[
](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T68K!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1eef11ca-4990-4ab4-9118-0f0a5efec53a_1672x941.jpeg)
Saturday 29th August 2026, 17.30
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Live on Sky Sports
For the first time this season, we’re on the road. And it’s a decent schlep too. Next up it’s De Zerbi vs Matthias, and potentially Sandro against Nico, as Tottenham Hotspur welcome Newcastle United to their ostentatiously impressive north London arena.
Our hosts have gone through massive changes over the past year, and even more acutely over the recent summer months. Having narrowly avoided relegation again, their third or fourth manager (I can’t recall) from last season has been handed a king’s ransom to avoid such shenanigans this time around.
The arbitrary turnover based rules have once more come to an ailing giant’s aid. They have now spent / committed to (due to add ons etc) £382M with the arrival of Marmoush from Man City. A summer deficit of circa £200M as of today. It’s ok though, they’ll have a Beyoncé concert soon, and as we all know, the Premiership’s new strap line is ‘turnover is for sanity, profit - vanity.’
Other notable arrivals are that horrible twat Van Hecke from Brighton, Mateus Fernandes (West Ham), the artist formally known as Savinho (Man City), and of course our old pal, Sandro. Now is as good a time as any to discuss our ex Italian.
To borrow a Churchillian quote, Tonali is a ‘riddle wrapped up in an enigma.’ On the surface, a seemingly level headed young man - he then of course got himself a lengthy playing ban for gambling on footballing outcomes. During the season before last, I can rarely recall watching a better central midfielder in black & white, the one after, a largely pale, disinterested looking shadow of that performer. Following that, we were fortunate to get up to £100M for the lad.
I watched his debut last week, as Spurs were taken apart by Brentford. The first goal conceded reeked of Sandro or‘25/‘26. As the Bees played around him, he moved about two yards, whilst winning a prize for ball watching. Contrast this with his swashbuckling first match for Newcastle as he notched in a 5-1 howking of Aston Villa. His Mrs has her wish of being in the capital, but clearly they’d both scramble over broken glass to get back to Lombardy. Following the universal love and support he received following the ban, I felt he owed us another season. However, that wasn’t to be, and he’s someone else’s problem now.
Like us, they managed to win the other night in the Carabao. They had League one, Charlton - we had an impressive upper Championship West Brom. Not sure you can read too much into either result when considering Saturday’s match though.
Onto Matty’s Mags….
It’s my first foray into talking about our brave new world, so please indulge me.
Whilst I was fond of our predecessor, I was pleased he left. Something had to change. It would’ve been a fucking car crash had he stayed, with a bunch of new arrivals he clearly didn’t want. I was in my car when it was announced, and all I recall hearing was that we were getting some gadge from Saudi Arabia. My blood ran cold. Not Steve Bruce announcement freeze, but you know, fairly chilly. Everything thus far has made me think, I shouldn’t have worried. He (and his dedicated staff) look just what we require.
Last Sunday v Liverpool was one of the more joyous experiences at St James’ Park. Whilst it was another ‘de rigeur’ kick in the nuts, soft overtime goal which cost us two points, the one we achieved would’ve been happily accepted by the majority of us pre kick off.
After a season of apathy, to see us go toe to toe all over the park was a fresh breath of air. Staff wise, we’ve lost a lot of quality on paper, but they just didn’t want to be here any more, so when it comes to grass, I’m not sure it’s as big a deal as various pundits will insist. Remember, those superstars crawled their way to an ‘also ran’ twelfth last season.
I think a lot on Saturday evening depends on how Spurs approach the game. Last weekend, Liverpool attempted to come on to us, and I think that suited us well. We were very compact, and looked to hit hard and fast on the break. The defence, marshalled by Botman and skipper, Thiaw generally looked combative and organised.
The central midfield I think we edged, with Lewis Miley absolutely outstanding. Wissa (kind of) up top had a Brentford performance, causing them grief all afternoon, but the biggest winner was Anthony Elanga. At Forest, he thrived in a team which often had 30 odd percent possession. And, Sunday’s low block and quick transition suited him down to the ground, as his excellently timed run and finish confirmed. You’d imagine that (particularly after their first insipid outing) Spurs will want to be on the front foot. If so, I think they’ll find us a tough nut to crack, with a threat going the other way.
So, what do we think will happen score wise this weekend? At this juncture, I should point out that after one week, I currently sit 21st out of 22 in my mate’s online predictor league, so perhaps take whatever I say with a pinch of salt?
I think he’ll bring Nico straight in. Miley will definitely start and then does he persist with the Pedri-esque Steur or go with more experience? The reason I’m dwelling on central midfield, is that I believe the game will be won and lost here. To be honest, if we had a little more up top (remember, Osula is fettled) I’d fancy us to nick this. As it is, I’m going with one apiece.
I was at this fixture last season, and was blown away by the stadium. If you’re lucky enough to be in attendance - enjoy. And stay safe around the badlands of Edmonton and Tottenham , innit.
Howay the lads….
Nick Clark
X : @Clark5Nick
Bluesky : @njc1892.bsky.social