of the weight off the Danish manager’s shoulder.

The real positive for Spurs was the manner of the victory, with the North London side creating a host of chances and displaying some real attacking intent.

Midfielder Archie Gray was excellent against Brentford and was undoubtedly part of the reason why Tottenham put in a much-improved performance.

The 19-year-old was handed a start by Frank and took full advantage, maintaining a 94 per cent pass accuracy over the 90 minutes.

Gray didn’t shy away from the defensive side of the game either, completing two clearances, two interceptions and two recoveries.

The former Leeds United man, who made the switch to Tottenham for £40million back in the summer of 2024, must surely start against Slavia Prague after his Brentford display.

Archie Gray can replace Pape Matar Sarr for Tottenham

Pape Matar Sarr leaves Tottenham to go to the African Cup of Nations on 15 December, and the midfielder could miss up to six games for the North London side.

However, in the form of Gray, Spurs have a ready-made replacement for Sarr, and perhaps a player who can flourish with an extended run in the team.

Gray has struggled for minutes so far this season, but now is his chance to really nail down a place in the starting lineup.

He has bags of potential and could be a regular fixture in the Tottenham side for years to come.

Christian Lila has joined London rivals West Ham as he looks to fast-track his development away from Tottenham.

Despite Tottenham’s struggles in the Premier League under Thomas Frank, they have successfully executed their plans to develop their talent abroad.

With seven players under 21 out on loan, Tottenham have a concrete plan to get the best out of their young players by giving them game time elsewhere.

In the younger age groups, the likes of Mikey Moore and Will Lankshear have shown what it takes to emerge through the ranks with ease.

However, Tottenham will have to accept that Lila won’t be one of those after being offered and accepting a scholarship by West Ham.

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Christian Lila moves to West Ham for scholarship opportunity

The young winger made his debut for Albania under-16s in June and had enjoyed a rapid rise through the ranks at Tottenham.

Playing under manager Tom Hart, Lila has opted for a move to East London instead, where he will sign scholarship terms.

He is not the only young star to leave the youth setup in recent weeks, following the footsteps of Daniel Ologho and Callum Stewart.

Both players have moved to Ipswich, with Ologho already featuring for their under-18 side.

If Tottenham are willing to let Lila and other youngsters leave, it surely means they have a plan in place for the stars that are coming through in the near future.

Tottenham have clear plans for each of its young talents

Luka Vuskovic is flourishing on loan at Hamburg, and a clear pathway was planned out for him since he was bought in 2023.

Another young centre-back who is getting experience out on loan is Ashley Phillips, who is at Stoke City for a second successive year.

Below is a list of Spurs players aged 21 or under who have been sent out on loan:

As Spurs oversee the development of their young talents, they are also adapting their transfer strategy, seen through the permanent signing of Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich and the addition of Kota Takai.

With some stars leaving at a young age, supporters won’t be too worried about their potential in the future, given Tottenham’s plan to bring through the best stars.

Wayne Rooney was full of praise for Xavi Simons, who finally opened his Tottenham account in the 2-0 victory over Brentford on Saturday.

Simons was signed by Tottenham in the summer but has struggled in the early stages of his Spurs career.

The Dutch international was meant to be Thomas Frank’s star signing, but his performances even saw him drop to the bench before the match against the Bees.

However, against Brentford, Simons shone, getting both a goal and an assist as he helped ease the pressure on his manager.

Wayne Rooney: Xavi Simons will kick on now after his goal

Simons was no doubt a delight to watch against Brentford.

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The attacking midfielder dominated the match, with the Bees unable to stop him.

His pass to Richarlison was selfless as he gave the Brazilian a tap-in to open the scoring at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

From here, he only got better, with Simons going on to score a wonderful goal after pinching the ball on the halfway line.

As a result, Simons was hailed by Danny Murphy after the game, with Rooney now jumping on the bandwagon.

Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show on 8 December, the former England international was pleased to see him among the goals, just weeks after he interviewed him at Hotspur Way.

He said: “I was really impressed with him, with his whole body language and how he spoke… I was really impressed with him.

“We talk about Salah and him thinking that he has just earned the right to play, his [Simon’s] determination he has had at the different clubs he has been at, it was a really good insight and a good chat we had with him.

“I’m delighted for him to get his goal as well; he has been waiting for that. I think that will be the start of him kicking on because he is a top player.”

What did Simons say after Tottenham’s victory?

Simons was obviously delighted to have finally scored for Spurs after what had been a poor start to his career in England.

The Netherlands international showcased to the Tottenham crowd how good he really is, with his goal being one of the best at the stadium this season.

Speaking to BBC Sport on 6 December, Simons reflected on his goal.

He stated: “When I received the ball I said to myself: ‘Just go’. I know I’m quite fast with the ball so I saw some space and I went towards it.

“It means a lot to me as I’ve been through new situations in my private life and in football. But you have to handle that every day and come into the club with the mindset of working. For sure I knew it would come, it was just a matter of time. I put the work and dedication in every day and it was important to score, but the most important thing was the three points.

“I was hungry to play. I want to play football. I want to enjoy being here every day, with the fans, and making my dreams come true.”