Tottenham Hotspur launch their 2025/26 Premier League campaign at home against newly promoted Burnley on Saturday afternoon (August 16, 15:00 BST). With Thomas Frank now at the helm and a remodelled Burnley side under Scott Parker making their return to the top flight, this clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has a storyline of fresh beginnings.
New Era at Spurs
Ange Postecoglou’s departure to European glory left Spurs in search of a new direction, and in came Thomas Frank—the man credited with building Brentford into a modern Premier League mainstay. His tactical discipline and pragmatic style will be tested immediately, as Tottenham begin life without long-time talisman Heung-min Son, who departed for Los Angeles FC.
There is cause for optimism though. Dominic Solanke, who returned from injury in midweek against PSG in the UEFA Super Cup, looks ready to lead the line. Mathys Tel has returned on a permanent deal after his loan stint, while Mohammed Kudus offers creativity and drive from midfield.
Burnley Back in the Big Time
The Clarets, back in the Premier League once again, are hoping Scott Parker can finally break his cycle of promotion followed by relegation. Parker, a familiar face at Spurs from his playing days, has earned three Championship promotions but has yet to prove he can sustain a club at top-flight level.
Burnley’s defensive record last season was extraordinary—they conceded just 16 goals and racked up 29 clean sheets, both Championship records. However, the attacking output was far less convincing. With Josh Brownhill (18 goals) gone, the pressure falls on new arrival Armando Broja, whose top-flight pedigree remains modest.
Team News
Tottenham Hotspur
- Out injured: James Maddison (ACL), Radu Dragusin (ACL), Dejan Kulusevski, Kota Takai, Manor Solomon, Destiny Udogie, Bryan Gil
- Available: Dominic Solanke (fit again, expected to start)
- New arrivals: Mohammed Kudus, Mathys Tel, Joao Palhinha
Predicted Spurs XI (4-2-3-1):
Vicario; Porro, Romero, van de Ven, Reguilón; Palhinha, Bentancur; Kulusevski*, Kudus, Tel; Solanke (*if unfit, Richarlison may start wide with Tel central)
Burnley
- Out injured: Zeki Amdouni (ACL), Benson Manuel (Achilles, long-term)
- Departures: James Trafford, CJ Egan-Riley
- Key incomings: Martin Dubravka, Kyle Walker (experience added at both ends)
Predicted Burnley XI (4-4-2):
Dubravka; Walker, O’Shea, Beyer, Taylor; Brownhill replacement TBD, Cullen, Berge, Odobert; Broja, Foster
Key Storylines
- Palhinha’s Return: Spurs have pulled off a major coup in signing João Palhinha, who returns to the Premier League after a season at Bayern Munich. Known for his tough tackling and infamous yellow card count, his physical presence in midfield will be central to Frank’s system.
- Solanke’s Fitness: Spurs’ ability to turn dominance into goals will depend heavily on Solanke, who scored 15 in all competitions last season.
- Burnley’s Firepower: With Brownhill gone and Broja a risky gamble, Burnley’s survival hopes may rest on whether they can consistently find the net.
Betting & Predictions
- Spurs to win to nil (6/5): Burnley’s defensive resilience will be tested at a higher level, but their lack of proven top-flight goalscorers leaves them vulnerable. Spurs have enough firepower to win while keeping a clean sheet.
- Palhinha to receive a card (12/5): Palhinha’s combative style has historically clashed with Premier League referees. He holds the single-season record for most yellow cards (14 in 22/23) and is likely to draw the ref’s attention again.
Match Odds
- Spurs win: 4/11
- Draw: 4/1
- Burnley win: 17/2
Prediction
Tottenham will want to start strong under Frank, and Burnley’s lack of Premier League-ready attacking options could make this a long afternoon for the Clarets. Spurs should dominate possession and carve out enough chances to claim three points, with Palhinha likely making his presence felt in midfield.
Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 2–0 Burnley