Tottenham host Burnley on Saturday in the Premier League season opener as they look to turn the page on last season’s disappointing finish and begin anew with a refreshed approach.
The build-up has included mixed signals from the club’s recent outings. Tottenham’s Super Cup clash with PSG ended in a penalty shoot-out defeat, with Micky van de Ven and Mathys Tel missing from 12 yards and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario unable to stop any of PSG’s penalties. Nevertheless, the overall performance gave Spurs followers reasons for optimism: they were the better side for long spells and had built a 2-0 cushion before the shoot-out.
Burnley enter the top flight as promoted side and will be eager to make a strong early impression. Historically, newly promoted teams can carry momentum at the start of the season, making this opener a real test for Spurs.
Tactically, Tottenham’s pre-season shape has been fluid. They lined up with four at the back for much of their preparations, but against PSG they shifted to five at the back. The switch echoes a Brentford-style approach previously associated with Thomas Frank, suggesting Spurs are prepared to adapt their system to suit opponents and personnel early in the campaign.
Ahead of the Burnley game, attention will be on whether Brennan Johnson earns a starting spot after not featuring against PSG. The rest of the expected lineup includes Vicario in goal, Porro and Spence at full-back, Romero and van de Ven in central defense, with Bentancur, Palhinha and Sarr in midfield and Kudus, Johnson, and Richarlison in attack.
Possible starting XI (as indicated by the preview): Vicario; Porro, Romero, van de Ven, Spence; Bentancur, Palhinha, Sarr; Kudus, Johnson, Richarlison.
What to watch
– Vicario’s handling of penalties and his distribution under pressure could set the tone early in the season.
– The evolving defensive shape, whether the five-at-the-back setup or a return to four at the back, and how it stabilizes Spurs’ structure from defense into attack.
– Brennan Johnson’s involvement and impact if he starts, and how Spurs balance creativity with solidity in midfield and attack.
– Burnley’s intensity and organization as a promoted side, and how Spurs respond to a stern early challenge.
Summary
Tottenham begin the new season at home against Burnley, aiming to convert their pre-season experiments into a coherent, effective league performance. If the team can quickly gel and harness a flexible tactical approach, they’ll be positioned to build momentum early and pursue a more ambitious campaign.
Additional comments
– The mix of formations suggests Spurs are prioritizing adaptability early on. Watching how they press and transition against a promoted side will reveal much about their intended balance between offense and defense this season.
– Fans should keep an eye on how tight the defense looks in the opening weeks, and how the midfield pairing with Bentancur, Palhinha, and Sarr handles tempo and ball progression against Burnley’s press. A strong start could lift confidence and set a positive tone for the rest of the campaign.