Sports Mole

Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United were the Premier League's shock underperformers in 2024-25, and both clubs endured their worst ever campaigns.

Two of the so-called big six languishing in the bottom half is not a typical sight in the English top flight, and it could be argued that they were fortunate that all three of the promoted teams were relegated as it alleviated some of the pressure that being in an actual fight for survival would have brought.

However, both sides have made significant changes in preparation for next season, hoping to get back to their usual ambitions of qualifying for Europe and competing for silverware.

For instance, Spurs brought in a new manager and have made some high-quality additions in the transfer market, while the Red Devils have signed an entirely new front three.

Here, Sports Mole looks at Tottenham and Manchester United's struggles last term, and considers three things that can help them make Europe this season.

The managers: Can Thomas Frank and Ruben Amorim make things different for Tottenham and Manchester United in 2025-26?

Ange Postecoglou may have ended Spurs' 17-year trophy drought, but the fact that he finished 17th in the Premier League was too difficult for the club's hierarchy to overlook.

The Australian manager was often seen as excessively rigid in his tactical approach, and he unerringly stuck to his philosophy even when it was being exploited by opponents on a regular basis.Â

In stark contrast, when the Londoners brought in Thomas Frank from Brentford to replace Postecoglou, it was mentioned that the Danish head-coach's flexibility was one of the factors that saw him chosen for the role.

With the Bees, Frank would generally deploy a ball-oriented playstyle that allowed creative stars such as Mikkel Damsgaard to shine, but when faced with an opponent that outmatched them in terms of personnel, his team opted for a pragmatic, defence-first approach that created chances through counterattacks.

If the new manager can implement his malleable model at Spurs, then they could pose a serious threat to those in the top six this term.

As for Manchester United, Ruben Amorim took over from Erik Ten Hag in November 2024, and though the side continued to struggle after his arrival, fans could point to extenuating circumstances.

Most notably, the former Sporting Lisbon boss joined the club part way through the campaign, and given his three-at-the-back formation is atypical and alien to many members of the Red Devils' squad, it makes sense that it could take some time for everything to run smoothly.

However, with a full pre-season under their belt, some of those that were asked to play in unfamiliar roles such as Amad Diallo may perform more in line with supporters' expectations.

The transfers: Can Tottenham and Manchester United's new signings bring them European football in 2025-26?

Beyond any improvements on the training ground, it would be fair to say that this summer's transfer window has been one of the most active in Premier League history.

Spurs have also been involved, landing Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United for approximately £55m as well as making Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso permanent signings.

Kudus is widely regarded as one of the best dribblers in the division, and though his output in terms of goals and assists was inconsistent during his time with the Hammers, his one-versus-one threat and direct style is sure to be a major asset for Tottenham.

Frank's side have also been linked with more attacking players, especially since James Maddison's anterior cruciate ligament injury in pre-season that is expected to keep him out of action in the long-term.

A small number of high-calibre additions could make a significant difference for the Londoners, who already have one of the league's best creators and one of the league's best strikers in Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke respectively.

Manchester United on the other hand have brought in an entirely new frontline this summer, and fans will be treated to a new-look XI in 2025-26.

Matheus Cunha was one of the standout forwards in the top flight last season, and he almost single-handedly kept Wolverhampton Wanderers away from the drop zone with the 15 goals and six assists he provided across his 33 league appearances.

Amorim's second big-money forward signing was Bryan Mbeumo, and the Cameroon international scored an impressive 20 goals in the Premier League last term, as well as creating seven for his teammates.

Third was Benjamin Sesko, and though the striker only netted 13 goals in the Bundesliga for RB Leipzig in 2024-25, he is just 22-year-old and has obvious potential with the combination of his technical style with physicality.

Individually, each of United's frontline signings would play for most of the teams in the top six, and together, they could address the club's offensive bluntness - one of the most common complaints that fans and pundits have.

Carlos Baleba is also of interest to the Red Devils, and while he could cost more than £100m, the Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder would be an excellent fit for Amorim's two-man setup in the centre of the park, where the likes of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes may struggle to cover the necessary ground.

The uncertainty: Can Tottenham and Manchester United take advantage of Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest to make Europe?

With Spurs and United dropping out of the race for Europe last season, a number of teams were vying for the division's top seven, and it was Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest that made the cut outside of the top four.

If the traditional big six duo are to regain their spots in UEFA competition, then they could benefit from the uncertainty surrounding the Magpies and the Garibaldis in particular.

Eddie Howe's side seem to have been rejected by the majority of their publicly pursued targets, and their inability sign a striker has delayed Alexander Isak's potential move to Liverpool.

Their strife in the market has also caused a rift and created an unnecessary distraction amidst Newcastle's preparations for a return to Premier League action, but should they lose their star striker, then they are unlikely to be the force that they were in 2024-25.

Tottenham and United could make the most of the League Cup winners' troubles in their quest for European football, as they seem to be unprepared for playing in an additional competition as well as competing for UEFA qualification via the top flight.

As for Forest, they managed to keep hold of Morgan Gibbs-White - for this summer at least - and he is certain to be their key player once again this term.

That being said, the Tricky Trees did lose Anthony Elanga to the Magpies, and it remains to be seen if Nuno Espirito Santo's side can get the same level of output from his replacement, Dan Ndoye.

Spurs and United will also be aware that Forest ran out of steam towards the end of the season, and they will feel that they have a prime opportunity to climb back into the top six immediately.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly prepared to 'open formal talks' to sign Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze this summer.Â

Spurs have bolstered their squad this summer under Thomas Frank with the addition of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham for £55m and Joao Palhinha on loan from Bayern Munich, while Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso made their loan moves permanent.Â

However, the north London club still need another creative midfielder following an ACL injury to James Maddison, who is expected to miss most of the 2025-26 season.Â

Tottenham have been reportedly linked with a move for Manchester City's Savinho, but it appears they are firmly back in the race to lure Eze away from Selhurst Park.

Spurs getting serious about landing Eze

According to Fabrizio Romano, Spurs are prepared to open formal talks to sign the England midfielder, and are planning to return to the discussion table once again.Â

They will be encouraged to find that the midfielder is keen to join them if the two clubs can reach an agreement.Â

London rivals Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for the 27-year-old, but any potential move would depend on the possible exit of Leandro Trossard.Â

According to football.london, the Gunners still hold a keen interest in the former QPR midfielder, now that his £68m release clause has expired, but their need to sign him has diminished since the contract renewal of Ethan Nwaneri.

Door could open for Tottenham to sign EzeÂ

Palace could lose Marc Guehi, who has reportedly agreed personal terms with Liverpool, and it will be interesting to see if the Eagles sell Eze as well before the end of the transfer window.Â

Eze was superb for the Eagles in 2024-25, netting 14 goals and registering 11 assists in 43 appearances across all tournaments, and scored the winning goal against Manchester City in the FA Cup final.Â

Arsenal have already spent around £200m to sign six new players this summer, and while they are still looking to bolster the squad, they do have enough depth in the position where Eze plays.Â

With the Gunners seemingly looking at options elsewhere, the door could be open for Spurs to secure a deal for the England midfielder.Â

Arsenal "massively overpaid" when they signed Fabio Vieira from Porto, and the Gunners are going to have to accept a heavy loss on the midfielder if they offload him in the summer transfer window, expert Charles Watts believes.

Vieira is now back at London Colney after spending the 2024-25 season on loan with former club Porto - also representing the Dragons at the recent Club World Cup - but his future almost certainly lies away from the Emirates after an underwhelming two seasons.

As Ethan Nwaneri has now signed a new long-term deal and will compete with Martin Odegaard for central minutes, Vieira is surplus to requirements in North London, and Stuttgart are reported to be working on a deal for the 25-year-old.

West Ham United are also said to have shown an interest in signing Vieira, although speaking to Sports Mole, Watts warned Arsenal that they are not going to get "anywhere near" the £30m they paid for the playmaker three years ago.

“They should certainly be looking to sell him," Watts said. "It's definitely not a risk. He is a good player, a sellable asset because he's not on massive wages either. Arsenal took a bit of a punt on him, a pretty expensive punt, and it didn't work out, but I don't mind that sort of transfer.

Arsenal "massively overpaid" for Vieira transfer

“It was just massively overpaid for what they were getting, a player of his experience. Some lessons will be learned from that signing, but he is a player that would interest a lot of clubs because he's very talented, and maybe the physicality of the Premier League is just a bit too much for him. But if he did go to Spain or go to Germany, I wouldn't be at all surprised to see him play very well for another club.

“They're not going to get anywhere near like what they paid for him, of course they're not, but I still think there's a player there where you can get some pretty decent funds for.”

Arsenal selling Vieira - who has produced three goals and 10 assists in 49 matches for the Gunners - would vacate a space for a new attacker to arrive, although the Gunners are at risk of a Tottenham Hotspur hijack in the race for Eberechi Eze.

The Emirates Stadium was initially believed to have been Eze's first-choice destination for a summer move, but Arsenal have not yet met Crystal Palace's desired price, and Spurs now appear to have jumped to the front of the queue.

Tottenham are on the lookout for a replacement for James Maddison following his ACL injury in pre-season, and Eze is reported to be keen to join the Europa League winners after Spurs re-entered talks with Palace over a transfer, but they will need to agree on a fee after his £68m release clause expired.

Rather than Spurs rekindling their interest kicking Arsenal into gear, Watts believes that Nwaneri's new deal has lessened the need for a new number 10, while also conceding that the sales needed to free up funds and space are not imminent.

Eze transfer latest: Charles Watts comments on Spurs links amid Arsenal fear

“It’s a hard one," he added. "We're all waiting to see if this does kick Arsenal into gear. It feels a bit unlikely to me unless they do move people on. The Eze interest is real, but with Ethan signing that new contract, that lessened the need a little bit.

“There was definitely a chance that Ethan could move on this summer if that contract wasn't signed; there was strong interest. I think Arsenal were expecting some pretty big bids to come in for Ethan if the contract wasn't signed, so they were putting plans in place, but him signing now has just lessened the need for it.

“It hasn't ended the interest, but they would need to sell players now before moving for him, and at the moment that doesn't feel close. That could change very quickly, but it doesn't feel like a significant sale or two which would open the door is right around the corner.

“It would take a big shift from Arsenal to suddenly think ‘we've got to stop him signing for Spurs’. I'm not sure they would do that without selling players. It’s going to hurt if he does go to Tottenham, because I still think Arsenal need him. I've waited patiently all summer hoping it would happen, and to see him with a Spurs shirt would not be nice!

“I can understand the frustration for fans; I think if you asked 100 Arsenal fans which player they want more than anyone else before the end of the window, I think Eze would definitely come on top of that list. It's going to be a painful one to take if he does go to Spurs, but it might happen unfortunately.”

Vieira is not expected to be part of the travelling squad for Arsenal's Premier League opener against Manchester United on Sunday, and the former Portugal youth international is only under contract at Arsenal for another two seasons.

Burnley head coach Scott Parker has confirmed that he is working with a "pretty full squad" for Saturday's opening Premier League game against Tottenham Hotspur in North London.

The Clarets boss did not name names when speaking to the media on Thursday, although it can be assumed that Jordan Beyer, Martin Dubravka, Zian Flemming, Connor Roberts and Bashir Humphreys have recovered from their pre-season knocks.

However, Zeki Amdouni is still on the mend from his ACL problem, while Benson Manuel was plagued by Achilles problems throughout last season and is not expected to be involved either.

Flemming is one of two new signings vying to lead the line alongside ex-Chelsea man Armando Broja, but owing to both men's recent fitness issues, Lyle Foster could get the nod at the tip of the attack.

A Tottenham reunion likely awaits former Lilywhites youngster Marcus Edwards, who ought to line up on the right-hand side of the supporting cast while Hannibal Mejbri and Jaidon Anthony complete the attacking quartet.

Further back, a Clarets Premier League debut could come the way of Lesley Ugochukwu alongside captain Josh Cullen in midfield, while former Spurs man Kyle Walker and Quilindschy Hartman should also earn Burnley baptisms in the full-back areas.

Still donning the claret kit despite links with an exit, Maxime Esteve ought to form the central pairing with Hjalmar Ekdal, as Martin Dubravka guards the posts for the newly-promoted outfit.

Burnley possible starting lineup:

Dubravka; Walker, Esteve, Ekdal, Hartman; Cullen, Ugochukwu; Edwards, Hannibal, Anthony; Foster

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

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Tottenham Hotspur's first Premier League game of the 2025-26 season sees Burnley visit North London on Saturday, although whether Yves Bissouma will be involved is still unclear.

The Mali international was not involved against Paris Saint-Germain in Wednesday's UEFA Super Cup loss, having been axed by Thomas Frank for turning up late on multiple occasions.

Frank will likely deliver a firm verdict on Bissouma's participation in his pre-match press conference, but for the time being, there is no knowing whether the former Brighton & Hove Albion man will appear against the Clarets.

Instead, Bayern Munich loanee Joao Palhinha ought to make his second Premier League debut, potentially alongside Rodrigo Bentancur in a double pivot, as was the case in Udine.

With James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski sidelined, Pape Sarr acted as the most advanced midfielder in midweek, but with a tight turnaround to manage, Frank could swap Senegal for Sweden as Lucas Bergvall operates in the number 10 position.

The Scandinavian youngster could join Mohammed Kudus and two recalled attackers in Brennan Johnson and Dominic Solanke, the latter replacing Richarlison and the former capitalising on a formation change.

Frank went defence-heavy in the UEFA Super Cup, but the Dane will almost certainly revert to a four-man defence on Saturday, where Kevin Danso will be the likely sacrifice.

Indeed, Pedro Porro, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Djed Spence - deputising for the injured Destiny Udogie - should reprise their roles in front of number one Guglielmo Vicario.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Bentancur, Palhinha; Kudus, Bergvall, Johnson; Solanke

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

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Burnley boss Scott Parker faces another Tottenham Hotspur reunion on Saturday, as the Clarets visit North London for the opening weekend of the Premier League season.

The former Spurs midfielder led the visitors to a century of Championship points with record-breaking defensive numbers last season, although his side agonisingly missed out on the title to fellow 100-pointers Leeds United.

The Clarets are yet to take to the field competitively this term, but Thomas Frank's side have UEFA Super Cup wrongs to right, having suffered a painful penalty shootout loss to Paris Saint-Germain in midweek.

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:Â 125

Tottenham Hotspur wins:Â 55

Draws:Â 28

Burnley wins:Â 42

Saturday's 2025-26 Premier League opener will mark the 126th different competitive meeting between Tottenham Hotspur and Burnley, who first collided all the way back in 1906 - a 2-0 FA Cup triumph for the capital club.

That was the first of 55 wins Spurs have picked up in this fixture, although Burnley are not all that far behind with 42 successes of their own, and the two clubs have played out 28 draws down the years.

However, the bulk of the Clarets' successes came during the 20th century, and Tottenham have unsurprisingly dominated this fixture in more recent times, earning seven victories from their last eight head-to-heads with the Lancashire club.

The Lilywhites enter Saturday's tie on a four-match winning streak against Burnley, whom they dispatched 2-1 during the closing stages of the 2023-24 Premier League campaign, a result that sent the Clarets crashing back down to the second tier.

Tottenham had also stridden to a 5-2 thumping of Burnley at Turf Moor earlier that season - as well as a 1-0 triumph in the FA Cup - and their last reverse at the hands of the Clarets came under Antonio Conte in February 2022.

Burnley also got the better of Spurs at home in February 2019 and May 2010, but the Clarets have never beaten Tottenham on their travels in the Premier League, losing seven of eight such fixtures and drawing the other.

Outside of league action, Burnley and Tottenham memorably contested the 1962 FA Cup final - where Spurs defended their title courtesy of a 3-1 success - and the 2008-09 EFL Cup semi-finals, where a second-leg Clarets comeback was for nought in a 6-4 defeat.

Among the documented scorers in this fixture, no man enjoyed Tottenham vs. Burnley more than Jimmy Greaves, who found the back of the net 15 times in games between the Lilywhites and the Clarets.

Last 20 meetings

May 11, 2024: Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Burnley (Premier League)

Jan 05, 2024: Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Burnley (FA Cup)

Sep 02, 2023: Burnley 2-5 Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League)

May 15, 2022: Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Burnley (Premier League)

Feb 23, 2022: Burnley 1-0 Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League)

Oct 27, 2021: Burnley 0-1 Tottenham Hotspur (EFL Cup)

Feb 28, 2021: Tottenham Hotspur 4-0 Burnley (Premier League)

Oct 26, 2020: Burnley 0-1 Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League)

Mar 07, 2020: Burnley 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League)

Dec 07, 2019: Tottenham Hotspur 5-0 Burnley (Premier League)

Feb 23, 2019: Burnley 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League)

Dec 15, 2018: Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Burnley (Premier League)

Dec 23, 2017: Burnley 0-3 Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League)

Aug 27, 2017: Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 Burnley (Premier League)

Apr 01, 2017: Burnley 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League)

Dec 18, 2016: Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Burnley (Premier League)

Apr 05, 2015: Burnley 0-0 Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League)

Jan 14, 2015: Tottenham Hotspur 4-2 Burnley (FA Cup)

Jan 05, 2015: Burnley 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur (FA Cup)

Dec 20, 2014: Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Burnley (Premier League)

Last 10 Premier League meetings

May 11, 2024: Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Burnley (Premier League)

Sep 02, 2023: Burnley 2-5 Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League)

May 15, 2022: Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Burnley (Premier League)

Feb 23, 2022: Burnley 1-0 Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League)

Feb 28, 2021: Tottenham Hotspur 4-0 Burnley (Premier League)

Oct 26, 2020: Burnley 0-1 Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League)

Mar 07, 2020: Burnley 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League)

Dec 07, 2019: Tottenham Hotspur 5-0 Burnley (Premier League)

Feb 23, 2019: Burnley 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League)

Dec 15, 2018: Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Burnley (Premier League)

Read more on Tottenham Hotspur vs Burnley

Is Bissouma back for Burnley? Spurs injury, suspension list for Clarets clash

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From the Champions League winners to the Championship runners-up, Tottenham Hotspur pick themselves up and go again when they host Burnley in the first Premier League gameweek of the 2025-26 season on Saturday.

Thomas Frank's troops were agonisingly edged out by Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday, while the Clarets fell to defeat in their final two pre-season friendlies.

Match preview

The London bus analogy very nearly rang true for Tottenham on Wednesday evening, as after waiting 17 years for another slice of silverware, the Lilywhites were minutes away from winning two European titles in the space of four months.

Defensive duo Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero both struck against the continental champions, but Lee Kang-in and Goncalo Ramos's replies forced a penalty shootout, where Van de Ven and Mathys Tel's failed attempts proved fatal - the latter has since been subjected to sickening racial abuse online.

In spite of the excruciating manner of that defeat, Frank and co could undoubtedly leave Udine with more positives than negatives to reflect on after going toe-to-toe with the European champions - a promising omen ahead of their quest to improve on last season's historically poor 17th-placed Premier League ranking.

The record books certainly favour the men in lilywhite, who have previously hosted a promoted team on the opening weekend twice before and won on both occasions - against Ipswich Town in 2000 and Aston Villa in 2019.

However, the reigning Europa League winners have also failed to keep a clean sheet in 13 straight Premier League matches - their longest such run since a streak of 17 in 2010 - and they could do with taking some defensive pointers from their imminent visitors.

A former PFA Premier League Team of the Year member while at Tottenham, the defensive might of Burnley head coach Scott Parker rubbed off onto his players last season, where the Clarets wrote a new chapter of English football history.

An inspired Burnley backline shipped a mere 16 goals across their 46 Championship games - the best record of its kind in English league history - while keeping a staggering 30 clean sheets, but an undesirable first was also achieved by Parker's men.

Owing to an inferior goal difference to trigger-happy Leeds United, Burnley became the first English side to ever collect 100 points in a season but fail to win the title, although Premier League promotion was always the ultimate prize for Saturday's visitors.

For all of Burnley's rearguard excellence in the second tier, however, the Clarets have conceded in each of their last 20 Premier League matches, while they have also suffered defeat in each of their last three matchday one fixtures in the top division.

Furthermore, the visitors have failed to win any of their previous nine Premier League away games against the North London giants, only once managing to avoid defeat in a 1-1 stalemate during the 2017-18 campaign at Wembley.

Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions):

Burnley pre-season form:

Team News

In addition to their septet of injured troops - more on that below - Spurs missed Yves Bissouma during the UEFA Super Cup, as the Malian midfielder was omitted from the squad by Frank due to persistent lateness.

Whether Frank will grant Bissouma clemency and recall him this weekend is yet to be ascertained, but all of James Maddison (ACL), Radu Dragusin (ACL), Kota Takai (foot), Manor Solomon (calf), Dejan Kulusevski (knee), Destiny Udogie (knee) and Bryan Gil (knee) are definitely missing.

However, Dominic Solanke made his return from an ankle problem as a substitute on Wednesday night and ought to be recalled to the XI on Saturday, as Frank reverts to an attacking setup after understandably going defence-heavy against PSG.

On Burnley's end, Parker told reporters on Thursday that he was blessed with a "pretty full squad" for Saturday's game, although it can be assumed that long-term absentees Zeki Amdouni (ACL) and Benson Manuel (Achilles) are still on the sidelines.

Zian Flemming, Bashir Humphreys, Jordan Beyer, Connor Roberts and new signing Martin Dubravka have therefore seemingly recovered from their pre-season niggles; the latter will debut in goal if his shoulder problem has settled down.

Champions League and Premier League winner Kyle Walker will likely form part of Dubravka's defence against his old club, but Parker may hold off on starting the injury-plagued Armando Broja just yet.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Bentancur, Palhinha; Kudus, Bergvall, Johnson; Solanke

Burnley possible starting lineup:

Dubravka; Walker, Esteve, Ekdal, Hartman; Cullen, Ugochukwu; Edwards, Hannibal, Anthony; Foster

We say: Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Burnley

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Burnley's astonishing defensive feats in the Championship may not be a precursor for their Premier League rearguard feats, although the Clarets held their own against Lazio in their final pre-season friendly.

Midweek fatigue will also work against the Lilywhites, but we still have faith in Frank's men to break through eventually and make the perfect start, even if it may not be pretty.Â

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

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Reeling from a gut-wrenching UEFA Super Cup loss to Paris Saint-Germain, Tottenham Hotspur's Premier League campaign begins with a home tie against newly-promoted Burnley on Saturday.

The Lilywhites were on the verge of more continental stardom when they took a 2-0 lead in Wednesday's game, only for the Champions League holders to launch a tremendous comeback and complete the job on penalties.

Thomas Frank and co have little time to dwell on their European heartache, though, as Spurs prepare for a reunion with erstwhile midfielder Scott Parker, who led Burnley to a century of Championship points last season.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up all of Spurs' latest injury and suspension news ahead of their clash with the Clarets.

James Maddison

Status: Out

Type of injury: ACL

Possible return date: Unknown

James Maddison has started his long road to recovery from the ACL injury he suffered in pre-season, and it will be many months before the Englishman will be fit for action again.

Dejan Kulusevski

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: September 13 (vs. West Ham United)

Frank is without his two chief playmakers at present, as Dejan Kulusevski is also struggling with a knee problem, although his is expected to settle down within the next few weeks.

Destiny Udogie

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date:Â August 23 (vs. Manchester City)

Destiny Udogie was laid low by a knee injury in pre-season, and while he is getting closer to returning to full training, the Italy left-back is not expected to be ready for the first Premier League game of the season.

Kota Takai

Status: Out

Type of injury: Foot

Possible return date: Unknown

New signing Kota Takai picked up a foot problem during the latter stages of July, and Frank has conceded that the Japanese defender will be absent for a matter of weeks.

Radu Dragusin

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Maddison is joined on the ACL treatment table by Radu Dragusin, who suffered his serious tear in January and is aiming to return before 2026.

Bryan Gil

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Spanish winger Bryan Gil suffered a knee injury while on loan at Girona last season, but the former Sevilla man is only on the fringes of the Spurs side anyway.

Manor Solomon

Status: Out

Type of injury: Calf

Possible return date: Unknown

Likewise, Manor Solomon could be a candidate for the chop before the summer transfer window closes, but either way, he is nursing a calf injury and has no estimated comeback date at present.

TOTTENHAM'S SUSPENSION LIST

Yves Bissouma

Possible return date: August 16 (vs. Burnley)

Frank revealed before the UEFA Super Cup that Yves Bissouma had been dropped from the squad due to persistent lateness, and it remains to be seen if he will be re-integrated for Saturday's clash.

No Data Analysis info

Paris Saint-Germain came from behind to triumph 4-3 on penalties after Tottenham Hotspur squandered a two-goal lead in the Super Cup final.

Tottenham's back-three system was extremely effective at largely nullifying PSG's attacking threat in the first half, while Spurs were able to create chances of their own, and it was the Europa League holders who took the lead just before half-time as Micky van de Ven turned in from close range.

Spurs fans did not have to wait long to celebrate a second goal, as just three minutes after the restart Lucas Chevalier failed to save Cristian Romero's cross-goal header, giving Thomas Frank's side a healthy 2-0 lead with just over 40 minutes remaining.

It looked as though it was all wrapped up heading into the final minutes, but late goals from Lee Kang-in and Goncalo Ramos sensationally brought PSG level to send the game to penalties, with the French side able to get over the line with a narrow 4-3 penalty victory.

SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT

Thomas Frank showed his managerial brilliance for almost the entirety of tonight's match, clearly learning and adapting from Tottenham's 4-0 battering against Bayern Munich as he entirely changed his system and approach against Paris Saint-Germain.Â

Frank had solely deployed a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation during pre-season, but the new Spurs boss used a 3-5-2 system to great effect against PSG.

There was also a clear emphasis on using their height and physical advantage over PSG, with both of their goals coming from set-pieces.

However, PSG did eventually get to the level expected of them, starting to dominate the latter stages of the match and eventually breaking Tottenham's resolve as they scored twice in the final 10 minutes to send the game to penalties.Â

Regardless of the final result - which saw PSG secure the penalty victory - Frank and Tottenham will be able to take plenty of positive heading into their Premier League opener.Â

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN VS. TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR HIGHLIGHTS

Micky van de Ven goal vs. Paris Saint-Germain (39th min, Paris Saint-Germain 0-1 Tottenham Hotspur)

Van de Ven fires Tottenham into the lead!

A long free kick from Guglielmo Vicario is aimed toward Romero, who steers his header into the box for Van de Ven to challenge with Marquinhos.Â

The ball drops for Joao Palhinha to strike, Chevalier pushes it onto the bar with a superb stop, but Van de Ven is fastest to react and slots in the rebound.

Cristian Romero goal vs. Paris Saint-Germain (48th min, Paris Saint-Germain 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur)

Romero makes it two right after the restart!

Pedro Porro whips a deep free-kick towards the back post, where Romero has been left unmarked by the Paris Saint-Germain defence, and the defender heads back across goal and into the far corner.Â

Chevalier really should have done better with that, the goalkeeper got two hands to the ball but failed to make any real contact as it bounced past him and into the net.

Lee Kang-in goal vs. Tottenham Hotspur (85th min, Paris Saint-Germain 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur)

Lee Kang-in pulls one back for PSG - is there time for them to get back into this game!

Ousmane Dembele whips a dangerous cross into the box and Romero heads away, but only as far as Vitinha on the edge of the Spurs area.

Vitinha lays it off to Lee, who takes one touch and fires a stunning left-footed strike across goal and into the bottom right corner to give PSG a lifeline.

Goncalo Ramos goal vs. Tottenham Hotspur (94th min, Paris Saint-Germain 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur)

Unbelievable, Ramos has equalised for Paris Saint-Germain in the final seconds!

Hakimi plays the ball down the right to Dembele, who fires another cross into the middle of the Tottenham penalty area.Â

The cross perfectly meets Ramos, who can header into the Tottenham net from close range to equalise for the Champions League holders.

Nuno Mendes winning penalty vs. Tottenham Hotspur ( Paris Saint-Germain 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur, 4-3 on penalties)

MAN OF THE MATCH - OUSMANE DEMBELE

Dembele was quiet for large parts of the Super Cup final showdown, but big players step up in the important moments, and the Frenchman did exactly that.Â

Dembele's cross forced the problem for Paris Saint-Germain's first, with Romero's header being worked to Lee's goal, while the winger was able to assist Ramos for the equalising goal.Â

The Frenchman then stepped up at a vital moment in the penalty shootout, scoring with his right foot to equalise following Van de Ven's miss.

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN VS. TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR MATCH STATS

Possession:Â Paris Saint-Germain 74%-26% Tottenham Hotspur

Shots: Paris Saint-Germain 12-13 Tottenham Hotspur

Shots on target: Paris Saint-Germain 3-5 Tottenham Hotspur

Corners: Paris Saint-Germain 7-2 Tottenham Hotspur

Fouls: Paris Saint-Germain 12-12 Tottenham Hotspur

BEST STATS

WHAT NEXT?

Paris Saint-Germain will aim to maintain their winning momentum from the UEFA Super Cup final victory when they get their Ligue 1 title defence underway against Nantes on Sunday.Â

Meanwhile, Frank's first competitive match ends in devastating defeat, and Spurs will now be looking to bounce back when they take on Burnley in their Premier League opener on Saturday.

No Data Analysis info

Tottenham Hotspur and Burnley will meet at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday afternoon in their opening fixture of the 2025-26 Premier League season.Â

Spurs will be desperate to improve upon their miserable 17th-placed finish last year, while the newly promoted Clarets are tipped to be in the thick of the relegation battle this season.

Here, Sports Mole provides all of the details you need to know on how to tune into Saturday's match.

What time does Tottenham Hotspur vs. Burnley kick off?

Tottenham Hotspur and Burnley's Premier League meeting is set to kick off at 3:00pm local time in the UK on Saturday afternoon.

Where is Tottenham Hotspur vs. Burnley being played?

Tottenham Hotspur will welcome Burnley to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for Saturday's Premier League opener, with the stadium boasting a 62,850 capacity.

How to watch Tottenham Hotspur vs. Burnley in the UK

TV channels

Unfortunately for Tottenham Hotspur and Burnley fans, Saturday's Premier League fixture will not be broadcast live due to the UK's 3pm blackout rule.Â

Highlights

Highlights will be made available on Sky Sports' social media channels after the match, and each club will be able to show highlights on their channels in the UK in the days after the game.

Who will win Tottenham Hotspur vs. Burnley?

Tottenham Hotspur endured a dismal 17th-placed finish last season, but the arrival of Thomas Frank as manager, along with signings such as Mohammed Kudus and Joao Palhinha, means Spurs are widely expected to enjoy a significantly improved campaign.

In comparison, newly promoted Burnley are many people's predicted pick to finish at the foot of the Premier League standings come May 2026.

While the Clarets will be hoping to pick up points in their opening fixture, Tottenham, buoyed by their home support, are overwhelming favourites to come away with a commanding victory.