Sports Mole

Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a potential setback in their pursuit of Benfica striker Vangelis Pavlidis ahead of the January transfer window.

The Greece international has enjoyed a sensational start to the 2026-27 campaign, strengthening his reputation as one of Europe's most prolific forwards.

However, Benfica are determined to retain their star striker, meaning Spurs could face a difficult and expensive battle to bring him to north London.

Spurs dealt Vangelis Pavlidis blow ahead of the January window

© Imago

Tottenham remain interested in Pavlidis after tracking him in the summer, when Benfica were said to value the striker at around €40m (£34m).

His price has since soared, with the 27-year-old's contract including an £85m release clause.

Pavlidis has started the season in sensational form, scoring eight goals and providing three assists in eight league appearances, averaging a goal contribution every 58 minutes.

He also won the Portuguese league's 'Forward of the Month' award for August after following up back-to-back prolific campaigns of 30 and 29 goals.

However, while Spurs remain admirers, a January move looks difficult. Benfica are determined to keep Pavlidis, with reports in Portugal (via Sport Witness) now suggesting the club have improved his terms and are considering extending his deal beyond 2029.

Although the striker has previously spoken of his desire to play in the Premier League, there is no indication he is pushing to leave Lisbon.

What other strikers could Spurs look to target?

© Imago / ZUMA Press Wire

Tottenham may need to explore alternatives if Pavlidis proves unattainable, particularly with a new striker potentially high on their January wishlist.

Endrick is one option who has been linked with a move, with the Brazilian youngster offering exciting potential and the ability to develop into a long-term attacking solution.

Jean-Philippe Mateta could represent a more experienced alternative.

The Crystal Palace forward is thought to be available in January, potentially giving Spurs an opportunity to recruit a proven Premier League goalscorer without negotiating with a club reluctant to sell.

Neither option would be a straightforward solution, but Tottenham cannot afford to put all their eggs in one basket.

Pavlidis' numbers make him an appealing target, yet Benfica's determination to retain him could force Spurs to look elsewhere.

If Roberto De Zerbi wants a new striker in January, identifying realistic alternatives now would be a sensible move.

Manchester United boss Michael Carrick has been urged to drop Youri Tielemans for Tuesday's Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid following his disappointing display against Tottenham Hotspur.

The £35m summer signing struggled to impose himself during Saturday's 1-1 draw at Old Trafford, with respected journalist Henry Winter questioning whether he is suited to United's midfield requirements.

He believes Carrick must turn to Carlos Baleba alongside Kobbie Mainoo to provide greater defensive protection.

Michael Carrick told to drop Youri Tielemans to the bench

© Iconsport / Every Second Media/Alamy Live News

Tielemans was substituted after just 60 minutes against Spurs, having struggled to influence proceedings in a game United desperately needed to win.

The midfielder recorded 43 touches but lost possession ten times, while his pass accuracy stood at just 80%, according to Sofascore.

Baleba, meanwhile, made more defensive contributions despite spending only half as long on the pitch, highlighting the difference in what the two players offered United.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Winter criticised the balance of Carrick's midfield, saying: "I just thought until Baleba came on, their midfield was too open."

He also questioned the decision to bring in Tielemans and Andrey Santos during the summer, arguing that United needed more defensive-minded players following Casemiro's departure.

"I think he [Tielemans] should be on the bench. I don't think he's got the acceleration, that mobility, awareness to get back and help out," Winter said.

He added that Baleba and Mainoo should start together, with the former providing the protection United's defence requires.

The 1-1 draw against Spurs continued a frustrating run for United, who have now dropped points in successive league games against opponents reduced to ten men.

Should Tielemans start vs Atletico Madrid?

© Imago / Ball Raw Images

Carrick should take Winter's advice and leave Tielemans out of the starting XI against Atletico Madrid.

United's midfield looked far too open against Spurs, and the statistics underline how difficult the summer signing found it to influence the game. Losing possession 10 times from 43 touches is concerning enough, particularly when his passing accuracy was only 80%, which is rather poor for a deep midfielder.

The bigger issue, however, is the balance of the team.

With Bruno Fernandes offering limited defensive protection from the No. 10 position, United need their deeper midfielders to provide greater mobility and cover.

Baleba alongside Mainoo looks a more sensible combination, giving United a better chance of protecting their back line against a dangerous Atletico side.

Tielemans may yet prove his worth at Old Trafford, but he has not done enough to justify another start after his performance against Spurs.

Carrick needs a more defensively reliable midfield, and Tuesday's European fixture is an opportunity to make that change.

Tottenham Hotspur attacking midfielder Xavi Simons is reportedly still some way off a return to competitive football, despite a recent social media post prompting premature hopes of a comeback.

The 23-year-old Netherlands international has been out of action since sustaining a serious cruciate ligament injury in April during a close 1-0 Premier League win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The injury required surgery and ruled him out of the summer World Cup.

Simons recently fuelled speculation among supporters by sharing an Instagram story showing a pair of blue football boots, hinting that his return might be drawing closer.

But De Telegraaf journalist Valentijn Driessen has played down hopes of an early comeback, speaking on a recent podcast.

Simon injury: Reports of early return played down

© Imago / Sportimage

Speaking on the Kick-Off podcast via Sport Witness, the outspoken Dutch journalist offered a sobering assessment of Simons’ lengthy rehabilitation.'

Driessen rejected the suggestion that the midfielder is close to returning to the Tottenham first team.

“He won’t really return until February, Driessen said. That’s going to take a while.”.

That forecast means Spurs are likely to face the demanding festive schedule without one of their most creative players.

Since joining in 2025, Simons has quickly become a popular figure, making 41 appearances in all competitions and scoring 15 goals.

Simons's Netherlands future remains promising

© Iconsport / SUSA

Despite his frustrating club-level absence, Simons is understood to remain part of the Netherlands’ long-term plans following a recent change in management.

New Oranje head coach Xavi has confirmed that the Tottenham playmaker is in his thinking as he shapes the squad.

"I’ve also been in touch with Frenkie de Jong and Xavi Simons recently," said the ex-Barca midfielder before the last international break. "We need all our players, especially these guys.”

Spurs fans will be hoping Simons’ recovery continues to progress, with a possible return to action in early 2027 as Roberto De Zerbi's men battle for Premier League survival again.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly decided to stick with Roberto De Zerbi despite their poor run of form.

Spurs are in the relegation zone, sitting 18th in the Premier League table with just three points from six games, and are yet to register a win.

The north London side drew 1-1 against Manchester United at Old Trafford in their last match, having been reduced to 10 men after Rodrigo Bentancur was sent off.

A stoppage-time goal from Dominic Solanke spared Spurs another defeat, but the club hierarchy believe De Zerbi is the right man to turn their fortunes around.

Despite spending over £330m during the summer transfer window, De Zerbi has struggled to find the right system and combination of players, but Spurs are continuing to place their faith in him.

Tottenham are keeping faith in Roberto De Zerbi

© Iconsport / SUSA

Spurs have finished 17th in the Premier League table in each of the past two seasons, but De Zerbi did well to help them steer clear of relegation.

After an exciting summer transfer window, Spurs were expected to at least challenge for European places, but they are once again battling for survival.

According to TeamTalk, Tottenham have no plans to part ways with De Zerbi, as they believe he needs more time to get the best out of the squad he has inherited.

The club feel that, despite the scale of their summer spending, the situation was never going to be an instant fix, while the players have also failed to perform at the required level.

Could Arne Slot be an option for Tottenham?

© Iconsport / Harvey Murphy/News Images/Sipa USA

At the moment, Spurs are not actively looking to replace De Zerbi, but the club's patience could wear thin if results do not improve over the next few months.

In recent weeks, reports have suggested that Arne Slot could be open to managing Tottenham if an offer were to arrive.

The Dutchman guided Liverpool to Premier League glory in his first season at the club, but he was sacked after a disappointing 2025-26 campaign.

Slot is currently without a club and could emerge as an option for Tottenham, who have held a long-term interest in the former Feyenoord boss.

Manchester United failed to beat opponents reduced to 10 men for the second consecutive home Premier League game.

Despite taking the lead in the second half, the Red Devils could not capitalise on their numerical advantage and were punished by Tottenham Hotspur, as they were held to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.

Dominic Solanke found the equaliser deep into stoppage time, leaving Man Utd with just one win from their opening six Premier League games.

Man Utd sit 12th in the Premier League table with six points from six matches, leaving them closer to the relegation zone than the Champions League places.

It is the club's worst start to a league campaign after six matches since the 1986-87 season, and while Michael Carrick's position may not be under immediate threat, the frustration among the home supporters was evident at full-time as the team were met with a smattering of boos.

Bryan Mbeumo stat: Man Utd attacker scores yet again

© Imago / Bildbyran

After a lethargic first-half performance, Man Utd broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute through Bryan Mbeumo, and it looked as though they would pile further misery on visitors Spurs following their dreadful start to the new campaign.

Matheus Cunha picked out Mbeumo inside the box from the left, allowing the former Brentford winger to turn away from Paul van Hecke before firing a superb left-footed finish into the net.

According to Squawka, the Cameroon international has now scored seven goals against Tottenham, more than he has managed against any other opponent in the Premier League.

The most impressive aspect of this remarkable goalscoring record is that all seven strikes have come in his last seven appearances against Spurs.

More problems for Michael Carrick after Man Utd vs Spurs

© Iconsport / PA Images

When Rodrigo Bentancur was shown a red card for headbutting Luke Shaw, all Man Utd needed to do was see out the game and comfortably collect three points.

However, Lisandro Martinez was embarrassingly outmuscled by Dominic Solanke, while Senne Lammens also failed to read the striker's deft touch, allowing familiar problems to resurface.

The Red Devils are now winless in four league games and face a tricky trip to Elland Road to take on old rivals Leeds United, with daunting clashes against Atletico Madrid and Como in the Champions League either side of that fixture.

Tottenham Hotspur snatched a point in a 1-1 Premier League draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday evening.

Boos rang around Old Trafford after a miserable first half from the hosts, with Tottenham dictating the tempo and registering seven shots to Man Utd's measly one, but the Red Devils held on to reach half time with the score still goalless.

Man Utd gradually improved in the second half and eventually took the lead through Bryan Mbeumo, and the win looked almost certain as Tottenham were then reduced to 10 men after Rodrigo Bentancur's red card.

However, there was to be one last twist in the tale as Dominic Solanke scored a dramatic late equaliser, snatching a point for Spurs at the death.

SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT

Manchester United remain untidy and often uninspiring, and Michael Carrick's side were made to pay for their passiveness once again.

The Red Devils were second best throughout the entire first half before eventually showing some signs of life in the second period, and they appeared set for the win thanks to Mbeumo's goal and Bentancur's red card.

However, as Manchester United have shown time and again this season, there defensive vulnerabilities made them pay once again, with Solanke nodding home late on.

The pressure will now continue to rise on Carrick, and rightfully so after several miserable performances this season, with Man Utd recording their first start to a league season in 40 years.

Meanwhile, although Tottenham are still yet to win in the league, today's result will feel like a small victory.

Spurs looked set to leave without anything to show for being the better side for much of the encounter, but Solanke's header from nowhere snatched a point.

Regardless, the bigger picture is that Spurs are still winless after six matches, leaving them 18th in the table with just two points.

MANCHESTER UNITED VS. TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR HIGHLIGHTS

Bryan Mbeumo goal vs. Tottenham Hotspur (73rd min, Manchester United 1-0 Tottenham Hotspur)

Mbeumo gives Manchester United the lead!

Man Utd work the ball out wide to Matheus Cunha on the left, and the Brazilian does well to cut into the box and pass to Mbeumo.

Mbeumo snaps to his left foot and drives an effort across goal and into the bottom right corner - a superb finish to give the Red Devils the lead.

Bentancur is given his marching orders!

Bentancur leaps into a flying tackle on Shaw, and the defender does not take kindly, chasing the midfielder down.

Bentancur appears to push his head into Shaw as the scuffle ensues, and the Tottenham midfielder is subsequently given a straight red.

Dominic Solanke goal vs. Manchester United (92nd min, Manchester United 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur)

Solanke scores a late equaliser for Tottenham!

Lisandro Martinez and Solanke are grappling in the box as the ball is delivered into the Man Utd penalty area.

Solanke, on his way to the ground, manages to make contact with the ball and flicks into the back of the net.

MAN OF THE MATCH - MATHEUS CUNHA

© Iconsport / Steve Flynn/Every Second Media

Cunha was a rare shining light for Manchester United in a largely uninspiring performance, with the Brazilian repeatedly demanding the ball and looking to cause problems.

In fact, it was the attacker who did exactly that in the build up to Mbeumo's goal, receiving the ball on the left wing before getting into the box and setting up his striker.

Unfortunately for the Red Devils, it was once again too little, with Tottenham fighting back to snatch a point late on.

MANCHESTER UNITED VS. TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR MATCH STATS

Possession: Manchester United 50%-50% Tottenham Hotspur

Shots: Manchester United 12-12 Tottenham Hotspur

Shots on target: Manchester United 4-3 Tottenham Hotspur

Corners: Manchester United 4-4 Tottenham Hotspur

Fouls: Manchester United 13-16 Tottenham Hotspur

WHAT NEXT?

Manchester United will make their way to the Spanish capital on Tuesday, with the Red Devils scheduled to face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League league phase.

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur will have over a week to rest and prepare for their upcoming clash with Coventry City at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next Monday.

Tottenham Hotspur will reportedly travel to Spain for a training camp after the Premier League clash against Manchester United.

Spurs went into the international break as the Premier League's bottom side are mustering just two points from their first five matches.

Tottenham also drew a blank in their first four matches before they netted two late goals in a narrow defeat to Aston Villa before the international window.

Roberto De Zerbi's charges will attempt to claim their first win of the Premier League season when they take on Manchester United at Old Trafford later today.

© Iconsport / SUSA

Spurs set to travel to Spain for early training camp

According to BBC Sport, the Tottenham squad will then fly out to Spain to hold a training camp, no matter the result in the Saturday evening kickoff.

Spurs will spend time in Marbella before they return to England ahead of their home meeting with Coventry City on October 19.

The report notes that it is 'unusual' to hold a training camp at such an early stage of the season, noting that clubs tend to head to warm climates in the winter.

De Zerbi hopes that the trip to southern Spain will allow his squad to bond and ultimately spark an upturn in fortunes on the pitch.

© Imago / Mark Pain

Time will tell over training camp success

There will be many eyebrows raised about the timing of a warm-weather training camp, just days after many players returned from a long international break.

That said, De Zerbi needs to find a way for his squad to become a cohesive unit following a whole host of new additions in the summer.

Spurs recruited 10 players, including the big-money additions of Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, Savio and Jan Paul van Hecke.

The nine-day window between the games against Man United and Coventry will certainly offer De Zerbi the chance to get valuable training time with the group, although there will be an expectation for them to return from their trip with a strong performance against newly-promoted opposition.

Ultimately, De Zerbi's future at Spurs will depend on results in the coming weeks and months.

Today's Premier League predictions include a mouth-watering Old Trafford meeting between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, in addition to Arsenal's lunchtime kickoff against Leeds United.

Arsenal vs. Leeds (Sat, 12.30pm)

Separated by just three points and three positions in the early-season Premier League standings, Arsenal and Leeds United reconvene at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday lunchtime following the international break.

The reigning champions entered the hiatus shell-shocked owing to a 3-0 reverse to Brighton & Hove Albion, while the Whites still have zero losses on their top-flight record after five matches.

We say: Arsenal 2-1 Leeds United

Arsenal's defensive might was non-existent at the Amex, but the Gunners now tackle a Leeds side who have not even netted half of Brighton's league-leading 16 goals this season.

The first game back after the international break brings with it many uncertainties, but even with a host of fitness concerns, Arsenal's squad depth should come to the fore at home as the Gunners return to triumphant ways.

> Arsenal vs. Leeds preview

Chelsea vs. Bournemouth (Sat, 3pm)

Sitting 10th in the Premier League table, Chelsea welcome winless Bournemouth to Stamford Bridge for Saturday’s gameweek six encounter as they look to end a three-match top-flight run without success.

Xabi Alonso’s side needed the international break after their goal-laden start gave way to a series of defensive nightmares, but the Spanish manager will hope the pause can spark a much-needed upturn against the Cherries.

We say: Chelsea 2-2 Bournemouth

Chelsea’s attacking prowess should generate numerous openings, but their error-prone defence has shown little indication that it can be relied upon.

Bournemouth have drawn in their last two visits to Stamford Bridge and could once again frustrate the Blues in an entertaining draw.

> Chelsea vs. Bournemouth preview

Aston Villa vs. Brentford (Sat, 3pm)

Two teams at opposite ends of the Premier League table square off at Villa Park on Saturday afternoon as Aston Villa play host to Brentford.

Unai Emery’s men will be seeking revenge over the Bees after suffering a narrow 1-0 home defeat in their previous encounter with Keith Andrews’s side in February.

We say: Aston Villa 1-1 Brentford

Goals at both ends of the pitch could be on the cards this weekend, given that seven of Brentford’s last nine league matches have seen both teams find the back of the net, while Villa have only kept one clean sheet in seven games this season.

While the Bees have routinely found a way to edge tight contests with Villa over the last 12 months, we are backing the hosts to follow up their morale-boosting victory over Tottenham last time out by claiming at least a hard-earned point on home soil.

> Aston Villa vs. Brentford preview

Ipswich vs. Fulham (Sat, 3pm)

Alvaro Arbeloa will be looking to claim his first Premier League win at the sixth time of asking when he takes his Fulham side to Portman Road to face Ipswich Town on Saturday afternoon.

These two teams meet for the first time since January 2025 when Raul Jimenez scored a stoppage-time equaliser to rescue a 2-2 top-flight draw at Craven Cottage.

We say: Ipswich Town 2-2 Fulham

Ipswich and Fulham have routinely showcased plenty of attacking intent while remaining defensively vulnerable in the opening weeks of the campaign, conceding a combined 19 goals already after five matches.

Their last two top-flight battles ended all square, and given that there is currently little separate these two teams, we can see the spoils being shared once again in a high-scoring draw in Suffolk.

> Ipswich vs. Fulham preview

Sunderland vs. Brighton (Sat, 3pm)

Brighton & Hove Albion will be looking to build on their strong start to the new Premier League season when they travel to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland on Saturday afternoon.

The Seagulls picked up all three points in their most recent away match against the Black Cats in March, with a second-half strike from Yankuba Minteh sealing a slender 1-0 victory.

We say: Sunderland 1-2 Brighton & Hove Albion

Brighton have been finding the net for fun this term, and they will fancy their chances in front of goal against a Sunderland defence that shipped five goals against Man City last time out and has managed just one clean sheet in their last seven Premier League outings.

Although the Black Cats possess the tactical credentials to frustrate Hurzeler’s side, we are backing the free-scoring Seagulls to outscore their opponents and pick up maximum points once again.

> Sunderland vs. Brighton preview

Man United vs. Tottenham (Sat, 5.30pm)

Premier League basement club Tottenham Hotspur will endeavour to end their winless streak when they travel to Old Trafford to face another bottom-half club in Manchester United on Saturday evening.

These two teams butt heads eight months on from the Red Devils securing a 2-0 home win over Spurs, courtesy of goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes.

We say: Manchester United 3-1 Tottenham Hotspur

Man United will be desperate to strike first to exploit a devastating trend that has seen Tottenham fail to win any of their last 48 matches across all competitions when conceding the opening goal, with 37 of those games coming in the Premier League (D8 L29).

Both sides have looked compromised by defensive vulnerabilities and now have mounting injury concerns to deal with, but the Red Devils should ultimately possess the necessary firepower to outscore their visitors and return to winning ways on home soil, leaving De Zerbi’s men rock bottom.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly set to block any moves for Dominic Solanke during the January transfer window.

The 29-year-old joined Spurs in the summer of 2024 and scored 16 goals in 45 appearances during his first season at the club.

Solanke struggled with form and fitness last season, managing just 15 Premier League appearances and scoring three goals as Spurs narrowly avoided relegation.

This season, the former AFC Bournemouth striker has made two starts and three substitute appearances in the Premier League but is yet to find the net.

With Tottenham languishing at the bottom of the Premier League table, Solanke's potential January exit is likely to be blocked, as he remains a key part of Robert De Zerbi's plans.

Dominic Solanke future: Spurs to keep him?

© Imago

Tottenham have scored just two goals this season, and De Zerbi wants to sign a new forward during the January window, with Real Madrid attacker Endrick reportedly among their targets.

According to Football Insider, Spurs will not allow Solanke to leave and intend to reject any offers for him, despite his recent struggles in front of goal.

The report claims that Tottenham's lack of depth, exacerbated by Richarlison's situation, is the main reason behind their reluctance to sanction a departure.

The Brazilian is considering a move away from Spurs in January following a public falling-out with De Zerbi and has been completely left out of the Premier League squad.

Richarlison saga: Tottenham exit inevitable?

© Iconsport / PA Images / Icon Sport

During the summer transfer window, Richarlison's proposed move to Brazilian club Vasco da Gama collapsed due to structural disagreements.

Everton reportedly made an approach for their former player, while Turkish side Trabzonspor agreed personal terms with the forward, but neither club managed to reach an agreement with Tottenham.

Two Premier League teams desperate to turn their fortunes around after difficult starts to the campaign lock horns on Saturday evening, as Manchester United face Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.

While the Red Devils are down in 12th place in the table with only five points, Spurs sit rock bottom and are still searching for their first top-flight win heading into gameweek six.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up all the latest team news for the two clubs.

MANCHESTER UNITED vs. TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

MAN UTD

Out: Manuel Ugarte (knee), Matthijs de Ligt (back), Tom Heaton (thigh), Benjamin Sesko (shin), Patrick Dorgu (hamstring), Noussair Mazraoui (back)

Doubtful: Amad Diallo (ankle), Kobbie Mainoo (unspecified), Marcus Rashford (unspecified), Karl Darlow (unspecified)

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Mainoo, Tielemans; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Rashford; Cunha

SPURS

Out: Dejan Kulusevski (knee/fitness), Xavi Simons (knee), Wilson Odobert (knee), Mykhaylo Mudryk (ankle), Pedro Porro (thigh)

Doubtful: Jan Paul van Hecke (other)