Sports Mole

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Frank has called for an EFL Cup rule change for future competitions.

Spurs are currently preparing to square off against holders Newcastle United in a fourth-round tie that will be played at St James' Park on Wednesday night.

Having played Monaco and Everton on their travels in the space of the last week, the North Londoners will be taking on their third away fixture in quick succession.

Speaking ahead of the trip to St James' Park, Frank feels that the governing bodies should consider enforcing a rule change later in the tournament that may aid clubs with such schedules.

What EFL Cup rule change has Frank suggested?

While Frank left a smaller club in Brentford to be appointed as Spurs boss in the summer, the Dane feels that the semi-finals should be restricted to one tie rather than played over two legs.

He told reporters: "There should only be one semi-final. I said that before at Brentford and that's why I'm very happy to say it again.

"For the smaller clubs, if you want to beat a bigger club, it's much much easier to play only one game.

"So if we really want someone to break out and it's not the same boring same teams that are winning - of course except for Spurs - then we need to skip one semi-final. For everyone else that plays so many games, it should only be one."

Why Frank's suggestion makes sense?

Given the expansion of the Champions League, matches such as FA Cup replays have been scrapped to the detriment of that competition.

Supporters would much prefer for space to be found in the calendar for such fixtures than weeks being dedicated to four teams in the latter stages of the EFL Cup.

As Frank has alluded to, it may increase the chances of a surprise, but teams with European commitments would be in favour of an extra free midweek even if they did reach the EFL Cup semi-finals.

Ever since the competition was founded in 1960, there have been two-legged semi-finals, meaning that senior figures in the Football Association and EFL would need to break tradition in order to enforce such a change.

No Data Analysis info

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly planning to sign a Serie A-based forward in January to strengthen their attacking options.

Spurs’ top scorer this season is centre-back Micky van de Ven with five goals, two more than Richarlison and Brennan Johnson, both of whom have scored three goals going into November.

Thomas Frank is said to be concerned about his options up front, as Randal Kolo Muani and Mathys Tel have not yet made the expected impact, and Dominic Solanke's injury problems persist.

As a result, the North London club are now aiming to strengthen their attack, hoping that the new signing will improve the overall quality in the final third.Â

Spurs target Serie A-based forward to boost efficiency

According to TBR Football, Spurs are seeking to sign Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic, whose current contract expires in the summer of 2026.

The report suggests that Fabio Paratici admires the former Fiorentina striker, and the Premier League club could make a move for the forward during the winter transfer window.

With Juventus reluctant to lose the 25-year-old on a free, a deal worth around £20m could be negotiated between the two clubs to bring the striker in six months early.

Although Vlahovic has fallen out of favour in Turin, his goalscoring ability is undeniable, having netted 111 goals in all competitions for Fiorentina and Juventus.

Spurs reportedly ready to compete with Champions League contenders for centre-forward

The aforementioned source further suggests that Spurs may have to compete with two Champions League contenders and a London rival to secure Vlahovic’s signature.

Bayern Munich and Barcelona are said to be interested in the Juventus striker, who is also attracting attention from Chelsea.

Bayern, however, have in-form Harry Kane in their squad, while Barca’s Robert Lewandowski remains the first-choice forward in Hansi Flick’s team, albeit at 37.

Chelsea’s desire for a forward is clear, especially since Joao Pedro’s goals have dried up and Liam Delap has yet to return from a hamstring injury.

It will be interesting to see if Spurs beat these clubs to the signing if a four-way battle were to occur either in January or next summer.Â

Tottenham Hotspur are allegedly toying with the idea of making an approach for a former Manchester United midfielder.

While the North Londoners have not been at their best of late, Sunday's 3-0 victory at Everton moved Thomas Frank's side into third position in the Premier League table.

Frank has found an effective way of managing domestic and Champions League fixtures with just three players starting every Premier League game thus far.

None of that trio are engine-room midfielders with Joao Palhinha, Pape Matar Sarr, Rodrigo Bentancur and Lucas Bergvall all being used on a regular basis.

Nevertheless, as per TEAMtalk, Spurs have 'taken a shine' to a player who has previously represented Man United in England's top flight.

Spurs considering surprise McTominay bid

The report claims that Spurs are keen on adding Napoli's Scott McTominay to their midfield options during the summer transfer window.

McTominay has gone from being unwanted at Man United to a Serie A title winner and being ranked 18th in the recent Ballon d'Or rankings.

However, last season's Serie A MVP has sometimes taken on a different role in Antonio Conte's starting lineup during 2025-26 to accommodate Kevin De Bruyne.

Although the 28-year-old has still contributed four goals and one assist from his 10 starts in Italy's top flight and the Champions League, he has not always been as effective as in 2024-25.

Napoli will allegedly play hardball if any offers are made for McTominay, particularly in January, but there is likely to be opportunities to make a substantial profit on the £21m that they spent in 2024.

What is McTominay's stance?

Given his star status at Napoli and continued faith from Conte, McTominay is said to be "extremely happy" in Naples and "loves the life" in the city.

Therefore, it appears highly unlikely that he will push to leave a club where he has contributed 17 goals and seven assists from his 46 appearances.

That said, Napoli will be conscious that McTominay's contract is due to expire in 2028, and efforts will allegedly be made in January to extend his terms.

Thomas Frank has delivered a positive update on the future of Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven.

The 24-year-old has been a standout performer for Spurs since Frank’s arrival as head coach in the summer and has made important contributions at both ends of the pitch in the 2025-26 season.

Only Pedro Porro and Guglielmo Vicario have played more minutes for Tottenham in all competitions this season than Van de Ven (1,160), who has helped Frank’s side keep six clean sheets.

Remarkably, Van de Ven is also Spurs’ top scorer so far this term with five goals, including a brace in a man-of-the-match display whilst wearing the captain’s armband in last weekend’s 3-0 Premier League victory at Everton.

Van de Ven’s impressive performances have not gone unnoticed, as the in-form defender has been linked with the likes of Spanish giants Real Madrid in recent weeks.

The Netherlands international is under contract in North London until June 2029, but it is understood that he is not currently one of Spurs' top earning players, raising the prospect of a new deal to reflect his growing importance.

‘Van de Ven definitely a player I see with a big future at Spurs’, says Frank

With other key first-team stars including captain Cristian Romero and Rodrigo Bentancur having recently tied themselves down to long-term contracts at Tottenham, Frank is not fazed by the speculation surrounding Van de Ven and insists he is ‘really enjoying’ his time at the club.

Speaking at a press conference before Tottenham’s EFL Cup fourth-round trip to Newcastle on Wednesday, Frank said: “Very happy with Micky. I think he has been brilliant for the club since he signed and he has taken some steps up this season.

“He actually defends even better. He is still very good on the ball, he added the goals and the headed goals, which I am very happy with. He’s a threat from set-pieces.

“Character and leadership also growing and as far as I know, we have a good contract with him but definitely a player I see with a big future at the club.

“I think he is happy here, that is very important and we’re happy with him, so let’s see what happens in the future.

“The most important thing is it looks like he really enjoys his football, he really enjoys his time here, I am very happy with him, everyone is really happy, so that’s a good sign.”

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Frank will again be without the services of nine first-team players for Wednesday's EFL Cup fourth-round contest with Newcastle United.

James Maddison (knee), Dejan Kulusevski (knee), Radu Dragusin (knee), Kota Takai (ankle), Yves Bissouma (muscle), Dominic Solanke (ankle), Ben Davies (muscle), Cristian Romero (groin), Destiny Udogie (knee) remain out of action for the North London club.

Frank will make changes to the side that took to the field for the first whistle against Everton on Sunday.

Antonin Kinsky should feature between the sticks, while Mathys Tel, Wilson Odobert, Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray are also expected to be in the first XI for Spurs.

Joao Palhinha could drop into the middle of the defence, having featured in that area against Doncaster Rovers in the last round of the competition.

Pedro Porro is likely to retain his spot at right-back, while there should be a spot in the final third of the field for Brennan Johnson, who scored in the last round against Doncaster.

Junai Byfield, 16, could also be in line for some first-team minutes, with the defender on the bench against Everton due to the team's injury problems.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:Â Kinsky; Porro, Palhinha, Danso, Spence; Gray, Bentancur, Bergvall; Johnson, Tel, Odobert

No Data Analysis info

Arguably the pick of the matches in the fourth round of the EFL Cup will come at St James' Park on Wednesday night, with Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur set to lock horns in the tournament.

The Magpies will enter the match off the back of a 2-1 victory over Fulham in the Premier League, while Spurs recorded an impressive 3-0 win over Everton last time out.

Match preview

Newcastle have been victorious in four of their last five matches in all competitions, including their 2-1 league success over Fulham on Saturday, which has contributed to them moving into 12th spot in the Premier League table, boasting 12 points from their opening nine games.

The Magpies have been defensively solid in the league this term, conceding eight times in nine matches, but they have found it difficult down the other end, netting just nine goals.

Newcastle were 4-1 winners over Bradford City in the last round of the EFL Cup, while they have been victorious in their last two Champions League games against Union SG and Benfica.

The Magpies have won the League Cup on one previous occasion, famously triumphing in last year's final, recording a 2-1 victory over Liverpool.

Newcastle have actually won each of their last three games against Tottenham, including a 2-1 success when the two teams last locked horns at St James' Park in September 2024.

Tottenham have lost five of their last six matches against Newcastle, while they have not managed to win at St James' Park since a Premier League clash in October 2021.

Spurs last locked horns with Newcastle in the EFL Cup in December 2014, recording a 4-0 victory in the quarter-finals of the tournament, while they have not lost to the Magpies in the League Cup since 1976.

Thomas Frank's side will enter this match off the back of a 3-0 victory over Everton in the Premier League, with the result leaving them in third spot in the table, picking up 17 points from their opening nine games of the campaign.

Tottenham have only won two of their last six matches, though, and it would be fair to say that the North London outfit have struggled for consistency early in the campaign.

Spurs recorded a 3-0 win over Doncaster Rovers in the last round of the EFL Cup, and they have lifted the League Cup trophy on four occasions, with their last success coming in 2008.

Newcastle United EFL Cup form:

W

Newcastle United form (all competitions):

LWWLWW

Tottenham Hotspur EFL Cup form:

W

Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions):

DDWLDW

Team News

Newcastle will be without the services of Valentino Livramento, Lewis Hall, Yoane Wissa and Harrison Ashby through injury, while Sven Botman is a doubt with a face problem.

Head coach Eddie Howe will make changes to the side that started against Fulham, with Fabian Schar, Harvey Barnes, Anthony Elanga and William Osula among those expected to feature from the first whistle.

There should also be a spot between the sticks for Aaron Ramsdale, while Emil Krafth and Joe Willock should also be introduced into the side on Wednesday night.

As for Tottenham, James Maddison, Ben Davies, Radu Dragusin, Dejan Kulusevski, Dominic Solanke, Yves Bissouma, Destiny Udogie, Kota Takai and Cristian Romero all still unavailable.

Antonin Kinsky should feature between the sticks, while Mathys Tel, Wilson Odobert, Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray are also set to be introduced into the side.

There could also potentially be some minutes for Junai Byfield, with the 16-year-old on the bench against Everton on Sunday due to the team's injury problems.

Newcastle United possible starting lineup:

Ramsdale; Krafth, Thiaw, Schar, Burn; Joelinton, Willock, Miley; Elanga, Osula, Barnes

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Kinsky; Porro, Palhinha, Danso, Spence; Gray, Bentancur, Bergvall; Johnson, Tel, Odobert

We say: Newcastle United 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur

Â

Tottenham will enter this match off the back of an excellent result, but this is a really tricky match to call, as both managers will make a number of changes from the weekend. It could go either way, but we are just backing the Magpies to navigate their way into the quarter-finals of the tournament.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

Â

No Data Analysis info

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Frank has reportedly been left unimpressed by Dominic Solanke.

The Lilywhites became the first away side to win at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday afternoon, securing a 3-0 success over Everton.

Centre-back Micky van de Ven was the star of the show on Merseyside, with the Dutchman bagging an excellent brace for the visitors.

Since the sacking of Ange Postecoglou over the summer, Tottenham have looked improved in the Premier League under the tutelage of Frank.

A surprise appointment by Brentford, the Dane has earned his stripes in English football and was rewarded with a position at a big club over the off-season.

Tottenham looking to sell Solanke?

According to Football Insider, Tottenham could be heading towards a shock decision during the upcoming transfer window regarding Solanke.

The report claims that Spurs head coach Frank is not a massive admirer of the player, with the Dane 'not fancying' the 28-year-old.

As a result, it is understood that the Tottenham boss wants to recruit a new first-choice striker in the January trading point ahead of the second half of 2025-26.

Consequently, Solanke could become surplus to requirements in North London, with the forward potentially moving elsewhere in the New Year.

In the absence of the striker recently, France international Randal Kolo Muani has featured at the top of the pitch for the trophy-chasing Lilywhites.

Solanke's recent struggles

Under the reign of former manager Postecoglou last season, Solanke was the undisputed first-choice option in the central-striking role.

The 28-year-old joined from Bournemouth in a deal worth £60m during the summer of 2024 and scored 15 goals in his debut campaign, helping Spurs to Europa League glory.

However, Solanke continues to struggle with injury problems, with the three-time England international currently sidelined because of an ankle issue.

Tottenham Hotspur will be aiming to book their spot in the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup when they take on Newcastle United in the competition on Wednesday night.

Spurs will enter the match off the back of a 3-0 victory over Everton, with the result moving Thomas Frank's side into third spot in the Premier League table.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up all of Tottenham's latest injury and suspension news ahead of their clash with Newcastle, who recorded a 2-1 victory over Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday.

Cristian Romero

Status:Â Out

Type of injury:Â Adductor

Possible return date:Â Unknown

Romero is currently on the sidelines with an adductor injury, and it is unclear when the Argentina international will return, but he will definitely be absent for the clash with Newcastle.

Destiny Udogie

Status:Â Out

Type of injury:Â Knee

Possible return date:Â Unknown

Udogie has missed Tottenham's last three matches in all competitions with a knee injury, and the defender will again be absent on Wednesday, but he should be back in the not too distant future.

Ben Davies

Status:Â Out

Type of injury:Â Thigh

Possible return date:Â November 23 (vs. Arsenal)

Davies returned from international duty with Wales nursing a thigh injury, and the experienced defender will not be back on the field until after the November international break.

Yves Bissouma

Status:Â Out

Type of injury:Â Ankle

Possible return date:Â November 23 (vs. Arsenal)

Bissouma, who is yet to make an appearance for Spurs this season, suffered an ankle injury while representing Mali during the October international break, and he remains on the sidelines.

Kota Takai

Status:Â Out

Type of injury:Â Foot

Possible return date:Â Unknown

Takai started team training again in late September following a foot injury, but he was again absent against Everton on Sunday, and the defender is still not not being considered for first-team selection.

Radu Dragusin

Status: Out

Type of injury:Â Knee

Possible return date:Â November 23 (vs. Arsenal)

Dragusin continues to take small steps forward in his recovery from an ACL injury, and there is a chance that the defender could be back on the field before the end of November.

Dejan Kulusevski

Status: Out

Type of injury:Â Knee

Possible return date:Â Unknown

Kulusevski has been missing since May due to a serious knee injury, and he remains on the sidelines, but the Sweden international is expected to be back in action before the end of the year.

James Maddison

Status: Out

Type of injury:Â Knee

Possible return date:Â Unknown

Maddison may not play at all in the 2025-26 campaign due to the ACL injury he suffered in pre-season, with the England international also set to be absent for the 2026 World Cup.

Dominic Solanke

Status:Â Out

Type of injury:Â Ankle

Possible return date:Â November 8 (vs. Manchester United)

Solanke was forced to undergo a minor procedure on an ankle injury at the end of September, but the striker has a chance of being available for the clash with Manchester United on November 8.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR SUSPENSION LIST

Tottenham have no players suspended for this match.

No Data Analysis info

The red half of North London had more than one reason to celebrate this weekend, when Arsenal's 1-0 London derby win over Crystal Palace extended their early-season lead at the top of the Premier League table to four points.

The Gunners took full advantage of Liverpool and Manchester City's latest mishaps, as the Reds' plight continued in a 3-2 loss to Brentford, while the Citizens' Aston Villa curse continued in a 1-0 defeat in the West Midlands.

Chelsea's title credentials also suffered another bitter blow in a shock 2-1 home reverse to Sunderland, but Manchester United are on an upward trajectory and bested Brighton & Hove Albion in a six-goal spectacular.

Tottenham Hotspur also reignited their podium charge in a 3-0 beating of Everton, but the Lilywhites are trailing new runners-up Bournemouth, who took down Sean Dyche's Nottingham Forest 2-0.

Elsewhere, Burnley bested Wolverhampton Wanderers by three goals to two in a thrilling bottom-half battle, Newcastle United left it late to edge out Fulham 2-1, while Leeds United overcame a troubled West Ham United team by the same scoreline.

Here, Sports Mole selects its Premier League Team of the Week for gameweek nine of the 2025-26 season.

Goalkeeper: Nick Pope (Newcastle)

Standout displays in between the sticks were few and far between, but Nick Pope was a major factor in Newcastle's win over Fulham - while there was no long-throw assist for the Englishman this time around, there were a pivotal four saves and seven recoveries.

Right-back: Matty Cash (Aston Villa)

Teaching Erling Haaland a lesson in clinical finishing - at least for today - Villa right-back Matty Cash put a huge dent in City's title aspirations with a fine left-footed winner at Villa Park, where he also created one big chance.

Centre-back: Kevin Danso (Tottenham)

The 3-0 scoreline in Spurs' favour against Everton did not tell the full story, as Kevin Danso had to make an incredible 18 clearances on Merseyside, and Cristian Romero's deputy also won all six of his duels in a dogged defensive effort.

Centre-back: Micky van de Ven (Tottenham)

While Danso earned the plaudits for his defending, Micky van de Ven took on the role of Spurs' chief goal threat at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, where his two headers saw him become the first Tottenham defender to score a Premier League brace since Jan Vertonghen in 2013.

Left-back: Quilindschy Hartman (Burnley)

Forget Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp or Son Heung-min and Harry Kane - Quilindschy Hartman and Zian Flemming are the Premier League's new deadly double act.

The former provided two fine assists for his Burnley teammate at Wolves, firstly picking out Flemming's run with a brilliant long ball over the top, before a well-executed first-time pass across the six-yard box.

Right midfield: Michael Kayode (Brentford)

A right-back by trade, it only feels right to push Michael Kayode further forward after the wide man's barnstorming display in Brentford's beating of Liverpool.

Channelling his inner Rory Delap, Kayode's long throw led to the Bees' opening goal in West London, where he also won all five of his ground duels.

Central midfield: Casemiro (Man United)

Neither of Casemiro's direct contributions in Man United's win over Brighton were particularly vintage - a short pass to Matheus Cunha and a goal that took a wicked deflection to beat Bart Verbruggen.

Nevertheless, the Brazilian registered a goal and assist in a league game for the first time since playing for Real Madrid in 2018, as well as winning four ground duels and making five recoveries at Old Trafford.

Central midfield: Amadou Onana (Aston Villa)

Taking on the role of pass master in Aston Villa vs. Man City, Amadou Onana misplaced just one of his 43 balls to his teammates all afternoon, while completing 95% in the Sky Blues' half and winning six of his seven ground duels in a momentous success.

⭐️ STAR PERFORMER OF THE WEEK ⭐️

Left midfield: Bryan Mbeumo (Man United)

A woodwork hit away from a first Man United hat-trick, Bryan Mbeumo's low near-post finish and crisp strike into the roof of the net proved pivotal to the beating of Brighton, against whom the Cameroonian also created one big chance and registered four successful dribbles.

Striker: Matheus Cunha (Man United)

Man United had never had two Brazilians score in one Premier League game before October 25, but that all changed thanks to Casemiro and Matheus Cunha, who broke the deadlock with a delightful finish and also fashioned one big chance for his teammates on the day.

Striker: Zian Flemming (Burnley)

The beneficiary of two Hartman helpers, Burnley forward Flemming struck a wonderful first-time volley and a well-taken tap-in against Wolves, who could not restrain the ex-Millwall striker and were also forced to foul him on six occasions.

SPORTS MOLE'S PREMIER LEAGUE TEAM OF THE WEEK

Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are set to meet in an all-Premier League fourth round clash in the EFL Cup on Wednesday night.Â

The Magpies head into this match off the back of securing a dramatic late victory against Fulham in the league, while Spurs hammered Everton 3-0 in their last outing.

Here, Sports Mole provides all the details on how to watch this EFL Cup clash.

What time does Newcastle United vs. Tottenham Hotspur kick off?

This EFL Cup clash will kick off at 8:00pm UK time on Wednesday evening.

Where is Newcastle United vs. Tottenham Hotspur being played?

Tottenham Hotspur will travel north to face the Magpies at St James' Park, the famous 52,409 capacity stadium where Newcastle have won all of their last three clashes with Spurs.

How to watch Newcastle United vs. Tottenham Hotspur in the UK

TV channels

This match will be one of the most widely broadcast fixtures of the campaign on UK television, and will be available to watch live on ITV1 and Sky Sports Main Event TV channels.

Online streaming

Fans can also stream the clash on ITVX for free, or on NOW UK or the Sky Sports+ app with the relevant subscriptions.

Highlights

Key moments such as goals and red cards will be posted on the ITV Football and Sky Sports X (formerly Twitter) accounts, and highlights will be available on the Sky Sports+ app after the final whistle.

Who will win Newcastle United vs. Tottenham Hotspur?

Newcastle United have enjoyed their matchups with Tottenham Hotspur in recent years, especially at St James' Park, where they have won all of their last three encounters with Spurs.Â

The Magpies have emerged victorious in five of the last six meetings with Spurs, with Tottenham Hotspur managing a sole victory in that time - a 4-1 win at their home ground.

Spurs will fancy their chances heading into this meeting, though, as Thomas Frank's side are unbeaten away from home across all competitions this season, while the Magpies have already lost three times at their home stadium.

No Data Analysis info