Tottenham vs Burnley Preview – Premier League 2025-26
Tottenham vs Burnley Preview: Tottenham host newly promoted Burnley at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on matchday one of the Premier League season. Thomas Frank’s Spurs are still adjusting after their Super Cup defeat to PSG, while Burnley return to the top flight under Scott Parker, riding the confidence of their Championship-dominating promotion.
Current Form
Tottenham’s pre-season campaign has been mixed. They narrowly lost the UEFA Super Cup to PSG on penalties but showcased tactical promise, especially with new set-piece routines and a back-three system trialled for the first time. Frank’s side had earlier suffered a heavy defeat to Bayern and endured mixed results in Asia, leaving questions over their offensive fluidity. The focus on structured pressing and aerial threat from set pieces has already begun to take shape.
Burnley enter the Premier League with momentum from a record-breaking Championship season: 33 matches unbeaten, 100 points, and one of the meanest defences in league history. Promotion was earned through a defensive masterclass under Scott Parker. Burnley field a mostly fit squad, including new signings like Armando Broja, Lesley Ugochukwu, and Kyle Walker, as they look to build on their promoted momentum. The main issue that is that they have lost James Trafford, who was key to their defensive record last season. Scott Parker will definitely miss him in goal.
| Team | Pre-Season Form | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tottenham | Mixed — loss to PSG in Super Cup; inconsistent friendlies | Strong set-piece execution; questions remain up front. |
| Burnley | Built on momentum — successful promotion achieved with defensive solidity | Cohesive unit with form and structure heading into the season. |
Head-to-Head Record
This fixture heads into the 126th competitive meeting between Tottenham and Burnley: Spurs have 55 wins compared to Burnley’s 42, with 28 draws. In recent seasons, Tottenham have dominated with seven wins in their last eight meetings.
Injury News & Absences
Tottenham: Dejan Kulusevski, Radu Dragusin, James Maddison, Kota Takai – all ruled out due to injuries. Yves Bissouma – left out of the Super Cup squad; future selection unclear. Destiny Udogie and Dominic Solanke – doubtful but may feature depending on fitness.
Burnley: No confirmed significant absences. Manager Scott Parker reports a “pretty full squad” with most players available for selection.
Injury Summary Table
| Team | Player | Reason | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tottenham | Dejan Kulusevski | Knee injury | Out |
| Radu Dragusin | Knee injury | Out | |
| James Maddison | ACL injury | Out | |
| Kota Takai | Injury | Out | |
| Yves Bissouma | Disciplinary / Omission | Doubtful | |
| Destiny Udogie | Knee injury | Doubtful | |
| Dominic Solanke | Fitness doubts | Doubtful | |
| Burnley | — | No major absences reported | Available |
Manager Quotes
Thomas Frank reflected on the Super Cup loss: “The operation worked, but the patient died. We showed structure and identity, now we need to find cutting edge.” Scott Parker returns as Burnley manager to a familiar rhythm: “We built something solid in the Championship, now it’s about carrying that into the Premier League. Our unity and defence are our foundation.”
Predicted Lineups
Tottenham (likely 4-2-3-1): Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Palhinha, Bentancur; Kudus, Sarr, Johnson; Solanke.
Burnley (balanced 4-2-3-1): Dubravka; Walker, Beyer, Esteve, Ekdal, Hartman; Ugochukwu, Mejbri, Cullen; Anthony, Edwards; Foster.
Tactical Preview & Key Battles
Tottenham will rely on increased set-piece threats and structure. Their ability to score from dead-ball situations, with routines crafted by new set-piece coach Andreas Georgson, could be decisive, especially with limited firepower up front. Defensive full-backs like Porro and Spence will be key in supporting wide attacks, with Porro likely to take a lot of set pieces and corners now Maddison is injured. Burnley, conversely, will play with defensive unity and direct transitions. Expect them to exploit spaces behind Spurs’ full-backs with runners like Anthony. Their defensive shape will be tested if Spurs press high, but their counter-attacking threat could cause problems.
Key Battles:
- Set-Piece Efficiency – Spurs’ drilled routines vs Burnley’s aerial resilience.
- Midfield Physicality – Palhinha & Bentancur vs Burnley’s engine room.
- Transition Play – Burnley’s counters against Spurs’ high structure.
Predicted Scoreline
Tottenham 2-0 Burnley — Home advantage and set-piece prowess should give Spurs the edge in a tight contest.
Where to Watch
Kick-off: Saturday 3pm BST (UK) — Not broadcast live due to the Saturday blackout; highlights available via Match of the Day (BBC). International: Check local broadcasters or streaming services.
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