Manchester City will come into the game even stronger than they were last season, with £100 million signing Jack Grealish on their books.

Spurs have added Olympic silver medallist Bryan Gil to their ranks alongside on-loan Atalanta duo Pierluigi Gollini and Cristian Romero

The side has got rid of Toby Alderweireld, Erik Lamela, Juan Foyth and Joe Hart.

Harry Kane is one of the players still on their books and the 28-year-old will play against a team interested in prying him away from the clutches of Daniel Levy this summer.

City are planning to bid £150 million plus add-ons for the English international before the window closes, per Fabrizio Romano.

Kane would add more firepower to an attack that includes Grealish, Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez, to name a few.

They can live without him this weekend though, with Gabriel Jesus and their impressive false-nine system both options for the focal point of the attack.

However, fitness doubts could weaken the Manchester City machine temporarily.

Kevin De Bruyne is one of the doubts for the weekend while Phil Foden has been ruled out for three to four weeks.

Ederson, Jesus, Sterling and Kyle Walker all returned to training following the loss in the FA Community Shield and will be available for selection.

Aymeric Laporte has only returned to training recently as well after being on the same flight as someone who tested positive for Covid-19.

Yet, manager Pep Guardiola may stick with players who have been in camp longer and the Citizens could field a weakened team in their first game of the season – by their standards at least.

With Spurs yet to plug all their holes, the weekend side may be enough for the Premier League champions.

Predicted Lineups

Spurs (4-2-3-1): Lloris; Doherty, Romero, Sanchez, Reguilon; Hojbjerg, Ndombelé; Moura, Alli, Son; Kane.

Manchester City (4-3-3): Ederson; Cancelo, Stones, Dias, Zinchenko; Rodri, Gundogan, Grealish; Mahrez, Bernardo, Sterling.

Betting

Spurs 4/1

Draw 3/1

Manchester City 8/13

TV Coverage

The match will kick off on Sunday, August 15th at 4:30 pm and will be shown live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event.

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Football clubs are businesses, that’s a fact. The owners of these clubs strive to maintain a profitable model while competing at a top level year after year. However, without fans, none of this would be possible. This makes it all the more frustrating when you consider that fans are routinely pushed aside when it comes to interests regarding the football clubs they support.

The last few years have seen unprecedented levels of greed from many football club owners, particularly those competing in the top 5 European leagues. This has resulted in plans for a so-called “European Super League”, a competition which contains 12 of Europe’s top clubs, has no promotion or relegation and was formulated purely to protect the financial interests of the club’s involved.

Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Juventus, Atlético Madrid, Real Madrid and Barcelona are the clubs in question.

Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund all rejected/opposed invitations to the competition.

“The club wants to implement the planned reform of the UEFA Champions League. The plans to found a Super League have been rejected… Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund had 100% identical views,” expressed Dortmund in an official statement made earlier today.

UEFA also completely oppose the plans put in place, even going as far to say that heavy sanctions will be imposed on clubs and players who take part in the competition.

“We are all united against this nonsense of a project… The players that will play in the closed league will be banned from playing in the World Cup and Euros,” confirmed UEFA president Alex Ceferin.

HOW FOOTBALLERS HAVE REACTED TO THE PLAN

The majority of football fans are completely against the formation of the European Super League and that extends to current and ex-pros, as well.

Several pundits made their opinions on the project clear yesterday, including Gary Neville who made a passionate argument against the formation of the competition.

“I’m disgusted, absolutely disgusted. I’m disgusted with Manchester United and Liverpool the most,” said Neville while appearing on Sky Sports yesterday.

“Liverpool say they’re the people’s club. ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’, the fans’ club. Manchester United, 100 years, born from workers around here, and they’re breaking into a league without competition. It’s an absolute disgrace.”

Paris Saint-Germain footballer Ander Herrera was one of the first current pros to chime in with their opinion. He released a statement earlier today expressing concerns over the league.

pic.twitter.com/C9zV59zJxH

— Ander Herrera (@AnderHerrera) APRIL 19, 2021

A number of footballers have since followed Herrera in publicly stating their opposition to the plan.

Kids grow up dreaming to win the World Cup and the Champions League – not any Super League. The enjoyment of big games is that they only happen once or twice a year, not every week. Really hard to understand for all football fans out there…

— Mesut Özil (@MesutOzil1088) April 19, 2021

‘Dreams can’t be bought’

Bruno Fernandes shared this post from Portugal team-mate Daniel Podence on his Instagram story pic.twitter.com/aIHhUHZ53i

— Goal (@goal) April 19, 2021

pic.twitter.com/A8WIIUCHrH

— Marcus Rashford MBE (@MarcusRashford) April 20, 2021

| "I don't like it and I hope it doesn't happen."

James Milner speaks out against the proposed breakaway European Super League…#MNF pic.twitter.com/NkMmNJhiyA

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 19, 2021

Jordan Henderson has called a meeting of all the Premier League captains in response to the Super League announcement, reports @MikeKeegan_DM pic.twitter.com/Q2YkUCuIrV

— B/R Football (@brfootball) April 20, 2021

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Tottenham took on Wolfsberger AC tonight in a bid to secure their qualification into the Europa League round of 16.

The North London club won the first leg 4-1 and they managed to produce a similarly impressive performance this tonight, winning 4-0 to comfortably qualify for the next round.

Dele Alli stole the show on the night as he scored the opening goal with an extraordinary overhead kick.

Irish international Matt Doherty provided the assist but Dele Alli did all the work. He controlled Doherty’s low cross with an upwards touch before unleashing a superb overhead kick from just inside the area to make it 1-0.

Dele Alli has endured a rough few months at Tottenham, struggling to retain his place in the first team having initially been brilliant when Jose Mourinho took over. This has led to some questioning the nature of the relationship between the two.

His performance tonight, however, should propel him into the first team picture yet again, having also provided 2 assists in the game.

Tottenham’s next game comes against Burnley on Sunday, could Dele Alli start a rare Premier League game this season?

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Matt Doherty’s performance against Wolfsberger AC in the Europa League round of 32 has earned himself a place in the team of the week. The Spurs right-back put in a solid performance as his team ran out 4-1 winners, assisting a goal in the process.

Up to now, Doherty has struggled for game time in the Premier League with Tottenham, instead being forced to settle for appearances in cup competitions.

Although the quality of opposition yesterday certainly wasn’t Premier League standard, Doherty’s performance will no doubt have impressed José Mourinho. Will it be enough to make the right-back spot his own, though?

The only other natural right-back at Spurs is Serge Aurier. However, his defensive inconsistency has casted doubts about his ability to firmly establish himself as a regular starter.

Japhet Tanganga is another option in the position. However, he primarily plays as a centre-back and also has very little experience at Premier League level.

Doherty could also do with a run of games to cement his position in the Ireland set-up. He struggled to find a place in the team when he was playing regularly – and very well – for Wolves, so his prospects of starting at the minute look slim, especially with Séamus Coleman fit and playing football.

Ireland begin their World Cup qualification campaign on the 24th of March against Serbia. European giants Portugal are also included in Ireland’s group.

This week’s star performers

Strongest area of the pitch? @FedExEurope | #UELTOTW | #UELFPZ | #UEL

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) FEBRUARY 19, 2021

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The Tottenham vs. Fulham bout which was scheduled to take place this evening has been called off due to COVID-19 fears. The decision was made by the Premier League after a significant rise in cases within the Fulham camp.

Manchester City vs. Everton was also postponed during the week after an outbreak of cases in the City squad.

The Premier League today announced that fixtures would resume despite the increase in cases, a statement which they reaffirmed following the cancellation of this evening’s match.

“With low numbers of positive tests across the overwhelming majority of clubs, the Premier League continues to have full confidence in its COVID-19 protocols and being able to continue to play our fixtures as scheduled.”, the Premier League stated.

The date for the rescheduled bout is yet to be confirmed.

Spurs’ fixture with Fulham, due to be played at 18:00 GMT this evening, has been postponed following a Premier League Board meeting

Full statement: https://t.co/KInrnKDl2D#TOTFUL pic.twitter.com/SjQUpOvVLv

— Premier League (@premierleague) December 30, 2020

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Anfield was the setting as Liverpool took on Tottenham Hotspur with both teams battling for top position. A number of Liverpool fans were present as they witnessed their side dominate possession on their way to 3 points. Liverpool are now 3 points clear at the top of the table having been level with Spurs prior to the match.

FIRST HALF

As expected, Liverpool largely controlled possession against a highly defensive Spurs’ set up, particularly in the first half. Their domination eventually paid off in the 26th minute as a Mohamed Salah effort put Liverpool in front. He struck from just inside the box before a deflection looped over Hugo Lloris and into the net.

Liverpool continued to control possession thereafter but as we’ve seen on numerous occasions this season, Tottenham’s patience paid dividend as they scored from a counter attack. Giovanni Lo Celso should be given much credit for the goal, it was his run and pass that allowed Heung-Min Son to finish past Alisson. Tonight’s goal takes Son’s Premier League tally to 11 for the season already. Watch him is as much fun as when you visit this UK casino. 

The first half finished 1-1 with Liverpool dominating proceedings, but failing to create many chances of real quality.

SECOND HALF

After a period limited in action, Steven Bergwijn had a fabulous chance after being played through onto goal. He was in acres of space as he closed down on goal, but his shot rattled off the post before being played out for a corner.

The corner resulted in an equally good opportunity, this time for Harry Kane. He was in acres of space in the box as he connected with the header but the ball bounced off the ground before going harmlessly over the bar.

Both series had a series of half chances after and it looked like the game was heading for a draw as neither converted. That was until the 89th minute as Roberto Firmino scored a crucial goal. He headed the ball in from a corner which Lloris had no chance of reaching.

The match finished 2-1 to Liverpool after Firmino’s late goal. Tottenham may feel slightly hard done by, having fashioned a number of good opportunities during the course of the match.

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Stamford Bridge was the venue this evening as Chelsea took on Tottenham Hotspur in a potential title deciding London derby. Both teams have had exceptional starts to the season. The winner of the game would go top of the table, meaning there was plenty at stake. Alternatively, a draw would propel Spurs to the top on goal difference after Liverpool’s disappointing draw yesterday.

FIRST HALF

Steven Bergwijn conjured the first opportunity of the match with 8 minutes gone. Serge Aurier initially did well to recover the ball before Tottenham broke with pace, Bergwijn drove through the middle before offloading the ball which made its way back to the Dutch forward after a Harry Kane pass. He then showed quick feet to make half an inch of space before unleashing a shot which went just wide.

Timo Werner had the ball in the net at the other end just moments later after a Chelsea break. Unfortunately for him, though, the goal was ruled out for offside after an exquisite finish.

Edouard Mendy has been ever present for Chelsea between the sticks since he joined during the transfer window. He was called into action with 14 minutes gone as effective link up play between Eric Dier and Serge Aurier opened up space for the latter to shoot, he did just that as he attempted to power one into the corner. Mendy denied the Ivorian international with a good – if not expected – save, though.

A succession of half chances followed for both teams but neither converted as the first half finished scoreless. The matchup was firmly in the balance heading into the second, it had the air of a game which could be separated by one moment of brilliance.

SECOND HALF

Chelsea had a real chance to take the lead just minutes after the second half started. Good interplay between a number of Chelsea players resulted in a pinpoint Reece James cross into Tammy Abraham and despite connecting, he couldn’t get his header on target. He should have done better with the chance.

Moments later and James produced yet another fantastic cross for Abraham, but again, he failed to connect with his header. Perhaps the aerial prowess of Olivier Giroud would have been better suited to those chances.

Abraham was presented with yet another opportunity in the 64^th minute after a dangerous cross into the 6-yard box by Timo Werner. He failed to position his body in a way which allowed him to connect with the ball. Another wasted opportunity from the England international.

Olivier Giroud eventually entered the fray in the 78^th minute, replacing the aforementioned Tammy Abraham. The striker scored the winning goal against Rennes midweek and it was looking like he may have to do similar to decide this game.

It was Mason Mount, however, who very nearly made the breakthrough with 80 minutes gone. After some good footwork in which he evaded defenders and made space, he let fly from just outside the box. The ball was heading towards the bottom right corner and it took Hugo Lloris’s fingertips to deny Chelsea a deserved goal.

Giroud got his chance to break the deadlock in injury time after a misplaced Joe Rodon header, but he scuffed his shot into the palms of Hugo Lloris.

Despite Chelsea’s second half domination, they were unable to make the breakthrough. The match finished scoreless to the discontent of Chelsea.

Spurs are now top of the table on goal difference, Chelsea on the other hand sit in 3^rd.

FULL-TIME Chelsea 0-0 Spurs

Spurs go of the #PL as the spoils are shared at Stamford Bridge #CHETOT pic.twitter.com/lzTDzm07ik

— Premier League (@premierleague) NOVEMBER 29, 2020

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Dundalk’s prize for their outstanding achievement in reaching the group stages of the Europa League is a glamour tie against Premier League giants Arsenal.

The Lilywhites will also face Norwegian side Molde and Austrian club Rapid Vienna in Group B as they embark on their second Europa League group stage campaign in five seasons.

The draw for the Europa League group stages have taken place.

We will face Arsenal, Rapid Vienna and Molde in Group B.#CmonTheTown #UEL pic.twitter.com/mJpCbKp39X

— DundalkFC (@DundalkFC) October 2, 2020

Filippo Giovagnoli had expressed a desire to head to London and face off against Jose Mourinho at Tottenham, but he will have to make do instead with their North London rivals, who were runners up in 2019.

Celtic, Spurs and Leicester also involved

Celtic meanwhile have been drawn in Group H alongside AC Milan who beat Shamrock Rovers in the qualifiers, Czech team Sparta Prague and Lille from France.

Spurs will play in Group J of the competition and will face Ludogorets from Bulgaria, LASK of Austria and  Belgian club Royal Antwerp, as Jose Mourinho sets out to try and win the competition for a third time after successes with Porto and Manchester United.

Brendan Rodgers will lead his Leicester City team into Group G alongside Braga, AEK Athens of Greece  and Ukranian outfit Zorya Luhansk.

The competition will begin on October 22.

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The 29 year old has won the Premier League, the FA Cup and a Europa League with the London club and established himself as one of the most respected midfielders in world football, but Chelsea fresh from their transfer splurge during the summer are said to be willing to part with the French international.

300,000 a week

Any deal for N’Golo Kante however would appear to rest on whether he is willing to take a cut to his reported £300,000 a week wages with Inter Milan also interested in a deal.

Reports are suggesting Lazio may be looking at two Manchester United midfielders as they gear up for their Champions League return this season.

Juan Mata and Andreas Pereira who have both fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford are both reportedly wanted by the Rome club as they look to move on after missing out on the signing of David Silva earlier in the window.

Tottenham go for King

Tottenham look set to swoop for Bournemouth’s Josh King according to the Telegraph. The Norwegian is on Spurs radar as they step up their search for a striker to support star man Harry Kane.

Tottenham also remain in talks over the sale of Serge Aurier to AC Milan according to the Daily Mail. Aurier has not started any of Spurs’ three League games since the arrival of Irish international Matt Doherty to the club.

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Both teams come into this game chasing a place in the top four. Therefore, looking for a place in the Champions League next season. Jose Mourinho’s side are currently sitting in 8th place in the table, seven points behind Chelsea who are in fourth. Man United are in 5th place, just one point off Frank Lampard’s side.

Team News

Harry Kane,Song Heung Min and Moussa Sissoko will start.  Dele Alli will miss the game through suspension, a one match ban. Japhet Tanganga and Giovanni Lo Celso are both injured and not expected to feature.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will basically have a full squad to pick from. The only players that they will be without is Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe. Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford will return for this game.

Statistics

• Manchester United are looking to record consecutive away Premier League wins against Spurs for the first time since a run of six in a row between September 2001 and February 2007.
• Tottenham have lost their last two Premier League games against Manchester United, last losing three in a row back in October 2010 (four in a row).
• This will be Manchester United’s first-ever Premier League visit to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.
• Manchester United’s only previous competitive matches in June came in the 1965 Fairs Cup semi-final, with United losing both legs against Ferencvaros.

Betting

Spurs have lost two of their last five games, whereas Man United haven’t lost in their last 5 Premier League games. They have won three and drawn two. My prediction here is I expect both teams to score. Marcus Rashford to score anytime is a fantastic. The odds for a 1-1 draw is 12/5. That would be my selection.

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