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Tottenham take on Manchester United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this Saturday lunchtime with both sides looking to break into the top four of the Premier League table.

Spurs head into the game off the back of a comfortable 4-0 win over Copenhagen in the Champions League. However, they’ll be hoping to get back to winning ways in the Premier League having lost 1-0 at home to Chelsea last weekend.

Thomas Frank has made some changes from the team that started in midweek but goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario keeps his place. Micky van de Ven lines-up in the Tottenham back four alongside Cristian Romero.

Djed Spence is recalled to start at left-back with Destiney Udogie making way while Pedro Porro keeps his place at right-back. Palhinha is handed a recall in midfield with Rodrigo Bentancur making way.

Brennan Johnson keeps his place in the Spurs attack as does Xavi Simons. However, Wilson Odobert drops out with Richarlison recalled to support Randal Kolo Muani in the final third for Tottenham.

As for Man Utd, they will be looking to continue their recent good run of results having climbed up to 8th in the table with 10 points from their last four matches. They were held to a 2-2 draw away to Nottingham Forest last weekend so United will want to return to winning ways today.

Ruben Amorim sticks with Senne Lammens in goal but there are three changes in defence with Harry Magurie, Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui coming in this afternoon. Leny Yoro and Diogo Dalot drop out with Luke Shaw and Mathias de Ligt keeping their places.

Casemiro anchors the midfield once again with Bruno Fernandes partnering the Brazilian. Therefore, Manuel Ugarte has to make do with a place among the substitutes.

Bryan Mbeumo will be wanting to continue his superb form as he keeps his place in the Man Utd attack. Matheus Cunha also starts in the front three but Benjamin Sesko drops out with Amad Diallo moving into attack today.

Here are the confirmed line-ups:

Tottenham

Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Palhinha, Sarr; Johnson, Xavi Simons, Kolo Muani; Richarlison.

Subs: Kinsky, Danso, Tel, Udogie, Odobert, Bentancur, Scarlett, Akhamrich, Rowswell.

Man Utd

Lammens, Maguire, De Ligt, Shaw, Mazraoui, Dorgu, Casemiro, Fernandes, Mbeumo, Amad, Cunha.

Subs: Bayindir, Yoro, Heaven, Dalot, Mount, J Fletcher, Ugarte, Sesko, Zirkzee

Manchester United travel to the capital to take on Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League this lunchtime.

After winning three consecutive matches, the Red Devils only managed to come away with a draw against Nottingham Forest in the league last weekend.

United have a poor record away from home thus far this season, accumulating five points from as many games. On the other hand, Spurs have displayed disappointing performances at home so far, earning only four points from five games.

Man Utd have failed to win their last seven consecutive games vs the Lilywhites, losing five of those encounters. The Red Devils haven’t defeated Spurs away from home since 2021, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was the manager at that time.

Team news

Lisandro Martínez has returned to full training after recovering from his serious knee problem, but this game will come too early for him to feature.

On the other hand, MEN have reported that Kobbie Mainoo hasn’t travelled with the squad for this game, so his absence is a blow for Ruben Amorim’s side, although he has failed to break into the Portuguese boss’ starting XI.

Predicted line-up

United have only one game a week this season as they aren’t playing in Europe. So, it is unlikely that Amorim would make many changes to his starting XI from last weekend’s draw against Nottingham Forest.

Senne Lammens should keep hold of his place in goal, and in front of the Belgian, Matthijs de Ligt, and Luke Shaw could be the two wide centre-backs. Harry Maguire may get the nod to start in the CCB position ahead of Leny Yoro in this game due to his aerial ability, as Spurs are excellent in set-piece situations.

Diogo Dalot has been displaying average performances this season; therefore, Patrick Dorgu should commence in the LWB position ahead of the Portuguese. Amad Diallo is expected to be the RWB. So, Noussair Mazraoui could feature off the bench.

Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes are set to be the midfield pairing, with Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha likely to be the two No.10s in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system. Benjamin Sesko might continue in the centre-forward role; in that case, Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount may feature off the bench.

Expected Man Utd line-up vs Tottenham

Lammens; De Ligt, Maguire, Shaw; Amad, Casemiro, Bruno, Dorgu; Mbeumo, Cunha, Sesko

According to TalkSPORT, Tottenham Hotspur would be open to bringing Ivan Toney back to the Premier League during the January transfer window.

Spurs have had a good start to the Premier League campaign with 17 points from 10 games, but there are underlying concerns, particularly in the centre-forward department.

Centre-back Micky van de Ven has been the highest goalscorer with 6 goals this campaign. Richarlison is the highest-scoring striker in the squad with just 3 goals thus far.

Randal Kolo Muani has yet to open his account after his loan move from Paris Saint-Germain, while Dominic Solanke has yet to feature this term due to an ankle problem.

Mathys Tel joined permanently from Bayern Munich last summer following a short-term loan, but the Frenchman has yet to find consistency leading the line for the club.

Hence, Spurs are ready to invest in a new marksman, and they are open to securing the services of Toney from Al-Ahli.

Manager Thomas Frank has already held ‘direct talks‘ with his former Brentford striker, and the Englishman is receptive to the prospect of returning to the Premier League.

Al-Ahli would be reluctant to sanction a mid-season deal. A transfer could depend on the 29-year-old pushing for a return to England when the transfer window reopens.

Possible deal

Toney signed for Al-Ahli from Brentford in a deal worth £40 million in the summer of 2024. He had a brilliant debut campaign with 30 goals and 6 assists from 44 appearances, helping the club win the AFC Champions League title.

He has continued his bright form this campaign with 11 goals and 2 assists from 15 outings. Despite his rich success, Toney may have his sights on returning to the Premier League with the World Cup happening next summer.

Toney earned a surprise England call-up earlier in May when they faced Andorra and Senegal, but has since been ignored. Head coach Thomas Tuchel may not pick him again unless he is back playing in Europe’s top-five leagues.

Hence, a winter return to the Premier League can’t be ruled out. Spurs could have an upper hand over other league challengers, given Toney had a good working relationship with Frank during their time together at Brentford.

Toney is unlikely to replicate his Saudi Pro League form at Spurs, given the higher intensity and difficulty of the Premier League, but he would provide an upgrade, given the inconsistency of the current strikers at the club.

Chelsea have reportedly opened talks over a deal to sign Tottenham Hotspur target Nico Paz, as per transfer journalist Graeme Bailey.

After rising through Los Blancos’ La Fabrica academy, the 21-year-old made his first-team debut a couple of years ago. However, he struggled to find regular game time at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu.

Therefore, the youngster decided to leave to play regularly and develop his career. Como opted to purchase him permanently last year, but Real Madrid still hold full control over the youngster’s future.

In 30 starts in Serie A last season, the Argentinian made 14 goal contributions. After being impressed by his performances, Spurs expressed their interest in him and attempted to secure his services in the last transfer window.

However, on TBR Football, Bailey says that Real Madrid see the youngster’s future at the Spanish capital, so they didn’t want to let the player join Spurs and were only willing to sanction the move if Thomas Frank’s side agreed to include a £40m buyback clause.

Tottenham eventually opted not to agree to the proposal and purchased Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig to reinforce the creative midfield position following James Maddison’s serious knee injury.

Paz to Chelsea

Now, Chelsea are planning to sign a new No.10 in 2026 and are keen on purchasing Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa. But they are also interested in Paz and have already held talks to learn about the details of signing him.

However, Real Madrid remain keen on bringing back Paz; therefore, it would be extremely difficult for the West London club to lure the South American to Stamford Bridge.

Having displayed impressive performances last term, Paz has also enjoyed a bright start this season, scoring four goals and registering as many assists in 10 Serie A appearances thus far.

The youngster is a big-game player, having helped Como beat Juventus in the league last month by scoring a goal and providing an assist. He has helped his side place themselves in the top half of Serie A with 17 points from 10 games, sitting only four points behind the top four.

Paz is a top-class player and would be a great coup for Chelsea should they eventually manage to secure his service in January or next summer.

Chelsea are reportedly battling with Tottenham Hotspur and Everton over a deal to sign Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, as per Caught Offside.

The Blues currently have Moisés Caicedo, Enzo Fernández, Romeo Lavia, Dario Essugo, and Andrey Santos as options to deploy in the engine room.

However, Lavia has been struggling to stay fit since joining from Southampton a few years ago and picked up a fresh injury problem against Qarabag in the Champions League midweek.

On the other hand, Essugo has been out injured since the start of this season. The Blues decided to purchase him last summer after being impressed by his performances at Las Palmas last term.

So, Enzo Maresca has used Malo Gusto and Reece James, who are right-backs by trait, in midfield to support Caicedo and Fernandez at times.

Now, Caught Offside claim that Chelsea are planning to sign a new midfielder and have identified Mainoo as a serious option. After failing to find regular game time at Old Trafford last season, the 20-year-old wanted to leave last summer to play regularly and develop his career.

Battle

However, Man Utd eventually blocked the move, but his situation hasn’t improved this season. So, he is likely to push to leave once again in the upcoming winter window.

Although Ruben Amorim’s side don’t want to part ways with him, they might eventually have to change their stance if his situation remains the same, with the player’s existing deal set to run until 2027.

However, Chelsea aren’t the only club interested in Mainoo, as Tottenham, Everton, Manchester City, Newcastle United, and Leeds United are the other Premier League clubs in this race.

Moreover, Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid are also plotting a swoop, while Napoli are keen on purchasing him as well. So, despite Mainoo’s recent struggles, he isn’t short of potential suitors.

Tottenham decided to reinforce the midfield department by signing João Palhinha this summer, but he joined on a loan deal from Bayern Munich. So, perhaps, Spurs are lining up Mainoo as an alternative option if they opt not to buy the Portuguese.

On the other hand, Everton currently have Idrissa Gueye, James Garner, Tim Iroegbunam, and Merlin Rohl as options for the midfield. However, if they can sign Mainoo, it will definitely upgrade the engine room.

Tottenham Hotspur are plotting a swoop to sign highly rated Greek centre-back Konstantinos Koulierakis from Wolfsburg but face a fight with Liverpool, according to TBR Football.

Wolfsburg have developed several impressive centre-backs in recent years, with Micky van de Ven and Maxence Lacroix among the most prominent — both securing Premier League moves to Tottenham and Crystal Palace, respectively.

The Weißgrünen could now have another rising star in Koulierakis, who has quickly made a name for himself since arriving from four-time Greek champions PAOK in August 2024, producing consistently strong displays at the back.

He has been an indispensable figure at the backline under Paul Simonis and was key to the club’s 11th-place finish last season, where he featured in 30 of 34 Bundesliga games.

Despite Wolfsburg’s current poor form, the 21-year-old has continued his impressive performances this season with rock-solid displays, featuring in all nine league games so far.

It appears Koulierakis’ displays have piqued the interest of several top European clubs, including Tottenham, as TBR Football claims that the North London club have been closely monitoring the 6ft 2in centre-back.

The report adds that Spurs have made signing a new centre-back – preferably a left-sided one to provide competition for Van de Ven – a priority for the January transfer window, with the 18-cap Greece international among their shortlisted targets.

Ideal profile

However, while Koulierakis ‘ticks the box’ of the ideal centre-back profile Thomas Frank needs, they will have to slug it out for his signature when the window opens, as Premier League champions Liverpool have also earmarked him as a possible option to reinforce their backline, according to the report.

Koulierakis’ attributes align perfectly with the modern requirements of high-intensity Premier League football, and it’s no surprise that his performances have caught the eye of analytically inclined recruitment models, such as those of Tottenham and Liverpool.

His composure on the ball, ability to progress play through incisive passes, and impressive spatial awareness enable him to function effectively in teams that initiate attacks from defence.

He has also displayed strong aerial prowess — recording a higher aerial duel success rate than Van de Ven managed in his final season with Wolfsburg.

Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, and Manchester United are monitoring Juventus centre-forward Dusan Vlahovic ahead of a potential move in 2026, according to Tuttojuve.

The Serbian first made his name at Fiorentina, where his impressive performances with the Viola convinced Juventus to spend heavily to sign him and hand him a lucrative contract.

The 25-year-old, who bagged 17 goals across all competitions last season, has continued his prolific form this season with six goals in all competitions.

However, Vlahovic’s future has been uncertain for some time, with the club and player yet to reach an agreement on a new deal — leaving the striker free to depart at the end of the season.

Having already showcased his pedigree in Italy, Vlahović possesses both the strength and technical qualities needed to thrive in England, and it’s no surprise several clubs in the Premier League are now vying for his signature.

This is according to Italian outlet Tuttojuve, which claims that Tottenham, Chelsea, and Man Utd have expressed interest in signing the Serbian international.

Spurs should accelerate Vlahovic move

Juventus have been keen on extending Vlahovic’s contract, which is set to expire at the end of the season. However, they now face stern competition, as the Premier League trio have been closely monitoring the situation, with Bayern Munich also showing interest, according to the report.

Just four months into his tenure in North London, Thomas Frank has had to deal with major attacking injury problems. Dominic Solanke remains sidelined after undergoing ankle surgery, while Juventus loanee Randal Kolo Muani has struggled to make an impact.

Consequently, Spurs are now assessing potential options in the attacking third and a proven goalscorer capable of consistently finding the net and could pursue a free transfer for Vlahović if he fails to reach an agreement on a new contract with the Bianconeri, as his current deal is nearing expiry.

The 6ft 2in forward could represent a brilliant addition to their squad, as he’ll offer Frank a viable option in attack without the club having to break the bank.

However, Tottenham face stiff competition from Chelsea and Man Utd should Vlahovic decide to come to England. Both the Premier League giants could do with another top class striker and the Serbian would be a superb signing.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly ‘keen’ on signing Brentford star Kevin Schade, as per Caught Offside.

The 23-year-old joined the Bees from Freiburg on an initial loan deal in January 2023 before the deal became permanent in the following summer. Upon moving to Gtech Community Stadium, the German has displayed glimpses of his qualities in the Premier League, scoring 11 goals and registering two assists in 26 starts last term.

The forward has also enjoyed a promising start this season, helping his side beat Manchester United and Liverpool in the English top flight.

Now, Caught Offside claim that the Lilywhites are planning to reinforce the wide forward position next year and are ‘keen’ on purchasing Schade as Thomas Frank wants to reunite with his former colleague.

Tottenham’s sporting director, Fabio Paratici, has already started ‘working’ behind the scenes to seal the deal. However, purchasing the German won’t be straightforward for the North London club as Aston Villa are also interested in him.

Schade is valued at around £26m by Transfermarkt and still has three years left in his current contract. Therefore, Brentford are in a strong position to demand a big fee if they are forced to cash-in on him in January.

The 23-year-old is a left-winger by trait but is also comfortable in the second striker role. He is quick, comfortable with both feet, and also works hard without possession.

Schade to Tottenham

Brentford have been producing top-level attacking talents in recent years. After Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney, they recently sold Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa for a big fee. Now, Schade has started attracting the attention of big English clubs.

Brentford usually play hardball in negotiations to sell their star players, so it won’t be straightforward for Tottenham to sign the German. However, Spurs would be hoping that Frank’s connection with the Bees would help them finalise the move if they make a concrete approach.

It is going to be interesting to see whether the North London club eventually manage to lure him away from Gtech Community Stadium in January or next summer.

Tottenham Hotspur are plotting a swoop to sign FC Porto’s prolific centre-forward Samu Aghehowa, according to Football Insider.

Since completing his move to the Primeira Liga to link up with the 30-time Portuguese champions, the 21-year-old forward has continued to progress impressively.

Across 57 appearances, he has been directly involved in 40 goals — scoring 36 and setting up four — with 27 of those contributions coming in his remarkable debut campaign.

His fine form has carried over seamlessly into the ongoing season, where he has already registered nine goals and one assist in just 12 matches.

Now, according to Football Insider, Aghehowa’s prolific form in Portugal has put him on the radar of several clubs across Europe, particularly in the Premier League, including Tottenham, who are eyeing a possible swoop for the 6ft 3in hitman.

The report adds that Spurs coach Thomas Frank is not happy with his centre-forward options, and the club have now earmarked the 21-year-old as a viable option to replace Dominic Solanke.

However, they face stern competition from Tyneside outfit Newcastle United, who are keeping tabs on the three-cap Spain international as a possible option to bolster their attack despite already signing Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade in the summer, per the report.

Prolific forward

With Aghehowa currently in red-hot form, interest in his signature is expected to intensify, and Porto will likely demand a significant fee well above his £44m Transfermarkt valuation — particularly with four years remaining on his contract at the Estádio do Dragão.

Tottenham’s attacking frailties were laid bare in their defeat to Chelsea at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last Saturday, as they managed just three shots, and their xG for the game was 0.05, their lowest ever recorded in a Premier League game.

Randal Kolo Muani, as has been the case this season, proved ineffective in the game, while Mathys Tel remained an unused substitute. Xavi Simons endured another underwhelming league game and had to be substituted out in the second half despite only coming on for Lucas Bergvall.

Hence, Spurs are now looking to address their attacking frailties in the transfer market, and Aghehowa would prove a solid addition to provide the club with a prolific forward since Harry Kane’s departure.

Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are battling for the signature of prolific Palmeiras centre-forward Vitor Roque, according to Mundo Deportivo as relayed by GOAL.

Roque returned to his homeland in February after an underwhelming spell in Europe. After joining Barcelona the previous year amid much excitement, he soon found himself out of favour and short on opportunities under his former head coach, Xavi Hernandez.

The 20-year-old has rediscovered his form since securing a permanent move back to his home country to join Palmeiras in February of this year and was part of the Verdão side that reached the quarter-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup.

This campaign, he has been in goalscoring form for Abel Ferreira’s side, netting 17 goals and providing five assists across all competitions, putting him firmly on the radar of several top European clubs, particularly in the Premier League.

Citing Mundo Deportivo, GOAL reports that Man Utd, Chelsea, and Tottenham are closely monitoring Roque ahead of a potential transfer to England in 2026.

However, United are ready to steal a march on their rivals, as the report claims that the Red Devils are set to submit a £44m formal offer to Palmeiras for the prolific forward.

The Spanish outlet adds that Man United’s proposed offer could generate a financial injection for the Brazilian outfit, who are facing financial constraints, while Barcelona could also receive an £8m windfall from the deal.

Prolific forward

Manchester United secured the signing of Benjamin Šeško from RB Leipzig during the summer, but the Slovenian striker has only managed two goals in 11 outings since arriving at Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, Joshua Zirkzee has endured a frustrating campaign, featuring sparingly under Amorim after falling out of favour. This situation has prompted his desire to depart in January in pursuit of regular football ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Despite Vitor Roque’s underwhelming stint at Barcelona, where he recorded only two goals across 16 appearances, United’s interest appears undeterred.

The Brazilian’s time at Camp Nou was short-lived, lasting eight months before he was loaned to Real Betis and later moved permanently to Palmeiras.

Although still just 20 years old and with ample room to develop, questions remain over whether Roque – who struggled during his first European spell – can withstand the intense expectations at a club like United and provide an instant scoring impact, rather than the club opting for a more seasoned centre-forward alternative.