Sports Mole

Tottenham Hotspur boss Roberto De Zerbi faces an Andy Robertson decision as Spurs prepare for Saturday's pre-season clash against Chelsea.

The experienced defender is in contention for his maiden starting berth for the North Londoners, having enjoyed a thirty-minute cameo in the victory over Sydney FC before confidently converting his effort during the subsequent penalty shootout triumph.

However, the smart money remains on Rio Kyerematen retaining the left-back slot for a fourth successive match, slotting into a defensive unit alongside Ben Davies, Kota Takai and Tye Hall.

That prospective backline will provide the shield for shot-stopper Martin Dubravka, with the Lilywhites desperate to send a statement of intent against their top-flight domestic rivals.

In the engine room, the Spurs faithful have already caught a glimpse of marquee summer arrivals Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes operating in tandem against MK Dons, and the Italian tactician may well unleash the pair from the first whistle once more.

Higher up the pitch, Mathys Tel has been a prominent figure throughout the club's warm-up fixtures — providing an assist against Auckland before finding the net against Sydney — which has only bolstered his claims for a starting role out wide.

The youngster is widely tipped to link up with Conor Gallagher and Manor Solomon, forming the trio just behind the main frontman.

Exactly who takes on that striking mantle remains fiercely contested in a straight shootout between Richarlison and Dominic Solanke, though De Zerbi might lean towards the latter given he was restricted to a substitute appearance in their previous outing.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Dubravka; Hall, Takai, Davies, Kyerematen; Fernandes, Tonali; Solomon, Gallagher, Tel; Solanke

Xabi Alonso faces a major selection decision in attack regarding Liam Delap following the Chelsea striker's indifferent performance against Western Sydney, with the Englishman expected to be benched for Saturday's pre-season clash with Tottenham Hotspur.

Delap's likely demotion comes after Joao Pedro spectacularly introduced himself last time out, netting a game-altering hat-trick and setting up Jamie Gittens's equaliser moments after coming off the bench.

Having fielded a youthful side in their opening fixture, Alonso is set to reward several impressive starlets with another start.

Landon Emenalo is tipped to retain his spot at left-back after a strong showing, while 16-year-old Reggie Watson, son of 2013 FA Cup-winning midfielder Ben Watson, should keep his place in the engine room.

Fellow 17-year-olds Reggie Walsh and Dastan Satpaev are also in line to maintain their starting roles alongside Gittens in an adventurous creative unit deployed directly behind Joao Pedro.

Watson is expected to be joined in the centre of the park by Dario Essugo, who will look to provide defensive stability and allow Walsh the freedom to operate in the advanced No. 10 position.

Further back, Alonso may introduce a few more first-team regulars into the defensive line, where Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill could form a central partnership flanked by Emenalo and Josh Acheampong.

This rearguard will line up directly ahead of goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, who is set to start between the sticks as the Blues look to secure another positive result in their warm-up schedule.

Chelsea possible starting lineup:

Sanchez; Acheampong, Fofana, Colwill, Emenalo; Watson, Essugo; Satpaev, Walsh, Gittens; Joao Pedro

A London derby will take place at Accor Stadium on Saturday when Chelsea take on Tottenham Hotspur in the Sydney Super Cup.

Xabi Alonso's men played out a wildly exciting 10-goal thriller against Western Sydney Wanderers on Tuesday, while Roberto De Zerbi's Spurs continued their winning record in the off-season a day later against Sydney FC, albeit on penalties, and they seek to extend their run at the Blues' expense.

Match preview

Much was made about Alonso's bow in a televised match as Chelsea boss, and the West Londoners played their part in a thrilling 6-4 victory over Western Sydney Wanderers.

A number of the Spanish manager's principles with and without the ball were already evident in the rip-roaring success, even if the Premier League outfit's execution — especially out of possession — was recurrently suboptimal.

Having gone ahead early doors in the fixture, the Blues did not take the lead again until the final minutes after the team's big guns ultimately overpowered the Sydney outfit to seal a high-scoring victory.

Although it was pleasing to see his side score so many on the day, so many of the Blues' defensive frailties under previous managers were evident, and it remains to be seen how the incumbent problem-solves as pre-season progresses.

Nonetheless, the above-mentioned issues come with the caveat that Chelsea began the match with not only a second-string side, but also one comprising a plethora of youth players unlikely to be thrown in the deep end.

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Next up for Alonso's side are Spurs, managed by De Zerbi, whose first pre-season as Lilywhites boss is going to plan.

While fans of the North London side may have fancied significantly more excitement, they have yet to lose any of their games in the off-season, keeping clean sheets in wins over MK Dons and Auckland FC.

Even though Tottenham could not find an extra gear to respond to their first concession in pre-season after Takahiro Sekine levelled for Sydney FC just before the hour mark, the 2025 Europa League winners were ultimately victorious in spot-kicks.

Facing Chelsea undeniably presents Spurs with their toughest test on paper, although De Zerbi's men have the advantage of being far ahead in their preparation heading into the 2026-27 season.

The Lilywhites will hope that counts for something as they aim to end a six-match losing run against their London rivals, albeit any victory on Saturday may be watered down by virtue of it coming in a friendly match.

Chelsea friendlies form:

Tottenham Hotspur friendlies form:

Team News

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After starting many youth players against Western Sydney, Alonso may introduce a few more first-team regulars for his second televised pre-season match.

Nonetheless, Landon Emenalo may keep his place after a strong showing at left-back, while 16-year-old Reggie Watson, son of 2013 FA Cup-winning midfielder Ben Watson, and 17-year-olds Reggie Walsh and Dastan Satpaev could also retain their places in the XI.

One first-team player who could drop out is Liam Delap, following an indifferent showing before going off for Joao Pedro, who netted a game-altering hat-trick and set up Jamie Gittens's 66th-minute equaliser moments after the pair's introduction.

As for Spurs, Andy Robertson could make his first start for Spurs, having played for the final half-hour of their win against Sydney FC, before scoring one of the English side's four spot-kicks in the 4-2 penalties success.

The likelihood, though, may be to give Rio Kyerematen a fourth consecutive start at left-back, with Ben Davies, Kota Takai and Tye Hall completing the back four.

Spurs supporters have already seen big-money summer signings Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes start together against MK Dons, and De Zerbi could play both men from the off against Premier League opposition

on Saturday.

Mathys Tel has featured heavily so far in the Lilywhites' tune-up games, assisting against Auckland and scoring against Sydney, doing his chances of starting against the Blues no harm.

While there are question marks over who starts in a central striking role in a coin toss between Richarlison and Dominic Solanke, De Zerbi could opt for the latter after he only came off the bench last time out.

Chelsea possible starting lineup:

Sanchez; Acheampong, Fofana, Colwill, Emenalo; Watson, Essugo; Satpaev, Walsh, Gittens; Joao Pedro

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Dubravka; Hall, Takai, Davies, Kyerematen; Fernandes, Tonali; Solomon, Gallagher, Tel; Solanke

We say: Chelsea 2-3 Tottenham Hotspur

While Alonso's substitutions in the Blues' first pre-season match underline Chelsea's firepower in reserve, Spurs are significantly sharper competitively.

Thus, the Lilywhites are tipped to get the better of their London neighbours to inflict the new Blues boss' first loss, albeit in a friendly match, to extend their own unblemished pre-season start.

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Roberto De Zerbi has suggested that Mateus Fernandes should return to training next week.

The 22-year-old has made an instant impact since his move from West Ham United, scoring a wonder goal in a behind-closed-doors friendly against MK Dons last week.

That was followed by a 45-minute outing versus Auckland FC earlier this week, but the Portuguese was a notable absentee from the team that faced Sydney FC on Wednesday.

In the hours prior to kickoff in Australia, rumours emerged on social media that Fernandes may have suffered a significant injury.

However, speaking at a press conference after a 1-1 draw and penalty-shootout win over the A-League club, De Zerbi insisted that one of his new signings was suffering with a minor issue.

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De Zerbi addresses Fernandes injury concerns

While the Italian suggested that Fernandes would not feature against Chelsea on Saturday, it appears that he will play a part during the rest of pre-season.

He told reporters: "Fernandes is just fatigued, the calf, and also for him we took the decision not to take any risk and to recover.

"But the next week, Wednesday, when we start the pre-season in London, he will be ready to work."

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How does the rest of Spurs' pre-season look?

Spurs will now lock horns with Chelsea on Saturday as they look to get one over their London rivals.

There is then a full week before Spurs are back in action against Spanish side Getafe on August 8.

Theoretically speaking, that could be Fernandes's first game back in the fold.

On August 15 and August 16, there will be back-to-back fixtures against Hoffenheim, the first taking place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and second being played behind closed doors.

Tottenham Hotspur continued their preparations for the 2026-27 campaign with a 1-1 draw against Sydney FC in a pre-season friendly.

Spurs took the lead in the 29th minute of the contest through Mathys Tel, but the home side struck back in the second half, with Takahiro Sekine's goal levelling the scores.

The match saw Andrew Robertson make his debut for Tottenham following his arrival from Liverpool, and it was another good workout for the North London club, who won 4-2 in the penalty shootout that occurred at the end of the contest.

SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT

© Imago / MARK EVANS / APP

More minutes in the bank - that is the purpose of pre-season after all.

There was no Mateus Fernandes for Tottenham in this match amid rumours that the Portugal international has suffered a potentially long-term knee injury.

It is understood that Fernandes is not injured and was rather rested against Sydney FC, but his absence from the squad has led to fresh rumours.

Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi will take the positives from the pre-season contest, which was dominated by the Premier League outfit for long stages.

Spurs also managed to win the penalty shootout that occurred at the end of the match 4-2, with summer arrivals Sandro Tonali and Robertson among those to register.

TOTTENHAM VS. SYDNEY FC HIGHLIGHTS

Matheys Tel goal vs. Sydney FC (29th min, Tottenham 1-0 Sydney)

Tottenham make the breakthrough in the 29th minute of the contest, and it is Tel on the scoresheet, with the attacker curling a free kick into the top corner - some strike!

Sydney FC level in the early stages of the second period, with Sekine finding the back of the net after a mistake from Tottenham defender Kota Takai, who inadvertently turned the ball into the path of the home side's player.

MAN OF THE MATCH - MATHYS TEL

Tel scored an excellent free kick to send Tottenham ahead in the first period, and it was an impressive performance from the 21-year-old during his 45 minutes on the field.

The Frenchman's movement and running power caused Sydney FC a lot of problems.

TOTTENHAM VS. SYDNEY FC MATCH STATS

Possession: Tottenham 58%-42% Sydney FC

Shots: Tottenham 18-7 Sydney FC

Shots on target: Tottenham 5-3 Sydney FC

Corners: Tottenham 7-0 Sydney FC

Fouls: Tottenham 3-11 Sydney FC

BEST STAT

WHAT NEXT?

Tottenham will continue their preparations for their 2026-27 Premier League campaign with a clash against London rivals Chelsea on August 1.

Sydney FC, meanwhile, will now switch their attention to their fixture with Blacktown City FC in the last-16 stage of the Australia Cup on August 5.

Tottenham Hotspur are dreaming of signing Barcelona defender Jules Kounde as Roberto De Zerbi looks to strengthen his back line.

The France international has emerged as an ambitious summer target, with Spurs now thought to be weighing up a sizeable offer.

However, prising him away from the Catalan giants will be far from easy.

Spurs dream of Jules Kounde summer transfer

© Imago / Joan Gosa

According to reports in Spain, Tottenham are preparing a €65 million (£55 million) bid for Kounde.

The Premier League club are said to be captivated by the Frenchman's versatility, believing he would be an ideal fit for De Zerbi's style of play.

Barcelona have no intention of selling the 27-year-old, who remains an important player under Hansi Flick thanks to his ability to operate at both right-back and centre-back.

Nevertheless, Spurs are reportedly keeping a close eye on the situation and could test Barcelona's resolve if they sense an opportunity to negotiate later in the transfer window.

What does Spurs' interest in Kounde mean for Pedro Porro?

© Iconsport / Harvey Murphy/News Images

Kounde's arrival would undoubtedly create fierce competition for Pedro Porro at right-back, but that is only part of the story.

One of the Frenchman's biggest strengths is his versatility. While he has excelled on the right side of Barcelona's defence, he is equally comfortable playing in the centre, giving De Zerbi the flexibility to adapt his system depending on the opposition and availability of his squad.

That could prove especially important with Cristian Romero's future still clouded with uncertainty. Should the Spurs captain depart, Kounde would be capable of stepping straight into central defence without the club needing to sign another specialist centre-back.

Rather than replacing Porro outright, Kounde would significantly strengthen Tottenham's defensive options across multiple positions. Elite clubs need quality competition throughout the squad, and adding a player of his calibre would raise the standard whether he started at right-back or in the heart of defence.

The biggest obstacle remains convincing Barcelona to sell a player they view as a cornerstone of their defence, but from Tottenham's perspective, it's easy to see why they are dreaming of signing Kounde.

Few defenders in Europe combine his quality, experience and tactical flexibility, making him exactly the sort of player capable of taking De Zerbi's side to another level.

Tottenham Hotspur are preparing for potential defensive departures ahead of the upcoming campaign following a testing period for the North London club.

The Lilywhites have endured two challenging domestic seasons, leading several key figures to evaluate their long-term options.

Central defender Cristian Romero was a standout performer on the international stage this summer, playing a pivotal role in guiding Argentina to the World Cup final.

However, the 28-year-old is now keen to seek a fresh challenge away from Premier League football.

Italian champions Inter Milan have long admired the defender and have subsequently emerged as the clear frontrunners to land his services.

Inter 'agree fee' with Spurs for Cristian Romero

© Iconsport / SUSA

Sport Witness reports that Inter have reached a basic agreement with Tottenham to sign Romero in a permanent deal valued at €40m (£34.2m).

The Serie A giants initially explored a move for the defender during preliminary discussions regarding team-mate Djed Spence.

While negotiations for Spence stalled, dialogue concerning Romero gathered swift momentum as the Argentine actively favoured a return to Italian football.

Despite all but securing the signing of former Manchester City defender John Stones, the Nerazzurri reportedly remain committed to further reinforcing their backline with Romero.

However, negotiations between the club and Romero's representatives over personal terms remain ongoing as salary expectations continue to be ironed out.

Will wage demands scupper Inter move amid Barcelona interest?

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The source above suggests that agreeing a suitable financial package could prove to be a stumbling block for Inter after handing high wages to incoming free agent Stones.

Romero is understandably reluctant to accept a lower wage structure, leaving the transfer in a slight state of limbo.

This wage impasse offers hope to Barcelona, who maintain a serious interest in bringing the aggressive centre-back to Spain.

However, the Spanish side must facilitate player sales to balance their books before they can officially meet Spurs' asking price.

Should Inter delay in finalising personal terms, Barcelona may find the necessary window of opportunity to capitalise and hijack the transaction.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly been handed an opportunity to make a quick profit on Souza.

Roberto De Zerbi has already embarked on a major spending spree this summer, spending in excess of £230m in transfer fees and six new players arriving at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Italian has also revealed his next priority for the transfer window as he bids to build a squad capable of challenging for the top five in the Premier League table.

However, at some stage, the expectation is that Spurs will have to facilitate sales and generating funds to ensure that they comply with the Premier League's financial regulations.

According to Diario do Peixe, a European giant have given them a chance to give themselves a boost of income.

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Which European club want to sign Spurs' Souza?

The report alleges that Benfica have made an offer of €20m (£17.1m) for the former Santos prospect.

Back in January, Spurs paid approximately £13m for the left-back, and the assumption was that he would spend a number of seasons in North London.

However, the 20-year-old accumulated just 144 minutes across four matches during the second half of the campaign, none of which came under De Zerbi.

Spurs have also since signed Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson, with Djed Spence and Ben Davies other left-back options.

With Souza having not travelled to New Zealand for the next phase of Spurs' pre-season, it does not appear that the starlet has an immediate future under De Zerbi.

© Imago / IMAGO / justpictures.ch

An easy decision for Spurs?

While Spurs could immediately bank a notable fee for Souza, they are also seemingly mindful of his potential.

His performances for Santos put him in the thinking of Brazil, and there is plenty of room for improvement if he earns regular football in 2026-27.

Spurs may take the decision to facilitate a loan exit to see whether Souza can remain on an upward trajectory, rather than be left with regrets if he leaves and significantly enhances his reputation.

Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly joined Chelsea and Manchester City in the race for Paris Saint-Germain attacker Ibrahim Mbaye.

The 18-year-old is supposedly on the radar of Man City as a replacement for Savinho, who is moving towards a switch across Premier League battlelines to Roberto De Zerbi's Spurs in North London.

As well as the elite Premier League teams, Aston Villa are also said to be admirers of PSG's Mbaye, with the Second City club plotting new arrivals after star player Morgan Rogers jumped ship to Stamford Bridge.

Mbaye has played a part in PSG's best-ever campaigns, with Les Parisiens winning back-to-back Ligue 1 and Champions League titles during the 2024-25 and 2025-26 terms under Luis Enrique.

The youngster is understandably behind Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue in the pecking order on the flanks, starting just 10 top-flight matches last season but still managing five goal contributions.

© Iconsport / Powerpics/Alamy

Liverpool, Tottenham join Mbaye race?

According to French publication RMC, two new Premier League powerhouses have joined the race for the highly-rated services of Mbaye, who featured at the 2026 World Cup for Senegal this summer.

The report claims that Andoni Iraola's Liverpool and relegation-battling Tottenham have both made enquiries for the 18-year-old, with a switch away from Parc des Princes a distinct possibility.

As well as the Reds, it is believed that fellow English sides Manchester City and Chelsea are keen on Mbaye, on top of interest from the Bundesliga in the form of Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen.

PSG are supposedly happy with the progress of the youngster in their first team and are not actively pushing for a sale, however, it is understood that the European champions value the winger in excess of £42m.

Liverpool are planning moves for top-class forwards as they gear up for life without legendary attacker Mohamed Salah, whose nine-year stay at Anfield concluded at the end of last season.

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Mbaye's busy summer

After representing France at five levels of youth football, Mbaye made the decision to commit his senior services to Senegal, making his debut for the AFCON giants during the international break of November 2025.

A key part in the PSG juggernaut, it was no surprise that the promising 18-year-old was called up by Senegal for the World Cup this summer in North America, where the winger started the 5-0 drubbing of Iraq.

Mbaye was on the pitch for his nation's seismic collapse in the last 32 on July 1, when Belgium netted three goals to complete a sensational comeback and advance into the next round.

Tottenham Hotspur are expected to field a strong XI for their pre-season clash with Sydney FC on Wednesday.

Spurs commenced their summer tour of New Zealand and Australia with a 2-0 victory over A-League champions Auckland FC last week, when the Lilywhites opted to field a youthful side.

One of the beneficiaries of that Roberto De Zerbi decision, Dane Scarlett found the net at Eden Park, however, Richarlison is likely to lead the line at Allianz Stadium.

After putting in an impressive display in Auckland, 17-year-old Luca Williams-Barnett could retain his spot in midfield.

Engine-room partner Jamie Donley is set to drop out for Conor Gallagher, with Archie Gray moving to a right-back role.

A number of Spurs' new signings are set to be on show in New South Wales, including Andy Robertson, Jan Paul van Hecke and Martin Dubravka.

Recovering from respective injury setbacks, James Maddison, Destiny Udogie and Sandro Tonali could feature briefly on Wednesday.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup: Dubravka; Gray, Van Hecke, Davies, Robertson; Williams-Barnett, Gallagher, Yang, Donley, Moore; Richarlison