Sports Mole

Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to end a 17-year streak when they face Newcastle United on Tuesday night.

The North Londoners make the long trip to St James' Park with Thomas Frank under increasing pressure to keep his job at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Saturday's 2-1 home defeat to Fulham made it five losses from just seven matches in all competitions, the solitary win during that period coming at home to Copenhagen in the Champions League.

Although Frank remains in the infancy of his reign, there is frustration over Spurs' inability to compete against the bigger teams and poor defending.

Ahead of the meeting with the Magpies, Frank and his players are at risk of extending a club streak that is already at its worst for 17 years.

Spurs at risk of extending Newcastle streak

These two teams have already met this season with Newcastle prevailing in an EFL Cup tie at St James' Park.

Eddie Howe's side have now won four times in a row against Spurs, the other three games occurring in the Premier League.

Not since between 2006 and 2008 have Spurs lost more times in succession against Newcastle.

Furthermore, Newcastle are winning by an aggregate scoreline of 12-2 from the last three top-flight encounters on Tyneside.

Contrasting form in midweek

Meanwhile, Spurs possess an abysmal recent record when it comes to Premier League games played on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.

As well as winning just once in 13 such games, they have lost the last seven fixtures and only scored once.

In sharp contrast, Newcastle are unbeaten in 10 matches played on those days with a kickoff time of 7pm or later.

Howe also has a formidable record in head-to-heads with Frank, prevailing six times and recording one draw in eight matches when the Dane was head coach of Brentford.

Eddie Howe has provided a positive update on the fitness of striker Yoane Wissa ahead of Newcastle’s Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur at St James’ Park on Wednesday.

The 29-year-old is still waiting to make his Magpies debut following his £55m summer arrival from Brentford after a troublesome spell in the treatment room.

Wissa has required patience during his recovery from a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury in his knee sustained on international duty with DR Congo in September.

Prior to Newcastle’s 4-1 victory at Everton on Saturday, Howe revealed that Wissa is “doing well” and took part in training for the first time last Wednesday.

The Magpies boss has since confirmed that Wissa played in a training match over the weekend and is edging closer to making his much-anticipated debut for the club, but he will not be involved on Wednesday.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Howe said: "Yoane participated in an 11v11 training game while we were at Everton. He'll have another one at some stage this week and we'll see how close he is.”

Howe issues fresh Botman, Pope injury update

Wissa is one of four Newcastle players set to miss the encounter with Spurs along with Will Osula (ankle), Kieran Trippier (hamstring) and Sven Botman (back).

Providing a fresh update on Botman, who missed the win at Everton, Howe said: "With Sven, he's going to see a specialist in the next couple of days to get a definitive opinion on whether he needs an injection or whether he's able to rest for a few days and resume training.”

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Nick Pope was also absent against the Toffees due to a groin problem and a late call is set to be made on is availability for Wednesday.

"No further update from Saturday,” said Howe. “[Pope] is one of a number of players we'll analyse early this week and try to get a proper diagnosis."

Should Pope fail a late fitness test, Aaron Ramsdale is expected to retain his place between the sticks after starting his first Premier League game for Newcastle since joining on loan from Southampton in the summer.

"I'm sure he felt good returning back to Newcastle, as we all did, after the game,” Howe said on Ramsdale who made his 250th career appearances on Saturday. “He can be very pleased, it's a really good start for him and I'm sure he's in a really good place."

Consistency “vitally important” for Newcastle, says Howe

Howe is now hoping to see his Newcastle side build consistency following a patchy run of form, alternating between victory and defeat across their last seven matches in all competitions.

"It's vitally important we find the consistency we're searching for,” he said. “It seems like we're going between Champions League and Premier League and not quite finding that sweet spot we've been searching for all season.

“Hopefully this is the turning point for us. Every opponent we face in the Premier League is so difficult and now we face Tottenham who are a very good team with their own strengths. We'll put our plan in place to try and find a way to win."

Tottenham Hotspur have supposedly sensed an opportunity to rival Manchester United for one of their chief midfield targets in the summer of 2026.

The Lilywhites are expected to complete the permanent signing of Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich at the end of the current campaign, while Rodrigo Bentancur recently signed a new long-term contract with the Europa League winners.

Pape Sarr, Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall also offer Thomas Frank competent alternatives in the engine room, and the latter was recently hailed as a 'fearless' player by a 23-goal Spurs midfielder speaking to Sports Mole.

However, Yves Bissouma - who is yet to make an appearance in the 2025-26 season due to a combination of injuries and disciplinary issues - is about to enter the last six months of his contract and is looking likely to leave on a free transfer.

The Lilywhites are therefore thought to be scoping out options to improve their engine room, and according to CaughtOffside, they have been alerted to a potential deal for Brighton & Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba.

Tottenham to rival Man United for Carlos Baleba transfer?

The former Lille man was a prime target for Man United during the summer transfer window, but the Red Devils could not meet Brighton's nine-figure asking price, and Baleba remained at the Amex Stadium.

The 21-year-old has struggled to hit his previous heights in the wake of the intense speculation, though, failing to register a goal or assist in 16 appearances across all competitions during the 2025-26 campaign.

Baleba was only a late substitute in Sunday's 2-0 Premier League victory over Nottingham Forest, and as his contract expires in the summer of 2028, next summer may be Brighton's best chance to recoup a sizeable fee if he does not renew.

Spurs have reportedly 'sensed' an opening to rival Man United for the 2004-born lynchpin, although Brighton are expected to hold firm on their €100m (£87.9m) for as long as they justifiably can.

Tottenham may therefore need to make Baleba their most expensive signing of all time if they are to prise him away from the Amex Stadium, a record currently held by Dominic Solanke's £65m arrival from Bournemouth in 2024.

Brighton paid Lille just £23.7m for Baleba in 2023, and the Cameroon international has since registered four goals and two assists in 93 matches for the Seagulls, netting three Premier League goals last season.

Why have Spurs 'sensed an opportunity' to sign Carlos Baleba?

Spurs must still be wary of Man Utd interest in Baleba, but the Lilywhites apparently believe that the Brighton man could be an attainable target due to the Red Devils' pursuits of other midfield options.

Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, Sporting Lisbon's Morten Hjulmand and Atalanta BC's Ederson are also high on Man United's shortlist, and the Red Devils are also said to be serious about signing a highly-rated Real Madrid man.

As a result, if Ruben Amorim's side prioritise deals for any of their other targets over Baleba, Spurs are currently best-positioned to move for the 21-year-old.

However, the 12th-placed Lilywhites are currently three points below seventh-placed Manchester United in the race for Europe, and a lack of continental football next season could influence Baleba's decision.

Tottenham Hotspur must bounce back from their poor form, but they face a difficult test against Newcastle United at St James' Park on Tuesday in their 14th Premier League game of the season.

Thomas Frank's side suffered a 2-1 defeat against Fulham on Saturday, and they are 12th in the table with 18 points, level with 13th-placed Newcastle.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up all of Tottenham's injury and suspension issues ahead of the game against the Magpies.

Dominic Solanke

Status: Out

Type of injury: Ankle

Possible return date: Unknown

Dominic Solanke managed to make two Premier League appearances this season before picking up an ankle injury in late August.

The striker, who is yet to start a competitive game under the new Spurs manager, underwent minor surgery in order to deal with his ongoing injury issue, but Frank has insisted that he will not risk the forward's health despite the Englishman nearing a return.

James Maddison

Status: Out

Type of injury: ACL

Possible return date: Next season

James Maddison picked up a cruel ACL injury during pre-season, and he is likely to miss the entirety of 2025-26.

When asked whether there was any chance the 28-year-old could return this term, manager Thomas Frank told reporters: "I think we need to get past Christmas to see how quick he is going. Normally, you would say nine months, as I understand it, without me being a doctor. So, let’s see.”

Dejan Kulusevski

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: December 14 (vs. Nottingham Forest)

Dejan Kulusevski has been out for over five months after picking up a serious patella injury last May.

The Swede is now in the process of regaining his fitness, but his return to the pitch in some capacity may not be far off.

Radu Dragusin

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: December 14 (vs. Nottingham Forest)

Radu Dragusin has been out of action since January when he picked up a nasty ACL injury during a Europa League fixture.

The Romanian defender has returned to full team training in recent days and is reportedly progressing well as he continues to work on his match fitness.

Yves Bissouma

Status: Out

Type of injury: Ankle

Possible return date: Unknown

Yves Bissouma picked up a nasty injury during the international break in October, with the player being stretchered off during Mali's World Cup qualifier against Madagascar.

The player has since undergone surgery to overcome his ligament injury, but his exact return date is still a mystery, with Frank only saying the midfielder would miss "weeks".

Kota Takai

Status: Out

Type of injury: Thigh

Possible return date: December 6 (vs. Brentford)

Kota Takai is yet to make an appearance for the Tottenham since he signed for the Premier League outfit from Kawasaki Frontale.

Plagued by a thigh injury since the summer, the 21-year-old took part in training two thirds of the way through November, so his return to action cannot be far off.

TOTTENHAM'S SUSPENSION LIST

Tottenham have no players banned for this Premier League contest.

Tottenham Hotspur could reportedly receive offers from two countries for forward Richarlison.

The Brazilian striker has started eight of his 13 Premier League appearances this season, scoring five goals and providing two assists.

However, Richarlison's starting opportunities have largely come as a result of Dominic Solanke's injury absence.

Tottenham appear keen to recruit a striker in the January transfer window, and the arrival of a new forward will inevitably knock Richarlison down the pecking order.

Richarlison could receive offers from two countries

As a result, Spurs could look to offload Richarlison in the upcoming transfer windows, especially as he has less than two years remaining on his contract.

According to Football Insider, Tottenham are 'hoping' to receive offers for the attacker from two countries in 2026.

The report claims that Richarlison could generate offers from Brazil, while there is also thought to be interest from the Saudi Pro League.

Spurs are expected to make a decision in the near future as to whether to sell Richarlison or offer him a new deal.

Should Spurs keep or sell Richarlison?

The former Everton man has demonstrated this season that he can make meaningful contributions to Tottenham's attacking efforts.

Spurs may want to sign someone who is more prolific in front of goal, but Richarlison can still be a useful player off the bench if a new forward comes in to start.

With that in mind, Thomas Frank's side could look to keep the Brazil international until at least the end of the season.

However, from the player's perspective, he will be reluctant to settle for a squad role in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank has slammed Spurs fans who booed during Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Fulham.

Spurs made a disastrous start to proceedings in the home clash, conceding two goals in the opening six minutes of Saturday's contest.

Kenny Tete opened the scoring before Harry Wilson doubled the advantage following a mistake from goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.

The shot-stopper raced out to latch onto a loose ball, taking it to the left side of the box before clearing the ball straight to Josh King, who laid it off for Wilson to whip into the empty net.

Mohammed Kudus pulled a goal back just before the hour mark, but Spurs were unable to find an equaliser as they fell to a narrow defeat.

Frank hits out at booing Spurs fans

Some Spurs fans booed when the ball went to Vicario after the Wilson goal, before the hosts were also booed off at half time at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Frank was left disappointed by the reaction, insisting those who booed during the game "can't be true Tottenham fans".

"I heard some of our fans apparently booed the incident and booed after, which, in my opinion, is completely unacceptable," Frank told BBC Sport.

"[They] can't be true Tottenham fans that do that. Fair enough booing after the game, no problem, but when we are playing, we are supporting each other, we are behind each other going forward."

What did Vicario say after the match?

Vicario explained after the match that he cannot influence how supporters react to in-game situations.

"Look it’s part of football," Vicario told Sky Sports. "It’s part of football, so I am a big man, I am quite older.

"We cannot be influenced for which is the situation in the stands. The fans have the right to do what they think and probably it is on us to stay more calm and focus more on ourselves because we know which is our game plan and which is our strengths.

"We are lacking a little bit composure to oveturn the result. Today it is a bad defeat and tough to accept."

Vicario will have to quickly put his error behind him as Tottenham turn their focus to Tuesday's Premier League away clash against Newcastle United.

Spurs will be desperate to return to winning ways after failing to win any of their last four competitive matches.

Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Cristian Romero will return from suspension when the Lilywhites meet Newcastle United at St James' Park in Tuesday's Premier League battle.

The Argentina international served a yellow-card ban during Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Fulham; without him, Spurs conceded two goals in a Premier League home game quicker than ever before.

A refreshed Romero can be pencilled in over Kevin Danso in the visitors' backline, where Destiny Udogie could also drop out for Djed Spence after another underwhelming display at left-back.

Pedro Porro hardly covered himself in glory at the weekend either - and Guglielmo Vicario certainly did not - but neither man should be at risk of the chop at St James' Park.

The same does not go for Joao Palhinha and Archie Gray in midfield, though - both men lasted just an hour against Fulham and may see their places taken by Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Sarr.

However, Lucas Bergvall warrants another starting role after a fine assist for Mohammed Kudus in the recent London derby loss, and the Ghana international's spot on the right is also safe too.

Kudus and Bergvall should continue feeding Randal Kolo Muani in the final third, but after a failed Richarlison experiment on the left wing on Saturday, Xavi Simons ought to be eyeing a return to the visitors' first XI.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Bentancur, Sarr; Kudus, Bergvall, Simons; Kolo Muani

Separated only by goal difference in the middle of the Premier League rankings, inconsistent Newcastle United and declining Tottenham Hotspur tussle in Tuesday's midweek clash at St James' Park.

Eddie Howe's men roared to a 4-1 trouncing of Everton over the weekend, while their visitors' spate of home horror shows continued in a 2-1 loss to Fulham.

Match preview

The seventh time was the charm for Newcastle away from home, as Howe had presided over six winless matches on the road since the 2025-26 Premier League season began, but the Magpies belatedly broke their away duck at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Malick Thiaw's first-minute header set the tone for the remainder of the match, in which the defender completed an unlikely brace after earlier efforts from Lewis Miley and Nick Woltemade, who killed the game off as a contest before the break.

A Merseyside mauling was the perfect tonic to Tuesday's agonising Champions League loss to Marseille for the Magpies, who are now within touching distance of the top half of the Premier League table after their second consecutive win in the division.

Newcastle's recent feats over a sorry Spurs side have been well-documented, but the Magpies faithful have another reason to be overwhelmingly confident of their side's chances of victory on Tuesday; their six-game winning run at St James' Park.

The hosts have also netted at least two goals in all of those victories on their own turf - where Arsenal were the last side to best them in late September - and what is more, they are unbeaten in 10 straight midweek Premier League games at St James' Park.

While Newcastle benefitted from a quickfire goal on Saturday evening, Tottenham were on the wrong end of such history against Fulham, conceding twice in a Premier League home game in record time.

Kenny Tete's deflected striker and Harry Wilson's stunning curler - after Guglielmo Vicario had gone walkabouts - put the Cottagers 2-0 up inside just six minutes, and a ferocious Mohammed Kudus volley in the second half was a mere consolation.

After a third straight loss in all tournaments and a third from four Premier League matches, the atmosphere around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium grows increasingly toxic, with boos directed at Vicario throughout the remainder of the match before a cacophony of jeers towards the entire team at full-time.

Tottenham's lowly loss on Saturday also marked their 10th Premier League home defeat of 2025 - matching an unwanted record from 1994 and 2003 - so an away day should theoretically provide comfort given that they have claimed 13 points from 18 on offer on the road.

However, the reigning Europa League champions have lost six of their last seven games against Newcastle - including each of their last four - and not since October 2021 have they avoided defeat at one of their least favourite haunts, St James' Park.

Newcastle United Premier League form:

Newcastle United form (all competitions):

Tottenham Hotspur Premier League form:

Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions):

Team News

Nick Pope's omission from the Newcastle squad against Everton was the big talking point after the Englishman's Marseille howlers, and the goalkeeper's groin problem is unlikely to settle down in time for the visit of Tottenham either.

Pope joins ex-Spurs full-back Kieran Trippier (hamstring), Yoane Wissa (knee), Harrison Ashby (thigh) and Will Osula (ankle) on the hosts' injury list, while Sven Botman has been managing a back problem and will need a late fitness test.

After both scoring and assisting on a rare Premier League start, 19-year-old Miley has surely done enough to hold his spot in the first XI in midweek, but Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon should be primed for returns over Anthony Elanga and Harvey Barnes.

Good news is in short supply for Tottenham right now, but the visitors will at least have defensive rock Cristian Romero back from a yellow-card suspension this week; the Argentine should immediately replace Kevin Danso in the backline.

Romero's return means that Spurs will head north with a six-strong injury list in James Maddison (ACL), Radu Dragusin (fitness), Kota Takai (thigh), Yves Bissouma (ankle), Dejan Kulusevski (knee) and Dominic Solanke (ankle), but changes should undoubtedly still be in order.

Despite boasting six goal involvements in 10 Premier League games against Newcastle, Richarlison is certainly at risk of the axe, as are all of Archie Gray, Joao Palhinha and Destiny Udogie.

Newcastle United possible starting lineup:

Ramsdale; Livramento, Thiaw, Schar, Burn; Miley, Tonali, Guimaraes; Murphy, Woltemade, Gordon

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Bentancur, Sarr; Kudus, Bergvall, Simons; Kolo Muani

We say: Newcastle United 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur

Head-to-head history is not always the best indicator of future results, but St James' Park has been a cursed ground for Spurs down the years, and it was only a few weeks ago that Howe's side eased to a 2-0 EFL Cup win in this fixture.

The same outcome is entirely plausible this week, as Newcastle's stellar home form will surely trump Spurs' pleasing away record while the Lilywhites struggle to create chances and avoid defensive catastrophes.

Thomas Frank suffered another setback at Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, as last season’s Europa League winners were beaten 2-1 by Fulham in the Premier League.

The gameweek 13 defeat marked the club’s third league loss in their last four outings, with the two most recent losses coming against London rivals.

A miserable 4-1 defeat by Arsenal in the North London derby was followed by an encouraging performance in Paris — albeit ending in a 5-3 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League — but conceding two goals in the opening six minutes to Fulham set an unwanted home record for the Lilywhites.

Goals from Kenny Tete and Harry Wilson in the fourth and sixth minutes marked the quickest occasion in the Premier League era that the London club have conceded, and both left them with an uphill struggle for the remainder of the match.

Despite Mohammed Kudus halving the deficit before the hour, the hosts could not prevent another Premier League defeat in front of their supporters in 2025, leaving the club 10th in the table after Saturday’s fixtures.

Spurs equal unwanted Premier League record with Fulham loss

© Imago / Pro Sports Images

Apart from the aforementioned early concessions against the Cottagers, Frank’s side have lost yet another match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Dane’s team have fared better on their travels in the 2025-26 season, earning 13 of their 18 points away from home, with the painful defeat to Arsenal their only loss on the road.

Frank’s side have not secured maximum points as hosts since the opening matchday of the season, when they defeated Burnley 3-0, underscoring their struggles since.

With four defeats since the mid-August victory over the Clarets, the North London side have now lost a total of ten league matches in front of their supporters in 2025.

According to Opta, the unwanted record matches those set in 1994 and 2003, when the club suffered as many defeats in a calendar year at White Hart Lane.

Frank’s defeats have come against Bournemouth (0-1), Aston Villa (2-1), Chelsea (1-0) and Fulham (2-1), all by a single goal, but enough to inherit Ange Postecoglou’s woes from the start of the year.

The departed Australian manager lost to Newcastle United, Leicester City, Manchester City, Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace and Brighton & Hove Albion; these combined losses mean the club have suffered double-digit league defeats in a calendar year for the first time since moving to their new ground in April 2019.

Is Frank under pressure at Spurs?

© Imago / ZUMA Press Wire

While there are no confirmed reports on the Danish manager’s future, a fifth defeat in 13 league matches would not please the club’s decision-makers.

With two more home games remaining before 2025 ends — against Brentford and Liverpool — the North London club may set a new record for home defeats in 2025, surpassing those of 1994 and 2003.

Reports have suggested that Spurs are already considering potential replacements for Frank, with Xavi’s name emerging as a candidate should the erstwhile Brentford boss be dismissed.

December is thought to be a pivotal month, and further setbacks could force the board to make a managerial change.

Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are reportedly considering the futures of Thomas Frank and Ruben Amorim.

Frank took charge of Spurs in the summer, replacing Ange Postecoglou, but the former Brentford head coach’s first few months in North London have been mixed to disappointing.

The Dane has won just five of his 13 Premier League games in charge of last season’s Europa League winners – and eight from 21 across all competitions – leaving them 10th in the table after a disappointing 2-1 loss to Fulham on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Red Devils’ growth, or otherwise, under Amorim remains arguable, with performances and results still fluctuating.

United were brought back to earth in Monday’s 1-0 loss to 10-man Everton after a period of seeming improvement, during which the Manchester giants accumulated 11 points from a possible 15.

Now, a name has emerged as a potential replacement for both managers, whose futures are uncertain.

Pivotal month for Frank and Amorim as reported managerial candidate emerges

According to Fichajes, former Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez is being considered to take the reins at both clubs, with December said to be a pivotal month.

The report suggests that the Spurs hierarchy have so far been unimpressed by the progress made under Frank and may look to make a change if results do not turn around in December.

Amorim reportedly faces a similar situation at Old Trafford, albeit after a year in charge, as the team’s lack of consistency remains a source of frustration to supporters.

The Portuguese manager has as many losses as wins in at United – 22 each – while drawing 11 after 55 matches in all competitions at the helm of the 13-time Premier League champions.

Xavi to United or Spurs: Ex-Barca boss could make one demand

While the above source then states that no direct contact has been made with the former Barcelona head coach, those rumours could intensify if results worsen in North London and Manchester.

Xavi has been out of work since departing the Blaugrana in June 2024 after 143 competitive matches in charge of the Spanish giants.

The 45-year-old manager is said to be keen to return to coaching, even if he would only consider a fitting position where he is given carte blanche to implement his style and secure key transfer targets.

It remains to be seen if either United or Spurs grant that rumoured desire; however, the above source indicates that the manager’s demands would be listened to.