Sports Mole

Tottenham transfer news: Midfielder 'completes' medical after Spurs agree deal

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Midfielder 'completes' medical after Tottenham agree deal - Sports Mole
Description

Joao Palhinha is reportedly close to joining Tottenham Hotspur from Bayern Munich after he completed his medical on Friday.Â

Spurs have reportedly reached an agreement to sign Palhinha on loan for the 2025-26 season, and the deal includes the option to make the transfer permanent for £25.9m at the end of the campaign.Â

Palhinha enjoyed a successful spell with Fulham, where he made 68 Premier League appearances before completing a move to Bayern last summer.Â

The move did not work out as he had planned, as he failed to establish in Vincent Kompany's side, managing just six starts in 16 Bundesliga appearances.Â

The German champions made him available for transfer this summer, and Spurs favoured a loan move over a permanent deal.Â

Palhinha completes Tottenham medicalÂ

According to Fabrizio Romano, Palhinha has completed his medical ahead of his move to Tottenham.Â

The transfer expert adds that formal steps will follow soon to complete the deal, where Spurs will reportedly pay Palhinha's salary for the next season.Â

Palhinha did not get enough opportunities to impress Kompany during the Club World Cup, and it became clear that his future lies away from the Allianz Arena.Â

The former Sporting CP midfielder is behind Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Aleksandar Pavlovic and Konrad Laimer in the pecking order, and a move to the Premier League could revitalise his career.Â

Yves Bissouma could leave Tottenham if Palhinha arrivesÂ

Tottenham have already signed Mathys Tel permanently for Bayern this summer, and it appears that they are close to signing another player from the same club.Â

Palhinha would add experience and quality to Thomas Frank's squad, and he could represent an astute piece of business.Â

His potential arrival could impact Bissouma, whose future has come under speculation in recent weeks, and has been linked with a move away from the north London club.Â

Palhinha could still face competition from Rodrigo Bentancur, Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, and Pape Matar Sarr for the starting role, but nevertheless, he can expect to get more minutes than he did under Kompany.Â

Source

Tottenham lineup vs. Newcastle: Predicted XI for pre

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Tottenham lineup vs. Newcastle: Predicted XI for pre-season friendly after Dominic Solanke injury update - Sports Mole
Description

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank is keeping his fingers crossed that Dominic Solanke will be available for Sunday's pre-season friendly with Newcastle United in South Korea.

The English striker sat out Thursday's 1-0 triumph over North London derby rivals Arsenal owing to an ankle concern, but Frank issued a positive update in his post-match press conference.

The Dane expressed hope that Solanke would be given the green light to play on Sunday, but if the game comes too soon, he can be pencilled in as a certainty for the meeting with Bayern Munich on August 7.

Solanke should be restricted to minutes off the bench even if he is passed fit, though, so Richarlison could continue at the tip of the attack, supported by Mohammed Kudus and South Korean national hero Son Heung-min.

Pape Sarr settled the North London derby in Spurs' favour with a phenomenal long-range lob, and the Senegal international ought to reprise his role in the middle of the park alongside Rodrigo Bentancur, who will soon face added competition from Joao Palhinha.

However, James Maddison could be a straight swap for Lucas Bergvall in the most advanced midfield position, while the likes of Kevin Danso and Archie Gray are alternatives at the back.

Frank's defence stunted the Arsenal attack expertly in midweek, though, so Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence should continue as Guglielmo Vicario's four-man shield.

Tottenham possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Maddison, Bentancur, Sarr; Kudus, Richarlison, Son

Source

Tottenham vs. Newcastle: How to watch, date, time, live stream and TV channel

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
How to watch Spurs vs. Newcastle: Date, time, live stream - Sports Mole
Description

Fresh off a memorable North London derby triumph over Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur seek to banish their curse against bogey team Newcastle United in South Korea on Sunday.

The Lilywhites have lost each of their last three Premier League games against the Magpies, although Eddie Howe's men have coincidentally suffered three straight friendly defeats, and here Sports Mole provides everything you need to know about how to tune into the match.

What time does Tottenham vs. Newcastle kick off?

Tottenham vs. Newcastle is a 12pm kickoff in the UK.

Meanwhile, the game begins at 8pm local time in Seoul, South Korea.

Where is Tottenham vs. Newcastle being played?

Sunday's match is taking place at the Seoul World Cup Stadium, which was opened ahead of the 2002 World Cup and hosted three games at the tournament, including Germany's semi-final win over South Korea.

The ground was also the location of the 2007 Under-17 World Cup final, where Nigeria triumphed over Spain on penalties in the final.

How to watch Tottenham vs. Newcastle in the UK

TV channels

Tottenham vs. Newcastle is not being shown on terrestrial TV in the UK.

Online streaming

Tottenham's SPURSPLAY streaming service and Newcastle's NUFC TV offers full, uninterrupted coverage of Sunday's game.

If watching the match via NUFC TV, fans will pay either £4.99 or £6.99 for the fixture as a standalone, or prices for all of Newcastle's pre-season games range from £9.99 to £29.99 depending on level of membership.

Highlights

Both Tottenham and Newcastle should post match highlights on their official websites at full time, as well as their YouTube channels.

The two clubs' social media accounts will likely also upload snippets of the action during the game, as should journalists and other media attending the event.

What is at stake for Tottenham and Newcastle?

Tottenham are putting their unbeaten pre-season record on the line in South Korea, as Thomas Frank's men boast two wins and two draws from their four fixtures so far, but they have been beaten in five of their last six games against the Magpies.

However, Newcastle are desperate to snap a disheartening run of three straight defeats in pre-season friendlies, having been slain by Celtic, Arsenal and most recently a K-League XI in non-competitive action.

Source

Preview: Tottenham vs. Newcastle

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Preview: Spurs vs. Newcastle - prediction, team news - Sports Mole
Description

Champions League-bound Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United bring the curtain down on their pre-season tours of Asia in Sunday's blockbuster showdown at the Seoul World Cup Stadium in South Korea.

The Lilywhites are riding high off the back of a historic North London derby triumph against Arsenal, whereas the Magpies are reeling from a third straight friendly defeat.

Match preview

Paying homage to the likes of David Beckham and Xabi Alonso, Spurs midfielder Pape Sarr settled the first-ever North London derby to be contested outside of the UK on Thursday, scoring a sensational winner from close to the halfway line in Hong Kong.

Had the contest been fought in the Premier League, the VAR probably would have taken a closer look at a perceived trip from Richarlison on Myles Lewis-Skelly in the lead-up to the goal, but take nothing away from Sarr's sensational effort, which left a helpless David Raya scrambling.

Thomas Frank's troops kept a toothless Arsenal attack at bay without too much fuss in the second half, thus extending their unbeaten friendly record at the expense of their rivals', making it four games without defeat under the Dane's wing.

The Europa League holders now boast a respectable two wins and two draws from their four warm-up matches so far - even if those stalemates were uninspiring ones against lower-league sides Wycombe Wanderers and Luton Town - and two incredibly tough assignments are left on the agenda.

Following Sunday's scrap with the Magpies, Tottenham head back to Europe for a date with Harry Kane's Bayern Munich on August 7, nine days before their Premier League opener at home to newly-promoted Burnley.

While Spurs have started the summer as they mean to continue, the less said about Newcastle's pre-season preparations the better, both from an on-field and off-field point of view.

Eddie Howe's Magpies convincingly put four past Carlisle United without reply in their opening fixture, but they have since been condemned to a trio of dampening defeats to Celtic, Arsenal and most recently a K-League XI.

Kim Jin-gyu's first-half effort propelled the Suwon hosts to a 1-0 success on July 30, as a Newcastle outfit boasting the likes of Sandro Tonali, Anthony Elanga and Anthony Gordon failed to break the K-League XI backline; a penny for Alexander Isak's thoughts.

The Swede - who is nursing a 'minor thigh injury' if Newcastle's word is to be believed - has supposedly now been the subject of one official failed bid from Liverpool, but while the Magpies' money men negotiate a Premier League record deal with the Reds, Howe's men have a hoodoo to extend.

Indeed, Newcastle have bested Tottenham in five of their last six meetings - winning each of their last three head-to-heads in the Premier League - but the time is surely nigh for an on-song Spurs side to lift that Geordie curse.

Tottenham friendly form:

Newcastle friendly form:

Team News

As well as the sextet of infirm players left at home - Dejan Kulusevski, Radu Dragusin, Kota Takai, Manor Solomon, Destiny Udogie and Bryan Gil - Tottenham continued to make do without Dominic Solanke in midweek owing to his ankle concern.

Frank told the media after the match that he was hopeful of having the striker back in time for Sunday's game, but if the Magpies clash comes too soon, he will certainly be available to face Bayern Munich.

Speaking of the Bundesliga champions, Spurs are understood to be closing in on the signing of Portuguese midfielder Joao Palhinha on loan with an option to buy, but there is no chance of him making his debut here.

Solanke can empathise with a Newcastle counterpart over ankle injuries, as Joe Willock sustained such a problem in the dying embers of Wednesday's defeat, although Howe does not believe he is suffering from a major issue.

Regardless, it would be a surprise to see the ex-Arsenal man line up on Sunday, so a well-rested Bruno Guimaraes will surely come back into the midfield pack, potentially alongside Joelinton if Lewis Miley is also granted a break.

Sven Botman remains touch-and-go after tweaking his groin against Arsenal, but Howe's Isak-less squad is in good nick otherwise.

Tottenham possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Maddison, Bentancur, Sarr; Kudus, Richarlison, Son

Newcastle possible starting lineup:

Pope; Trippier, Schar, Lascelles, Burn; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Osula, Barnes

We say: Tottenham 2-1 Newcastle

Whether the Isak speculation is playing on the minds of Newcastle's players only they can answer, but Howe's men are seemingly yet to adjust to the absence of their star striker on the field.

The Magpies' stellar head-to-head record against Spurs will therefore surely count for nought, as Frank's men extend their unbeaten sequence and prolong Newcastle's misery.

Previews by email

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

Source

1 Tottenham: Highlights, man of the match, stats as Pape Sarr worldie wins North London derby

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Frank 1-0 Arteta: Sarr worldie wins North London derby for - Sports Mole
Description

Pape Sarr's outrageous long-range effort propelled Tottenham Hotspur to a 1-0 friendly win over North London derby rivals Arsenal in Hong Kong.

In front of a fervent Kowloon atmosphere, there was no love lost between the two bitter rivals, as challenges flew in and tussles were fought all over the shop.

Mikel Arteta's men struggled to get into their usual flow, though, and they were undone just before the break by a moment of individual magic from Sarr, who lobbed David Raya from the centre circle after Myles Lewis-Skelly lost possession.

The second half was played mostly on Arsenal's terms, but even with new striker Viktor Gyokeres debuting in the dying embers, Thomas Frank's dogged defence held firm.

SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT

There may have been no points on offer in Hong Kong, but the early-season bragging rights deservedly belong to Tottenham, who have beaten the Gunners for the first time in over three years.

Granted, the strike came from an individual error and a possible refereeing mistake, but Sarr's strike was nothing short of astonishing, and Arsenal's repeated creative failings came to the fore far too often.

One shot on target from 15 attempts tells the story of Arsenal's afternoon, but there is no way of knowing whether Thursday's result really is a sign of things to come for the coming season.

ARSENAL VS. TOTTENHAM HIGHLIGHTS

Pape Sarr goal vs. Arsenal (45th min, Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham)

David Beckham eat your heart out!

David Raya - as he does - ventures out of his box with the ball at his feet and feeds Myles Lewis-Skelly, who is immediately swarmed by white shirts.

The England international appears to be tripped by Richarlison, but the referee sees nothing doing, and Sarr picks up the loose ball before remarkably lobbing Raya from 40 yards!

MAN OF THE MATCH - PAPE SARR

In truth, Lewis-Skelly surely would have won a foul off of Richarlison before Sarr's goal in the Premier League, but take nothing away from the Senegal international's tremendous long-range effort.

As well as his worldie, Sarr put in five tackles, drew two fouls and won both of his aerial duels, suggesting that he could be a true midfield metronome in Frank's system.

ARSENAL VS. TOTTENHAM MATCH STATS

Possession: Arsenal 55%-45% Tottenham

Shots:Â Arsenal 15-6 Tottenham

Shots on target: Arsenal 1-1 Tottenham

Corners: Arsenal 12-4 Tottenham

Fouls:Â Arsenal 10-10 Tottenham

WHAT NEXT?

The Gunners' pre-season tour of Asia has now come to an end, and they now head back to the Emirates for a date with Villarreal on August 6, three days before the Emirates Cup vs. Athletic Bilbao.

Meanwhile, Spurs now head to South Korea to take on fellow Premier League outfit Newcastle United, four days before a scrap with Harry Kane's Bayern Munich in Germany.

No Data Analysis info

Source

Arsenal vs. Tottenham Hotspur: Head

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Spurs vs. Arsenal: Head-to-head record and past meetings - Sports Mole
Description

Â

© Imago

Head-to-head record

Previous meetings: 211

Spurs wins: 67

Draws: 55

Arsenal wins: 89

Counting their inaugural fixtures in the late 19th century, way before they ever clashed in the top tier of English football, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal have pitted their wits against each other on 211 occasions, and it is the men in red and white that boast the superior wins tally with 89.

Mikel Arteta's depleted men did the double over their bitterest foes in the 2024-25 season, leaving the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with a 1-0 win in September 2024 before a 2-1 home success four months down the line.

The latter game saw Arsenal achieve something that they had never previously done in the Premier League era, win three straight top-flight games against Tottenham, who had not suffered that fate since 1989.

A 3-2 victory in April 2024 also belongs in that sequence, as after taking a three-goal lead on rival turf thanks to Spurs' set-piece woes, the Gunners conceded twice late on but nevertheless clung on.

In contrast, Spurs have come up trumps on 67 occasions, while 55 draws have also been played out between the two rivals, including a four-goal Emirates classic in September 2023, where Arsenal led twice but let their advantages slip both times.

The January 2025 win was enough for Arsenal to prolong their unbeaten run against Tottenham to six matches, having also done the double over Spurs in the 2022-23 campaign, prior to which the Lilywhites' most recent NLD triumph came on home territory towards the end of 2021-22.

While seven of Tottenham's last nine derbies with Arsenal have ended in defeat, the Lilywhites previously went five unbeaten against the Gunners from December 2018 to December 2020, including two home Premier League wins in the COVID-19 era and an EFL Cup success in the 2018-19 season.

In terms of individual goalscoring records, Harry Kane is still the master of doing that against Arsenal as the 2023-24 Champions League quarter-finals proved, and the England captain is head and shoulders above his colleagues when it comes to NLD goals, netting 14 in the Spurs strip.

The highest outright scorer for Arsenal in this matchup is a revered Frenchman; not Thierry Henry, but Robert Pires with nine efforts, while Emmanuel Adebayor struck eight times for the Gunners before scoring twice for Tottenham after his bold decision to cross the divide.

Last 20 meetings

Jan 15, 2024: Arsenal 2-1 Spurs (Premier League)

Sep 15, 2024: Spurs 0-1 Arsenal (Premier League)

Apr 28, 2024: Spurs 2-3 Arsenal (Premier League)

Sep 24, 2023: Arsenal 2-2 Spurs (Premier League)

Jan 15, 2023: Spurs 0-2 Arsenal (Premier League)

Oct 01, 2022: Arsenal 3-1 Spurs (Premier League)

May 12, 2022: Spurs 3-0 Arsenal (Premier League)

Sep 26, 2021: Arsenal 3-1 Spurs (Premier League)

Mar 14, 2021: Arsenal 2-1 Spurs (Premier League)

Dec 06, 2020: Spurs 2-0 Arsenal (Premier League)

Jul 12, 2020: Spurs 2-1 Arsenal (Premier League)

Sep 01, 2019: Arsenal 2-2 Spurs (Premier League)

Mar 02, 2019: Spurs 1-1 Arsenal (Premier League)

Dec 02, 2018: Arsenal 4-2 Spurs (Premier League)

Feb 10, 2018: Spurs 1-0 Arsenal (Premier League)

Nov 18, 2017: Arsenal 2-0 Spurs (Premier League)

Apr 30, 2017: Spurs 2-0 Arsenal (Premier League)

Nov 06, 2016: Arsenal 1-1 Spurs (Premier League)

Mar 05, 2016: Spurs 2-2 Arsenal (Premier League)

Nov 08, 2015: Arsenal 1-1 Spurs (Premier League)

Last 10 Premier League meetings

Jan 15, 2024: Arsenal 2-1 Spurs (Premier League)

Sep 15, 2024: Spurs 0-1 Arsenal (Premier League)

Apr 28, 2024: Spurs 2-3 Arsenal (Premier League)

Sep 24, 2023: Arsenal 2-2 Spurs (Premier League)

Jan 15, 2023: Spurs 0-2 Arsenal (Premier League)

Oct 01, 2022: Arsenal 3-1 Spurs (Premier League)

May 12, 2022: Spurs 3-0 Arsenal (Premier League)

Sep 26, 2021: Arsenal 3-1 Spurs (Premier League)

Mar 14, 2021: Arsenal 2-1 Spurs (Premier League)

Source

Arsenal vs. Tottenham: How to watch, date, time, live stream, TV channel

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
How to watch Arsenal vs. Spurs: Date, time, live stream - Sports Mole
Description

Billed as a friendly, Thursday's pre-season North London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur in Hong Kong should be anything but.

The Gunners are searching for their fourth win from four summer contests, while Thomas Frank's side are also yet to lose an exhibition game but could only draw with Luton Town and Wycombe Wanderers at the weekend.

Here, Sports Mole provides everything you need to know about how to tune into Thursday's game.

What time does Arsenal vs. Tottenham kick off?

Arsenal vs. Tottenham is an 12.30pm kickoff in the UK, allowing working supporters to catch a glimpse of the action during their lunch breaks.Â

Meanwhile, the game is scheduled to begin at 7.30pm in Hong Kong, which is seven hours ahead.

Where is Arsenal vs. Tottenham being played?

The first-ever North London derby to take place outside of the UK is being played at Kai Tak Sports Park in Kowloon, a multipurpose venue which also hosts rugby matches and music concerts.

The 50,000-seater stadium was only officially opened in March, and Thursday's game will be just the third football match played at the ground, which recently hosted AC Milan's 4-2 win over Liverpool.

How to watch Arsenal vs. Tottenham in the UK

TV channels

Arsenal vs. Tottenham is not available to watch on terrestrial TV in the UK.

However, fans in the US can catch the action on Paramount+, while supporters in India can watch the game via FanCode.

Online streaming

Arsenal and Tottenham's official websites and apps will offer live streaming of the derby, albeit on a pay-per-view basis.

Before 9am on Thursday morning, fans can pay £4.99 to watch the match on arsenal.com, or pay £14.99 to also catch the Gunners' clashes with Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao next month.

Alternatively, members can watch a live screening of the game at the Emirates Stadium at a price of £5 for Platinum, Gold, Silver and Red members.

Tottenham's corresponding video service SPURSPLAY will also host the event for subscribers.

Highlights

Both the official Arsenal and Tottenham websites should upload post-match highlights, which may also be available to view on the clubs' YouTube channels.

During the game, snippets of the action may also be posted on their respective social media pages, as well as from journalists and other media attending the event.

What is at stake for Arsenal and Tottenham?

Thursday's game may not mean much from a competitive standpoint, but the bragging rights are always worth fighting for in a North London derby, and Spurs have an added incentive to prevail.

The Europa League winners have not beaten their bitter rivals in a competitive match since the end of the 2021-22 Premier League season, losing their last three in a row to the men in red and white, and the game may also mark a final North London derby for captain Son Heung-min amid links with MLS.

Both teams are also putting their unbeaten pre-season runs on the line, while Arsenal are aiming to prolong their perfect summer record, having seen off AC Milan, Watford and Newcastle United thus far.

No Data Analysis info

Source

season North London derby including Viktor Gyokeres debut decision

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Gyokeres debut in North London derby? Predicted Arsenal XI - Sports Mole
Description

Arsenal's new number 14 Viktor Gyokeres will be in line for his unofficial Gunners debut in Thursday's pre-season North London derby with Tottenham Hotspur in Hong Kong.

The Sweden international was unveiled as an Arsenal player over the weekend and is already training with his new teammates in the Far East, although Mikel Arteta has remained typically coy when asked about his involvement.

Gyokeres should earn some minutes either way, but it would not be a surprise to see the 27-year-old introduced from the bench, meaning that Kai Havertz should continue to spearhead the attack.

Fifteen-year-old Max Dowman ran Newcastle United ragged on the right-hand side in Sunday's 3-2 win, but Bukayo Saka should reprise his role regardless, while Gabriel Martinelli bombs down the left.

Speaking of teenagers lighting up pitches, Ethan Nwaneri did exactly that against AC Milan last week and is in line to replace Martin Odegaard, potentially alongside Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice in a menacing midfield.

However, Riccardo Calafiori sustained another injury blow at the weekend and should not be risked even if his affliction is minor, so the door is surely open for Cristhian Mosquera to make his Arsenal debut.

The Spaniard could occupy the left centre-back slot alongside William Saliba, while Ben White and Oleksandr Zinchenko also protect Kepa Arrizabalaga, who should earn a shot at guarding the posts from the first whistle.

Arsenal possible starting lineup:

Kepa; White, Saliba, Mosquera, Zinchenko; Nwaneri, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli

> Click here to see how Spurs could line up for this game

No Data Analysis info

Source

Tottenham lineup vs. Arsenal: Predicted XI for pre

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Son's final North London derby? Predicted Spurs XI vs. - Sports Mole
Description

Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min could contest his final North London derby when the Lilywhites meet Arsenal in Thursday's pre-season friendly in Hong Kong.

The 33-year-old has flown out to the Far East with his teammates, but at the same time, he is said to be advancing in discussions over a move to an MLS giant.

No final decision on Son's future will be made while Spurs are on tour, though, and the South Korea international should line up on the left flank for Thomas Frank's side at Kai Tak Sports Park.

Son could comprise one-third of a fearsome attacking trio also boasting Dominic Solanke and new signing Mohammed Kudus, while James Maddison pulls the creative strings slightly further back.

Pape Sarr found the back of the net twice against Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday, and while his strikes were only good enough for a 2-2 draw, he could be rewarded with a start alongside Maddison and Rodrigo Bentancur in the engine room.

Barring the injured Destiny Udogie, Frank has the rest of his first-choice backline available to him, so all of Guglielmo Vicario, Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven could feature from the first whistle alongside Djed Spence.

Radu Dragusin, Manor Solomon, Bryan Gil, Dejan Kulusevski and Kota Takai are all absent for fitness reasons, while Mikey Moore, Dane Scarlett and Alfie Devine have been left at home in order to explore loan moves elsewhere.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Maddison, Bentancur, Sarr; Kudus, Solanke, Son

> Click here to see how Arsenal could line up for this game

No Data Analysis info

Source

Preview: Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Preview: Arsenal vs Spurs - prediction, team news, lineups - Sports Mole
Description

A not-so-friendly friendly is on the cards on Thursday, as bitter rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur contest a pre-season North London derby at Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong.

The Gunners are three for three this summer following their 3-2 triumph over Newcastle United, while Thomas Frank's crop most recently played out an uninspiring draw with Luton Town.

Match preview

On the highest of highs following the long-awaited capture of Viktor Gyokeres, who was presented to the crowd in Singapore before Sunday's showdown with Newcastle, Arsenal did it the hard way to sink the Magpies in a five-goal thriller.

Anthony Elanga filled Alexander Isak's black and white boots to propel Newcastle ahead, only for Mikel Merino to haunt his old club and Alex Murphy to rifle a finish into the roof of his own net to turn the tide in Arsenal's favour.

The latter's namesake Jacob Murphy restored parity for Eddie Howe's men with a stunning low strike early in the second half, but the man - or boy - pictured above won a late spot kick for his superior Martin Odegaard to coolly convert.

While new signings have partially dominated the conversation, 15-year-old Max Dowman is the talk of the town in the red half of North London, having exuded complete confidence when facing opponents twice his age against AC Milan and most recently Newcastle.

Including a behind-closed-doors triumph over Watford at London Colney, Arsenal are a perfect 3-0 in exhibition matches this summer and now prepare to conclude their tour of the Far East, after which Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao will soon visit the Emirates Stadium.

Both Arsenal and their adversaries Tottenham are putting their unbeaten friendly records on the line in Hong Kong, but while there has been plenty for the Gunners to shout about so far, Thomas Frank's men recently flattered to deceive on home turf.

The Dane's reign commenced in ideal fashion with a 2-0 triumph over League One outfit Reading, before two different Spurs XIs faced Wycombe Wanderers and Luton Town respectively on July 26, where neither managed to win.

A Pape Sarr brace was only good enough for a 2-2 draw with Wycombe at Hotspur Way, before 10,000 supporters packed in to Kenilworth Road to witness a drab 0-0 between Spurs and Luton Town, which had the feel of a meaningless pre-season contest written all over it.

News of Morgan Gibbs-White signing a new Nottingham Forest deal only served to dampen Spurs' spirits further, but 10 days away from familiar surroundings may do Frank and co the world of good, as they prepare for three more friendlies in three different countries.

The Lilywhites will also pit their wits against Newcastle in South Korea on August 3, four days before a reunion with Harry Kane, whose Bayern Munich side host Tottenham in the Telekom Cup.

However, Spurs' immediate task at hand is ending a three-year hoodoo against Arsenal, whom they have not beaten competitively since the 2021-22 Premier League season, losing their last three head-to-heads with their noisy neighbours.

Arsenal friendly form:

Tottenham Hotspur friendly form:

Team News

There is only one question on Gooners' lips right now; will Gyokeres make his debut against Tottenham? Arteta was typically guarded when asked directly last week, but the Swede has now been integrated into team training, so an unofficial first appearance is more likely than not.

The same goes for fellow new recruit Cristhian Mosquera, who was not deemed ready for action against Newcastle but could now earn his Arsenal baptism, especially as Riccardo Calafiori sustained yet another injury last time out.

The severity of the Italian's knock is unclear, but Arteta has no need to risk the injury-plagued defender, who could join Gabriel Magalhaes (knock) and Jurrien Timber (ankle) on the sidelines this week.

Meanwhile, Spurs have left a sextet of injured recruits at home, as Bryan Gil, Manor Solomon, Dejan Kulusevski, Radu Dragusin, Destiny Udogie and new signing Kota Takai will play no part of their pre-season tour.

Youngsters Mikey Moore, Alfie Devine and Dane Scarlett have also been omitted while they seek loan exits, but £55m man Kudus is involved, as is long-serving skipper Son Heung-min.

The South Korea international is said to be advancing in talks over a move to MLS, but no deal is expected to go through before Tottenham arrive back in the UK.

Arsenal possible starting lineup:

Kepa; White, Saliba, Mosquera, Zinchenko; Nwaneri, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Maddison, Bentancur, Sarr; Kudus, Solanke, Son

We say: Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur

Â

In what will be the first-ever men's North London derby to be played outside of the UK, Arsenal have our vote to continue their streak of dominance over the Europa League winners.

Pre-season friendlies are perhaps the most unpredictable matches in football, but the Gunners' significant squad depth should come to the fore once both managers start ringing the changes.

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!

Source