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Tottenham Hotspur just finished what could only be described as one of the more nerve-racking seasons they’ve had in recent history, finishing two points above the relegation zone, going through three managers across one season, and having to watch their arch rivals nearly do the double. Things weren’t going well for the Lilywhites.

One of their bigger struggles had been their work, or lack thereof, on the defensive end of the pitch, allowing the fourth-most goals last season, only being beaten out by the three relegated teams, West Ham United, Burnley, and Wolves.

But it appears that the Spurs board are looking to work on bolstering their back line, as they’ve made progress on acquiring Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson in the last few weeks, but they’ve been tied to another name: Sergi Dominguez.

The Spaniard’s two admirers

As reported by Italian journalist Afredo Pedulla, Tottenham are potentially about to hijack a deal between Italian side Lazio and Dinamo Zagreb for the Spaniard’s signature.

“In recent days there has been talk of Sergi Dominguez, a central defender born in 2005 and owned by Dinamo Zagreb, with him being linked above all with Lazio…” Pedulla writes. “Spurs have set their sights on Dominguez, who grew up at Barcelona, ​​great speed despite his imposing physique and good at building up the defence.”

Dominguez just wrapped up his first season in the Croatian top flight, being the defensive anchor of the league-winning side, recording 47 interceptions and winning out on 43 tackles. It’s worth noting that the 21-year-old was also a bit of a threat on the forward part of the pitch, wrapping the campaign up with six goal involvements.

While the initial asking price was in the lower regions of 4-5 million, according to Pedulla, that number is expected to rise.

“There has been talk of 4-5 million offered by Lazio, in reality we are at least three times higher, then it will depend on any bonuses or the percentage on a possible future resale,” stated Pedulla.

The potential bidding war between the English and Italian clubs will certainly be a storyline to watch for in the coming months.

MORE TRANSFER NEWS

Igor Tudor, known as a "recovery specialist" head coach, was meant to rescue Tottenham Hotspur from the depths of despair, but it appears he has only sunk Spurs deeper into the nightmare.

After the departure of Thomas Frank in mid-February, Tudor was appointed through the end of the season with a simple remit: stop Spurs from sinking into a true relegation battle and maintain their strong European play.

Instead, they have been sucked towards the vortex at the bottom of the Premier League table under his watch, and they are now in a truly dire situation in the Champions League, having succumbed to a shambolic 5-2 defeat in the first leg of their Round of 16 matchup against Atletico Madrid.

With Tudor's position suddenly in peril not even a month into the job, The Sporting News takes a look at who could take over with the aim of keeping Spurs afloat on multiple fronts to avoid the unfathomable worst-case scenario.

MORE: A full overview of Tottenham's lengthy injury list that has hampered their 2025/26 season

Next Tottenham manager: Who could take over for Igor Tudor?

With Spurs hoping to play their part in the managerial sweepstakes expected to take place in the coming summer following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Premier League giants are likely looking for another temporary solution so they can look for a more permanent boss once the season wraps up.

Here are five possible solutions to fill the Spurs manager position should Tudor find himself cast adrift.

Ryan Mason

Having served twice previously as Tottenham interim manager, former Spurs midfielder Ryan Mason would be a popular and reasonable choice to herald the club through one of its most difficult periods in modern history.

He took over the club temporarily in both 2021 and 2023, having never managed at senior level before. He was appointed to lead West Brom over the summer but was sacked after seven months in charge with the club sitting 18th in the Championship table.

Given his recent failure with the Baggies, it might be hard to sell Mason as the club's savior, but he's a knowledgeable and recognisable option.

Robbie Keane

Spurs legend Robbie Keane has looked to build a managerial career over the last decade, starting as an assistant coach for the Republic of Ireland national team before stops at Middlesbrough and Leeds United.

Keane finally got his first senior managerial opportunity in 2023 with Maccabi Tel Aviv, but that was cut short for safety reasons after one season. After a year without a job, he signed on with Hungarian club Ferencvaros last summer and saw his contract renewed in December after a successful first season in charge.

It would be a lot to ask Keane to leave a current role to take over Spurs in crisis, but the pull of his former club in true crisis might be too difficult for him to resist.

Roberto De Zerbi

If Tottenham wish to make their move now for a permanent boss, or give someone a true audition for the role, they could pounce for Roberto De Zerbi now.

The Italian is considered a contender for the permanent job but is available now after being sacked around the same time as Frank last month following Marseille's heavy Classique defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

MORE: A breakdown of Roberto De Zerbi's unique tactics as he eyes Spurs managerial role

Appointing De Zerbi now would give the club a top manager on the open market while allowing him to win the permanent role, but after the way his time in France ended, there will be questions about his viability for the job.

Harry Redknapp

Now 79, Harry Redknapp has not managed a club since his short stint at Birmingham City in 2017 and has not been in a Premier League role since departing QPR over a decade ago.

So, would he really be the man to save Tottenham? Having managed the club for four years once upon a time, it's not out of the question they could turn to a familiar face.

He has remained around football as a regular pundit on multiple outlets, but would that leave him with the skills to make a shock return to management in a game that is almost unrecognisable from when he retired?

Mauricio Pochettino

While former Tottenham and current USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino is considered a leading candidate for the managerial role this summer — if they stay up, that is — there's almost no chance the move happens now.

Not only is Pochettino under contract with the United States — a deal that reportedly comes with a ridiculously high buyout for an early exit — he is said to be wanted by multiple top European clubs, leaving him with no incentive to make a decision on his club future now.

Tottenham Hotspur fans must have hoped that least season's Premier League performances under Ange Postecoglou were an aberration. It doesn't look that way.

The north London side suffered their 13th defeat in 28 league matches to usher in March, going down 2-1 at Fulham. The result left them just four points outside the relegation places. The club has not won in league play in 10 straight matches, dating back to a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace in late December.

Thomas Frank was sacked on February 11 following a defeat to Newcastle United, with interim boss Igor Tudor installed in his place through at least the end of the season.

It still feels highly unlikely that Spurs really could be dragged into the bottom three and there are plenty of games left to turn things around, but the mere fact that relegation is even being mentioned is hugely embarrassing for a club named the ninth most valuable soccer team by Forbes in 2025.

If the unthinkable should happen, would it be a first for Spurs? The Sporting News looks through the history books.

MORE: Highlights and analysis from Spurs' home defeat to Newcastle

Have Tottenham ever been relegated?

In the Premier League era, Tottenham have never been relegated from the top flight.

The last time Spurs dropped out of the top division was back in 1977, when they were relegated to the second tier under manager Keith Burkinshaw.

They won promotion back to the top table the next season, and they have been ever-present in the highest league since.

Prior to that, Spurs were relegated in 1935 and spent a few decades in the second tier, finally winning promotion to the elite by winning Division 2 in 1950.

All times Tottenham have been relegated in club history

YearFinishResultReturned to Division 11976/7722nd (Division 1)Relegated to Division 21978 (1 season)1934/3522nd (Division 1)Relegated to Division 21950 (8 seasons)*1927/2821st (Division 1)Relegated to Division 21933 (5 seasons)1914/1520th (Division 1)Relegated to Division 21920 (1 season)*

* There was no league football in England from 1940-1946 due to World War II.

* There was no league football in England from 1916-1919 due to World War I.

What is Tottenham's worst Premier League finish?

Since the beginning of the Premier League era, Spurs' poorest season came under Postecoglou in 2024/25, when they finished in 17th place in the table, with 38 points from 38 games.

They were comfortably clear of the relegation places on points, but their form was nonetheless wretched throughout the campaign. The exception of course was in the Europa League: they won the final 1-0 against Manchester United in Bilbao to end a wait of 17 years for a major trophy.

Prior to that, their lowest-ever finish in a Premier League season was 15th. That was in 1993/94, the second-ever Premier League campaign.

MORE: List of Spurs' trophies won and all-time finals record

Could Tottenham be relegated this season?

It sounds astonishing to suggest a club of Tottenham's resources, who had a team in the Champions League final as recently as 2019 and are competing in this season's Round of 16, could actually drop out of the Premier League.

Yet that is a reality that they could be facing if they do not arrest their poor form quickly.

Spurs have 29 points from their first 26 games of 2025/26, leaving them in 16th place with a four-point cushion to the drop zone. The difference between this season and last is that one of the bottom three have a realistic chance of climbing out of trouble.

Wolves look to be doomed to the drop and Burnley are eight points from safety, but West Ham United are just two points behind Nottingham Forest and four behind Spurs. What's more, the Hammers have only lost one of their most recent five league games and will be confident in their chances of getting out of the bottom three.

Spurs also have a daunting run of fixtures coming up. After back-to-back losses to Arsenal and Fulham, they now Crystal Palace and Liverpool either side of the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie with Atletico Madrid.

Tottenham remaining Premier League fixtures

Tottenham have a relatively elementary run-in to the 2025/26 Premier League season.

They face 'big six' clubs just twice from the start of March through the final two months of the campaign, with visits to Liverpool on March 15 and Chelsea on May 17.

Six of their final 10 matches are to come against clubs in the bottom half of the standings as of March 1, with games against fellow relegation candidates Nottingham Forest, Wolves, and Leeds United the most critical of the matches remaining.

Tottenham Hotspur fans must have hoped that least season's Premier League performances under Ange Postecoglou were an aberration. It doesn't look that way.

The north London side suffered their 13th defeat in 28 league matches to usher in March, going down 2-1 at Fulham. The result left them just four points outside the relegation places. The club has not won in league play in 10 straight matches, dating back to a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace in late December.

Thomas Frank was sacked on February 11 following a defeat to Newcastle United, with interim boss Igor Tudor installed in his place through at least the end of the season.

It still feels highly unlikely that Spurs really could be dragged into the bottom three and there are plenty of games left to turn things around, but the mere fact that relegation is even being mentioned is hugely embarrassing for a club named the ninth most valuable soccer team by Forbes in 2025.

If the unthinkable should happen, would it be a first for Spurs? The Sporting News looks through the history books.

MORE: Highlights and analysis from Spurs' home defeat to Newcastle

Have Tottenham ever been relegated?

In the Premier League era, Tottenham have never been relegated from the top flight.

The last time Spurs dropped out of the top division was back in 1977, when they were relegated to the second tier under manager Keith Burkinshaw.

They won promotion back to the top table the next season, and they have been ever-present in the highest league since.

Prior to that, Spurs were relegated in 1935 and spent a few decades in the second tier, finally winning promotion to the elite by winning Division 2 in 1950.

All times Tottenham have been relegated in club history

YearFinishResultReturned to Division 11976/7722nd (Division 1)Relegated to Division 21978 (1 season)1934/3522nd (Division 1)Relegated to Division 21950 (8 seasons)*1927/2821st (Division 1)Relegated to Division 21933 (5 seasons)1914/1520th (Division 1)Relegated to Division 21920 (1 season)*

* There was no league football in England from 1940-1946 due to World War II.

* There was no league football in England from 1916-1919 due to World War I.

What is Tottenham's worst Premier League finish?

Since the beginning of the Premier League era, Spurs' poorest season came under Postecoglou in 2024/25, when they finished in 17th place in the table, with 38 points from 38 games.

They were comfortably clear of the relegation places on points, but their form was nonetheless wretched throughout the campaign. The exception of course was in the Europa League: they won the final 1-0 against Manchester United in Bilbao to end a wait of 17 years for a major trophy.

Prior to that, their lowest-ever finish in a Premier League season was 15th. That was in 1993/94, the second-ever Premier League campaign.

MORE: List of Spurs' trophies won and all-time finals record

Could Tottenham be relegated this season?

It sounds astonishing to suggest a club of Tottenham's resources, who had a team in the Champions League final as recently as 2019 and are competing in this season's Round of 16, could actually drop out of the Premier League.

Yet that is a reality that they could be facing if they do not arrest their poor form quickly.

Spurs have 29 points from their first 26 games of 2025/26, leaving them in 16th place with a four-point cushion to the drop zone. The difference between this season and last is that one of the bottom three have a realistic chance of climbing out of trouble.

Wolves look to be doomed to the drop and Burnley are eight points from safety, but West Ham United are just two points behind Nottingham Forest and four behind Spurs. What's more, the Hammers have only lost one of their most recent five league games and will be confident in their chances of getting out of the bottom three.

Spurs also have a daunting run of fixtures coming up. After back-to-back losses to Arsenal and Fulham, they now Crystal Palace and Liverpool either side of the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie with Atletico Madrid.

Tottenham remaining Premier League fixtures

Tottenham have a relatively elementary run-in to the 2025/26 Premier League season.

They face 'big six' clubs just twice from the start of March through the final two months of the campaign, with visits to Liverpool on March 15 and Chelsea on May 17.

Six of their final 10 matches are to come against clubs in the bottom half of the standings as of March 1, with games against fellow relegation candidates Nottingham Forest, Wolves, and Leeds United the most critical of the matches remaining.

Tottenham find themselves in an increasingly precarious position before today's trip to Fulham.

They began the Igor Tudor era with a 4-1 hammering at the hands of league leaders Arsenal in the North London Derby at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which leaves them just four points ahead of an improving West Ham side in the bottom three.

Fulham remain in the hunt for a top seven or eight finish and potential Europa League or Europa Conference League qualification after the Cottagers bounced back from a poor run of form to win 3-1 at the Stadium of Light against Sunderland last week.

The Sporting News brings you tips and predictions for this Premier League clash, as well as all the best betting offers for this weekend including 50/1 for a goal to be scored in Arsenal vs. Chelsea.

Fulham vs. Spurs Prediction: Who Will Win?

Right now, Fulham are simply a much better side than Tottenham and they will be expected to make their home advantage count.

Manager Marco Silva has a habit of getting onto streaks, both good and bad. After a poor streak, their win against Sunderland last week could well be the start of a positiive one.

Spurs may eventually improve under Tudor but they were absolutely woeful last week and they are in serious trouble of being relegated, especially with the added distraction of Champions League knockout football in March.

Score Prediction: Fulham 2-0 Tottenham (11/1 with Spreadex)

MORE: Who will win Premier League | Relegation Odds | Sack Race | Golden Boot

Head-to-Head: Fulham vs. Tottenham

The most recent clash between Spurs and Fulham came in north London back in late-November as Fulham won 2-1 against a struggling Thomas Frank-coached Spurs side.

That was Fulham’s third win in four matches against Tottenham and they have suffered just one loss in six games against their opponents.

Overall, Fulham and Tottenham have clashed on 108 occasions with Fulham winning 22 of those games and Spurs having won 55 matches.

Fulham vs. Tottenham: Form Guide

Fulham – Last 5 matches (All competitions)

Sunderland 1-3 Fulham (Premier League)

Stoke City 1-2 Fulham (FA Cup)

Manchester City 3-0 Fulham (Premier League)

Fulham 1-2 Everton (Premier League)

Manchester United 3-2 Fulham (Premier League)

Tottenham – Last 5 matches (All competitions)

Tottenham Hotspur 1-4 Arsenal (Premier League)

Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Newcastle United (Premier League)

Manchester United 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League)

Tottenham Hotspur 2-2 Manchester City (Premier League)

Eintracht Frankfurt 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur (UEFA Champions League)

Fulham vs. Tottenham Betting Tips

Mexico international striker Raul Jimenez has rediscovered some form this season, ahead of representing one of the co-hosts at the 2026 World Cup. We're taking him to back up his brace against the Black Cats last week with a goal or an assist (13/10 with BetMGM) against Spurs.

MORE: How to claim the 50/1 Paddy Power offer for Man Utd vs. Crystal Palace

Fulham vs. Tottenham Team News

Fulham Team News

Fulham have only got one confirmed injury absentee for this one, with that being Serbia international defensive midfielder Sasa Lukic.

The hosts do have a few key doubts too, such as left-back Antonee Robinson and attacking duo Samu Chukwueze and Kevin.

Those do complicate things a little bit for the hosts but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Ryan Sessegnon push higher up into a left-wing position.

Tottenham Team News

Tottenham have been dealing with a major injury crisis basically throughout this season and key centre-back Cristian Romero also remains unavailable due to suspension.

Igor Tudor said he expected to have a couple of absentees back for this one and the closest appear to be defensive duo Kevin Danso and Pedro Porro.

Their attacking injury issues consist of Lucas Bergvall, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Wilson Odobert and Mohammed Kudus.

Fulham vs. Tottenham Lineups: Predicted Starting XI’s

This is how we think the two teams will lineup at Craven Cottage in a huge game for the relegation-threatened visitors.

Fulham predicted lineup to play Tottenham

Leno (GK) – Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Castagne – Iwobi, Berge – Wilson, Smith Rowe, Sessegnon – Jimenez

Out: Lukic

Doubtful: Sessegnon, Kevin, Chukwueze

Suspension: N/A

Tottenham predicted lineup to play Fulham

Vicario (GK) – Palhinha, Dragusin, Van de Ven – Porro, Bissouma, Gallagher, Sarr, Spence – Kolo Muani, Simons

Out: Davies, Udogie, Bentancur, Bergvall, Maddison, Kulusevski, Kudus, Odobert

Doubtful: Danso, Porro

Suspension: Romero

MORE: How to claim the 50/1 Sky Bet offer for Arsenal vs. Chelsea

Fulham vs. Tottenham Odds

Fulham to win: 108/100 with 10Bet

Tottenham to win: 5/2 with BetMGM

Draw: 13/5 with Ladbrokes

Bet Builder Tips: Fulham vs. Tottenham

Our bet builder for Fulham vs. Tottenham backs Fulham to win, Raul Jimenez to score or assist, Pape Matar Sarr to be carded for Spurs and Emile Smith Rowe to have a shot on target for the hosts,which came to overall best odds of 18/1 with Bet365 at the time of writing.

MORE: Best UK free bets | Biggest February events | Top 10 Football Betting Sites

How to watch Fulham vs. Tottenham: Live Stream, TV Channel

Tottenham have moved on from Thomas Frank and are in standby mode until the end of the season when Spurs can find their next permanent boss to take them forward into the club's next era.

To usher the London side through the rest of the 2025/26 season is Igor Tudor, who joins after short spells in charge of Italian clubs Lazio and Juventus.

The 47-year-old enjoyed a 13-year career as a defender, making 110 appearances for Juve, sandwiched between five total seasons at Hajduk Split, separated between the start and finish of his playing days. He made 55 appearances for the Croatia national team before hanging up his boots in 2008.

Since 2012, Tudor has had a moderately successful spell as a manager, largely as a recovery specialist, and Spurs fans hope he can guide the club to Premier League safety as well as a deeper run in the Champions League, making the most of the remainder of this season before a permanent boss is hired.

MORE: Latest Tottenham injury news and updates ahead of their next match

Igor Tudor record as manager

Igor Tudor has never made it two full years at any of his career appointments, and only made it past one year in charge once — his first career managerial appointment with Hajduk Split.

Overall, Tudor has won 156 of his 341 games in charge, for a win percentage slightly below half.

The most odd time of his managerial career came while in charge of Udinense, when he was appointed in late April of 2018 to save the club from relegation out of Serie A, which he accomplished successfully. Tudor decided not to extend his contract and stay on, only to join them the following March once again, finishing the 2018/19 season. This time he decided to stay, but was sacked later that November after starting the 2019/20 season poorly.

TeamFrom/ToW-D-LWin %Hajduk SplitApr. 29, 2013 - Feb. 4, 201535-21-2244.9%PAOKJun. 18, 2015 - Mar. 9, 201617-17-1137.8%KarabuksporJun. 18, 2016 - Feb. 15, 20178-3-1038.1%GalatasarayFeb. 15, 2017 - Dec. 18, 201719-4-1155.9%UdinenseApr. 24, 2018 - Jun. 7, 20182-1-150%UdinenseMar. 20, 2019 - Nov. 1, 20199-4-940.1%Hajduk SplitJan. 2, 2020 - Aug. 21, 20209-1-850%Hellas VeronaSep. 14, 2021 - May 28, 202214-11-1138.9%MarseilleJul. 4, 2022 - Jun. 1, 202327-8-1356.3%LazioMar. 18, 2024 - Jun. 6, 20246-3-254.6%JuventusMar. 23, 2025 - Oct. 27, 202510-8-641.7%TOTAL156-81-10445.8%

Why was Igor Tudor sacked by Juventus?

Igor Tudor had finally worked up to his dream job, coaching the club he played for the most in his career: Italian giants Juventus.

Appointed on March of 2025 after the dismissal of another former Juve player Thiago Motta, Tudor helped guide the club back up the table and into a Champions League qualifying position, finishing that year fourth in the Serie A table.

Yet just like many of his previous stops, he did not begin the following season well. Despite winning their first three league matches of the campaign, Tudor's Juventus then ran off a string of five matches without victory in Serie A play, while also failing to win their first four Champions League games of the season.

He was sacked in late October, one day after falling 1-0 to Lazio to drop Juventus to seventh in the Serie A table through eight games.

MORE: Who are the best candidates to be Tottenham's next manager?

Igor Tudor tactics, style of play

Igor Tudor has been notably flexible when it comes to his tactical setup, which has allowed him to adapt to various situations as a recovery specialist manager.

However, he largely seems to favour a 3-4-2-1 formation, which we saw most recently at Juventus where he lined up with Federico Gatti, Renato Veiga, and Pierre Kalulu along the back line, while Lloyd Kelly also rotated in.

At Juve, Tudor arrived with fans miserable watching Thiago Motta's brutally slow possessional build-up, and he gave the supporters what they wanted with a much more rapid style of ball progression. While still using a double-pivot midfield, Tudor asked the two central possessional players to turn and send the ball forward, either through the air or along the ground, and either directly vertical or out wide.

There was also a notable pressing system for Tudor at Juventus, something which has all but disappeared in the Premier League. He instructed his players to push high up the field, largely in man-to-man situations, which indicates a lack of full commitment to a press but still one which can cause turnovers in certain moments.

A player who thrived under Tudor's leadership was Kenan Yildiz, who was an afterthought under Motta's abysmally slow tactics but found success under the shift in style. Maybe that means Mathys Tel might find more success now with the new Spurs boss?

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Tottenham vs. Newcastle score

Tottenham vs. Newcastle key moments, updates

Tottenham vs. Newcastle team news

Tottenham vs. Newcastle upcoming fixtures

Two Premier League teams absolutely desperate for points at all costs will clash in London as Tottenham host Newcastle on Tuesday.

Both clubs are suffering through poor runs of form and are in need of any positive results, giving this match a nervy and tense feel.

The hosts are in the most dire situation, languishing 15th in the league standings, just six points above the drop as Thomas Frank is on thin ice at Spurs.

For Eddie Howe and the visiting Magpies, they aren't under threat of relegation, but their position in 12th leaves their chances of qualifying for Europe next season on life support. Their total of 33 points through 25 matches puts them 10 points back of fifth-place Chelsea, meaning a shot at a Champions League place next year is almost certainly out of the question.

The Sporting News is following the Tottenham vs. Newcastle match live, providing score updates, commentary, and analysis.

MORE: Busting the myth that Arsenal are "boring" with their set-piece focus in the new tactical meta

Tottenham vs. Newcastle live score

Score (Pregame)Goal scorersTottenham––Newcastle––

Location: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (London, England)

Referee: Anthony Taylor

Keep track of every game and every goal via SN's live Premier League scoreboard.

Predicted 0lineups:

Tottenham (3-4-2-1, right to left): Vicario (GK) — Palhinha, Dragusin, Van de Ven — Gray, Gallagher, Sarr, Spence — Odobert, Simons — Solanke.

Newcastle (4-3-3, right to left): Pope (GK) — Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Hall — Guimaraes, Tonali, Willock — Elanga, Woltemade, Barnes.

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Tottenham vs. Newcastle talking points, analysis

Following the game, this section will be updated with analysis of the Tottenham vs. Newcastle match.

Tottenham vs. Newcastle key moments

That's key for Frank who now gets room to breathe as they recover their Premier League position, not scheduled to compete in the Round of 16 in Europe until the middle of March. Thanks to their early FA Cup exit, Spurs won't play again after this match until February 22.

With a debilitatingly long injury list to push through, that extra time will be vital to get the squad back closer to full fitness.

Tottenham vs. Newcastle reaction

Following the game, this section will be updated with post-match reaction from Thomas Frank, Eddie Howe, and players.

Tottenham vs. Newcastle team news

Tottenham team news

MORE: An in-depth rundown of all the latest Tottenham team news and injuries

Cristian Romero is suspended for four matches after his red card last time out against Manchester United. His challenge on Casemiro was deemed serious foul play, meaning a three-match ban. An additional game is added on to the suspension because it was Romero's second Premier League red card of the season.

Destiny Udogie, Kevin Danso, Pedro Porro, and Djed Spence are all dealing with injuries. Spence is the only one with a chance to play in this match, while the others need a few more weeks.

Long-term absentees include Rodrigo Bentancur, Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Bergvall and James Maddison, all of whom need until at least April before returning, if not longer.

Newcastle team news

Anthony Gordon and Lewis Miley are both considered game-time decisions, with the former recovering from a minor hamstring injury and the latter working through a dead leg.

Joelinton will not take part in this match, Eddie Howe confirmed, as he battles back from a groin injury.

Tino Livramento, Fabian Schar, and Emil Krafth are also out, with the latter potentially back soon while the other two need significantly more time before returning.

Tottenham, Newcastle upcoming schedules

Tottenham upcoming fixtures

DateCompetitionMatchLocationSun, Feb. 22Premier LeagueTottenham vs. ArsenalTottenham Hotspur Stadium (London, England)Sun, Mar. 1Premier LeagueFulham vs. TottenhamCraven Cottage (London, England)Thu, Mar. 5Premier LeagueTottenham vs. Crystal PalaceTottenham Hotspur Stadium (London, England)

Newcastle upcoming fixtures

OLD TRAFFORD, MANCHESTER — Michael Carrick welcomes his former club Tottenham Hotspur to Old Trafford with the mood around Manchester United radically changed.

The post-Sir Alex Ferguson era has been littered with false dawns and this might yet prove to be another, but interim manager Carrick has led United to three superb wins since succeeding Ruben Amorim.

United took down the top two in the Premier League, rivals Manchester City and leaders Arsenal, in consecutive weekends, before Benjamin Sesko found a stoppage-time winner to sink Fulham 3-2 last time out.

"Additional-time winners at the Stretford End will always bring back a lot of memories of big moments we've had here before," Carrick said in his matchday programme notes. "Resilience will always be significant at Manchester United and I've been really impressed with the mentality and spirit that we have across our current group of players and staff."

Tottenham enjoyed a comeback of their own last Sunday, recovering from 2-0 down at halftime against Manchester City to draw 2-2 and come closest to forcing a winner. That eased the pressure slightly on Thomas Frank, even though a squad competing in the Champions League remains too close to the relegation zone for comfort.

United, with only the Premier League to occupy them for the rest of this season, can focus upon loftier domestic ambitions. Victory here would take the Red Devils to within two points of Aston Villa in third and three of City in second ahead of the duo's respective weekend matches at Bournemouth and Liverpool.

MORE: Can Man United win the Premier League? Title challenge under Michael Carrick sounds crazy — but possible

Man United vs. Tottenham live score

ScoreGoalscorersMan United0_Tottenham0_

Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester (UK)

Referee: Michael Oliver

Man United vs. Tottenham talking points, analysis

Match highlights will appear here during the game, with talking points and analysis to follow at fulltime.

Man United vs. Tottenham reaction

Post-match comments from Michael Carrick and Thomas Frank will appear here.

Man United vs. Tottenham lineups, team news

United were unchanged as they went in search of a fourth win in a row.

Tyler Fletcher replacing Shea Lacey on the bench was the only alteration Michael Carrick made to his matchday squad.

Man United starting XI (4-2-3-1 right to left): Lammens (GK) — Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw — Casemiro, Mainoo — Amad, Bruno Fernandes, Cunha — Mbeumo

Man United subs: Bayindir (GK), Mazraoui, Zirkzee, Malacia, Yoro, Ugarte, Heaven, Sesko, T Fletcher.

Micky van de Ven returned to the heart of the Tottenham defence alongside Cristian Romero, who kept his place despite comments criticising Spurs' injury crisis following the draw with Manchester City.

Wilson Odebert and Pape Sarr replaced Yves Bissouma and Randal Kolo Muani in Thomas Frank's other two changes.

Tottenham starting XI (4-3-2-1, right to left): Vicario (GK) — Gray, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie — Palhinha Gallagher, Sarr —Odebert, Simons — Solanke

Tottenham subs: Kinsky (GK), Dragusin, Bissouma, Tel, Kolo Muani, Souza, Olusesi, Byfield, Williams-Barnett.

Next games for Man United vs. Tottenham

United travel to London on Tuesday to face relegation-threatened West Ham, while Tottenham host Newcastle.

Tottenham are under new management in the 2025/26 season, but the first half of the campaign has not been kind to Thomas Frank in terms of results.

After finishing a woeful 17th last term, they could find themselves back in the bottom half of the Premier League table as the calendar turns to 2026.

Despite their Europa League triumph last season, which helped mitigate the horrendous domestic finish, Spurs are still hoping to improve greatly on their performances and consistency. One major component of achieving that is keeping the squad fit, which has proven a challenge for the London club.

The Sporting News brings you a look at the list of injured Tottenham players, plus a projected lineup for their upcoming match.

MORE: An updated list of the Premier League top goal scorers for the 2025/26 season

Tottenham injury list

Below is the latest injury picture for Tottenham, including estimated return dates for those who are sidelined.

Lucas Bergvall

Injury: Knock

Expected return date: TBD

Lucas Bergvall was forced off in the 63rd minute of Sunday's match against Crystal Palace with a knock. His status moving forward is unclear and more information is needed before knowing the extent of his injury.

Destiny Udogie

Injury: Hamstring

Expected return date: January

Frank ruled Udogie out of the rest of December after confirming he had sustained hamstring damage prior to the game with Slavia Prague. He should return sometime shortly after the turn of the new year.

Radu Dragusin

Injury: ACL tear

Expected return date: December

Romania international Dragusin tore his ACL in January in a Europa League clash with Elfsborg and his recovery timeline had been set at around 10-11 months. The club confirmed his rehab is on track, and he was finally back in the matchday squad for the loss to Liverpool on December 20.

Dejan Kulusevski

Injury: Knee

Expected return date: Unknown

Kulusevski's absence has been felt by club and country with the Sweden international yet to feature this season after undergoing knee surgery in May. The call to address a persistent issue was taken before Frank's arrival at Spurs, and all parties are cautious over his comeback date after he played a key role under Ange Postecoglou.

He was expected back before the end of 2025, but Spurs continually refuse to give a timeline for his return. As of now, it's unclear when he will be back. Even Frank has been frustrated by his continued absence, saying in late December: "When they are ready to be close to joining the squad then I will provide an update."

Dominic Solanke

Injury: Ankle

Expected return date: January

Solanke needed a minor operation on an ankle injury in September. Frank had initially hoped the striker might be back by now, but is now targeting a return in the coming weeks. "We want to be absolutely sure, as sure as we can be, that there is no setback going forward," he said.

Like Kulusevski, Solanke's return has been shrouded in mystery.

Kota Takai

Injury: Thigh

Expected return date: December

Japan international Takai is yet to make his Spurs debut following a summer move from Kawasake Frontale, but he could get his first taste of Premier League football in December.

James Maddison

Injury: ACL tear

Expected return date: June 2026

Maddison suffered ACL damage in a preseason game against Newcastle United in August, with his campaign over before it even started. The England international has left a creative gap in Frank's team, but due to the length of his rehabilitation, he's not expected to feature again this season.

Xavi Simons

Suspended (three games)

Expected return date: January 7 (vs. Bournemouth)

Simons was sent off for a challenge on Virgil van Dijk in the 2-1 loss to Liverpool on December 20. He is suspended for Spurs' next three games, against Crystal Palace, Brentford, and Sunderland.

Unavailable: Yves Bissouma, Pape Sarr

Bissouma and Sarr are away at the Africa Cup of Nations and will not be back until at least early January.

Tottenham predicted lineup vs. Brentford

Formation: 4-3-3

Vicario (GK)

Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence

Bentancur, Gray, Bergvall

Kudus, Richarlison, Kolo Muani

Tottenham next five games

Following the Sunday league meeting with Crystal Palace, Spurs have a busy run of Premier League fixtures, although they are home for four of their next five matches.

They next return to Champions League action on January 20 against Borussia Dortmund.

Tottenham and Chelsea will both be keen not to lose further ground on Premier League leaders Arsenal when they clash in Saturday's London derby.

Enzo Maresca's Club World Cup winners were stunned by Sunderland last weekend; however, that was the only game in the past six across all competitions that they've failed to win.

Spurs headed into the weekend five points shy of Arsenal at the top of the table but have not won back-to-back Premier League matches since August.

Defeat to Aston Villa a fortnight ago continued a poor run of just one point from the past nine on offer at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for Thomas Frank's side.

The Sporting News is following the Tottenham vs. Chelsea match live, providing score updates and commentary

Latest live updates | Team news and lineups | Where to watch where you are

Tottenham vs. Chelsea score

Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London

Referee: Jarred Gillett

Keep track of every game and every goal via SN's live Premier League scoreboard

Lineups:

Tottenham (4-3-3, right to left): 1. Guglielmo Vicario (GK) — 23. Pedro Porro, 4. Kevin Danso, 37. Micky van de Ven, 24. Djed Spence — 29. Pape Sarr, 6. Joao Palhinha, 30. Rodrigo Bentancur — 20. Mohammed Kudus, 39. Randal Kolo Muani, 15. Lucas Bergvall (7. Xavi Simons)

Chelsea (4-2-3-1, right to left): 1. Robert Sanchez (GK) — 24. Malo Gusto, 29. Wesley Fofana, 23, Trevoh Chalobah, 3. Marc Cucurella — 24. Reece James, 25. Moises Caicedo — 7. Pedro Neto, 8, Enzo Fernandez, 49. Alejandro Garnacho — 20. Joao Pedro

MORE: Will Arne Slot be sacked? November fixtures set to define Liverpool's 2025/26 season

Tottenham vs. Chelsea live updates, highlights, and commentary

Halftime

Chelsea lead and deservedly so. They've produced nearly all the moments of quality in a frantic, phyiscal game of few chances.

Joao Pedro finishes nicely but this goal is all about Caicedo. First the Ecuador midfielder snaps into a challenge inside the final third to put Tottenham on their heels. Spurs get in back but Caicedo is into ransack Van de Ven. He can't finish but the ball spins to Joao Pedro and he does the honours.

Kickoff: 1st Half

Chelsea kickoff. Sanchez pumps it long and the ball goes through to his opposite number. Then Garnacho has an early tangle with Porro but there's not much in it.

Tottenham vs. Chelsea kick off time

The Premier League match kicks off in London at 5:30 p.m. local time.

Here's how that time translates across some of the major territories:

DateKickoff timeUSASat, Nov 11:30 p.m. ETCanadaSat, Nov 11:30 p.m. ETUKSat, Nov 15:30 p.m. BSTAustraliaSun, Nov 23:30 a.m. AEDTIndiaSat, Nov 111:00 p.m. IST

Tottenham vs. Chelsea lineups, team news

We know that Guglielmo Vicario will return in goal to replace Cup deputy Antonin Kinsky, but beyond that it's unclear how Thomas Frank will revert his squad for Premier League play, as he did not rotate as much as expected for the EFL Cup match.

Micky van de Ven should come back in along the defensive line, moving Joao Palhinha back to midfield after he stepped in at the back for the EFL Cup game. Brennan Johnson and Xavi Simons were deployed in each of the last two games and therefore could rotate out, with Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert both pushing for minutes.

Both Randal Kolo Muani and Richarlison have been ineffective up front in their recent starts, so who gets the nod at striker in league action.

There are a host of Tottenham players carrying fitness issues, with Dejan Kulusevski, Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie, and Dominic Solanke all out injured but expected to return shortly.

Tottenham starting XI (4-3-3, right to left): Vicario (GK) — Porro, Danso, van de Ven, Spence — Sarr, Palhinha, Bentancur — Kudus, Kolo Muani, Bergvall

Tottenham subs: Kinsky (GK), Romero, Udogie, Simons, Odobert, Johnson, Tel, Scarlett, Richarlison

After Maresca made wholesale changes for the midweek EFL Cup match, he is likely to bring most of the starters back in for their return to league play.

Fans got their hopes up of a return soon for Cole Palmer after seeing him in his kit at Cobham, but reports claim that he has not yet been brought back into training just yet and is likely still out this weekend. Liam Delap only just returned from injury as he came off the bench against Wolves, but was sent off for two yellow cards and will be suspended for this game.

That means Enzo Fernandez should move up to the No. 10 position, while Joao Pedro takes over at the striker position. Marc Guiu was deployed up front against Sunderland, but was ineffective in his first Premier League start, and is unlikely to be given another go.

Tosin Adarabioyo and Jorrel Hato are some of those likely to return to the bench after a League Cup start but Malo Gusto keeps his place at right-back, with captain Reece James deployed in midfield alongside Moises Caicedo.

Chelsea starting XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Sanchez (GK) —Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella — James, Caicedo — Neto, Fernandez, Garnacho — Joao Pedro

Chelsea subs: Jorgensen (GK), Acheampong, Tosin, Hato, Lavia, Andrey Santos, Estevao, Gittens, Guiu

Tottenham vs. Chelsea live stream, TV channel

Here is how to watch the match in some of the world's major regions: