Sports Mole

Paulo Dybala could return to the Roma starting lineup when they face Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League in North London on Thursday night.

The elegant attacker played just three minutes off the bench in the 1-0 defeat to Napoli at the weekend, after missing the previous outing against Bologna, and the international break with Argentina.

When on the field, Dybala has been magical for the Giallorossi, contributing to 53 goals in just over two years at the club, but he is not on it enough, starting just seven of Roma's 17 games so far this season.

Dybala also has history with Spurs, as he was the man who scored the winning goal at Wembley when Juventus knocked them out of the Champions League in 2018 - the only previous time they have lost at home to an Italian club in UEFA competition.

The Argentine is one of a number of players who could start behind Artem Dovbyk in attack, with Lorenzo Pellegrini and Matias Soule also in contention to start.

New manager Claudio Ranieri only made one change for his first game in charge, replacing Soule with Pellegrini, but there were big changes tactically, as he has reverted to a 4-4-2 system, binning Juric's 3-4-3 approach.

Nicola Zalewski, Tommaso Baldanzi and Enzo Le Fee have all seen their game time greatly reduced recently, so will hope that the new manager will give them an opportunity to prove themselves here.

Mats Hummels is another player who could return to the fold, because he was not seen for a month after scoring an own goal and conceding five against Fiorentina, but looked much more competent as a second-half substitute against Napoli on Sunday.

Mario Hermoso could also return in defence soon, with Alexis Saelemaekers making good progress in his recovery from an ankle injury too, but Eldor Shomurodov will not be available until next month.

Roma possible starting lineup:

Svilar; Celik, Mancini, Hummels, Angelino; Soule, Baldanzi, Cristante, Zalewski; Dybala, Dovbyk

Ange Postecoglou may be forced into starting some of his big-hitters in attack when Tottenham Hotspur face Roma in the Europa League on Thursday.

The Spurs manager has used the cup competitions to hand opportunities to the likes of Wilson Odobert, Mikey Moore and Will Lankshear in attack, but all three will be absent when the Giallorossi travel to North London.

Odobert remains out with a hamstring injury; a nasty virus will leave Moore out of contention, and Lankshear is serving a one-match suspension following his red card in the 3-2 loss to Galatasaray earlier this month.

Brennan Johnson and Son Heung-min both started in Istanbul, and may be forced to do so again, with Richarlison also sidelined until the new year.

Dominic Solanke scored off the bench against Gala, and would ideally be allowed a rest in midweek, and the return of Timo Werner could give Postecoglou that option, but Son may also be the one given the night off.

While Spurs' backup options in attack are absent, it is their first-choice players who are missing at the back heading into this one, following the news that Guglielmo Vicario will be out for the foreseeable future after undergoing surgery on a broken ankle.

That means Fraser Forster should start in Europe again, but will also be required to face Fulham at the weekend, behind Radu Dragusin and Ben Davies, who have replaced Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero.

Romero is in contention to return from a toe injury at the weekend, but remains doubtful, while Van de Ven is not expected to be available until mid-December at the earliest.

Rodrigo Bentancur should start as this is a rare opportunity for him to get some game time while he serves a seven-game domestic ban, and the two midfield positions either side of him are up for grabs.

Lucas Bergvall should also get another run out in the team, while any one of Yves Bissouma, Pape Matar Sarr, Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison could also feature.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Forster; Spence, Dragusin, Davies, Gray; Sarr, Bentancur, Bergvall; Johnson, Solanke, Werner

Click here to see how Roma could line up for this Europa League clash.

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Fresh off the back of their astonishing 4-0 win over Manchester City at the weekend, Tottenham Hotspur welcome a Roma side in disarray to North London in the Europa League on Thursday.

This will mark a return to the British Isles for new Roma boss Claudio Ranieri, whose stint in charge of Leicester City saw them pip Spurs to the title in 2016.

Match preview

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It is almost certain that no team will record a more remarkable scoreline across Europe this season than Spurs' 4-0 thrashing over Man City on Saturday - Pep Guardiola's worst home defeat of his managerial career.

Ange Postecoglou's side are now comfortably the top scorers in the Premier League, and only Liverpool and Man City have conceded fewer, but with just three clean sheets in the league, that suggests why they have dropped so many points.

Spurs are still down in sixth, three points off the top four, with too many disappointing recent results restricting them from moving further up the standings.

The international break came at the perfect time, because Spurs' two performances prior to it were woeful, handing Ipswich Town their first Premier League win in over 20 years, and being very lucky to leave Istanbul with a 3-2 loss against a Galatasaray side that could have scored seven or eight.

That result ended their 100% record in Europe, and saw them drop to seventh, but they will fancy their chances of moving back up the standings here, considering they have won seven in a row at home in the Europa League without conceding - scoring 19.

This will be their first ever meeting with Roma, and the home side will hope that they can continue their fine record at home to Italian clubs, because Spurs have only lost once in 10 previous meetings.

The Europa League has not provided many fruitful results against clubs from Italy for Spurs though, winning just two of their eight, and Roma will hope they can extend that underwhelming run, while also arresting a woeful stretch of results of their own.

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Now on their third permanent manager of the season already, the Romanisti have witnessed a dismal start to the campaign across both competitions domestically and on the continent.

Daniele De Rossi was dismissed within four games, and Ivan Juric lasted just 12, reminiscent of his spell at Genoa in 2018 when he won none of his eight games in charge and was sacked after two months.

At 73, Ranieri has been persuaded to come out of retirement to take over at a club where he is loved by the supporters, so owners the Friedkin Group must be wary of upsetting the supporters again with the new manager like they did when they sacked De Rossi.

Ranieri was unable to end their recent losing run, as a 1-0 defeat at league leaders Napoli saw that streak extended to three matches, dropping to 12th, just three points from trouble.

A 1-1 draw with Union SG on matchday four keeps them down in 20th in the UEL standings, with their only win so far coming by a solitary goal against Dynamo Kyiv, a club without a goal or a point as of yet in the Europa League.

Roma's matches only get tougher too, so they are slightly up against it to ensure they remain in the top 24, considering they will face Spurs and AZ Alkmaar away, and Braga and Eintracht Frankfurt at home.

Tottenham Hotspur Europa League form:

Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions):

Roma Europa League form:

Roma form (all competitions):

Team News

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Postecoglou's defensive options were decimated even further in the week, when it was revealed Guglielmo Vicario had undergone surgery on a broken ankle, sidelining him for the foreseeable future.

Spurs are already without their two first-choice centre-backs Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, so Radu Dragusin and Ben Davies are set to start again after impressing against Man City.

Will Lankshear and Mikey Moore have been handed opportunities in Europe so far, but neither will feature, with Lankshear suspended following his red card against Galatasaray and Moore currently wiped out with a virus.

Rodrigo Bentancur will almost certainly start to ensure he maintains his match fitness, as his seven-game ban is only for domestic fixtures.

After playing 3-4-3 under Juric, Ranieri opted to revert to a more old-fashioned 4-4-2 in the Napoli defeat, despite making very few changes to the personnel.

Lorenzo Pellegrini returned from injury to replace Matias Soule in the only change from Juric's final game, while Paulo Dybala was only fit enough for the bench.

Mario Hermoso and Alexis Saelemaekers are both closing in on a return to the first team, but Uzbek international Eldor Shomurodov is a confirmed absentee with a muscle problem.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Forster; Spence, Dragusin, Davies, Gray; Sarr, Bentancur, Bergvall; Johnson, Solanke, Werner

Roma possible starting lineup:

Svilar; Celik, Mancini, Hummels, Angelino; Soule, Baldanzi, Cristante, Zalewski; Dybala, Dovbyk

We say: Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 Roma

Roma are in dire straits, and have a woeful record in England, winning just one of their 23 games in the country, and none of the last 15 since winning at Liverpool in 2001, and current form offers very little to suggest they could end that here.

Even Spurs' remarkable inconsistency is unlikely to have much of a bearing on this outcome, considering the hosts have been largely impressive in Europe, and they should make it four wins from five on the continent.

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

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Tottenham Hotspur defender Sergio Reguilon is allegedly hoping to agree to the mutual termination of his contract.

Back in 2020, Spurs pulled off somewhat of a coup to secure a £27.5m deal for the then-Real Madrid left-back.

Reguilon would subsequently go on to make 67 appearances in all competitions across his opening two seasons with the North Londoners.

However, since the start of 2022-23, the Spain international has not been used by Spurs, instead left to take on loan spells elsewhere.

A total of 40 outings were made for Atletico Madrid, Manchester United and Brentford across the following two campaigns, but Reguilon's career has now been brought to a halt.

Reguilon pushing for early Spurs exit?

Reguilon failed to secure yet another move away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium during the summer transfer window, despite being made available.

Despite having a player who was named in the Europa League Squad of the Season for 2019-20 at his disposal, Ange Postecoglou has not selected Reguilon in any of his squads aside from in the EFL Cup.

According to The Sunday Mirror, Reguilon is now ready to formally request his exit from Spurs ahead of the January window.

The report suggests that the ex-Sevilla man is prepared to end his £120,000-per-week contract six months early in order to secure a move elsewhere.

While there is no indication over what stance Spurs will take, there would realistically be a willingness to make what would effectively be a £3m saving during the second half of the campaign.

Who is ahead of him?

Although Reguilon still holds the number three shirt at Spurs, Postecoglou would plausibly consider four alternatives ahead of him.

Destiny Udogie is the standout first choice, while Ben Davies is able to provide backup when he is not covering the injuries to Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven in the centre.

Tottenham Hotspur return to action on Thursday evening when they play host to Roma in the Europa League.

Ange Postecoglou's side head into this contest on the back of one of their most memorable victories in recent years, a 4-0 demolition of Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

However, there is work to do in this competition with the defeat to Galatasaray on matchday four leaving Spurs down in seventh place in the Europa League table, just three points separating them to 18th position.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Tottenham's latest injury and suspension news ahead of their showdown with Roma, who have just appointed Claudio Ranieri as their new manager.

Cristian Romero

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Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Ankle

Possible return date: November 28 (vs. Roma)

Postecoglou suggested last week that he was hopeful that Romero would be able to return against Roma or Fulham. As such, his participation in this game could be dependent on whether Postecoglou wishes to take any risks on his fitness.

Richarlison

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Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: December 5 (vs. Bournemouth)

Richarlison will once again be unavailable for selection for this fixture due to a hamstring problem, with the Brazil international not expected to be back for Spurs until the early stages of December.

Micky van de Ven

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Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: Unknown

Van de Ven is currently suffering with a hamstring injury, one which Postecoglou has suggested will still take "a couple of weeks" to recover from.

Wilson Odobert

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Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: Unknown

Odobert had just battled back from one hamstring problem before picking up another one, and it was recently confirmed that he has undergone an operation, with the attacker facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Mikey Moore

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Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Illness

Possible return date: November 28 (vs. Roma)

Postecoglou revealed before the Man City game that Moore would be absent through illness and they would not rush the youngster back from a virus. At best, the prospect will feature on the substitutes' bench for this fixture.

TOTTENHAM'S SUSPENSION LIST

Will Lankshear

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Status: Out

Possible return date: December 12 (vs. Rangers)

Lankshear experienced the best and worst moments of his early career against Galatasaray, scoring the equaliser versus the Turkish giants before being sent off in the second half. Therefore, the youngster will sit out this contest.

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Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly stepping up their attempts to sign Lille attacker Angel Gomes, with the North London club potentially getting a deal done during the January transfer window.

Gomes's contract with Lille is due to expire next summer, and there is currently a host of speculation surrounding his future, with a number of clubs said to be interested in the England international.

Manchester United are believed to be firmly in the running for Gomes, who represented the Red Devils between 2006 and 2020 before leaving for Lille, with the attacker finding it difficult to make the breakthrough into the first team.

However, according to GIVEMESPORT, Tottenham are determined to land the 24-year-old, with Spurs head coach Ange Postecoglou hopeful that a deal could be agreed in January.

The report claims that Newcastle United are also in the mix, but Man United and Tottenham are viewed as the two favourites for the playmaker, who played five times in the Premier League during his time at Old Trafford.

Tottenham 'desperate to beat Man United' to Gomes

As it stands, foreign clubs would be able to approach Gomes in January to discuss a pre-contract, but a fee would have to be agreed with Lille in order for the Englishman to move during the winter window.

Gomes is thought to be keen to make the move back to England, as he believes that it would seriously boost his hopes of being involved in the Three Lions squads moving forward under Thomas Tuchel.

Spurs would allegedly be willing to make Gomes one of their best-paid players in order to win the race for his signature, with the Englishman in a strong position to negotiate a high salary from a potential new club.

Gomes has made 129 appearances for Lille in all competitions, scoring nine goals and registering 19 assists in the process, including one goal and one assist in 15 outings during the 2024-25 campaign.

Who will win the race for Gomes?

The attacker may believe that he has unfinished business at Man United, so it would not be a surprise to see the Englishman hold out for a return to Old Trafford, especially to play under exciting new head coach Ruben Amorim.

Gomes is from London, though, and the chance to return to the capital will surely be appealing, while he may also find it easier to earn regular starts at Tottenham than Man United, which will be another factor in his decision.

Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City have lost their fifth consecutive game in all competitions after suffering a chastening 4-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening.

Despite losing each of their last four matches prior to the international break, the Citizens entered this contest in buoyant mood following the announcement of Pep Guardiola's new two-year contract extension on Thursday.

However, it was Spurs who made the brighter start and were by no means affected by the drizzly Manchester weather, as they put themselves two goals to the good inside the opening 20 minutes, courtesy of two delicate finishes from birthday boy James Maddison.

Tottenham rightly had their tails up and pushed for a third against a vulnerable Man City side, who conceded chances in clusters and failed to convert any of their own at the other end - Erling Haaland was denied on two occasions by Guglielmo Vicario.

Man City were trailing by two goals at half time in a league match for the first time since their 4-2 comeback win against none other than Spurs in January 2023, and they were tasked with replicating a similar comeback to preserve their club-record 52-game unbeaten home run lasting over two years.

However, Spurs burst out of the blocks after the interval and scored a third in the 52nd minute when Dominic Solanke teed up Pedro Porro - once on the books at Man City - to fire a first-time strike into the far corner following a free-flowing counter-attack.

Tottenham rubbed salt into Man City's wounds when they added a fourth in stoppage time, with Timo Werner bursting down the left and fizzing a low cross to the back post for fellow substitute Brennan Johnson to slide the ball home.

Although Ange Postecoglou's side never once considered parking the bus and continued to play with a high line, Spurs made themselves difficult to break down throughout the second half and Man City lacked a cutting edge in the final third, while Vicario was in fine form between the sticks and made three superb saves to deny Ilkay Gundogan and Haaland - the latter also clipped the top of the crossbar on the hour mark.

Defeat for City not only represents their third in a row in the Premier League, it means they have set a new unwanted record and it also comes as a huge blow in their quest to retain the title, as they remain five points behind leaders Liverpool, who can move eight points clear with a win over basement club Southampton on Sunday.

As for Spurs, they have returned to winning ways after losing their previous two matches and have climbed to sixth in the table, three points behind Chelsea in third and four behind Man City in second.

MAN CITY VS. TOTTENHAM HIGHLIGHTS

James Maddison goal vs. Man City (13th min, Man City 0-1 Tottenham)

Just a few minutes after Vicario made a superb reaction save with his right boot to deny Haaland at his near post, James Maddison burst up the other end and met a delightful cross from Dejan Kulusevski, cushioning a volley from just a few yards out beyond Ederson.

James Maddison goal vs. Man City (20th min, Man City 0-2 Tottenham)

Maddison added to his tally and put Spurs two goals ahead inside the opening 20 minutes with a delicate chip over Ederson from close range, after receiving an incisive cutback pass from Son Heung-min inside the area, following a intricate passing sequence from the visitors.

Pedro Porro goal vs. Man City (52nd min, Man City 0-3 Tottenham)

Tottenham continued to punish Man City on the transition and a free-flowing counter-attack resulted in Pedro Porro firing a first-time strike from inside the area into the far corner, after receiving a cutback from Dominic Solanke.

Brennan Johnson goal vs. Man City (90 + 3 min, Man City 0-4 Tottenham)

Spurs rounded off a memorable victory at the Etihad with a fourth goal in second-half stoppage time thanks to two substitutes combining. Werner burst down the left flank and fizzed a low delivery towards the back post for Johnson to slide the ball home from just a yard out.

MAN OF THE MATCH - DEJAN KULUSEVSKI

James Maddison understandably deserves a special mention for his first-half brace and impressive display, as does Vicario who made a number of important saves, but Dejan Kulusevski was Tottenham's standout performer and ran the show on the right while also drifting into midfield.

The silky Swede produced a delightful assist for Maddison's opener, while he also completed 100% of his dribbles (4/4), produced three key passes and won five ground duels during a majestic performance.

MAN CITY VS. TOTTENHAM MATCH STATS

Possession: Man City 59%-41% Tottenham

Shots: Man City 23-9 Tottenham

Shots on target: Man City 5-7 Tottenham

Corners: Man City 9-3 Tottenham

Fouls: Man City 19-9 Tottenham

BEST STATS

WHAT NEXT?

Man City will now turn their attention to the Champions League as they will face Dutch outfit Feyenoord at the Etihad Stadium next Tuesday.

Leicester vs. Chelsea (Saturday, 12.30pm)

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Kicking off the return of Premier League action after the international break, Leicester City and Chelsea butt heads at the King Power Stadium on Saturday lunchtime.

The 12.30pm kickoff sees Blues boss Enzo Maresca reunite with the club he led back into the top flight at the first time of asking last season, and his successor Steve Cooper is on track to keep them there.

We say: Leicester City 0-3 Chelsea

With Fatawu missing, Buonanotte suspended and four other attackers not at full fitness, Leicester's perfect goalscoring record at home will surely be snapped at the hands of their former manager, whose side are the most potent away outfit the Premier League has to offer.

Given the Foxes' recent vulnerabilities at the back too, Saturday's affair is at risk of turning into an onslaught, and a straightforward win for Chelsea is the only outcome we can picture.

> Click here to read our full preview for this match

> Cooper's attacking crisis: Leicester predicted XI against Chelsea

> James blow, Palmer decision, Lavia to start? Chelsea predicted XI against Leicester

> Will Lavia, Gusto, Fofana be fit? Chelsea injury, suspension list vs. Leicester

Bournemouth vs. Brighton (Saturday, 3.00pm)

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Two South Coast outfits collide at the Vitality Stadium in Saturday's Premier League battle, as Bournemouth scrap it out with Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Cherries entered the international hiatus on the back of an agonising 3-2 loss to Brentford, while Fabian Hurzeler's men prolonged Manchester City's misery two weekends ago.

We say: Bournemouth 2-2 Brighton & Hove Albion

The international break has the potential to harm both sides' offensive exploits, but their respective play styles should lead to plenty of goalmouth action at the Vitality, where Bournemouth have often had the Seagulls' number.

Neither side inspires much confidence defensively either, so we can envisage the goals being shared about equally in an entertaining stalemate.

> Click here to read our full preview for this match

> Doubts among doubts: How Brighton could line up against Bournemouth

> Key man banned, will Semenyo play? Bournemouth predicted XI against Brighton

Arsenal vs. Nott'm Forest (Saturday, 3.00pm)

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Remarkably only separated by goal difference in the Premier League standings, ailing Arsenal and high-flying Nottingham Forest prepare for an intriguing battle at the Emirates on Saturday afternoon.

Mikel Arteta's troops have failed to win any of their last four matches in the top flight, but their visitors also enter the North London battle fresh from their own setback at home to Newcastle United.

We say: Arsenal 2-1 Nottingham Forest

Both sets of players should be feeling rejuvenated and ready to go again after a welcome domestic break, and Forest's exceptional away record offers hope of a Tricky Trees surprise at the Emirates.

Any more dropped points on Saturday and Arsenal's title defence may be as good as dead in the water, but with Odegaard pulling the strings again, we have faith in Arteta's men to edge a tight battle and revive their faltering bid for glory.

> Click here to read our full preview for this match

> Wood or Awoniyi up front? Predicted Forest XI against Arsenal

> Saka decision, who replaces White? Predicted Arsenal XI against Forest

> Will Saka, Rice, Trossard return? Arsenal injury list for Forest clash

Aston Villa vs. Crystal Palace (Saturday, 3.00pm)

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Two sides that were glad to see international football intervene will return from a much-needed break on Saturday, as Aston Villa and Crystal Palace meet at Villa Park.

The hosts lost four games on the bounce before club competition was paused, while their visitors have won just once in the Premier League this season.

We say: Aston Villa 2-0 Crystal Palace

After taking a brief break from the daily grind, Aston Villa should return to Premier League action feeling suitably refreshed.

As Crystal Palace have picked up just two points on the road so far, taking anything back to the capital on Saturday evening will be a bonus.

> Click here to read our full preview for this match

> Captain McGinn comes back in? Predicted Aston Villa lineup vs. Crystal Palace

> Kamada out, Eze in? Predicted Crystal Palace lineup vs. Aston Villa

Everton vs. Brentford (Saturday, 3.00pm)

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Brentford will look to pick up their first away points of the season when they travel to Goodison Park to face Everton in the Premier League on Saturday.

The hosts have regressed heavily in their performance levels recently, slipping back towards the bottom three after seemingly pulling away following a promising unbeaten run through October.

We say: Everton 1-3 Brentford

Brentford's pointless start on the road will not go on forever, and the Bees will see this as their best chance yet to get off the mark against an underwhelming Everton.

The hosts have sleepwalked back into trouble after a good spell of results either side of the break in October, and with a devilishly difficult run of games ahead in December, unless they drastically improve their performance levels here, they could be in serious danger.

> Click here to read our full preview for this match

> Will McNeil and Branthwaite be fit? Everton predicted lineup vs. Brentford

> Are Mbeumo and Wissa fit to feature? Brentford predicted lineup vs. Everton

Fulham vs. Wolves (Saturday, 3.00pm)

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Wolverhampton Wanderers will be looking to climb out of the Premier League relegation zone when they travel to Craven Cottage to face Fulham on Saturday afternoon.

The two teams meet for the first time since March when Gary O'Neil's side secured a 2-1 top-flight victory at Molineux.

We say: Fulham 2-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers

Goals are to be expected in Saturday's contest as both teams have scored in each of Fulham's opening five home matches this term, while Wolves have scored in all of their last 10 league games, netting at least twice in four of their last five.

Both teams will view this match as a winnable one, but Fulham will be regarded as slight favourites at Craven Cottage and may just do enough to edge out the Old Gold on this occasion, as they did in this fixture last season.

> Click here to read our full preview for this match

> Who will join Cunha, Strand Larsen in attack? Predicted Wolves lineup vs. Fulham

> Nelson or Wilson to start? Predicted Fulham lineup vs. Wolves

Man City vs. Spurs (Saturday, 5.30pm)

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Manchester City will endeavour to close the five-point gap to Premier League leaders Liverpool when they welcome Tottenham Hotspur to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening.

Both the Citizens and Spurs are looking to get back on track after suffering 2-1 defeats to Brighton & Hove Albion and Ipswich Town respectively prior to the international break.

We say: Manchester City 3-2 Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham have been somewhat of a bogey team for Guardiola over the years, as Man City have lost more Premier League games (six) and have conceded more Premier League goals (22) against Spurs than they have against any other opponent under the Catalan coach.

Spurs will fancy their chances of breaching City's backline once again this weekend in what could turn out to be another entertaining, action-packed contest filled with goalmouth activity, but if the Citizens are to welcome back some of their key players, they should get the job done in front of a carnival atmosphere at the Etihad following Guardiola's contract renewal.

> Click here to read our full preview for this match

> Bissouma or Maddison to replace Bentancur? Predicted Spurs lineup vs. Man City

> Will Foden, De Bruyne start? Predicted Man City lineup vs. Spurs

> Romero, Van de Ven updates: Tottenham injury, suspension list vs. Man City

> Grealish, Dias, Stones, Foden: Man City injury updates ahead of Spurs clash

> "A real banana skin": Man City's tricky fixtures up to Christmas analysed

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has provided a fresh update on the fitness of his squad ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola, who has signed a two-year contract extension at the club, has been working with a depleted squad for the last few months due to the club's injury crisis, and Citizens supporters had hoped that November's international break would provide some of those players with an opportunity to step up their recovery.

Others remain out long term including star midfielder Rodri, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season after sustaining an ACL injury in September, although Guardiola has offered an update on the Spaniard's recovery.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Guardiola said: "I think in January he will come back to Man City to make a recovery, but I think, from what I hear from the doctors, it's going really, really well, and his mood is good and it's nice to see him."

"He's unique in our club, one player who has played here has got this amazing, amazing Ballon d'Or award and shares it with our people (at the Etihad on Saturday).

Oscar Bobb (leg fracture) also remains a long-term absentee and is targeting a return between January and February, while Guardiola has confirmed that three more players will not be involved against Tottenham.

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Kovacic, Dias ruled out of Spurs clash

Guardiola has revealed the extend of Mateo Kovacic's injury, while Ruben Dias - who has missed Man City's last three games with an apparent calf problems - remains sidelined.

"Ruben [Dias] is out but hopefully back soon," said Guardiola, who has also revealed that academy starlet Max Alleyne has returned from international duty with England Under-20s with an injury.

"Max Alleyne is not fit as well was injured from national team because they push our limits and come back injured," the Catalan added.

"Players go to the national team and train - Under-21 in the morning - afternoon with Under-20 after training two games. He is not fit, we will lose him. It is what it is."

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Guardiola confirms triple boost as five others also train

On a positive note, Guardiola has revealed that defensive trio John Stones, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake - who all missed Man City's 2-1 loss at Brighton prior to the international break - have all returned to training and could be in contention to face Spurs this weekend.

"Some of them [could be available], yes," said Guardiola. "John [Stones] trained good, Manu [Akanji] trained good. Nathan [Ake] is coming back to training, so we didn't have any centre-backs and now we have three.

"Some players recover better. These 10 days some players recovered a little. I don't know if they are ready to play 90 minutes or play from the beginning but to see the training session and see their faces was a really good boost for all of us."

Meanwhile, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Jeremy Doku, Matheus Nunes and Kevin De Bruyne have all trained this week - some of whom withdrew from their national team squads - and they could be available for selection, although Guardiola did not specifically mention the quintet at Friday's press conference.

Man City enter Saturday's game with Spurs on the back of losing four games in a row across all competitions for the first time under Guardiola and currently sit five points behind Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table.

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Pedro Porro's agent is reportedly 'convinced' that Ruben Amorim will attempt to bring the Tottenham Hotspur defender to Manchester United following his arrival at Old Trafford.

Amorim is widely expected to implement a 3-4-3 formation at Man United, with the Portuguese having so much success with that system during his time in charge of Sporting Lisbon.

Porro played under Amorim at Sporting, with the Spain international thriving down the right, and according to AS, Pedro's representative believes that Man United will now make an attempt to sign the defender.

The report claims that Amorim has an 'excellent relationship' with Porro, and the Red Devils could potentially move ahead of Real Madrid to the top of the queue for his signature.

Real Madrid are in the market for a new right-back, and it is believed that Porro is their number one alternative to Trent Alexander-Arnold, should the Englishman sign a new contract at Anfield.

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Porro's camp 'expecting interest from Man United'

Tottenham allegedly value Porro at a minimum of €70m (£58m), which makes a deal difficult, but the Spaniard could potentially attempt to force a switch to Old Trafford next summer.

The 25-year-old has scored once and provided two assists in 13 appearances for Tottenham during the 2024-25 campaign, while he has a record of eight goals and 12 assists in 67 matches for the North London club in total.

Porro scored 12 goals and registered 20 assists in 98 matches for Sporting, meanwhile, and it is believed that Amorim could target him as his new right-sided wing-back at Man United.

Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui are options in that area of the field, but Amorim allegedly has reservations over their suitability for the role, with Porro viewed as more productive in the final third of the field.

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Man United are 'also in the market for a left-sided wing-back'

Two wing-backs could potentially arrive at Man United next year, with the 20-time English champions also said to be determined to bring in a new left-sided player to fit Amorim's system.

Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are both now back to full fitness, but concerns remain over the duo, with the former struggling with multiple muscular problems, while the latter has not played for the first team in 18 months.

Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies is thought to be Man United's leading target in that area of the field, but Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez and Wolverhampton Wanderers' Rayan Ait-Nouri are also allegedly admired.

Amorim has stopped short of confirming that he will implement a 3-4-3 system at Man United, but that is widely expected to be the case, and the Portuguese is currently preparing his side for Sunday's Premier League clash against Ipswich Town.