Tottenham: unbeaten start and plenty of rotation options

Roberto De Zerbi’s Tottenham are gradually building momentum during their pre-season schedule. The North London side began with a narrow 1-0 victory over MK Dons before recording another clean-sheet success against Auckland City, winning 2-0. Dane Scarlett and Richarlison were among the scorers in the latest friendly, while the coaching staff continued to rotate heavily and provide valuable opportunities for younger players.

For the Australian stage of their summer tour, Spurs have travelled with a large 35-man squad. The group features several key names, including James Maddison, Dominic Solanke, Richarlison, Mathys Tel, Sandro Tonali, Conor Gallagher, Micky van de Ven, Jan Paul van Hecke, and Andy Robertson. With such depth available, De Zerbi can make significant changes between matches and still maintain a high level of quality across the squad.

However, Tottenham will not arrive at full strength. Mohammed Kudus, Xavi Simons, Dejan Kulusevski, and Wilson Odobert have remained in England while recovering from injuries. Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has also picked up a minor issue, while Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr are receiving additional rest after the World Cup. Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Marcos Senesi, and Djed Spence are unavailable due to their late return from international duty.

The defensive absences could affect Spurs’ stability, particularly with frequent substitutions expected during the game. Nevertheless, their attacking options remain impressive, with plenty of creativity, pace, and individual quality capable of breaking down opponents.

Sydney FC: young talents making their mark

Sydney FC enter this friendly with confidence after an emphatic 5-1 victory over Bayswater City in the Australia Cup. The standout performer was 20-year-old Thiago Quintal, who produced a brilliant hat-trick, while Zac De Jesus and Matias McAllister also contributed goals. Seventeen-year-old Akol Akon added further excitement with three assists.

Despite the impressive scoreline, the level of opposition must be considered, as Bayswater City compete outside Australia’s top tier. Against Tottenham, Sydney will have much less time on the ball, and any mistakes in possession could quickly be punished by Spurs’ pressing and transition game.

Head coach Patrick Kisnorbo is placing significant trust in Sydney’s academy system. Seven starters in their cup victory were products of the club’s youth setup, with eleven academy graduates included in the matchday squad. This youthful approach provides energy and attacking enthusiasm, but it also brings the possibility of defensive mistakes against a more experienced Premier League opponent.

The Australian side have also experienced major squad changes during the summer. Joe Lolley, Patrick Wood, Joel King, Piero Quispe, and several others have left the club, while Paul Okon Jr joined Köln in Germany. New arrivals such as Takahiro Sekine, Jake Hollman, Gabriel Popovic, and Ethan Dyer are still adapting, meaning Kisnorbo’s project remains very much a work in progress.

Probable lineups

Tottenham: Austin — Gray, van Hecke, van de Ven, Robertson — Tonali, Gallagher — Maddison — Tel, Solanke, Richarlison.

Sydney FC: Hufslot — Grant, Alexander Popovic, Courtney-Perkins, Garruccio — Kamijo, Yulli — De Jesus, Quintal, Akon — McAllister.

Predicting Tottenham’s starting lineup remains difficult due to the friendly nature of the fixture. De Zerbi is expected to make extensive changes and could use two completely different teams across the 90 minutes. These predicted lineups are based on recent selections, but adjustments are likely.

Match facts

Tottenham have won both pre-season matches so far and are yet to concede a goal.

Sydney FC scored five goals in their latest competitive fixture.

Seven players in Sydney’s starting XI against Bayswater City came through the academy system.

The previous meeting between these teams took place in Sydney in 2015, with Tottenham winning 1-0 thanks to a Harry Kane goal.

Spurs are missing several important players but have travelled to Australia with a 35-man squad.

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