Sports Mole

Preview: Tottenham Hotspur vs Brentford

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Preview: Tottenham Hotspur vs Brentford - prediction, team news, lineups - Sports Mole
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The script has already been written for Saturday's Premier League clash between Tottenham Hotspur and Brentford, in which the Bees could potentially hammer another nail into the coffin of former boss Thomas Frank.

The hosts are winless in five games following their 2-2 draw with Newcastle United in midweek, while Keith Andrews's men were slain 2-0 by Arsenal on Wednesday night.

Match preview

Heralded for his adaptable style of play as Brentford manager, taking the Bees to the cusp of European football and establishing the London club as a fully-fledged Premier League outfit, Frank's future with Spurs is already being called into question.

The Dane has overseen a miserable five-game winless run with the current Europa League champions, who are still lacking a clear identity under Frank, and there have been few signs of sustained progress from the Ange Postecoglou days.

However, a rare Cristian Romero bicycle kick may just be the catalyst for improved fortunes for Spurs, who snapped a three-game losing run across all competitions in Tuesday's chaotic four-goal stalemate with Newcastle.

But failure to collect maximum points means that Tottenham have now gone winless in five - both in all tournaments and exclusively in the Premier League - and they have slipped into the bottom half of the rankings as a result.

The hosts' horrendous home form - the second-worst in the league behind Wolverhampton Wanderers - has been a huge factor in their slide down the table, and Spurs could now suffer an 11th Premier League loss on their own turf in 2025, which would set a new unwanted club record.

Hoping to create unwanted history for their former manager, Brentford make an incredibly swift return to North London after an unsuccessful jaunt to the Emirates Stadium, where Andrews's defensive setup did not pay dividends.

Arsenal's heading hero Mikel Merino breached the Bees' five-man backline early doors, and even though the visitors demonstrated improved desire in the second 45, Bukayo Saka's injury-time strike - aided by Caoimhin Kelleher - got the Gunners over the line.

Yo-yoing between wins and losses across their last six Premier League matches, Brentford go into Saturday's London derby only behind Spurs on goal difference, as one of four teams on 19 points after 14 matches.

Rearguard vulnerabilities are often proving fatal for Andrews's side, who are now without a clean sheet in six straight Premier League matches, and the less said about the travellers' away form the better.

Indeed, Brentford have now suffered six defeats from seven top-flight away games this season, and they have been beaten in each of their last three meetings with Tottenham, most recently a 2-0 home reverse back in February.

Tottenham Hotspur Premier League form:

Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions):

Brentford Premier League form:

Brentford form (all competitions):

Team News

It is largely as you were in terms of injuries for Tottenham, who remain without Dominic Solanke (ankle), Dejan Kulusevski (knee), Yves Bissouma (ankle), Radu Dragusin (fitness) and James Maddison (ACL), but Kota Takai has taken part in behind-closed-doors friendlies and may come into contention soon.

Frank took the bold decision to rest Micky van de Ven against Newcastle - a decision that somewhat paid off thanks to Kevin Danso's dogged display - but the Dutchman should be restored alongside two-goal hero Romero.

With Slavia Prague (H) coming up in the Champions League, Frank may save his rotations for that European clash and prioritise continuity on Saturday after a morale-boosting away point.

As for Brentford, Arsenal loanee Reiss Nelson is eligible again after being unable to face his parent club, but Antoni Milambo, Josh Dasilva and Fabio Carvalho all remain on the sidelines with knee injuries.

Eleven-goal hotshot Thiago was given just 30 minutes off the bench against Arsenal after sustaining a knock in the recent win over Burnley, but the Brazilian will surely regain his rightful place in the visitors' XI here.

Andrews should sacrifice a defender - most likely Ethan Pinnock - to accommodate Thiago, while Nathan Collins, Mikkel Damsgaard and Jordan Henderson ought to return to the starting lineup too.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Sarr, Bentancur; Kudus, Bergvall, Johnson; Kolo Muani

Brentford possible starting lineup:

Kelleher; Kayode, Collins, Van den Berg, Lewis-Potter; Yarmoliuk, Henderson; Ouattara, Damsgaard, Schade; Thiago

We say: Tottenham Hotspur 2-2 Brentford

When Fulham - one of the division's worst away teams - visited Spurs, one of the division's worst home teams, the Cottagers defied their travails on their travels to come away with maximum points.

Tottenham's atrocious home form will always make it difficult to back the Lilywhites on their own turf, but Tuesday saw a handful of improved individual displays as well as a better collective effort.

Brentford had their moments at the Emirates, though, and with a more attack-heavy and familiar starting lineup, Frank's former club should deny him a much-needed win.

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Tottenham Hotspur vs Brentford: How to watch, date, time, live stream, TV channel for Premier League clash

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Tottenham Hotspur vs Brentford: How to watch, date, time, live stream, TV channel for Premier League clash - Sports Mole
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It promises to be a special day for Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank as he welcomes his former employers Brentford for a tasty Premier League clash this Saturday.

Both teams are locked on 19 points in the table, meaning we should be in for a tight encounter in the capital.

Here, Sports Mole provides all the details you need to know about how to watch this tasty Premier League contest.

What time does Tottenham vs. Brentford kick off?

Saturday's clash between Tottenham and Brentford will kick off at 3:00pm for viewers in the United Kingdom.

Where is Tottenham vs. Brentford being played?

The state-of-the-art Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will host Saturday's fixture.

Spurs have only picked up one win from their last six at home, while Brentford have only beaten Tottenham away from home once since 2021.

How to watch Tottenham vs. Brentford in the UK

TV channels

Due to the embargo on Saturday 3pm kickoffs in the United Kingdom, this Premier League match will not be broadcast live on television.

Streaming

Those same UK rules prevent media companies from streaming the match online.

Highlights

The good news for supporters is that highlights will be available on the Sky Sports App and the Sky Sports Premier League YouTube channel shortly after the final whistle.

Fans can also count on Match of the Day to provide highlights and analysis from 10:50pm on BBC One.

Who will win Tottenham vs. Brentford?

Tottenham ended their run of three straight defeats on Tuesday night, with Cristian Romero scoring a stoppage time equaliser against Newcastle United.

Despite earning the 2-2 draw, Spurs remain winless in five games - last tasting victory a month ago when they beat FC Copenhagen in the Champions League.

Frank really needs a positive result to take some of the pressure off, though getting the job done against his former employers will not be easy.

Brentford have surprised a lot of people this year with their ability to bounce back after losing a plethora of key names over the summer - that includes Frank.

While not having much coaching experience, Keith Andrews has excelled in the role, and has overseen a solid run of results in recent weeks, picking up five wins from eight games.

The Bees were beaten by Arsenal on Wednesday night, but the club will be looking to bounce back in style when they take on Tottenham.

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Tottenham transfer news: Spurs 'battle' two PL clubs to sign Igor Thiago in January

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Tottenham transfer news: Spurs 'battle' two PL clubs to sign Igor Thiago in January - Sports Mole
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Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly showing interest in signing Brentford striker Igor Thiago ahead of the January transfer window.

The 24-year-old forward joined the Bees in the January window of 2024, and failed to make an impact in the second half of last season.

The former Club Brugge striker has been in outstanding form this season, scoring 12 goals already in all competitions.

Spurs could be looking to bolster their forward department in the January window, with Thomas Frank's side in need of more quality in that area.

Three Premier League clubs eye move for Thiago?

According to a report from CaughtOffside, Spurs could likely face competition from Newcastle United and Aston Villa for Thiago, who is likely to leave Brentford in January.

The report claims that Brentford are not too optimistic about keeping him for long as they anticipate offers from top Premier League clubs.

Unai Emery is reportedly a big fan of the striker as he sees him as an ideal long-term replacement for Ollie Watkins.

Likewise, Newcastle could be in the market for another striker despite signing Nick Woltemade in the summer, and Thiago could be a fantastic option for them.

Spurs need more depth in forward areas

Tottenham have dropped to 11th in the Premier League table after a recent blip in form, and Frank could delve into the market to add more quality to the ranks.

It has been reported that Spurs are making plans to sign a winger and a centre-forward in the January transfer window.

Despite signing Xavi Simmons and Mohammed Kudus in the summer, Spurs have struggled to score enough this season.

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Tottenham Hotspur injury, suspension list vs. Brentford: Will Dominic Solanke miss out again for Spurs?

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Tottenham Hotspur injury, suspension list vs. Brentford: Will Dominic Solanke miss out again for Spurs? - Sports Mole
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Tottenham Hotspur will look to end their five-game winless run when they welcome Brentford to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the Premier League on Saturday.

Thomas Frank's side secured an encouraging point from their midweek trip to St James' Park, with Cristian Romero twice scoring - including a 95th-minute equaliser - to seal a 2-2 draw, though it does mean Spurs extended their winless run to five games.

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

Dominic Solanke

Status: Out

Type of injury: Ankle

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

Dominic Solanke managed to make just 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 they will not play Solanke too early and risk any further setbacks.

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 expected to spend the entirety of 2025-26 on the sidelines.

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 20 (vs. Liverpool)

Dejan Kulusevski has been out for over five months after picking up a serious patella injury last May, but the Swede is now nearing a return, with a potential return to action later this month.

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 is one of many to return to training in recent days and, as a result, Dragusin is supposedly nearing a return to the pitch.

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, but no return date has so far been set.

TOTTENHAM'S SUSPENSION LIST

Tottenham have no players banned for this Premier League contest.

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2 Tottenham Hotspur: Highlights, man of the match, stats as Cristian Romero hits bicycle kick in comeback

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Newcastle United 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur: Highlights, man of the match, stats as Cristian Romero hits bicycle kick in comeback - Sports Mole
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Tottenham Hotspur brought their losing streak to an end by earning a point in a 2-2 Premier League draw with Newcastle United at St James' Park on Tuesday.

The Magpies and the Lilywhites had managed to produce at least three goals in each of their previous nine top-flight encounters, but despite a number of chances, both sides drew a blank in the first half.

Eddie Howe's men in particular had the better of the opening 45, with Joelinton hitting the post before Nick Woltemade forced a goal-line clearance from Kevin Danso.

Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes was brought on at the interval for Sandro Tonali, and it was the Brazilian that eventually found the breakthrough with an excellent strike from the edge of the box.

Cristian Romero then responded with a fantastic header - his first league goal of the season - to level the score, and the game's late drama continued as Anthony Gordon stepped up to restore the hosts' lead from the penalty spot four minutes from time.

However, there was to be one more twist in the tale as Romero's ambitious bicycle kick bounced past the onlooking Magpies defence to snatch a point for Thomas Frank's side in stoppage time.

SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT

Howe mentioned in his press conference that Newcastle needed to find consistency after alternating between defeat and victory since the start of November, but giving away the lead twice surely does not represent a step forward in that regard.

Problematically, this match also marked the fifth occasion in 2025-26 on which the Magpies have conceded in stoppage time to drop points.

However, while the manager will be disappointed to see his side throw away a win, by following up their 2-1 victory over Manchester City and 4-1 thrashing of Everton with a draw, they are now undefeated in three league games.

As for Spurs, they came into this clash on the back of three consecutive losses, and Frank will be delighted with the character his team showed to snatch a point late on.

Notably, the Lilywhites are unbeaten outside of London in the Premier League this season, earning 11 points from a possible 15 so far.

That being said, Tottenham have failed to win any of their last five matches across all competitions, and Frank remains under pressure given the visitors' decline in form since their strong start to the campaign.

Both clubs kicked off on Tuesday night level on 18 points, and after sharing the spoils, Newcastle sit 13th with Spurs in 11th.

NEWCASTLE UNITED VS. TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR HIGHLIGHTS

After drifting past Romero and Pedro Porro, Harvey Barnes sees a shot saved by Guglielmo Vicario, and when Woltemade heads the rebound goalwards, Danso is on the line to head away.

Jacob Murphy's follow-up effort is then collected by the goalkeeper.

Gordon drives up the left flank at pace and crosses to Woltemade, who lays the ball off to Guimaraes.

The captain then bends a brilliant first-time strike into the bottom-right corner from the edge of the box that gives Vicario no chance.

Cristian Romero goal vs. Newcastle United (78th min, Newcastle United 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur)

Porro works the ball out to the right flank for Mohammed Kudus, who squares up Lewis Hall before curling a precise cross towards Romero, who dives to head into the bottom-right corner from six yards out.

After a VAR review sends the referee to check the monitor, Newcastle are awarded a penalty as Rodrigo Bentancur is judged to have brought down Burn in the box.

Gordon steps up and fires confidently into the right-hand side of the net, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.

Cristian Romero goal vs. Newcastle United (90+5 mins, Newcastle United 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur)

Mathys Tel swings a corner into the Newcastle box, and after Aaron Ramsdale's punch is launched into the sky, Romero lines up a bicycle kick that bounces slowly through the crowded box and into the bottom-left corner!

MAN OF THE MATCH - CRISTIAN ROMERO

While the likes of Newcastle's Lewis Miley were impressive on Tuesday night, it is hard to overlook the fact that Romero single-handedly rescued the result for Spurs.

The captain scored two spectacular goals - the first a powerful diving header, and the second a stoppage-time bicycle kick.

NEWCASTLE UNITED VS. TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR MATCH STATS

Possession: Newcastle 53%-47% Tottenham

Shots: Newcastle 19-8 Tottenham

Shots on target: Newcastle 7-2 Tottenham

Corners: Newcastle 11-8 Tottenham

Fouls: Newcastle 5-12 Tottenham

BEST STATS

WHAT NEXT?

Newcastle will welcome Burnley to St James' Park for another Premier League clash on Saturday, while Spurs will be hoping to get back to winning ways when they host Brentford at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on the same day.

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Thomas Frank: Tottenham head coach makes owners admission amid uncertainty over future

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Thomas Frank: Tottenham head coach makes owners admission amid uncertainty over future - Sports Mole
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Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Frank has insisted that he is "very confident" he has the backing of the club's owners despite enduring a poor run of form.

The 52-year-old, who replaced Ange Postecoglou in the summer, has seen his Spurs side lose each of their last three games - conceding 11 goals - and win just one of their last seven in all competitions (D1 L5).

Tottenham have particularly struggled on home soil, with only Premier League basement club Wolves (one) accumulating fewer points in front of their own fans than Frank’s men (five - W1 D2 L4) at this stage of the season.

An opening-weekend win over newly-promoted Burnley represents the only home league win for a Spurs side currently sitting 12th in the top-flight standings with 18 points from 13 games, six points behind the top four.

Frank has recently come under some criticism from Tottenham supporters, but the Dane believes that he will be given time to turn the club’s fortunes around.

Frank: “Every successful club has taken time"

Speaking at a press conference ahead of Spurs’ trip to Newcastle United on Tuesday, Frank said: "Yeah, I'm very confident. It seems like they're good guys, intelligent people, know how to run businesses and learning about football.

"I think when we're dealing with intelligent people, they can see every successful dynasty and every successful club has taken time."

Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario was the subject of boos from supporters at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after his mistake led to Fulham's second goal in last weekend’s 2-1 defeat - Spurs' 10th home league loss of 2025.

After the match, Frank said that those who booed Vicario "can't be true Tottenham fans" and labelled their actions "completely unacceptable".

The former Brentford boss understands the disappointment of fans during this challenging period and has encouraged everyone at the club, including the fans, to stick together as they “need each other”.

"As I said after the game, I completely understand the frustration," he added. "If you don't win, there will always be a frustration. That is normal.

Frank calls for support after insisting Spurs are “nothing without the fans”

"Especially as we haven't won as much as we would have wanted to at home, not only this year but the last long period, so the frustration grows a little bit more.

"We are nothing without the fans. No club is anything without the fans. Tottenham is nothing without our fantastic fans, nothing. We need each other.

"My point is that during matches is where we need each other - where I want to create a fortress.

"If you want to create a fortress, it can only be together - fans, team, me. My job is to make sure we do everything we can to perform - but can we do that together? That is where you create a difficult place to play."

Tottenham are now preparing for their second encounter against Newcastle this season having already suffered a 2-0 away defeat against the Magpies in the EFL Cup fourth round in October.

Spurs, who sit level on points with Newcastle in the Premier League, could slip to as low as 15th in the table if they lose on Tuesday and other results go against them, before facing Frank’s former side Brentford at home on Saturday.

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Newcastle vs. Spurs: Visitors looking to end 17

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Newcastle vs. Spurs: Visitors looking to end 17-year streak amid Thomas Frank pressure - Sports Mole
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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.

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Newcastle injury news: Yoane Wissa, Sven Botman, Nick Pope updates from Eddie Howe before Tottenham clash

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Newcastle injury news: Yoane Wissa, Sven Botman, Nick Pope updates from Eddie Howe before Tottenham clash - Sports Mole
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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."

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Tottenham transfer news: Spurs 'sense opportunity' to beat Man Utd to £87.9m Premier League midfielder

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Tottenham transfer news: Spurs 'sense opportunity' to beat Man Utd to £87.9m Premier League midfielder - Sports Mole
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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.

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Tottenham Hotspur injury, suspension list vs. Newcastle United: Will Dominic Solanke be available for Thomas Frank?

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Tottenham Hotspur injury, suspension list vs. Newcastle United: Will Dominic Solanke be available for Thomas Frank? - Sports Mole
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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.

Source