Tottenham Hotspur will lock horns with Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Saturday as they look to secure a good result on the road in the Premier League. Spurs suffered a poor 2-0 loss at the hands of Newcastle United recently, so they would be eager to bounce back by securing a win this weekend.
Roberto De Zerbi will set his side up in a 4-2-3-1 formation and is expected to keep changes to a minimum for this game. Therefore, Omar Marmoush could get another chance to impress as a centre-forward for the North London club up top.
Antonin Kinsky will operate in between the sticks for Spurs after he conceded two goals in his last appearance. Micky van de Ven will function alongside Jan Paul van Hecke at the heart of De Zerbi's defence as they try to keep the Nottingham attackers frustrated during the 90 minutes.
Archie Gray will operate as the right-back, while Andy Robertson hopes to catch the eye on the other side as the left-back. Both of them will get the license to go forward and express themselves inside the opponent's half.
Marcos Senesi and Destiny Udogie will offer cover for the defensive positions on the bench.

#keep

Spurs boss Roberto de Zerbi has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Carabao Cup second-round tie against Championship side Charlton Athletic at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (kick-off 19:45 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Striker Dominic Solanke is available to play and Micky van de Ven and Pedro Porro will be named on the bench.
Mohammed Kudus remains sidelined and James Maddison will miss the match because of "a small injury" in his shoulder.
De Zerbi is unsure whether new signing Savio will "be ready" to start the game, but he is expected to be in the matchday squad.

#Athletic

Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed Micky van de Ven and Pedro Porro will return to the squad for Wednesday's Carabao Cup clash with Charlton.
Dominic Solanke is also available to start, while new signing Savio remains a doubt after only recently joining the club.
"Van de Ven comes on the bench, Pedro Porro comes on the bench," De Zerbi said.
"Solanke is available to play, to start the game.
"Savio, I don't know. I don't know if he's ready to play, if everything is good to play or to come on the bench."

#pedro #solanke #start #comes

Roberto De Zerbi held his first press conference ahead of Saturday's Premier League opening match at Brentford. While the press conference was overshadowed slightly by the fresh news that an agreement has been reached with Manchester City for the purchase of Savinho, there was still plenty to talk about in the match.
For starters, as mentioned previously RDZ named the new Tottenham Hotspur leadership group, which includes Micky van de Ven as club captain, along with Pedro Porro, Ben Davies, James Maddison, and Archie Gray as vice captains. But two of that group will not feature tomorrow vs. Brentford — Micky and Porro were both ruled out of contention, as was Pape Matar Sarr.
"Micky is not on the list tomorrow like Pedro Porro. James Maddison is inside [it], Solanke inside, Udogie, Fernandes also. Sarr not because he felt some pain, but nothing big. Kudus is almost ready.
"Today [Micky] worked with us, with the group and he is going very well. He suffered a problem during the pre-season of Australia, I don't know if it was the flight, but not a big problem. We have Senesi, we have Ben Davies and in the right condition to play the game tomorrow."
A lot to unpack there! Spurs have been strangely silent on Micky's absence from preseason, and we all **** umed it was injury related. De Zerbi didn't provide much of an update, but Micky's been in the club socials a LOT lately, and was just named Captain so if there was a major issue we'd probably know about it by now. Sounds like he'll be coming back sooner rather than later. Pedro Porro's absence is likely just fitness related; he only just returned from his post-World Cup break. Sounds like Sarr is just out with a minor knock and the club is being cautious.

#micky #porro #club #like

Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi has named Micky van de Ven as the club's new captain, with Pedro Porro, Ben Davies, James Maddison and Archie Gray completing his leadership group.
Van de Ven will take over the captaincy ahead of the new season, with De Zerbi opting for five players to hold leadership roles within the squad.
"The new captain is Micky van de Ven. Second is Pedro Porro, third Ben Davies, fourth James Maddison and fifth Archie Gray," De Zerbi explained.
The Tottenham boss explained his decision to have five captains, insisting he wants strong leadership throughout the team rather than relying on a single figure.
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#davies

Micky van de Ven has been appointed Tottenham's new captain, Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed.
The Dutch centre-back, who agreed a new long-term contract earlier this month, replaces Cristian Romero after his move to Atletico Madrid last week.
Van de Ven forms part of a five-player leadership group alongside Pedro Porro, Ben Davies, James Maddison and 20-year-old Archie Gray. Gray could wear the armband at Brentford on Saturday, as Van de Ven and Porro are not ready to start.
De Zerbi said: "The new captain is Micky van de Ven. The second Pedro Porro, the third Ben Davies, the fourth James Maddison and the fifth Archie Gray.
"Why five captains? Just because I want many captains inside of the pitch and to be clear in the position.

#gray #zerbi #pedro #james

Liverpool reportedly showed "concrete interest" in Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven earlier this summer, with fresh details emerging after the Netherlands international committed his future to the north London club.
According to De Telegraaf, Liverpool made an approach for Van de Ven in June while uncertainty remained over his contractual situation at Spurs.
The defender has now signed a new agreement with Tottenham, effectively closing the door on any immediate move away.
Liverpool's interest makes considerable sense when viewed through the circumstances surrounding the club this summer.
Andoni Iraola inherited a squad requiring reinforcement at centre-back, and Van de Ven represented the sort of defender who could immediately alter the physical capabilities of Liverpool's back line.

#defender #Liverpool #back #hotspur

Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven says he is "excited about what's to come" after signing a new long-term deal with Spurs.
The Netherlands international joined from Wolfsburg in 2023 originally on a six-year agreement until 2029.
BBC Sport understands Van de Ven was considering his future in north London before the appointment of Roberto de Zerbi in March, which proved crucial in the 25-year-old's decision to extend his stay.
"It's a special moment to sign a new deal and a proud moment for me and my family," said Van de Ven. "I've always loved Spurs, from the first day I stepped in here.
"I love the Club, I love the fans and I've developed really well here.

#moment #TOTTENHAM

Micky van de Ven is excited by the direction Tottenham are heading after signing a new contract.
The defender, who is reported to have agreed a new five-year deal, was happy to commit his future to the club and will be one of the key players head coach Roberto De Zerbi builds his team around.
"It's a special moment to sign a new deal and a proud moment for me and my family," Van de Ven said.
"I've always loved Spurs, from the first day I stepped in here. I love the club, I love the fans and I've developed really well here.
"It's clear the direction the club wants to go in and I want to be a part of it. I'm excited about what's to come."

#micky

Tottenham Hotspur appear set to secure one of the club's most important pieces of long term business, with Micky Van de Ven closing in on a fresh contract despite already being tied to the club until 2029.
According to Sky Sports, via reporters Dharmesh Sheth and Amar Mehta, discussions have progressed positively in recent weeks and there is growing confidence that an agreement will soon be finalised. It is a significant development for Spurs as they continue shaping their squad under Roberto De Zerbi ahead of another demanding campaign.
There is often little urgency surrounding players who already have several years remaining on their contracts. However, Tottenham's willingness to reward Van de Ven early highlights how highly he is valued internally.
Sky Sports report that: "Micky Van de Ven is close to agreeing a new long term contract with Tottenham Hotspur."
They also add: "Sky Sports News understands that talks are progressing well and an agreement is close."

#long #term #already

The opening day of the season is a day which is hotly anticipated across the globe as Premier League stars return to the pitches and screens.
In August 1993 - the late Freddie Mercury was at the top of the UK charts, John Major was the Prime Minister, and Micky Quinn was Coventry's hat-trick hero at Highbury.
Former ****** nal striker Bobby Gould was in the dugout for the Sky Blues as they visited Highbury for their opening game of the 1993-94 season.
It proved to be a game many Coventry fans will always remember and one ****** nal fans will want to forget.
Liverpool-born, Quinn scored all three goals in the 3-0 victory.

#quinn

Heat Central: Pat Riley admits he has given up full control over almost everything in the Heat organization: "I love the people I work with, they've been with me 30 years… All the department heads, I've given up control. Which was the hardest thing for me to do. To give up control over almost everything and every decision, everything… I don't say give up the power because I don't think I ever had it. I was given a **** le by Micky as the head coach and president" (Via LeBatardShow)
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Pat Riley admits he has given up full control over …

#riley

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Aaron Glenn met with his New York Jets players ahead of their first practice of the summer and shared a simple goal.
And he did it without using gimmicky catch phrases or emotion-driven words. Glenn is all about business in Year 2 of leading the Jets, who are looking to put a 3-14 season far behind them and hoping to end a 15-year postseason drought.
"We just want to build off the momentum that we actually had in OTAs going into training camp," Glenn said Wednesday. "So no slogans, no hype speeches. Wanted to set the tone with the players yesterday. And man, we're ready to improve. And that's what we're trying to do."
Glenn's job depends on it.
The former Pro Bowl cornerback returned last year to the team that drafted him in the first round in 1994, looking to lead the Jets back to respectability in his first opportunity as an NFL head coach. Instead, Glenn oversaw one of the worst seasons in team history. Mistakes in decision making, clock management and personnel were among the culprits. So were some of his choices on his coaching staff.

#Jets #year #players

Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven believes supporters will see a far more exciting brand of football under new manager Roberto De Zerbi in the coming season.
The defender, who had been heavily linked with a move away from Tottenham this summer, praised the Italian's attacking style and the fresh energy he has brought to the squad.
In a recent interview, Van de Ven said that the team is already adapting to a system that focuses on keeping possession and playing on the front foot.
His comments also aimed a sly dig at former manager Thomas Frank, who was sacked in February following a series of disappointing performances.
"It's going to be different compared to the former manager we had last season," Van de Ven said (via talkSPORT).

#season #hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur began their preseason campaign with a win in a behind-closed-doors friendly against League One side MK Dons at the Tottenham Hotspur training ground.
With several players missing due to the recently completed World Cup, a mix of youth and experience was on display as Roberto De Zerbi heavily rotated his side each half. New signings Mateus Fernandes, Sandro Tonali, and Martin Dubravka made their debuts, and it was the former who was the difference, with his stunning strike the lone goal in a scrappy encounter.
Here's my top ten talking points from Spurs' first outing under Thomas Frank.
Spurs' first friendly was as notable for who was missing as much as who was named. With the World Cup only recently wrapping up in the Americas, it was obviously much too soon to see the likes of Djed Spence, Pedro Porro, Marcos Senesi, or Cristian Romero; but other players involved in the World Cup also weren't involved. Jan Paul van Hecke, Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso, Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Bergvall, Pape Sarr, and Andy Robertson were all missing due to enforced leave following their international duties.
This meant limited learnings as to how the squad will shape up when the season kicked off, and also raises questions as to who will be available for the tour to Australia and New Zealand. An additional point of concern was the absence of James Maddison, who had no such international commitments and who made his return from an ACL injury towards the end of last season. The fact he did not see the pitch is concerning given his injury history. It's a similar situation as well for promising young defender Jun'ai Byfield, also missing the end of the season with injury and not sighted today.

#World #friendly

Barcelona's transfer priorities have shifted as the summer window enters a decisive phase, with the club now placing its full attention on strengthening the attack rather than adding another central defender.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona will only return to the market for a centre-back if one of the current defenders leaves before the transfer deadline.
The change in strategy follows Hansi Flick's positive ******* sment of his existing defensive options, leaving the club free to focus its financial resources on signing a new No. 9.
The report also states that, despite repeated links in recent months, Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven is not viewed as the right technical fit for Barcelona's style of play.
Barcelona had explored the possibility of reinforcing the heart of the defence earlier, with several names discussed internally as potential additions.

Josh Hokit doesn't care about unity.
The red-hot Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Heavyweight prospect-turned-contender is still catching heat for his unnecessary and controversial post-fight comments at UFC Freedom 250 one week ago, where he called former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama a man.
UFC CEO Dana White condemned Hokit one day after the event, calling the comment "nasty and false."
Earlier this week, former two-division champion-turned-broadcaster Daniel Cormier also went after Hokit for the comment, as well as his cornball gimmick as a whole.
"He started his post-fight interview, and he was going to do one of those gimmicky things that honestly I think is lame," Cormier said. "He could have left, and he could have made more fans than he walked in there with because they would have gotten to see Josh Hokit. But instead, he goes and says the thing about Michelle Obama … I absolutely hated that. He needs to do better.

The centre-back position has been a top target for Barcelona for a while now, and several players have been linked as possible targets.
One such player is Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven who is currently on duty with the Netherlands national team at the FIFA World Cup.
Having come very close to relegation, Spurs are looking for a complete revolution this summer, but their players have also become a target for other top European clubs owing to their situation.
The Premier League side, however, have actively denied the possibility of van de Ven leaving this summer as of earlier this week.
As relayed by Ben Jacobs in a recent report, Tottenham are now planning to initiate contract renewal talks with the centre-back amidst all the noise around his future.

Liverpool’s summer is beginning to look less like a transfer window and more like a statement of intent. According to Mike Verweij of the Telegraaf, the Reds have made contact over Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Micky van de Ven, with Barcelona also said to be “knocking on the door”.
For Andoni Iraola, this would be a significant move. Liverpool have already added Victor Munoz from Osasuna, but the possible pursuit of Van de Ven points to a wider rebuild.
The Dutch defender has been described as “world-class”, and it is easy to see why. His recovery pace, composure and ability to defend large **** es would appear tailor-made for a Liverpool side expected to press high and play with aggression.
Ibrahima Konate’s move to Real Madrid has changed the picture. Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni may be talented, but neither has played a Premier League minute. That makes Van de Ven a different type of target, proven, powerful and already adjusted to English football.

Liverpool are interested in signing Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven this summer, according to Mike Verweij.
The Reds are looking to bolster their defence and are eyeing the 25-year-old, who will bring speed and experience to the Anfield club’s rearguard.
Liverpool have been linked to the Spurs man for some time, but are only now pursuing him because of his contract impasse.
The North Londoners are trying to get the Liverpool target to sign a new deal, but he is not budging, and a sale might happen.
Van de Ven has established himself as one of the better defenders in the Premier League.

Barcelona have stepped up their search for a left-footed centre-back ahead of the summer transfer window, and a new name is now gaining serious attention.
According to reports from the Netherlands, Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven has emerged as one of the players being closely monitored by the Catalan giants.
The Dutch international has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disappointing season for Tottenham.
While the North London side struggled for consistency and found themselves under pressure for large parts of the campaign, Van de Ven continued to strengthen his reputation as one of the most reliable young defenders in European football.
As reported by De Telegraaf, both Barcelona and Liverpool are following Van de Ven’s situation closely as they look to reinforce their defensive units.

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed the signing of Jan Paul van Hecke for a reported £52 million.
The Dutch defender has been at the Seagulls since joining the club from NAC Breda in 20220 before having loan spells away at Heerenveen and Blackburn Rovers.
The 26-year-old, who is currently at the 2026 World Cup with the Netherlands, has shown improvements with Spurs now paying £52m to sign the player with Brighton & Hove Albion also possessing a 20% sell-on clause.
"It's a huge honour to become a Spurs player and when you join such a big club, it's a dream come true," the new Tottenham signing said on his unveiling.
"I already have a really strong connection with the Head Coach [Roberto De Zerbi], who I'm looking forward to working with again. Micky [van de Ven] has also told me some great things about the Club, so I can't wait to get started.

Tottenham Hotspur have completed their third summer signing, securing Dutch centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton.
The move for Van Hecke comes after a challenging 2025-26 campaign for Spurs, where Roberto De Zerbi’s team narrowly secured Premier League survival with a final-day home victory over Everton.
De Zerbi, who worked with Van Hecke for two seasons at Brighton, earmarked the Netherlands defender as a key component of rebuilding Tottenham. After two earlier bids were rejected, a £52 million offer was accepted, and the 26-year-old has signed a long-term contract.
Van Hecke said: "It’s a huge honour to become a Spurs player and when you join such a big club, it’s a dream come true. I already have a really strong connection with the head coach, who I’m looking forward to working with again. Micky (van de Ven) has also told me some great things about the club, so I can’t wait to get started.
“I’ve been at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as an opposition player and now I’m looking forward to walking out there in front of our fans wearing the Spurs shirt. That will be a special moment."

Japan and the Netherlands will kick off their World Cup campaign in Texas on Sunday night. There are seven Bundesliga-based players in Hajime Moriyasu’s squad, with FC Bayern’s Hiroki Itō, Eintracht Frankfurt's Ritsu Dōan and Mainz’s Kaishū Sano making the starting lineup.
From the starting XI of the Samurai Blue, Daichi Kamada (Eintracht Frankfurt) also had previous Bundesliga experience. With Wataru Endo's international retirement and former Borussia Mönchengladbach defender Kō Itakura on the bench, Dōan will captain ***** an.
Meanwhile, Leverkusen’s Mark Flekken is the substitute goalkeeper for the Netherlands. From the eight players with previous Bundesliga experiences, Micky van de Ven (Wolfsburg), Ryan Gravenberch (FC Bayern) and Donyell Malen (Borussia Dortmund) are in Ronald Koeman’s XI.
Netherlands: Verbruggen; Dumfries, van Hecke, van Dijk ©, van de Ven; Gravenberch, de Jong, Reijnders; Summerville, Malen, Gakpo
Japan: Suzuki; Taniguchi, Watanabe, Itō; Dōan ©, Sano, Kamada, Nakamura; Maeda, Kubo; Ueda

We asked for your views on which players boss Roberto de Zerbi has worked with before you would like to see Tottenham target as the club look to close a deal for Jan Paul van Hecke, his former defender at Brighton.
Here are some of your comments:
David: I like the idea of a chunk of our defence being from the Netherlands. So yes to Van Hecke and Bart Verbruggen to complement Micky van de Ven. I remember a time not long ago when our Belgian duo, Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen, secured our backline and that worked out great. And if Roberto already knows them, so much the better.
Atul: Tottenham need strengthening all over the pitch and if he rates his former players, then yes, he should go for them.
Christopher: I have always been an admirer of Kaoru Mitoma and have desired for Tottenham to sign him long before Mr De Zerbi came along. In my opinion, **** anese players are hugely underrated and the traditionally 'bigger' clubs not coming in for them (like Maeda Daizen at Celtic) is strange. And, unlike players from Marseille, Shakhtar Donetsk and Mr De Zerbi's Italian clubs, Mitoma not only has Premier League experience but five years of it. He would top of my list.

Netherlands are ranked only eighth favourites to win the 2026 World Cup, below Spain, France, Argentina, Brazil, England, Portugal and Germany. Depending where you draw the line, they are either the worst of the realistic contenders or the best of the rest.
Yet there is plenty of evidence to suggest that is a pessimistic view of one of the best squads in North America this summer. Netherlands have one of Europe’s form strikers in Donyell Malen, who scored 14 goals in 18 Serie A games since joining Roma in January, much to the surprise of Aston Villa fans. They have Frenkie de Jong, Ryan Gravenberch and Tijjani Reijnders in midfield. And the defence is like something from a Premier League fantasy team.
Virgil van Dijk, Micky van de Ven, Nathan Ake and Jurrien Timber are an elite quartet, and that is before you get to the power of right-back Denzel Dumfries – about to join Real Madrid from Inter as Jose Mourinho’s first marquee signing since returning to the Bernabeu. Chelsea’s Jorrel Hato and Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke add strength in depth.
Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen is developing into a hugely talented player in his own right, but he feels more secure knowing who will be standing in front of him when the Netherlands begin their World Cup campaign, against ***** an on 14 June.
“It makes my life a bit easier, that’s for sure,” Verbruggen says. “As a competitor, you always want to play against the best players but you also want to beat them, and in order to beat them you need the best players on your side as well. And I’ve got the big privilege to be able to play with a defensive line that I think is up there with the best in the world.”