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Archie Gray dropped as Thomas Frank hand forced in multiple changes – Tottenham predicted XI vs Crystal Palace

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Archie Gray may find himself on the chopping block when Tottenham travel to Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Tottenham will be looking to bounce back from the 2-1 defeat to Liverpool, which left them sitting 14th in the Premier League table.

Thomas Frank will be encouraged by how his side reacted in the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium contest, after they were reduced to nine men.

Xavi Simons and Cristian Romero will begin their suspensions, meaning the Spurs manager will have to make some tough decisions.

Archie Gray to make way as veteran returns in three Tottenham changes

Gray is one of the most promising talents at Tottenham, but his display against the Reds leaves him vulnerable to being axed.

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Spurs need more security at the back, with Romero out, and the veteran presence of Joao Palhinha represents a better option than the 19-year-old.

Gray recorded just 34 touches and completed just one of three attempted long passes against Arne Slot’s side, per Sofascore.

The former Leeds youngster made two interceptions and three recoveries, but did not attempt a single ground duel.

Frank might decide that he needs more, partner Palhinha with Rodrigo Bentancur, and give his team more security, with Lucas Bergvall allowed to roam ahead of them.

Guglielmo Vicario is expected to maintain his place between the sticks, with Pedro Porro, Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence predicted to stay in the backline.

Kevin Danso might get the nod to replace Romero, but Ben Davies and Radu Dragusin represent alternative options for the Lilywhites.

Mohamed Kudus, Wilson Odobert and Randal Kolo Muani are predicted to lead the attack against the Eagles.

Why Frank desperately needs Tottenham win

Frank’s reign has not gotten off to the best of starts and victories over Brentford and Slavia Prague only papered over the cracks.

His side have since lost to Nottingham Forest and Liverpool, cranking the pressure right back up on the Dane, after he may have though he had dispelled it.

He needs his side to record a statement victory over a very good Palace side, and it makes sense for Palhinha to replace Gray as a result.

The young midfielder has stuggled recently, and taking him out of the firing line may be the best option for both parties.

Jurgen Klopp to Tottenham odds plummet amid Thomas Frank sack news

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Thomas Frank’s future at Tottenham is in doubt following his side’s recent run of poor form in the Premier League.

Tottenham’s 2-1 loss to Liverpool on Saturday evening has left them 14th in the table, sitting on just 22 points from 17 games.

Frank is under huge pressure given the current situation, with supporters growing increasingly frustrated at the disappointing performances and results.

Indeed, Frank may only have the next month to turn things around at Tottenham.

With the Dane nearing the sack, attention has turned to his replacement at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and there is a surprise name in the running for the job.

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Jurgen Klopp’s odds slashed regarding Tottenham job

Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has been linked with the Tottenham job in recent weeks, with Spurs’ ex-chairman Alan Sugar urging Joe Lewis to appoint the 58-year-old.

Klopp has been working as Head of Global football for Red Bull since departing Anfield at the end of the 2023-24 season, and has insisted on multiple occasions that he has retired from management.

However, with Frank’s future in doubt, several bookmakers have the former Liverpool manager as one of the leading candidates to take over at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Klopp is as low as 7/1 in some places to take over from Frank, and is second favourite for the position behind Oliver Glasner at 5/1, with the German’s odds increasing of late.

Andoni Iraola, Brendan Rodgers and Marco Silva are also in the running, with the trio behind Klopp at 8/1.

Tottenham must look elsewhere for next manager

Despite Klopp’s odds being slashed in the betting markets for the next Tottenham boss, it is extremely unlikely that the German would consider a move to North London.

It would be a surprise to see Klopp take on a managerial role anywhere, let alone at Spurs, where the likes of Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho have failed in recent years.

Instead, Tottenham should be focusing on more realistic options if they do decide that Frank is no longer the right man to take the team forward.

Both Glasner and Iraola would be adept appointments for the Lilywhites, given the pair’s recent success at Crystal Palace and Bournemouth, respectively.

Lewis Family gifts £150m Christmas present to Thomas Frank amid imminent Tottenham exit

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Tottenham’s sporting director, Fabio Paratici, is nearing an exit from N17 and could leave before the January transfer window opens.

Daniel Levy decided to bring Paratici back to Spurs earlier this year before resigning from his post as Tottenham’s chairman.

Just months after Levy’s departure, Paratici now looks likely to join Fiorentina back in his homeland of Italy.

The timing will be concerning as Tottenham had been preparing for the winter market, with multi-million targets already identified.

Though the Italian’s shock move isn’t ideal for Spurs, Thomas Frank may still be given a nice Christmas present after all by the Lewis family.

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Tottenham ready to spend £150m in January amid Fabio Paratici’s exit details

Joe Lewis and his family have taken control at Spurs, and will now have to navigate their way through the potential departure of Paratici.

Tottenham aims to achieve success this season, and Frank has been open about his desire to add depth and quality to his squad, a wish that could be granted next month.

In The Sun’s print edition on Wednesday, journalist Mark Lipton reported that Spurs are prepared to spend big, despite the impending exit of Paratici.

Lipton wrote: “Spurs have made a £150million transfer war chest available for the winter window.

“But the potential departure of Tottenham’s joint-sporting director Fabio Paratici to Fiorentina just days before the January window opens, will complicate things for the Danish manager.

“The Italian has been offered a five-year contract by Fiorentina; however, Spurs are yet to receive an official approach. Tottenham would require compensation if Paratici were to leave North London.”

Why Paratici’s exit shouldn’t change Tottenham’s targets

Although the deal is not concluding yet, at this stage, it looks very clear that Paratici is on his way out.

Spurs have had to deal with bigger obstacles in the past, and there’s no doubt that the Lilywhites will overcome this one.

If Tottenham were run well, Frank and Paratici would surely agree on transfer targets and the type of players that Spurs want to sign.

This means that even though the 53-year-old will probably leave, identified players should still be individuals whom Frank wants.

Regardless, it’s only a good thing that Lewis‘ family are showing such ambition, despite a worrying hurdle.

Thomas Frank reveals behind-the-scenes talks with Cristian Romero after Tottenham incident

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Cristian Romero has been spoken to by manager Thomas Frank after being sent off during Tottenham’s 2-1 defeat to Liverpool.

Romero was shown a second yellow card in the closing stages of the game against Arne Slot’s side, following a scuffle with Reds defender Ibrahima Konate.

Tottenham were chasing a winner in stoppage time, but the Argentine’s dismissal saw them reduced to nine men, after Xavi Simon’s red card earlier in the contest.

Frank has now revealed his own feelings about Romero’s actions, as well as what has been said behind the scenes.

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Thomas Frank defends Cristian Romero after red card

Romero was criticised for the manner of his sending off against Liverpool, with Gary Neville labelling the defender a “walking time bomb” around the pitch.

The centre back has a reputation for being a loose cannon, and proved once again last Saturday that he can lose his cool at times.

Even before his red card, Romero was having a bad game for Spurs, giving the ball away as Alexander Isak opened the scoring and being outjumped by Hugo Ekitike for Liverpool’s second.

In his pre-match press conference ahead of Tottenham’s upcoming game against Crystal Palace, Frank revealed that he had spoken to Romero about the incident.

He said: “[I have spoken to Romero] many times. Of course, after this game, and not because it’s Cuti, I speak to all the players in general.

“We are talking about a passionate player. At the top, he carries the team on his back, like the Europa League final, like Newcastle away. When you are very passionate, you sometimes have a few moments. It is something he is working on.

“Obviously, the second yellow was a mistake. He was passionate in the first duel and too much in the second. But when you have a passionate player, you have to accept that.”

Cristian Romero is one of Tottenham’s most important players

Despite a number of red cards during his career in North London, Romero has developed into one of Tottenham’s most important players.

This season, the 27-year-old has been among the best defenders in the Premier League, sitting in the top four per cent of centre-backs for tackles per 90 (2.5) according to FBRef.

Romero is also in the top eight per cent of Premier League centre-backs for blocks per 90 (1.67).

At the other end of the pitch, the Spurs man has chipped in with some vital goal contributions for Frank’s side, grabbing a brace in the draw with Newcastle United and an assist in the win over West Ham.

As a result of being sent off for two yellow cards, Romero will miss Tottenham’s trip to Crystal Palace through suspension.

However, the Argentine will return as Spurs travel to Brentford on New Year’s Day, and will be expected to slot straight back into the starting lineup.

Ange Postecoglou return odds slashed after events at Leeds United

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Former Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou’s return to Premier League management looks to be in jeopardy.

Postecoglou was sacked by Tottenham for the team’s underperformance in the Premier League, and lead them to a 17th-placed finish in 2024-25.

Despite winning the Europa League in his final game, Thomas Frank replaced him at Tottenham, and he has been incredibly busy in the last six months.

It wasn’t long before the Aussie was back in management, but his 39-day spell with Nottingham Forest ended in disastrous fashion.

Since then, Postecoglou has been linked with the Leeds United job, but that no longer looks like it will happen.

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Ange Postecoglou unlikely to replace Daniel Farke at Leeds

Postecoglou has also been linked with the Fulham job in the past, but a move to West Yorkshire looks improbable.

Farke’s side are now six points clear of the relegation zone, and their unbeaten run of four matches has seen fans believe that they can avoid relegation.

As a result, speculation over Farke’s future has gone quiet, and he looks certain to be backed in the January transfer window.

Despite Postecoglou’s awful spell at Nottingham Forest, he still manages to attract interest due to his reputation.

The betting market on Leeds appointing a new manager has fluctuated in recent weeks, and Postecoglou is third on the list of names most likely to replace Farke, with his odds falling amid Leeds’ winning run.

Gary O’Neil is the current 5/4 favourite, while former Man United boss Erik ten Hag is the second favourite at 2/1.

Postecoglou is now 5/1, while ex-Mainz manager Bo Svensson and current Valencia boss Carlos Corberan are both 8/1 for the Leeds job.

Why Ange Postecoglou would be an awful fit for Leeds

Leeds have an incredibly physical team, and Postecoglou wouldn’t get the best out of them.

As we saw during his reign at Spurs, his attacking style of play was scintillating to watch, but not much emphasis was put on the team’s defending.

There is now a heavier reliance on set-pieces, which is something that the 60-year-old seems to neglect.

His time at Nottingham Forest was a complete failure, and there is no evidence to suggest that he can successfully lead a team like Leeds to Premier League safety.

Tottenham have problems of their own under Frank, but Postecoglou’s unique philosophy would have fans of any Premier League club frustrated.

Thomas Frank future in doubt amid behind

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‘I fear for him’ – Thomas Frank future in doubt amid behind-scenes update at Tottenham

Thomas Frank’s future at Tottenham is increasingly uncertain due to the impending exit of Fabio Paratici, according to Simon Jordan.

The Tottenham sporting director Paritici appears set to leave for Fiorentina just two months after returning to his Spurs role in an official capacity. That came following his return from a FIFA-imposed ban over his role in the previous accounting scandal at Juventus.

In the mean time it was believed Paritici was operating in an advisory capacity towards Daniel Levy, who himself was then suddenly removed as Tottenham‘s executive chairman in September.

Jordan has cast doubt on the suitability of the current set up at Spurs, with Johan Lange as co-sporting director alongside Paratici at present and Vinai Venkatesham as CEO, claiming the situation constitutes “the blind leading the deaf”.

Meanwhile, Frank‘s job has repeatedly been called into question amid struggles on the pitch, with Tottenham’s defeat at home to Liverpool last week leaving the club 14th in the Premier League table.

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Simon Jordan doubts Thomas Frank future at Tottenham

Speaking live on talkSPORT in reaction to the news over Paratici’s potential departure back to Serie A the former Crystal Palace owner, and friend of Levy, Jordan expressed his fears for Frank.

He suggested the Dane would be have brought in from Brentford in the summer based on the decision-making of Levy and Paratici, so with both soon to be gone and what he sees as an unsuitable leadership structure left behind it could spell future issues for the manager.

Jordan said: “Whatever people think of Daniel, and I think quite highly of him, he was a leader. There were definite structures in place under his guidance.

“I feel a bit sorry for Thomas Frank. I think Thomas Frank would have been brought in under the auspices of Daniel and Paratici, and they’re both no longer gonna be there, I suspect. I think Paratici is most likely to go, and then I think you’ve got a series of number twos in terms of the abilities to run businesses…

“It creates an unstable environment and I think it’s not ideal for Thomas Frank to be in that environment.

“Not because I think he should be given a pass because I think top managers are gonna have to learn to stand on their own two feet.

“But I don’t think it’s the environment and the support structure that is ideal for him, and I fear for him in that environment because I’m not entirely sure that the new thinking is as appropriate for the wellbeing of Tottenham as people would like to believe it is.”

Frank sack could become inevitable

Frank still has the time to turn things around at Spurs as three or four positive results on the spin would settle matters on the pitch for him.

The team itself is at least ostensibly within his control, even if he does seem to be in a one step forward, two steps back situation.

For every apparent bit of progress, be it Xavi Simons shining in the win over Brentford, or Cristian Romero delivering a genuine captain’s performance in the draw at Newcastle, there are soon set-backs that tip the side back into trouble – for instance, both were sent off in defeat against Liverpool and will be suspended.

Back-office concerns are out of Frank’s hands, however, and while the club and the Lewis family appear to have been making all the right noises about giving him time to build that will always be finite.

It only takes a run of form to get a bit too ugly, or the clashes with the fanbase a bit too toxic, and the powers-that-be could soon decide the Dane was the decision of characters that are already gone so he might as well follow.

Tottenham to feel jealous after what Antoine Semenyo’s development coach just said about him

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The rumours are already heating up ahead of the January transfer window, and Tottenham are one of many clubs looking to conduct business.

Spurs are in the market for some forward players after struggling to score goals in Dominic Solanke’s absence.

Tottenham have been linked with Omar Marmoush from Manchester City as a possible option, and he isn’t the only Premier League star on their radar.

Antoine Semenyo is another who could force an exit out of Bournemouth in January, with several clubs queuing up to sign him.

Antoine Semenyo rejects ‘significant offer’ from Tottenham

Daniel Levy was left with egg on his face during the summer after Spurs failed to sign Semenyo, and the Lilywhites have been dealt a double blow.

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According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the Ghanaian has rejected a ‘significant’ salary offer from Tottenham and is focusing on options elsewhere.

“Tottenham Hotspur were very keen, and, I’m led to believe, were prepared to pay a significant salary to Antoine Semenyo, but he politely is focusing on other options,“ Ornstein told NBC Sports.

Chelsea have joined the race to sign Semenyo, while Manchester City are reportedly the strongest contenders to sign the 25-year-old.

Frustratingly, Semenyo’s contract contains a £65million release clause, and it looks as though Frank is missing out on one of the Premier League’s best players for a reasonable sum.

Semenyo’s coach says he could play for Real Madrid

To add salt to the wounds, the forwards development coach, Saul Isaksson-Hurst, says he could play for any team on the planet, including Real Madrid or Barcelona.

“I’ve said it before, Antoine [Semenyo] can play wherever he likes, he could play for Real Madrid, he could play for Barcelona,” Isaksson-Hurst told Hayters TV.

“He could play for any team in the world, he’s that good. He’s sensational, he’s ready to take on the world.”

A powerful ball-carrying phenom, with a ruthless end product, Semenyo has scored eight goals and supplied three assists in 16 top-flight appearances this term.

The former Bristol City man would have improved Tottenham’s attack tenfold, but unfortunately, his head has been turned by other projects.

‘Micky van de Ven would’ve seen red if VAR had seen this image in Tottenham loss vs Liverpool’

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Micky van de Ven is coming under scrutiny after Tottenham’s 2-1 defeat to Liverpool on Saturday evening.

Xavi Simons was given a first-half red card, before Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike put Arne Slot’s side into a two-goal lead.

Richarlison then pulled one back for Tottenham, but they were unable to find an equaliser and were reduced to nine men as Cristian Romero was sent off for a second yellow card in stoppage time.

Now, new photos have emerged, and it seems that Van de Ven could have also been dismissed against Liverpool.

Van de Ven should’ve been sent off for Alexander Isak challenge

Isak opened the scoring early in the second half, latching onto Florian Wirtz’s pass and finishing left-footed past Guglielmo Vicario.

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However, just as the ball left the former Newcastle United man’s boot, Van de Ven came steaming in, taking his legs away from him.

As a result of the challenge, Isak was stretchered off, and he will now miss a number of months after undergoing surgery for a broken leg.

A photo of the incident has now emerged on social media, and former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett believes the new footage has changed the perception of Van de Ven’s challenge.

Hackett exclusively told Tottenham News: “This still photograph puts a different slant on this challenge, given the exposure of a scissor challenge.

“This was not really picked up with this level of clarity from video clips. If this were available to VAR then there would have been an intervention and a sanction issued.”

Tottenham now need Van de Ven more than ever

With Tottenham already down to 10 men and chasing an equaliser in the closing stages against Liverpool, Romero was shown a second yellow card for a scuffle with Ibrahima Konate.

The Argentinian international will now miss the visit to Crystal Palace on 28 December, hugely weakening the Spurs defence.

Frank will be relieved that Van de Ven managed to avoid dismissal for his challenge on Isak, and that he will have at least one starting centre-back available for the trip to Selhurst Park.

With Tottenham looking to get back to winning ways in South London, after two defeats on the spin, they will need the Dutchman to be at the top of his game.

Tottenham huge fallout mooted within as sale categorically on after Daniel Levy drama

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Simon Jordan is adamant there has been a massive fallout at Tottenham, and has suggested that the Lewis family are undermining Daniel Levy to force a sale.

Levy unexpectedly resigned from his post as Spurs chairman in September, ending his nearly 25-year reign in charge of the Lilywhites.

Joe Lewis and his family are now in control of Tottenham and have already started to make big plans ahead of the January transfer window.

The Lewis family have insisted that they won’t sell Spurs, but former Crystal Palace owner Jordan has shared his experience to explain what he thinks has gone on behind the scenes.

Simon Jordan says Daniel Levy is being ‘attacked’

Things are complicated at N17 after Levy‘s departure, but at the end of the day, he and Lewis are still business partners as things stand.

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The former Spurs chairman still owns a significant portion of ENIC, and Jordan is suggesting that Levy is being backed into a corner to sell his shareholdings for cheap.

While speaking on talkSPORT, Jordan elaborated on why he thinks the Lilywhites are up for sale.

Jordan said: “I think Tottenham’s for sale, despite all the protestations that they’re not. I think it’s categorically up for sale.

“I think there’s a huge fallout that’s gone on inside Tottenham with Daniel’s departure. I think some of the accountancy reviews are an attack upon Daniel Levy, perhaps designed so that he sells his shareholdings and ENIC at a reduced price.

“I don’t think that allowing someone to run a football club for 25 years and then, when they go out the door, having to do a review of the practices they’ve put in place is anything but undermining.

“That is looking at someone and saying that, for whatever reason, you’ve fallen out.“

Given the latest news regarding Spurs’ backroom, everything seems to be happening at once.

Levy’s chain reaction of events at Tottenham

Levy’s departure seems to have started a domino effect at N17, which is only harming Spurs right now.

He chose to appoint Thomas Frank in the summer, making a big call to sack Ange Postecoglou, before bizarrely stepping down from his own role shortly after.

Now, the sporting director that he reappointed is set to leave, as Fabio Paratici looks to be joining Fiorentina in the coming days, right before the transfer market opens.

Frank is also under pressure, as the Lewis family have a decision to make on whether to keep Levy’s hire, or replace him.

It’s most likely going to be another year of change for Tottenham in 2026, and supporters could see new owners in charge of the Lilywhites soon.

Chelsea could get revenge on Tottenham for Xavi Simons as £65m transfer update drops

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Tottenham’s January transfer plans could either make or break their season, and Chelsea could derail their chances of signing one player.

Thomas Frank saw multiple transfer targets pass him by in the summer, and one of those was Eberechi Eze, who joined Arsenal instead of Tottenham.

Eze was one of several whom chairman Daniel Levy fumbled, but Spurs did convince Xavi Simons to choose them over Chelsea.

The 22-year-old arrived in a £55million switch from RB Leipzig and has since struggled to meet expectations in the Premier League.

Simons, who was sent off against Liverpool for a horror tackle on Virgil van Dijk at the weekend, has just two goal involvements in 14 top-flight appearances, with Frank eyeing some competition for him in January.

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Chelsea join race to sign Tottenham target Antoine Semenyo

Antoine Semenyo is one of Tottenham’s long-term targets, but multiple Premier League clubs are chasing his signature, and according to The Athletic, Chelsea are one of them.

David Ornstein revealed on X that the Blues have made an ‘initial enquiry’ for the Bournemouth attacker and are said to be accelerating plans for the 25-year-old.

It was already revealed that Manchester City are the favourites to sign Semenyo, though Enzo Maresca could use this as an opportunity to land the Ghanaian and get revenge on Spurs for stealing Simons away from them.

Semenyo is available for £65million due to a release clause in his contract, and as it stands, each of Manchester United, Chelsea, Spurs and Man City are involved in a transfer tug-of-war.

Semenyo has star quality that Tottenham desire

For many, seeing the Cherries star choose Chelsea as his ideal destination would be a bitter pill to swallow, and there’s still a chance his incredible attacking threat ends up at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Including eight goals in 16 Premier League appearances this term, Semenyo has also posted some excellent figures across the past year, including strong ball progression and shot-making abilities.

Capable of playing in multiple positions across the front line, the Ghana international possesses the star quality that can propel Tottenham to new heights.

More importantly, he’s already proven in England’s top-flight, and after a summer of signing players from abroad, they need someone guaranteed to hit the ground running.