Sports Mole

Eddie Howe's Newcastle United are set to host Tottenham Hotspur at St James' Park on Sunday in each side's third game of the 2024-25 Premier League season.

The home team are seventh in the table with four points from their opening two matches against Southampton and Bournemouth, while the visitors also have four points but are in fifth place due to superior goal difference.

Match preview

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After a somewhat disappointing 2023-24 campaign in which Newcastle finished seventh, failed to qualify for European football and had marquee signing Sandro Tonali banned for most of the season, Howe might have hoped that 2024-25 would be less turbulent.

However, Fabian Schar was sent off after just 28 minutes in their opening Premier League match against newly-promoted Southampton on August 17, and the Toon were forced to concede possession and territory to the Saints as a result.

Midfielder Joelinton scored the only goal of the game in the 45th minute when he took advantage of an error by Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy, who played a loose pass to Alexander Isak in his own penalty area.

Newcastle were embroiled in controversy in their 1-1 draw against Bournemouth on August 25, with Cherries forward Dango Ouattara adjudged to have struck the ball with his arm when he converted what would have been the winning goal in the 92nd minute.

Joelinton managed to make the headlines again but this time for escaping a red card after he clotheslined goalkeeper Neto in second-half stoppage time, and even Howe noted that the Brazilian was lucky to have only picked up a yellow card.

The Toon drew 1-1 on August 28 against Nottingham Forest in the second round of the EFL Cup, but advanced to the third round after winning 4-3 on penalties, and they will face AFC Wimbledon on September 17.

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Opponents Tottenham began their season with a disappointing 1-1 draw on August 19 against Leicester City, a match in which they had 70% possession and 15 shots.

Ange Postecoglou's side demonstrated their ability to produce exciting attacking football, including when Pedro Porro scored the game's opening goal in the 29th minute, though they also showed they can be vulnerable during counter-attacks.

Spurs' second game of the season against Everton on August 24 was much more straightforward, with one goal from Yves Bissouma, one from Cristian Romero and two from Son Heung-Min ensuring a 4-0 victory.

Tottenham were aided by Jordan Pickford's inexplicable error in the 25th minute when he let the ball roll across his path but failed to control James Tarkowski's pass, and this allowed Son to pounce and score Spurs' second.

Postecoglou's side are averaging the second most shots on target per match, have created the second most big chances and have had the most touches in the opposition box of any team in the Premier League.

The visitors come into the clash unbeaten in their last three league games and have scored eight goals in those matches.

In the last nine top-flight meetings between Newcastle and Tottenham the sides have scored a combined 40 goals, though Spurs have lost their last two league matches at St James' Park 6-1 and 4-0.

Newcastle United Premier League form:

Newcastle United form (all competitions):

Tottenham Hotspur Premier League form:

Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions):

Team News

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Newcastle have several absentees, including centre-backs Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles due to cruciate ligament injuries, while fellow centre-back Fabian Schar remains suspended.

Dan Burn and Emil Krafth started against Bournemouth as centre-back partners, and they could start once again on Sunday.

Callum Wilson, Lewis Miley and Joe Willock are all expected to miss out, while goalkeeper Martin Dubravka is a doubt.

Tonali returned to the pitch for Newcastle in their game against Nottingham Forest, and could be in contention for a starting spot this weekend.

As for Tottenham, they will be without Richarlison for the next few weeks due to an injury he picked up in training, while Dominic Solanke remains unavailable for selection.

More positively, Rodrigo Bentancur is expected to be in the squad to face the Toon, though he will have to feature from the bench if Postecoglou selects Pape Matar Sarr, Yves Bissouma and James Maddison in midfield.

Newcastle United possible starting lineup:

Pope; Livramento, Krafth, Burn, Kelly; Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Gordon

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Sarr, Bissouma, Maddison; Johnson, Son, Odobert

We say: Newcastle United 2-3 Tottenham Hotspur

It would not be surprising if Sunday's game is a high-scoring affair given the nature of recent encounters between the sides.

While Spurs have defensive issues to contend with, Newcastle's backline has been decimated due to injury and suspension, and this could give the visitors the advantage this weekend.

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

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Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Rangers have discovered who they will play in the Europa League league phase following Friday's draw ceremony.

Rather than the familiar group-stage format of years gone by, the 2024-25 edition of the Europa League will instead see an expanded league phase, as 36 teams vie for the top eight automatic qualifying places.

Despite labouring to an eighth-placed finish in the Premier League last season, Man United's FA Cup success earned them direct entry into the Europa League, as did Spurs' fifth-placed ranking in the top flight.

Scottish giants Rangers - who were in pot one alongside Spurs and Man United - complete the British representation, and Philippe Clement's side have remarkably been drawn to face both Premier League teams.

Rangers will face Erik ten Hag's men at Old Trafford and will welcome Spurs to their Ibrox base, while Man United will also enjoy a mouthwatering reunion with a former manager.

Man United to face Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce

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One of the two pot two teams the Red Devils have been drawn to face is Fenerbahce, managed by former Man United boss Jose Mourinho, but the Portuguese will be hosting his erstwhile employers rather than returning to Old Trafford.

As well as Rangers and Fenerbahce, Man United also face last season's beaten Champions League quarter-finalists Porto away, while hosting Greek powerhouses PAOK at Old Trafford.

From pot three, Ten Hag's men will welcome Bodo/Glimt to Old Trafford and travel to face Viktoria Plzen, while Eredivisie side FC Twente (home) and Romanian outfit FCSB (Romania) complete the Red Devils' set of opponents.

Meanwhile, Spurs will tackle another of Mourinho's former clubs in Roma at home, and Ange Postecoglou's side will also welcome AZ Alkmaar, Qarabag and Elfsborg to their North London headquarters.

In addition to their trip to Rangers, Spurs' other league phase away matches see the Lilywhites take a short trip to Germany to face Hoffenheim, while also facing Galatasaray in Turkey and Ferencvaros in Hungary.

Rangers drawn to face two Ligue 1 clubs

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As for Rangers, the Scottish Premiership titans have been drawn to take on two Ligue 1 clubs in addition to Man United and Spurs, hosting Lyon (pot two) and travelling to Nice (pot four).

Clement's side are also welcoming FCSB and Belgian outfit Union SG to Ibrox, and they will face Greek giants Olympiacos and Swedish side Malmo away from home in the league phase.

The top eight teams in the league phase directly advance to the last 16, while sides ranked ninth to 24th will compete in the playoffs for the final eight places, with no teams dropping down from the Champions League or moving to the Europa Conference League.

The league phase will take place from September 25 to January 30, while the final will take place at Athletic Bilbao's Estadio de San Mames on May 21.

Europa League league phase draw for Man United, Tottenham and Rangers:

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly prioritising the addition of a new midfielder before the summer transfer window closes in England on August 30.

After narrowly missing out on a top-four finish in the Premier League last season, Ange Postecoglou has overseen the arrival of five new signings, while 13 players have departed either on loan or permanently.

Striker Dominic Solanke is the club's record signing at around £65m, while teenage quartet Archie Gray, Wilson Odobert, Lucas Bergvall and Yang Min-Hyeok have also made the permanent switch to North London.

Meanwhile, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Tanguy Ndombele, Eric Dier, Emerson Royal and Oliver Skipp are some of the standout names who have departed, the latter of whom has joined Leicester City for an initial £20m.

Postecoglou recently confirmed that he expects more players to leave the club and also hopes that his Spurs squad will be strengthened with new additions in the final few days of the transfer window.

Speaking to reporters prior to last weekend's 4-0 Premier League win over Everton, Postecoglou said: "A couple more [players] will go out, but we've done a fair bit of work over the last 12 months in terms of the squad.

"As much as the focus has been on getting guys in, we've changed the squad a fair bit, brought down the demographic a fair way.

"We've brought in footballers who are better suited to play the football we want to play moving forwards. So, there has been a lot of work done in that area from our perspective, but with a week to go there is still a little bit to do."

Spurs to prioritise midfield addition before deadline

According to Football Insider, Tottenham are 'prioritising' a move for a new centre-midfielder before the window slams shut after allowing both Skipp and Hojbjerg to leave the club.

The report adds that Spurs are aware it will be tough to land their top targets at this stage in the window, but they are nevertheless ready to make a move for a new midfielder.

Spurs keeping tabs on Hackney

One midfielder who is believed to be on Tottenham's radar is Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney, who has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs this summer.

GiveMeSport claims that Spurs have sent scouts to watch the 22-year-old in Boro's first two Championship matches this season as they consider making a late move for the England Under-21 international.

Hackney, who joined Middlesbrough's academy at Under-10s level, has made a total of 72 first-team appearances for the club and has established himself as a key player under head coach - and former Spurs midfielder - Michael Carrick.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly prioritising the addition of a new midfielder before the summer transfer window closes in England on August 30.

After narrowly missing out on a top-four finish in the Premier League last season, Ange Postecoglou has overseen the arrival of five new signings, while 13 players have departed either on loan or permanently.

Striker Dominic Solanke is the club's record signing at around £65m, while teenage quartet Archie Gray, Wilson Odobert, Lucas Bergvall and Yang Min-Hyeok have also made the permanent switch to North London.

Meanwhile, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Tanguy Ndombele, Eric Dier, Emerson Royal and Oliver Skipp are some of the standout names who have departed, the latter of whom has joined Leicester City for an initial £20m.

Postecoglou recently confirmed that he expects more players to leave the club and also hopes that his Spurs squad will be strengthened with new additions in the final few days of the transfer window.

Speaking to reporters prior to last weekend's 4-0 Premier League win over Everton, Postecoglou said: "A couple more [players] will go out, but we've done a fair bit of work over the last 12 months in terms of the squad.

"As much as the focus has been on getting guys in, we've changed the squad a fair bit, brought down the demographic a fair way.

"We've brought in footballers who are better suited to play the football we want to play moving forwards. So, there has been a lot of work done in that area from our perspective, but with a week to go there is still a little bit to do."

Spurs to prioritise midfield addition before deadline

According to Football Insider, Tottenham are 'prioritising' a move for a new centre-midfielder before the window slams shut after allowing both Skipp and Hojbjerg to leave the club.

The report adds that Spurs are aware it will be tough to land their top targets at this stage in the window, but they are nevertheless ready to make a move for a new midfielder.

Spurs keeping tabs on Hackney

One midfielder who is believed to be on Tottenham's radar is Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney, who has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs this summer.

GiveMeSport claims that Spurs have sent scouts to watch the 22-year-old in Boro's first two Championship matches this season as they consider making a late move for the England Under-21 international.

Hackney, who joined Middlesbrough's academy at Under-10s level, has made a total of 72 first-team appearances for the club and has established himself as a key player under head coach - and former Spurs midfielder - Michael Carrick.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has played down concerns over Destiny Udogie's fitness following his side's 4-0 thrashing of Everton in the Premier League.

The Lilywhites made amends for their wastefulness against Leicester City in emphatic fashion on Saturday afternoon, where Son Heung-min (two), Yves Bissouma and Cristian Romero all breached the Toffees' meek backline.

However, Tottenham suffered a couple of injury scares to defenders of their own in North London, as Micky van de Ven tweaked his knee in the first half but was able to carry on, setting up Son's second of the day with a sensational solo run.

Meanwhile, Udogie - who missed the end of the 2023-24 season due to a quadriceps operation - was taken off on the 73-minute mark and looked a little worse for wear as he was replaced by Djed Spence.

Postecoglou was quizzed on Udogie's condition following the triumph, but the Australian insisted that the left-back was simply suffering from fatigue and tightness following his prolonged period on the sidelines.

Postecoglou reveals hamstring and calf soreness for Udogie

"No, he was a bit sore. He had sort of tightness, both hamstrings and calves, I think," football.london quotes the Tottenham manager as saying.

"Again, he was really fatigued last week as well, so trying to get as many match minutes into him as possible through this early period just to get his fitness up. I haven't spoken to the medical team but when I spoke to him, he just said he felt tired."

Tottenham had already been dealt a bitter injury blow before the game with the news that Dominic Solanke would miss out due to an ankle injury, which saw Postecoglou reshuffle his attacking contingent.

Rather than start Richarlison against his former team, Postecoglou save Son the nod in the middle as Brennan Johnson, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and debutant Wilson Odobert also started in a highly attacking setup.

However, it was Bissouma - banned for the Leicester draw after inhaling laughing gas - who drew first blood with a 20-yard rocket, before Son pounced on a heavy touch from Jordan Pickford and rolled the ball into an empty net.

Postecoglou reacts to Bissouma goal after laughing gas suspension

Spurs were briefly under pressure in the second half, but Romero's header and Son's second of the afternoon made sure of a dominant win for the North London crop, and Postecoglou praised Bissouma for a "disciplined" display after his recent misdemeanour.

"Yeah, Biss was good and we know Biss is a good footballer. It's about him being the best version of himself and he will only get there if, as we've spoken a few times, discipline is a big thing for him and I thought it was a disciplined performance for him today you know," Postecoglou added.

"Not just the goal he scored, but he had a really important job for us. He knew they'd sort of play fairly direct and he had to be there to mop up second balls and intercept things and he was clean for the most part in possession. So good performance."

Tottenham's next Premier League game sees the Lilywhites head to Newcastle United on Sunday, keen to rectify their recent St James' Park mistakes after a 6-1 loss in 2022-23 and 4-0 beatdown last year. body check tags ::

Tottenham Hotspur and Everton will both go in search of their first wins of the Premier League campaign in Saturday afternoon's showdown in North London.

The Lilywhites had to settle for a 1-1 draw at Leicester City on matchday one, while the Toffees were crushed 3-0 by Brighton & Hove Albion, and here Sports Mole rounds up the team news for both clubs.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR vs. EVERTON

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Out: Rodrigo Bentancur (head), Dominic Solanke (ankle)

Doubtful: Fraser Forster (foot)

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Sarr, Bissouma; Kulusevski, Maddison, Son; Richarlison

EVERTON

Out: Ashley Young (suspended), Chermiti (foot), Nathan Patterson (thigh), Seamus Coleman (calf), James Garner (calf), Jarrad Branthwaite (groin)

Doubtful: James Tarkowski (unspecified)

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Pickford; Holgate, O'Brien, Keane, Mykolenko; Harrison, Iroegbunam, Doucoure, Gueye, McNeil; Calvert-Lewin

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

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has revealed that striker Dominic Solanke will not be available for Saturday's Premier League clash with Everton due to an ankle injury.

After becoming the Lilywhites' most expensive player of all time, joining in a £65m deal from Bournemouth, Solanke was immediately thrown into the first XI for Monday's clash with Leicester City.

The former Chelsea and Liverpool man completed the full 90 minutes at the King Power Stadium, but he failed to make a major impact as the Foxes fought back to draw 1-1 with Posteocglou's side.

There was no mention of any issue for Solanke in the immediate aftermath of that encounter, but speaking in Friday's pre-game press conference, Postecoglou revealed that the 26-year-old had picked up a knock to the ankle.

Solanke sustained the issue early on against Leicester and managed to battle through the pain in the match, but a flare-up has ruled him out of Saturday's game, and Postecoglou has suggested that he might be sidelined until after the international break.

Solanke out as Postecoglou provides Pedro Porro update

"Dominic picked up a knock in the last game, he got through the game, but he flared up the day after and he'll miss tomorrow," the Tottenham manager told reporters.

"It's an ankle injury, he copped it really early on, someone went across his ankle. It just depends on his recovery [when he returns], obviously we've got the international break. But it's not serious."

Solanke will be joined on the Tottenham sidelines by Rodrigo Bentancur, who looked to have been knocked unconscious in a clash of heads with Leicester attacker Abdul Fatawu on Monday, but the Uruguayan is slowly on the mend from that incident.

In brighter news, Postecoglou confirmed that Pedro Porro would be fine to take part this weekend, despite also taking a blow to the foot in the latter stages of the Leicester draw, while Yves Bissouma returns from an internal suspension after filming himself inhaling laughing gas.

"Irrespective of concussion protocols, any head injury we've always got to be more conservative from my perspective," Postecoglou said of Bentancur. " He's bounced back really well, he's done all the tests and feels good but we'll take our time with Rodrigo to make sure he's absolutely 100 per cent before we put him out there again.

"It's unfortunate for Rodrigo as he had a good game on Monday night. Biss is available but we've got other options there. Pedro is fine, he trained this week and we have no other concerns."

Who could replace Solanke for Everton clash?

With Solanke in the medical bay, Richarlison is surely the main contender to start at the tip of the Tottenham attack, having battled back from a long-term calf concern to come off the bench against Leicester.

The Brazilian was guilty of missing a gilt-edged chance to win the game for Tottenham on Monday, but he was Everton's nemesis last season, scoring three times against his former club in the Premier League.

Richarlison netted a brace at Goodison Park after also opening the scoring at home last December, and he could now draw level with Wayne Rooney (four) as the player to have scored the most goals against Everton in the Premier League after leaving the Toffees.

Ashley Phillips has become the latest Tottenham Hotspur youngster to leave the club on loan this summer, joining Stoke City in the Championship for the 2024-25 season.

The 19-year-old joined the Lilywhites from Blackburn Rovers last year and spent the second half of 2023-24 on loan at Plymouth Argyle, where he established himself as a key player.

Phillips was involved in Spurs' pre-season campaign under Ange Postecoglou, but he is yet to make his competitive first-team debut, finding himself behind Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Radu Dragusin in the pecking order.

Tottenham still feel that Phillips can have a bright future at the club, but the teenager has now joined Stoke in search of regular minutes in 2024-25, telling the Potters website: "I'm really excited to be at Stoke City and can't wait to get started.

"I've done my pre-season work, had some great minutes playing, training and learning so much from some fantastic players with the first team squad at Spurs, now I'm ready to kick-on and raring to go."

Phillips made 18 Championship appearances for Plymouth last season and could make his Stoke debut in Saturday's Championship contest with West Bromwich Albion.

Mats Hummels 'in talks' to join La Liga powerhouses

At the other end of the defensive experience scale, Mats Hummels is apparently in talks to join La Liga powerhouses Real Sociedad on a free transfer.

The 35-year-old left Borussia Dortmund at the end of his contract in June, despite shining for the Bundesliga giants during their run to the 2023-24 Champions League final.

Despite his age, Hummels was never expected to be short of offers to continue his career in Europe, and Fabrizio Romano claims that the defender is discussing a switch to La Real.

The former Bayern Munich defender was also rumoured to have been in talks with Mallorca, although Romano adds that such speculation is wide of the mark.

Hummels made a mammoth 508 appearances for Dortmund across two separate spells, in addition to playing 118 times for Bayern, whom he rejoined in 2016 after coming through their youth system.

The 1988-born centre-back could arrive in the Basque country as a replacement for Robin Le Normand, who left Real Sociedad to join Atletico Madrid earlier this summer.

Sergi Roberto pictured in Italy ahead of Como move

From a veteran defender moving to Spain to one heading for the La Liga exit door, Sergi Roberto has been all smiles in Italy as he prepares to finalise his move to Como.

The 32-year-old could not come to an agreement over a new deal with Barcelona, leaving Camp Nou as a free agent this summer after an 18-year spell in Catalonia.

A Premier League move was briefly mooted for Roberto, who was believed to have been keen to test himself in England's top flight and could have proven a useful option due to his versatility.

However, as reported by Gianluca Di Marzio, the Spaniard has now touched down in Italy ahead of his switch to Como, whom he is expected to join on a two-year contract.

Roberto was quoted as saying "Very happy to be here! Forza Como," as he was greeted by the Italian media at the airport, as he prepares to become the latest high-profile player to sign for Como.

The newly-promoted Serie A side - who are managed by Cesc Fabregas - have already added Raphael Varane, Pepe Reina, Alberto Moreno and Andrea Belotti to their ranks, and they are also thought to be close to a permanent deal for Real Madrid's Nico Paz and a loan agreement for Manchester City's Maximo Perrone.

Brentford 'reach full agreement' to sign Brazilian talent

Finally, Premier League mainstays Brentford have reportedly reached a full agreement to sign 18-year-old winger Gustavo Nunes from Brazilian giants Gremio.

The 2005-born attacker has already made 40 appearances for the Gremio first team, contributing seven goals and four assists, including two goals in the current Copa Libertadores.

Nunes is still contracted to the South American side until New Year's Eve 2028, but according to Romano, Gremio have now shaken hands with Brentford on a permanent transfer.

Thomas Frank's side will reportedly pay €12m (£10.2m) to sign Nunes, who will soon undergo his medical with the Bees, and Gremio will also retain a 20% sell-on clause.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou will be expected to make a like-for-like midfield swap for Saturday's Premier League showdown against Everton in North London.

The Lilywhites were held to a 1-1 draw by Leicester City in their first game of the top-flight campaign, where play was stopped for several minutes in the second half due to a worrying head injury for Rodrigo Bentancur.

The Uruguayan - who came off worse in a collision with Leicester winger Abdul Fatawu - was given oxygen as he was stretchered off the field, but Postecoglou confirmed after the game that he was conscious and communicating.

However, Bentancur is guaranteed to miss Saturday's game at the very least, so Yves Bissouma could return from the naughty step to take his place in the XI, having sat out the Foxes draw as a consequence of filming himself inhaling laughing gas.

The Malian and Pape Sarr should reprise their regular midfield partnership behind James Maddison, who set up Pedro Porro's opener on Monday and has also registered more assists against Everton (four) than any other Premier League team.

Son Heung-min and new £65m talisman Dominic Solanke are shoo-ins up front too, despite Richarlison's strong record against his old club, but Dejan Kulusevski will certainly threaten Brennan Johnson's place.

After flicking in Spurs' first goal of the campaign at the King Power, Porro succumbed to a foot/ankle injury late on, but the lack of updates suggests that his issue is not too serious.

Archie Gray and the resurrected Djed Spence are both waiting in the wings, but Porro should be fine to join Guglielmo Vicario, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie in a first-choice backline.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Sarr, Bissouma; Kulusevski, Maddison, Son; Solanke

> Click here to see how Everton could line up for this clash

No Data Analysis info

Both out to right the wrongs of the opening Premier League gameweek, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton square off in North London on Saturday afternoon.

The Lilywhites failed to make the most of their early dominance in a 1-1 draw with newly-promoted Leicester City on Monday, while the Toffees were torn apart in a 3-0 home loss to Brighton & Hove Albion.

Match preview

At the ripe old age of 37, Jamie Vardy's penchant for scoring against the Premier League's Big Six remains alive and well, as the Leicester City talisman - who was not even expected to make the squad on Monday - made Tottenham pay for their wasted chances and woeful defending at the King Power Stadium.

Ange Postecoglou's men deservedly broke the deadlock when ex-Foxes playmaker James Maddison found the run of Pedro Porro with a sublime inswinging cross, but Vardy then capitalised on some horrendous marking from the visitors to nod home the leveller in the second half.

The low-scoring draw was overshadowed by a sickening head injury to Rodrigo Bentancur, although that lengthy stoppage actually aided Tottenham in a way, as Leicester were building up a head of steam and threatening a second before the Uruguayan was given oxygen and stretchered off.

Failure to overcome last season's Championship winners means that Tottenham now have just two victories to show from their last eight top-flight contests, although not since the 2015-16 campaign have Saturday's hosts failed to win their opening two games of a Premier League season.

Furthermore, Spurs have triumphed in their first home game in five of the last six top-flight seasons, the outlier being a slender defeat in September 2020, although there will be no big prize for guessing who inflicted that loss on the North London crop.

On that day, Dominic Calvert-Lewin was the hero for Everton behind closed doors at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but he and his teammates were all powerless to quell Fabian Hurzeler's Brighton juggernaut at a gloomy Goodison Park last weekend.

Kaoru Mitoma, Danny Welbeck and Simon Adingra all managed to breach Sean Dyche's backline, and insult was added to injury when veteran defender Ashley Young was given a straight red card for a last-man foul midway through the second half.

On account of suffering the heaviest defeat of the opening weekend, Everton are already residing in 20th place in the Premier League table on goal difference, and Dyche could only describe the Brighton battering as a "horrible game" to witness.

That 3-0 humbling prolonged an August hoodoo for the Merseyside club, who have now gone three years without winning a Premier League match in the current month, losing each of their last four without finding the back of the net in any of them.

Another statistic that makes for unpleasant reading, Everton are still without an away Premier League victory in the whole of 2024 - losing seven and drawing four of their last 11 on the road - and despite fighting back to earn a creditable 2-2 draw versus Spurs earlier this year, that stalemate stretched their winless run in this fixture to seven matches.

Tottenham Hotspur Premier League form:

Everton Premier League form:

Team News

Before the final whistle blew in Tottenham's clash with Leicester, there was reassuring news on Bentancur's condition, as the Uruguayan was confirmed to be conscious and talking and did not need to be taken to hospital.

However, in line with concussion protocols, Bentancur will certainly miss Saturday's game, where Yves Bissouma - banned for Monday's draw after filming himself inhaling laughing gas - could be a straight swap in the middle of the park.

Bentancur joins Fraser Forster (foot) in the treatment room, while goalscorer Porro also sustained a foot/ankle issue of his own in the second half at the King Power, but Postecoglou did not deliver an update on his condition after the game.

While Porro could therefore be fit for the weekend, Everton will definitely be forced into a change at right-back due to Young's red card, which he has incurred a one-match ban for, and Dyche is now stretched incredibly thin at the back.

Nathan Patterson (thigh) is guaranteed to miss out, while James Garner and Seamus Coleman are touch-and-go with calf injuries, so Dyche may have no choice but to bring in Mason Holgate for the trip to North London.

The visitors' defensive dilemma is further complicated by Jarrad Branthwaite's groin operation, although the Englishman could be back in action soon, while Chermiti is weeks away from recovering from a foot procedure.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Sarr, Bissouma; Kulusevski, Maddison, Son; Solanke

Everton possible starting lineup:

Pickford; Holgate, O'Brien, Tarkowski, Mykolenko; Harrison, Iroegbunam, Doucoure, Gueye, McNeil; Calvert-Lewin

We say: Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 Everton

Tottenham should have been out of sight by half time in their clash with Leicester, only to be their own worst enemies in front of goal, but the Lilywhites should rectify those mistakes with ease on Saturday.

Working around a rearguard crisis and also boasting a distinct lack of senior midfield options, Everton should be no match for Postecoglou's men as the Toffees' terrible start continues.

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

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