Sports Mole

Saturday's Premier League predictions including Bournemouth vs. Arsenal

Submitted by daniel on Sat, 19/10/2024 - 06:00

Spurs vs. West Ham (Saturday, 12.30pm)

Premier League football returns from the international break with an intriguing London derby on Saturday lunchtime, as Tottenham Hotspur host West Ham United in the lunchtime kickoff.

The Lilywhites suffered a calamitous capitulation in a 3-2 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion before the hiatus, while the Irons restored a sense of pride by thumping Ipswich Town 4-1.

We say: Tottenham Hotspur 3-2 West Ham United

The first Premier League game back after the international break promises entertainment, as both Spurs and West Ham are forces to be reckoned with in the final third while also possessing defensive weaknesses for the other to exploit.

Another 3-2 involving Postecoglou's side is not beyond the realm of possibility, but on this occasion, we expect a refreshed Spurs to come out on the right end of such a scoreline.

> Click here to read our full preview for this match

> Antonio out to match Giggs record: How West Ham could line up against Spurs

> Will the Son come back out? Spurs predicted XI against West Ham

> Will Son return? Tottenham injury, suspension list for West Ham clash

Fulham vs. Aston Villa (Saturday, 3.00pm)

Aston Villa will be looking to climb back into the top four of the Premier League when they travel to Craven Cottage to face Fulham on Saturday afternoon.

The Lions claimed maximum points in their last meeting with the Cottagers, as a brace from Ollie Watkins sealed a 2-1 away victory in February.

We say: Fulham 1-1 Aston Villa

Aston Villa did the double over Fulham last season and will be confident of success again this weekend. However, the Cottagers have looked strong on home soil and will be no pushovers for Emery's side. With that in mind, we can see the hosts frustrating the visitors and the spoils being shared.

> Click here to read our full preview for this match

> Duran to start? Carlos recalled? Predicted Aston Villa lineup vs. Fulham

> Smith Rowe, Muniz to start? Predicted Fulham lineup vs. Aston Villa

Ipswich vs. Everton (Saturday, 3.00pm)

The two sides sat just above the Premier League relegation zone meet at Portman Road on Saturday, when Ipswich Town host Everton.

This will be the first meeting between the two clubs in over 20 years, and the Toffees will certainly hope they can improve on the results they suffered when the Tractor Boys were last a top-tier outfit.

We say: Ipswich Town 1-1 Everton

Everton's troubles on the road are well-documented, as they are without a win away from Goodison since mid-December, and Ipswich have proven difficult to beat at home since their return to the top flight.

Only Liverpool have won here at Portman Road so far, but unfortunately for Ipswich, that also includes them, and while this will be pinpointed as a winnable encounter, there is little to separate the sides.

> Click here to read our full preview for this match

> Ex-Toffee to make first start of the season? Ipswich predicted XI vs. Everton

> Will Branthwaite, Ndiaye be fit? Everton predicted lineup vs. Ipswich

Man Utd vs. Brentford (Saturday, 3.00pm)

Manchester United will be looking to end a five-match winless run in all competitions when they welcome Brentford to Old Trafford for a Premier League contest on Saturday afternoon.

The two teams meet for the first time since March when they played out a 1-1 draw at the Gtech Community Stadium, where Mason Mount's 96th-minute strike was cancelled out in dramatic fashion by a 99th-minute Kristoffer Ajer equaliser.

We say: Manchester United 2-2 Brentford

While Brentford can travel to Old Trafford without any pressure on their shoulders, that cannot be said for Ten Hag who can ill-afford to see his Man United side produce another below-par performance on home soil, where they have lost their last two league games by a 3-0 scoreline.

Both teams - who will not be at full strength on Saturday - have looked vulnerable in defence this season and goals are to be expected here, but it is difficult to confidently predict a winner on this occasion, so an entertaining score draw could be on the cards.

> Click here to read our full preview for this match

> Will Damsgaard, Norgaard, Jensen return? Predicted Brentford lineup vs. Man United

> Evans at left-back? Zirkzee up front? Predicted Man United lineup vs. Brentford

> Mainoo, Garnacho update: Man United injury, suspension news vs. Brentford

Newcastle vs. Brighton (Saturday, 3.00pm)

Two teams level on points in the Premier League table do battle at St James' Park on Saturday afternoon as Newcastle United play host to Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Magpies and the Seagulls played out a 1-1 draw in the North East the last time they butted heads in May of last season, with Joel Veltman's opener cancelled out by Sean Longstaff.

We say: Newcastle United 2-2 Brighton & Hove Albion

Each of Brighton's last four games have seen at least four goals scored and another entertaining end-to-end contest could be on the cards at St James' Park this weekend.

Newcastle have a solid home record against Brighton, but we are backing the Seagulls to come away with at least a share of the spoils on this occasion.

> Click here to read our full preview for this match

> Baleba boost, Van Hecke return: Predicted Brighton lineup vs. Newcastle

> Will Isak, Wilson return? Predicted Newcastle lineup vs. Brighton

Southampton vs. Leicester (Saturday, 3.00pm)

Two newly-promoted sides vie for three precious Premier League points on Saturday afternoon, as Southampton welcome Leicester City to St Mary's.

The Saints put in a good shift against Arsenal two weekends ago but ultimately fell to a 3-1 defeat, whereas the Foxes finally found their bite in a 1-0 triumph over Bournemouth.

We say: Southampton 1-1 Leicester City

Defending was not on Southampton's agenda in either meeting with Leicester last season, but the Saints could be incredibly proud of their rearguard efforts for an hour against Arsenal before silly mistakes let them down.

Martin's men should not come out unscathed against a Leicester side who always come good in the final third, but the Foxes have already shipped eight goals on the road this term and may have to accept one point, albeit one that leaves the hosts still searching for that elusive victory.

> Click here to read our full preview for this match

> Vardy aiming to extend golden streak: Leicester predicted XI against Southampton

> Archer or Onuachu? How Southampton could line up against Leicester

Bournemouth vs. Arsenal (Saturday, 5.30pm)

Arsenal will spend Saturday evening at the top of the Premier League table should they pass the Bournemouth test at the Vitality Stadium in Saturday's 5.30pm kickoff.

The Gunners made it four wins on the spin with a 3-1 come-from-behind success versus Southampton two weekends ago, while the Cherries were bested 1-0 by a hitherto winless Leicester City.

We say: Bournemouth 0-2 Arsenal

As toothless as Arsenal's first-half performance was against Southampton, Arteta kept his big-hitters in reserve before calling on the cavalry in the second half, and there is hope that both Saka and the in-form Martinelli will be given the green light to feature here.

The Gunners should therefore pick up where they left off before the hiatus, as Bournemouth have been indifferent in front of goal and have flattered to deceive versus top-10 sides in 2024.

> Click here to read our full preview for this match

> One change from Iraola? How Bournemouth could line up against Arsenal

> Will Saka, Martinelli play? How Arsenal could line up against Bournemouth

Sports Mole

Preview: Chelsea Women vs. Tottenham Hotspur Women

Submitted by daniel on Fri, 18/10/2024 - 20:29

Chelsea Women will go head-to-head with London rivals Tottenham Hotspur Women in Sunday's Women's Super League clash at Kingsmeadow.

The hosts have taken maximum points from their three league games, while the visitors have collected four points from as many matches.

Match preview

Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor has made an impressive start to her tenure, having overseen five consecutive victories in all competitions, including three wins in the WSL.

The Blues kicked off their league campaign with wins over Aston Villa and Crystal Palace, before they edged out Arsenal in last Sunday's encounter at the Emirates Stadium.

Mayra Ramirez and Sandy Baltimore grabbed a goal apiece to fire Chelsea to a 2-1 victory, ensuring they are still one of two teams with a 100% record in the WSL.

Chelsea enjoyed another successful outing in Thursday's Women's Champions League clash against Twente, with Aggie Beever-Jones, Maika Hamano and Guro Reiten all finding the net in a 3-1 away victory.

The Blues will fancy their chances of claiming another win in Sunday's fixture, having won each of their last four home league games without conceding.

They have also won all of their nine WSL home games against Tottenham, including a narrow 1-0 victory in their most recent meeting in May.

Tottenham have experienced an underwhelming start to the WSL campaign, having won just one of their first four league matches.

That sole win took place on the opening day of the season when they produced a free-scoring display to cruise to a 4-0 victory over newly-promoted Crystal Palace.

Spurs managed to salvage a point in their away game against Aston Villa, but they have failed to take anything from their last two matches.

Robert Vilahamn's side fell to a narrow 3-2 defeat in their home meeting with Liverpool, before they were swept aside in last Sunday's clash against Manchester United.

Elisabeth Terland netted a brace before Maya Le Tissier scored a second-half penalty to condemn Spurs to a heavy 3-0 defeat at Leigh Sports Village, extending Tottenham's winless away run to five league matches.

Having conceded eight goals in fourth matches, Tottenham will head into the weekend with the second-worst defensive record in the top flight.

Spurs will have to tighten up defensively if they are to have any hope of taking at least a point off Chelsea for the first time in their WSL history.

Chelsea Women Women's Super League form:

Chelsea Women form (all competitions):

Tottenham Hotspur Women Women's Super League form:

Tottenham Hotspur Women form (all competitions):

Team News

Chelsea remain without the services of Sam Kerr, Mia Fishel, Sophie Ingle, Aniek Nouwen and Niamh Charles due to injury.

England international Lauren James will have to be assessed after she sustained a foot injury in the warm-up against Twente.

After making several changes in midweek, Bompastor is set to recall Hannah Hampton, Millie Bright, Lucy Bronze, Sjoeke Nusken, Ramirez and Reiten.

As for the visitors, Vilahamn has revealed that midfielder Maite Oroz will miss six to eight weeks with a quad injury.

The 26-year-old is joined on the sidelines by Shuang Wang, Amy James-Turner, Ella Morris, Hayley Raso and Kit Graham.

Spurs will make a late decision over Amanda Nilden's availability after the defender missed the 3-0 defeat to Man United.

Chelsea Women possible starting lineup:

Hampton; Bronze, Bright, Buchanan, Baltimore; Kaptein, Nusken; Rytting Kaneryd, Hamano, Reiten; Ramirez

Tottenham Hotspur Women possible starting lineup:

Spencer; Neville, Bartrip, Hunt, Grant; Summanen, Ahtinen; Naz, Spence, England; Thomas

We say: Chelsea Women 3-1 Tottenham Hotspur Women

Chelsea tend to fare well in meetings with Tottenham, and with the Blues full of confidence, we think they will claim another head-to-head victory to maintain their 100% start to the season.

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

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Tottenham Hotspur vs. West Ham United: Head

Submitted by daniel on Thu, 17/10/2024 - 12:01

Two London rivals collide in Saturday's 12.30pm Premier League kickoff, as Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United scrap it out at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the first game back since the international break.

Prior to the October hiatus, Ange Postecoglou oversaw what he labelled his worst defeat since taking over as Tottenham manager, as his side let a 2-0 lead slip in a catastrophic 3-2 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion.

In contrast, Julen Lopetegui's side destroyed Ipswich Town 4-1 to move up to 12th in the Premier League table, just three places below Tottenham, whom they will overtake with a victory on Saturday lunchtime.

Here, Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at the head-to-head record and previous meetings between the two sides.

Head-to-head record

Previous meetings: 223

Spurs wins: 101

Draws: 55

West Ham wins: 67

A capital clash that first took place back in the 19th century - back when Tottenham and West Ham competed in the Thames and Medway League - there have now been 223 competitive meetings between the Lilywhites and the Irons in all tournaments.

Spurs' win counter recently ticked over to the three figures, as they have triumphed in 101 of those previous battles, although West Ham have a respectable 67 wins to their name, while the other 55 matches ended in a split of the spoils.

The Hammers' most recent success in this London derby came during their trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in December 2023, where Jarrod Bowen and James Ward-Prowse delivered an early Christmas present to the Irons faithful after Cristian Romero's opener.

The Irons ended up taking four points off of Tottenham during David Moyes's farewell campaign, also holding Spurs to a 1-1 stalemate at the London Stadium in April 2024, marking the first time since the 2020-21 season that Tottenham had not beaten the Irons in a Premier League campaign.

During that coronavirus-impacted year, no fans were at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to witness one of West Ham's greatest turnarounds of all time; the Hammers were 3-0 down heading into the final 10 minutes, only to astonishingly rescue a point in a 3-3 draw thanks to a late Manuel Lanzini spectacular.

West Ham also got the better of Tottenham in both of their home games in 2021, but they now have just one victory to show from their last six against the Lilywhites, who have not lost back-to-back home matches against the Irons since England's triumphant World Cup year, 1966.

Tottenham vs. West Ham is a regular sight on the football calendar after a hiatus; the London rivals have previously met seven times in the Premier League immediately after an international break, and Spurs have not lost any of them.

Formerly of both Tottenham and West Ham, Jimmy Greaves is the highest goalscorer on record in this fixture with 13 goals, while Harry Kane struck 11 times against the Irons during his Spurs career.

Last 20 meetings

Apr 02, 2024: West Ham 1-1 Spurs (Premier League)

Dec 07, 2023: Spurs 1-2 West Ham (Premier League)

Feb 19, 2023: Spurs 2-0 West Ham (Premier League)

Aug 31, 2022: West Ham 1-1 Spurs (Premier League)

Mar 20, 2022: Spurs 3-1 West Ham (Premier League)

Dec 22, 2021: Spurs 2-1 West Ham (EFL Cup Quarter-Finals)

Oct 24, 2021: West Ham 1-0 Spurs (Premier League)

Feb 21, 2021: West Ham 2-1 Spurs (Premier League)

Oct 18, 2020: Spurs 3-3 West Ham (Premier League)

Jun 23, 2020: Spurs 2-0 West Ham (Premier League)

Nov 23, 2019: West Ham 2-3 Spurs (Premier League)

Apr 27, 2019: Spurs 0-1 West Ham (Premier League)

Oct 31, 2018: West Ham 1-3 Spurs (EFL Cup Fourth Round)

Oct 20, 2018: West Ham 0-1 Spurs (Premier League)

Jan 04, 2018: Spurs 1-1 West Ham (Premier League)

Oct 25, 2017: Spurs 2-3 West Ham (EFL Cup Fourth Round)

Sep 23, 2017: West Ham 2-3 Spurs (Premier League)

May 05, 2017: West Ham 1-0 Spurs (Premier League)

Nov 19, 2016: Spurs 3-2 West Ham (Premier League)

Mar 02, 2016: West Ham 1-0 Spurs (Premier League)

Last 10 Premier League meetings

Apr 02, 2024: West Ham 1-1 Spurs (Premier League)

Dec 07, 2023: Spurs 1-2 West Ham (Premier League)

Feb 19, 2023: Spurs 2-0 West Ham (Premier League)

Aug 31, 2022: West Ham 1-1 Spurs (Premier League)

Mar 20, 2022: Spurs 3-1 West Ham (Premier League)

Oct 24, 2021: West Ham 1-0 Spurs (Premier League)

Feb 21, 2021: West Ham 2-1 Spurs (Premier League)

Oct 18, 2020: Spurs 3-3 West Ham (Premier League)

Jun 23, 2020: Spurs 2-0 West Ham (Premier League)

Nov 23, 2019: West Ham 2-3 Spurs (Premier League)

Tottenham lineup vs. West Ham: Predicted XI for Premier League London derby

Submitted by daniel on Thu, 17/10/2024 - 10:55

Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min should make his return to action in Saturday's Premier League London derby with West Ham United.

The South Korea international has missed his side's last three matches due to a thigh issue and had to pull out of the South Korea squad for the October break, but he has now had two uninterrupted weeks to get back up to speed.

As a result, Son will likely be given the green light to start in the lunchtime kickoff, while Richarlison and Lucas Bergvall are also in contention, but Wilson Odobert (hamstring) is still unavailable.

Timo Werner may have provided an assist for James Maddison against Brighton & Hove Albion before Tottenham's horrendous collapse in a 3-2 loss, but the German - who just cannot find his shooting boots - will certainly make way for a fit-again Son.

The Tottenham skipper will join Dominic Solanke and the irrepressible Brennan Johnson in attack, as the latter aims to score for the seventh match in a row for the Lilywhites after also netting for Wales against Iceland earlier this month.

In spite of his side's catastrophic collapse at Brighton, Ange Postecoglou should stick with the midfield trident of Maddison, Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski, the former of whom has played more passes into the penalty area than any other Premier League player this season (64).

The Spurs boss is also expected to keep faith with his tried-and-tested backline of Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie and Pedro Porro in front of Guglielmo Vicario.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Kulusevski, Bentancur, Maddison; Johnson, Solanke, Son

> Click here to see how West Ham could line up for this match

No Data Analysis info

Sports Mole

Preview: Tottenham Hotspur vs. West Ham United

Submitted by daniel on Thu, 17/10/2024 - 10:44

Premier League football returns from the international break with an intriguing London derby on Saturday lunchtime, as Tottenham Hotspur host West Ham United in the lunchtime kickoff.

The Lilywhites suffered a calamitous capitulation in a 3-2 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion before the hiatus, while the Irons restored a sense of pride by thumping Ipswich Town 4-1.

Match preview

Successive win number six was on the cards for Tottenham at the Amex Stadium last weekend, where the red-hot Brennan Johnson and James Maddison propelled the Lilywhites into a two-goal advantage versus Fabian Hurzeler's side, but not even the most pessimistic Spurs supporter could have envisaged the collapse that followed.

Indeed, Yankuba Minteh's response just three minutes into the second half offered Brighton a glimmer of hope, which became more than just a glimmer when Georginio Rutter brought the Seagulls back on level terms, before ex-Arsenal forward Danny Welbeck gave Gooners around the land a good laugh with a heroic winner.

Always one to cut a calm demeanour both before and after matches, Ange Postecoglou did not follow in the footsteps of his predecessor Antonio Conte in his post-game press conference, but it did not take a body language expert to determine that the Australian was apoplectic.

Postecoglou admitted that the South Coast calamity was his worst defeat since becoming manager of Tottenham, who had started to rediscover their golden touch but now reside in an unspectacular ninth place in the Premier League table, already losing three of their seven top-flight matches in 2024-25.

Furthermore, each of Spurs' last seven Premier League home games has seen them win one then lose the next, and with the Lilywhites sinking Brentford 3-1 in their last top-flight match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, those of a superstitious nature may fear the worst on Saturday.

While Tottenham suffered an embarrassing defeat after a string of successes a fortnight ago, West Ham coincidentally snapped a string of failures with an emphatic thrashing of Ipswich, whose backline was breached by Michail Antonio after just 48 seconds.

The Hammers' earliest Premier League goal on record was cancelled out by Liam Delap just a few moments later, but the Tractor Boys talisman had only triggered a West Ham onslaught, as Mohammed Kudus, Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta fired the Irons to their first top-flight win since late August.

There should not have been a more relieved man inside the London Stadium than Julen Lopetegui at the final whistle, as his hitherto under-performing side ended a chastening five-game winless run across all tournaments to move up to 12th in the rankings, just two points behind upcoming opponents Tottenham.

As heavily criticised as West Ham have been this season, the Irons head to North London unbeaten in their last three Premier League away matches - winning one and drawing two of them - all of which have come against fellow teams from the capital in Brentford, Fulham and Crystal Palace.

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was also the site of a 2-1 come-from-behind victory for West Ham in December 2023, but the last time the Hammers won back-to-back away league games against Spurs, England won the World Cup in between both of their triumphs.

Tottenham Hotspur Premier League form:

Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions):

West Ham United Premier League form:

West Ham United form (all competitions):

Team News

Spurs fans are waiting with bated breath to hear whether captain Son Heung-min will shake off a thigh issue in time for the visit of West Ham; the South Korea captain was called up to his country's squad for their World Cup 2026 qualifiers before dropping out.

Son is one of three hopefuls for the London derby alongside Richarlison and Lucas Bergvall, who suffered a minor calf injury on Sweden duty but would not have been expected to start on Saturday either way, but Wilson Odobert (hamstring) remains unavailable.

In spite of their atrocious second half at the Amex two weekends ago, Spurs should field a near-identical starting XI, although Timo Werner will almost certainly make way if Son is given the thumbs-up from the medical team.

West Ham's solitary selection concern also lies in attack, as summer signing Niclas Fullkrug is still nursing an Achilles problem and was unavailable to Germany over the international period, rendering him doubtful for the weekend too.

However, Lopetegui will surely be loath to alter a winning formula, as Antonio endeavours to haunt Tottenham once more; the Jamaica international has scored six times against Spurs, his best record against a single opponent.

Antonio's first-minute strike against Ipswich was assisted by Bowen, who in that game became the first West Ham player to have five shots and create five chances in one Premier League match since Antonio himself in March 2021, against Spurs' North London rivals Arsenal.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Kulusevski, Bentancur, Maddison; Johnson, Solanke, Son

West Ham United possible starting lineup:

Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Emerson; Rodriguez, Soucek; Bowen, Paqueta, Kudus; Antonio

We say: Tottenham Hotspur 3-2 West Ham United

Another 3-2 involving Postecoglou's side is not beyond the realm of possibility, but on this occasion, we expect a refreshed Spurs to come out on the right end of such a scoreline.

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

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Preview: Tottenham Hotspur vs. West Ham United

Submitted by daniel on Thu, 17/10/2024 - 10:44

Premier League football returns from the international break with an intriguing London derby on Saturday lunchtime, as Tottenham Hotspur host West Ham United in the lunchtime kickoff.

The Lilywhites suffered a calamitous capitulation in a 3-2 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion before the hiatus, while the Irons restored a sense of pride by thumping Ipswich Town 4-1.

Match preview

Tottenham Hotspur Premier League form:

Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions):

West Ham United Premier League form:

West Ham United form (all competitions):

Team News

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Kulusevski, Bentancur, Maddison; Johnson, Solanke, Son

West Ham United possible starting lineup:

Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Emerson; Rodriguez, Soucek; Bowen, Paqueta, Kudus; Antonio

We say: Tottenham Hotspur 3-2 West Ham United

Another 3-2 involving Postecoglou's side is not beyond the realm of possibility, but on this occasion, we expect a refreshed Spurs to come out on the right end of such a scoreline.

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

Previews by email

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

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Tottenham injury news and return dates for West Ham United: Son Heung

Submitted by daniel on Wed, 16/10/2024 - 07:00

Tottenham Hotspur are back in action on Saturday afternoon when they play host to West Ham United in the Premier League.

Ange Postecoglou's side suffered a demoralising 3-2 defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion before the international break, letting slip a two-goal half-time advantage to succumb to the Seagulls.

Spurs now find themselves down in ninth position in the Premier League standings ahead of another hectic run of fixtures in three different competitions.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up all of Spurs' latest injury and suspension news ahead of the clash with one of their city rivals at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Son Heung-min

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Thigh

Possible return date: October 19 (vs. West Ham)

Son Heung-min has missed the last three Spurs fixtures in all competitions, as well as South Korea's matches during the international break. However, the club captain suggested over the weekend that he would be returning to training this week, albeit it remaining unclear at what intensity.

Wilson Odobert

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: October 19 (vs. West Ham)

During Tottenham's EFL Cup win over Coventry City in September, summer signing Wilson Odobert damaged his hamstring. He has since missed the last five games but, like with Son, he may be in a position to return to training this week.

Richarlison

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Calf

Possible return date: October 19 (vs. West Ham)

Richarlison is also pushing for a return to the squad having made progress in his recovery from a calf injury. The Brazil international has already gone through some work during the international break, the hope being that he can step up that effort ahead of the Hammers game.

Lucas Bergvall

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Unknown

Possible return date: October 19 (vs. West Ham)

Lucas Bergvall has emerged as a doubt courtesy of what has been described as "a minor injury" while on international duty with Sweden.

TOTTENHAM'S SUSPENSION LIST

Spurs have no players who are suspended for this contest.

No Data Analysis info

Sports Mole

Gittens: Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham 'learn asking price' of Borussia Dortmund star

Submitted by daniel on Tue, 15/10/2024 - 23:59

Liverpool are reportedly one of a number of clubs who have discovered the asking price of Borussia Dortmund star Jamie Bynoe-Gittens.

Recent reports have claimed that the Reds, along with Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, are monitoring the 20-year-old's development in Germany.

The winger's minutes were restricted in 2021 and 2022 due to injury, but he played 34 times for Dortmund in all competitions last season, chipping in with two goals and eight assists, and he has since made a bright start to the new campaign.

Indeed, Bynoe-Gittens has contributed with four goals and two assists in nine matches so far this term, including a brace netting during a 22-minute substitute appearance in a 3-0 Champion League win over Club Brugge last month.

According to Football Insider, Dortmund are unlikely to sanction the sale of in-demand Bynoe-Gittens during the January transfer window.

However, the report adds that BVB would be open to cashing in on the winger next summer if they receive an offer between £40m and £50m.

It is understood that Liverpool hold an interest in Bynoe-Gittens despite completing the £12m signing of Italy international Federico Chiesa in the summer.

Arne Slot's side are said to have identified Bynoe-Gittens as a potential long-term successor to club legend Mohamed Salah, who is facing an uncertain future at Anfield.

At the age of 32, Salah has entered the final year of his contract at Liverpool and has regularly been linked with a big-money move to Saudi Arabia.

Sports Mole

Tottenham dealt Lucas Bergvall injury blow as midfielder returns early from international duty

Submitted by daniel on Mon, 14/10/2024 - 23:41

Tottenham Hotspur youngster Lucas Bergvall has returned early from international duty due to an injury issue.

Spurs currently have three main injury concerns, including captain Son Heung-min, who withdrew from the South Korea squad due to an injury issue.

Wilson is also on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, while Richarlison is still working his way back to fitness.

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has now been handed another injury worry ahead of the Premier League's return this weekend.

Spurs will have to assess Bergvall's fitness after the attacker was forced to return early from his international commitments with Sweden.

Bergvall suffers "minor injury" with Sweden

The 18-year-old was one of two Tottenham players called up to John Dahl Tomasson's squad along with attacker Dejan Kulusevski.

Bergvall was an unused substitute for Friday's 2-2 draw against Slovakia in the UEFA Nations League, before it was confirmed he would miss Monday's clash with Estonia due to injury.

In a statement released on Monday, the Swedish national team said: "Lucas Bergvall has suffered a minor injury and will not be available for tonight's game against Estonia in the Nations League.

The statement went on to add: "Ahead of the match, it is clear that Tottenham's midfielder Lucas Bergvall will not be available for the game. He has left the collection to manage his rehabilitation in a club environment."

In Bergvall's absence, Sweden recorded a 3-0 victory thanks to Sebastian Nanasi's brace and Viktor Gyokeres' 66th-minute effort.

Incidentally, Kulusevski played the full duration of the contest in Tallinn and provided an assist for Gyokeres to round off the dominant win.

Bergvall in race to prove fitness for Premier League return

Disappointingly for Bergvall, he has returned to England without adding to the three international appearances he has made this year.

Tottenham will now have to assess the extent of the midfielder's injury ahead of Saturday's clash against fellow London side West Ham United.

Bergvall is still waiting to make his first Premier League start, but he has come off the bench in four of Tottenham's six top-flight fixtures.

While he may not be a regular starter, Postecoglou will still be keen to have Bergvall available for selection, especially as he looks to manage a busy schedule of Premier League, Europa League and EFL Cup action.

Sports Mole

Arsenal transfer news: Gunners, Tottenham Hotspur to bid for Ukraine star?

Submitted by daniel on Mon, 14/10/2024 - 10:08

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur may reportedly go head to head for a star player from Ukraine during the January transfer window.

The two North London sides have endured contrasting fortunes at the start of the new campaign, Arsenal already seven points above their rivals in the Premier League standings.

However, there is ambition at both clubs to make a sustained challenge for the top-flight title, Spurs behind the Gunners in terms of their development.

Money has been invested by Mikel Arteta and Ange Postecoglou, the former signing more world-class talent that the latter who has recently focused on more players with potential.

Nevertheless, there are players who may become available at the turn of the year that fit both criteria.

According to Football Insider, Arsenal and Spurs are bidding to sign a player who has been dubbed 'the next Mykhaylo Mudryk'.

Speaking on the outlet's 'Inside Track Podcast', Pete O'Rourke says that both clubs have already begun to assess the capabilities of Georgiy Sudakov.

Shakhtar Donetsk allegedly have little interest in cashing in on the 22-year-old in January, a sale deemed to be far more likely in the summer.

That said, it appears that the Ukraine international has been identified as a potential addition by the aforementioned managers.

How has Sudakov fared in his career so far?

Sudakov may only have three goals from his 23 appearances for his country, but he has been outstanding since breaking into the Shakhtar senior ranks.

The versatile playmaker has contributed 27 goals and 20 assists from his 111 outings in all competitions, many of those coming in the Ukrainian top flight.

Seven goals and two assists have already been recorded in just 706 minutes of league action this season, highlighting why club officials opted to hand him a contract until 2028.

Despite his excellent return on the domestic front, Sudakov has just two goals and three assists from his 25 games in the Champions League and Europa League.

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