Spurs under 19’s versus Bayern Munich: (match preview)

(This photograph is from Tottenham Hotspur FC).

Our under 19’s take on German giants Bayern Munich on Tuesday afternoon, in game week two of this seasons UEFA youth league group stages. Our under 19’s kicked off their campaign with a 1-1 draw with Olympiacos under testing conditions in Greece, and they’ll be hoping to go one better when they host Bayern Munich at Hotspur Way tomorrow. With a squad consisting of regulars from both our under 18 and under 23 side, Ryan Mason’s team will be feeling confident that they can get a positive result on the board. The opposition have some very talented youngsters in their ranks furthermore, Bayern are doing well in their domestic league. Danny Schwarz’s side occupy second place in the under 19 Bundesliga after picking up an impressive 14 points from their opening seven matches. Some of the Bayern Munich players to look out for tomorrow afternoon include goalkeeper Lukas Schneller, defender Bright Akwo Arrey-Mbi,  goal scoring midfielder Malik Tillman and centre forward David Halbich. The pick of those listed players is the inform Malik Tillman who has already scored four goals in Bayern’s domestic league this season. Bayern Munich have a renowned academy set up and I would expect them to play an attacking brand of football, like their first team. The German club drew their first group game 0-0 against Serbian side Crvena Zvezda, and like Spurs they’ll be hoping to get their first win of the European campaign on the board tomorrow. It will be interesting to see if Ryan Mason makes many changes from that 1-1 draw with Olympiacos. It will also be interesting to see if Troy Parrott starts again for our under 19’s. The 17 year old Irish striker has been training exclusively with the Spurs senior team this season however, Mason’s side could definitely do with him against Bayern Munich tomorrow. I am anticipating a very tough match for Spurs and it could be the quality of somebody like Troy Parrott who sways the game in Spurs’ favour. I shall be reporting on the game but for those unable to attend, it is being shown live on BT Sport. I would like to wish Ryan Mason’s side all the very best of luck for what promises to be a fascinating and very closely fought contest.

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Oluwayemi, Lyons-Foster, Binks, Lusala, Bowden (c), Maghoma, Markanday, Richards, Clarke, Parrott.

Subs from: Kurylowicz, Cesay, White, Robson, Whittaker, Asante, Etete.

Injured/unavailable: Dennis Cirkin, Michael Craig.

Doubtful: Jeremy Kyezu, Matthew Craig, Nile John, J’Neil Bennett.

Previous meeting: N/A.

My score prediction: Spurs 3-2.

My one to watch: Bayern Munich’s goal scoring midfielder Malik Tillman who has already found the back of the net on four occasions in the under 19 Bundesliga this season. Tillman is definitely a player to keep a close eye on tomorrow.

Spurs under 23’s 1-4 Brighton & Hove Albion: (match report)

After suffering a disappointing 4-0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers earlier in the week, our under 23’s looked to respond when they took on Brighton at the AMEX stadium on Friday night, in their latest PL2 game. Wayne Burnett’s side put in a decent first half performance and after some good early passing moves Spurs took the lead through the potent Rodel Richards. However, Ryan Longman cancelled Spurs’ opener before halftime. I don’t know exactly what it was but Spurs seemed to fade away during the second half, in similar fashion to the Blackburn game. Brighton hit three goals without reply and Spurs lacked urgency and were unable to mount any sort of fight back, as they lost 4-1. Wayne Burnett’s side lined up in their usual 4-2-3-1 formation on Friday night as Belgian goalkeeper Jonathan De Bie was handed a rare start in goal. A back four consisting of Jubril Okedina, TJ Eyoma, Luis Binks and Tariq Hinds lined up in front of him. Captain Jamie Bowden and Paris Maghoma partnered up in central midfield while Phoenix Patterson and Shilow Tracey operated out on the flanks, either side of CAM Tashan Oakley-Boothe. Rodel Richards led the line for Spurs. Brighton got the game underway on a cool evening down on the south coast. After knocking it about well during the opening stages of the game, Tottenham winger Phoenix Patterson whipped an inviting cross into the Brighton box. However, the Spurs mans delivery was just missed by striker Rodel Richards before being gathered by Brighton goalkeeper Hugo Keto. After fullback Tariq Hinds had lost possession Brighton winger Ryan Longman darted into the Spurs penalty area, however, Hinds recovered well to block Longman’s resulting effort on goal. Jamie Bowden headed behind Jordan Davies’s corner kick before Luis Binks partially cleared Ryan Longman’s cross, before Jonathan De Bie gathered the ball. England under 19 international Paris Maghoma had a shot blocked by Antef Tsoungui before Jamie Bowden had a powerful low effort saved by Hugo Keto. Luis Binks continued his impressive start to the game by cutting out a good pass from Jordan Davies which was intended for Brighton striker Bojan Radulovic.

A couple of minutes later Spurs came close to taking the lead through Rodel Richards after the Spurs striker struck the crossbar. After Tariq Hinds had passed the ball to Rodel Richards inside the Brighton box, the Spurs striker turned around before powering an effort against Hugo Keto’s crossbar. A couple of minutes later Rodel Richards received Paris Maghoma’s pass before sublimely turning around Brighton captain Warren O’Hora before forcing a save out of Hugo Keto from his low effort. Spurs took the lead in the 28th minute of the game through none other than Rodel Richards. After Tashan Oakley-Boothe carried the ball well down the right flank the attacking midfielder then slipped a clever pass through to Rodel Richards down the right side of the Brighton box, Richards kept his composure in front of goal before calmly slotting the ball past Hugo Keto and into the bottom left hand corner of the goal, 1-0. Phoenix Patterson had a cross cleared away by Warren O’Hora before a good Spurs move almost resulted in them doubling their lead. After Maghoma passed the ball to Hinds the right back played a quick one two with Richards inside the Brighton box before shooting just wide of Hugo Keto’s goal. Luis Binks nodded over Phoenix Patterson’s cross before Brighton unexpectedly drew level. After receiving Jordan Davies’s pass down the right hand side of the Brighton box Ryan Longman let fly on his right foot. Longman’s powerful effort deflected off of Tariq Hinds before looping up and over Jonathan De Bie and into the back of the goal, 1-1. After receiving Jamie Bowden’s pass down the left side of the Brighton box Shilow Tracey whipped the ball across the face of Hugo Keto’s goal, before the referee Sam Allison sounded his whistle for half time. Spurs got the second half underway. Jubril Okedina had a cross gathered by Hugo Keto a couple of minutes before Brighton took the lead for the first time in the game. After coming inside from the left flank Jack Leahy whipped the ball into the Spurs box where he managed to pick out Danny Cashman who just directed the ball past Jonathan De Bie on the volley, 1-2.

After Rodel Richards had just missed Phoenix Patterson’s whipped cross inside the Brighton box, the ball came to Paris Maghoma who had made a run towards the back post but he could only volley the ball just over the crossbar, much to his disappointment. Spurs tried to respond again. After Phoenix Patterson’s cross was controlled by Rodel Richards inside the Brighton box the Spurs striker had a shot blocked by Warren O’Hora, before Tashan Oakley-Boothe had a shot on goal blocked by the same player. After receiving Danny Cashman’s pass down the right flank Ryan Longman darted past Tariq Hinds before emphatically firing the ball into the top right hand corner of Jonathan De Bie’s goal. Jubril Okedina headed Phoenix Patterson’s corner kick wide before Jamie Bowden had an effort blocked by Warren O’Hora before Phoenix Patterson had a cross gathered by Hugo Keto. A good Spurs move resulted in Tariq Hinds passing the ball to Paris Maghoma who played a one two with Rodel Richards before shooting wide. After receiving Marc Leonard’s pass Ryan Longman darted down the right side of the Brighton box before firing a low effort just wide of Jonathan De Bie’s goal. Spurs brought off Phoenix Patterson and Jamie Bowden for Dilan Markanday and Kion Etete before Brighton netted their fourth goal of the game. After Danny Cashman aggressively brought Paris Maghoma to the ground he passed the ball to Ryan Longman down the right side of the Spurs box. Longman squared the ball for substitute Lorent Tolaj to tap past Jonathan De Bie and into the back of the net, 1-4. Hugo Keto gathered Dilan Markanday’s whipped effort on goal before Maurizio Pochettino came onto replace Shilow Tracey. Pochettino nodded a deflected free kick wide of goal from Dilan Markanday before Kion Etete was shown a yellow card for barging into Brighton goalkeeper Hugo Keto and then squaring up to Brighton’s Romaric Yapi. Rodel Richards flicked on Dilan Markanday’s free kick before Maurizio Pochettino had a late shot blocked by Warren O’Hora, before the referee blew his whistle for full time, bringing to an end a disappointing night of football for Spurs.

Player reviews: 

• Jonathan De Bie: The Spurs goalkeeper didn’t make a single save on the night and he would have been disappointed to be beaten at his near post for Ryan Longman’s second goal of the game. 
• Jubril Okedina: The 18 year old put in a decent shift at right back. Okedina made some timely interceptions, and he defended relatively well against Brighton winger Jack Leahy. 
• TJ Eyoma: The RCB may not have had his greatest game but he was good in the air, and he did make some good defensive interventions.
• Luis Binks: The LCB was one of Spurs’ better players on the night. Binks did well to quell the threat of Brighton’s bullish target man Bojan Radulovic who tried his very best to bully young Binks. However, the England under 19 international stood tall and he managed to cut out a couple of dangerous Brighton attacks.
• Tariq Hinds: The left back protected his side of the pitch relatively well and he made some good blocks.
• Jamie Bowden: The CDM carried the ball well and he made some well timed interceptions. Bowden was one of Spurs’ better players on the night and he helped to keep things ticking over nicely in the middle of the park.
• Paris Maghoma: The RCM made some intelligent runs into the Brighton penalty area, and he was involved in some nice link up with the lively Rodel Richards.
• Phoenix Patterson: The right winger would switch flanks with Shilow Tracey during the first half but he struggled a little bit to get into the game despite his tremendous work rate. Patterson did however, whip some excellent crosses into the danger zone. 
• Tashan Oakley-Boothe: Although the attacking midfielder wasn’t really involved in the game in the final third, Oakley-Boothe did do well to set up Rodel Richards for his goal.
• Shilow Tracey: The left winger went on a number of good surging runs during the first half.
• Rodel Richards: My man of the match, see below.
• Dilan Markanday: Markanday came off the bench to go on a couple of decent attacking forays down the right hand side of the pitch.
• Kion Etete: The second half substitute opened up options for Spurs.
• Maurizio Pochettino: The left wingers touch was good and he was tidy with the ball during his time on the pitch.

My man of the match: Rodel Richards. The 19 year old centre forwards movement and many well timed runs were excellent on the night. The skilful Richards went on many a good mazy run. Furthermore, the Lewisham born striker struck the crossbar before going onto score a well taken goal. The first year pro threatened the Brighton defence throughout the match.

Brighton & Hove Albion: Keto, Yapi, Furlong (Leonard 68), Spong, Tsoungui, O’Hora (c), Longman, Davies, Radulovic (Tolaj 74), Cashman (Wilson 88), Leahy. Substitutes (not used): McGill, Freestone.

Spurs: De Bie, Okedina, Hinds, Bowden (c) (Etete 79), Eyoma, Binks, Patterson (Markanday 73), Maghoma, Richards, Oakley-Boothe, Tracey (Pochettino 84). Substitutes (not used): Oluwayemi, Lyons-Foster.

Goals: Brighton – Longman 37, 62, Longman 48, Tolaj 80; Spurs – Richards 28.

Yellow cards: Brighton – Leahy 85, Yapi 87; Spurs – Etete 87, Eyoma 90+4.

Referee: Sam Allison.

Venue: Amex Stadium, Brighton.

Spurs under 23’s statistics: 

Goals: Rodel Richards – 2

Troy Parrott – 2

Kazaiah Sterling – 2

Harvey White – 2

Tashan Oakley-Boothe – 1

Shilow Tracey – 1

Paris Maghoma – 1

Phoenix Patterson – 1

Armando Shashoua – 1

Dilan Markanday – 1

Assists: Shilow Tracey – 5

Tashan Oakley-Boothe – 2

Jamie Bowden – 1

Tariq Hinds – 1

Paris Maghoma – 1

Kazaiah Sterling – 1

Dilan Markanday – 1

Armando Shashoua -1

Clean sheets: Brandon Austin – 1

Spurs under 18’s versus West Ham United: (match preview)

Our under 18’s begin this seasons premier league cup campaign on Saturday morning when they take on West Ham at Little Heath, in their first group game of the competition. Matt Taylor’s side recorded an impressive 2-0 league win over Southampton last Saturday and they’ll be hoping to build on that victory tomorrow by getting off to the perfect start in the competition. We lost 3-2 to the ‘ Hammers ‘ in a league game less than two weeks ago. That game was a typical London derby, with plenty of meaty challenges and feistiness however, Spurs came up short on that day and they lost a game in which was very end to end. West Ham occupy fourth spot in the under 18 premier league south, having won three and drawn two of their six league games. Some of the ‘ Hammers ‘ young attacking talents to look out for tomorrow include centre forward Veron Parkes, midfielder Sebastian Nebyla and attacking fullback Samuel Caiger. Other players to look out for is towering centre half Will Greenidge, midfielder Lennon Peake and winger Kamarai Simon-Swyer. West Ham seemed to play with a lot of width during our last meeting with them. Furthermore, the ‘ Hammers ‘ were attacking and positive in their all round play.  With this being a cup game I would expect Matt Taylor to rotate his squad and possibly play players who haven’t had a lot of minutes this season. Namely Malachi Walcott and Yago Alonso. Also, the fact that our under 19’s have an important UEFA youth league game against Bayern Munich on Tuesday could mean that some players are rested for the trip to east London. I wish all of our lads all the very best of luck for tomorrow’s cup match, let’s hope that we can avenge the other weeks narrow defeat to our London rivals. Unfortunately and very unusually for me, I will be unable to report on tomorrow’s game as it doesn’t really leave me enough time to get to the main game afterwards.

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Kurylowicz (c), Cesay, Muir, Walcott, Lusala, Robson, Alonso, Cooper, Pedder, Whittaker, Asante.

Subs from: Lo-Tutala, Mundle, John, Bennett, Scarlett.

Injured/unavailable: Dennis Cirkin, Michael Craig.

Doubtful: Jeremy Kyezu, Matthew Craig, Nile John, J’Neil Bennett.

Previous meeting: Spurs 2-3.

My score prediction: Spurs 3-1.

My one to watch: The ‘ Hammers ‘ top scorer last season with eight goals, Veron Parkes. The second year scholar is a physical player and he could prove to be a handful for the Spurs defence tomorrow. Parkes scored against us in that 3-2 defeat earlier this month.

Spurs under 23’s versus Brighton & Hove Albion: (match preview)

(This photograph is from Tottenham Hotspur FC).

After suffering a disappointing 4-0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers earlier in the week, Wayne Burnett’s development side will be looking to make a statement when they take on Brighton & Hove Albion on Friday evening, at the AMEX stadium. Spurs were totally dominated by Blackburn in the rain on Monday night, and Burnett’s side struggled to offer much of an attacking threat in the absence of any recognised strikers. Our under 23’s have not won a game since August so it is imperative that they get a positive result on the board against Brighton tomorrow night. Last season we drew 1-1 to Brighton at home before later losing 2-0 to them down on the south coast. The ‘ Seagulls ‘ who are managed by Simon Rusk have had a mixed start to the new PL2 season. Brighton currently occupy eight spot in the division one table having won two of their opening six league games. Some of Brighton’s standout players include centre forward Bojan Radulovic, forward Ryan Longman, midfielder Danny Cashman, winger Taylor Richards and Irish central defender Warren O’Hora. Since Graham Potter took over Brighton’s first team they seem to be playing a brand of attacking football so I would expect the ‘ Seagulls ‘ under 23’s to play in a similar fashion on Friday night. I would imagine that there will be wholesale changes in the Spurs team for tomorrow’s game after the disappointing fashion of Monday nights defeat to Blackburn. Perhaps we might see a couple of players from the under 18’s make the step up for this game. Also the fact that our under 19’s have a game on Tuesday could also mean that some players are rested for tomorrow’s game. As always I shall be in attendance, and my in-depth match report of the game will be out at some point over the weekend. I wish all of our lads the very best of luck for this important game. 

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Austin, Okedina, Eyoma (c), Dinzeyi, Hinds, White, Bowden, Markanday, Maghoma, Patterson, Tracey.

Subs from: Oluwayemi, Binks, Clarke, Pochettino, Etete.

Injured/unavailable: Dennis Cirkin, Jeremie Mukendi.

Doubtful: Maxwell Statham, Maximus Tainio, Jonathan De Bie, J’Neil Bennett, Armando Shashoua, Rodel Richards.

Previous meeting: Spurs 0-2.

My score prediction: Spurs 2-1.

My one to watch: Brighton’s Serbian striker Bojan Radulovic who has netted twice from four PL2 appearances this season.

Spurs under 23’s 0-4 Blackburn Rovers: (match report)

Our under 23’s took on Blackburn Rovers in game week six of the PL2 season on Monday night, at the Leyland County ground. Despite starting Monday’s game brightly Wayne Burnett’s side faded away during large chunks of the first half and they conceded a goal on 22 minutes through 25 year old Dominic Samuel. The second half was much the same story. After starting the half quite well Spurs lost their composure once again and a very solid Blackburn side punished them for it. Dominic Samuel scored his and Blackburn’s second of the game before Stefan Mols added a third. Samuel would later go onto score a hat-trick and put Blackburn 4-0 up, the result would remain unchanged. It was a hugely disappointing night for Burnett’s side who were missing a recognised striker. Spurs lined up in their usual 4-2-3-1 formation as Brandon Austin returned in goal. A back four made up of Tariq Hinds, Jonathan Dinzeyi, Brooklyn Lyons-Foster and Harvey White lined up in front of him. Paris Maghoma and captain Jamie Bowden partnered up in central midfield while Dilan Markanday and Shilow Tracey operated out on the flanks, either side of CAM Tashan Oakley-Boothe. Phoenix Patterson led the line for Spurs. Blackburn got the game underway on a wet and windy night in Leyland. Spurs started the game brightly and after Tashan Oakley-Boothe won a free kick in Harvey White range on the edge of the Blackburn box, the Spurs left back unsurprisingly elected to take it. However, White’s resulting effort flew straight into the Blackburn wall. After running forward with the ball at his feet, Paris Maghoma tried his luck from range with a powerful dipping effort which, was saved by Blackburn goalkeeper Joe Hilton. Tashan Oakley-Boothe then had a low cross cleared behind for a corner kick by Blackburn captain Joe Grayson. Harvey White’s resulting corner kick was flicked against Joe Grayson by Jonathan Dinzeyi before the ball was cleared away. At the other end of the pitch Brooklyn Lyons-Foster cleared a low cross into the Spurs box from Lewis Thompson before Jonathan Dinzeyi made a good lunging challenge on Jack Vale inside the Spurs box, to thwart a dangerous Blackburn attack.

After going on a long mazy run into the Spurs box Stefan Mols passed the ball to Joe Rankin-Costello whose resulting effort on goal was blocked by Tariq Hinds. Jonathan Dinzeyi then cleared away Lewis Thompson’s low cross before Brandon Austin managed to gather Joe Rankin-Costello’s cross as Blackburn started to really get into the game. Shortly after Brooklyn Lyons-Foster thwarted a dangerous Blackburn attack, Jamie Bowden blocked a shot from Jacob Davenport. Joe Rankin-Costello then curled an effort well wide of Brandon Austin’s goal, before Jonathan Dinzeyi misjudged Stefan Mols’ lofted pass and failed to clear it. Joe Rankin-Costello then latched onto the ball before bursting into the Spurs box and firing an effort at goal which was smartly saved at his near post by Brandon Austin. Blackburn were dominating the game. Dominic Samuel headed Lewis Thompson’s cross wide of the Spurs goal before Tariq Hinds blocked a shot from Dominic Samuel. Then in the 22nd minute of the game Blackburn took the lead. Stefan Mols’ corner kick was headed on by Sam Barnes for the lurking Dominic Samuel to tap home past the helpless Brandon Austin, 0-1. Tariq Hinds cleared a low cross from Lewis Thompson before a dangerous cross from Stefan Mols managed to evade everyone in the Spurs box. Brooklyn Lyons-Foster then cleared a cross from Charley Doyle before Stefan Mols’ corner kick was headed wide at the back post by Joe Rankin-Costello. Rankin-Costello then had a shot blocked by Jonathan Dinzeyi before Rankin-Costello almost latched onto Charley Doyle’s cross inside the Spurs box. A good Spurs move resulted in Shilow Tracey passing the ball to Phoenix Patterson who gave it to Tariq Hinds. The Tottenham right back then gave the ball back to Tracey on the edge of the Blackburn box, but his resulting shot on goal was blocked by Joe Grayson. Spurs goalkeeper Brandon Austin got lucky at the other end of the pitch after he fumbled Stefan Mols’ powerful low cross. Jonathan Dinzeyi then cleared a cross from the same player.

After embarking on a mazy run into the Spurs box Jack Vale looked as if he was about to have a pop on goal but he lost control and let the ball run into the arms of Brandon Austin. The referee sounded his whistle for half time shortly afterwards. Spurs got the game back underway. Tariq Hinds’ cross was gathered by Joe Hilton with Paris Maghoma running in at the back post. Spurs were knocking the ball around the park well during the opening stages of the first half. After advancing forward through the middle of the park Paris Maghoma played a nice pass through to Phoenix Patterson down the left side of the Blackburn box however, his powerful low effort from a tight angle was saved by Joe Hilton. Jamie Bowden’s powerful effort from long range was parried by Hilton before Blackburn doubled their advantage. Jacob Davenport’s long pass towards Dominic Samuel was met by the Blackburn striker on the edge of the Spurs box as Brandon Austin came rushing out of his penalty area. However, the Spurs goalkeeper collided with Tariq Hinds, and Samuel was allowed to run through into the Spurs box before slotting the ball into the empty net, 0-2. Harvey White had a free kick cleared away by Sam Barnes. After Jack Vale passed the ball to Stefan Mols down the right flank the Spaniard pumped a cross into the Spurs box which was cleared away by Jonathan Dinzeyi. Brandon Austin managed to hold Jack Vale’s thumping effort from long range before Brad Lyons whipped a dangerous low cross across the face of the Spurs goal. Maurizio Pochettino came onto replace Phoenix Patterson as Shilow Tracey went up top. Unfortunately Blackburn extended their lead through Stefan Mols. After playing a quick one two with Jack Vale inside the Spurs box, Mols calmly tucked the ball into the left hand corner of the goal, 0-3. Shortly after the restart Stefan Mols curled an effort narrowly wide of Brandon Austin’s goal from the edge of the Spurs box. Centre half Jonathan Dinzeyi was shown a yellow card for a challenge on Brad Lyons. Dominic Samuel headed over Joe Rankin-Costello’s cross before Jubril Okedina came onto replace Jonathan Dinzeyi.

After receiving Stefan Mols’ pass Jack Vale shot wide of Brandon Austin’s goal, before Maurizio Pochettino had a cross gathered by Joe Hilton. Blackburn made it 4-0 shortly afterwards. After receiving Jack Vale’s pass on the edge of the Spurs box, Dominic Samuel fired a low effort into the bottom right hand corner of Brandon Austin’s goal despite the Spurs goalkeeper managing to get a hand to the ball, 0-4. Jamie Bowden’s late challenge on Jacob Davenport led to a coming together between both sets of players before the Tottenham midfielder was shown a yellow card by the referee. Paris Maghoma fired Harvey White’s short free kick into the side netting of Joe Hilton’s goal before Dominic Samuel shot an effort wide of goal from inside the Spurs box. Then in the dying moments of the game Stefan Mols received Charley Doyle’s pass inside the Spurs box before shooting wide of goal. The referee sounded his whistle for full time a couple of moments later, bringing to an end a very disappointing night for Spurs. Spurs’ next game is on Friday evening when they face Brighton & Hove Albion at the AMEX stadium.

Player reviews: 

• Brandon Austin: The Spurs goalkeeper made two smart saves on Monday night however, he wouldn’t have been happy with the mix up that occurred between him and Tariq Hinds which led to Blackburn’s second goal of the game.
• Tariq Hinds: The right back generally had a solid game and he protected his side of the pitch well. Hinds made several important blocks. 
• Jonathan Dinzeyi: The RCB did have some difficult moments in the game, but he did make a very good early challenge on Jack Vale inside the Spurs penalty area during the first half. 
• Brooklyn Lyons-Foster: The LCB had a particularly strong first half before enduring a more difficult second half alongside Jonathan Dinzeyi. Lyons-Foster cut out a couple of good Blackburn attacks during the first half. 
• Harvey White: The makeshift left back was good on the ball and decent defensively.
• Paris Maghoma: My man of the match, see below. 
• Jamie Bowden: Tenacious and effective at breaking up play and protecting the Spurs defence. Young Bowden’s passing was good and he kept things ticking over nicely in the middle of the park. Furthermore, captain Bowden made some meaty challenges. Along with Maghoma he was one of Spurs’ best players on the night.
• Dilan Markanday: Despite his best efforts the wide man never really got into the game. Markanday did track back excellently and he helped out Tariq Hinds defensively.
• Tashan Oakley-Boothe: The CAM never really managed to get into the game despite his best efforts.
• Shilow Tracey: The left winger struggled to get into the game and he didn’t get much service down the left flank. Tracey would later go onto play up top after Patterson was substituted during the second half. 
• Phoenix Patterson: The makeshift centre forward made some intelligent runs and he would often drop deep to receive the ball before bringing it forward. However, Patterson just didn’t get the service on the night.
• Maurizio Pochettino: The right winger whipped a couple of decent crosses into the Blackburn box during his time on the pitch.
• Jubril Okedina: The defender filled in at RCB for the last 15 minutes of the game.

My man of the match: Central midfielder Paris Maghoma was just about the only Spurs player who was trying different things to attempt to break down the Blackburn defence. Maghoma went on some good surging forward runs through the middle of the pitch. In addition the England under 19 international tested Joe Hilton early on with a good effort on goal before later setting up a decent goal scoring chance for Phoenix Patterson during the second half. Maghoma was tenacious alongside Bowden and he worked hard to break up play and link defence with attack. The 18 year old also made some good runs into the Blackburn penalty area. It was an all round impressive performance from the first year pro.

 Blackburn: Hilton, Doyle, Thompson, Davenport, Barnes, Grayson (c), Mols, Lyons, Samuel, Vale, Rankin-Costello. Substitutes (not used): Eastham, White, Whitehall, Brennan, Boyomo.

Spurs: Austin, Hinds, White, Bowden (c), Dinzeyi (Okedina 75), Lyons-Foster, Markanday, Maghoma, Patterson (Pochettino 68), Oakley-Boothe, Tracey. Substitutes (not used): Oluwayemi, Eyoma.

Goals: Rovers – Samuel 23, 57, 83, Mols 69.

Yellow cards: Rovers – Grayson 86, Rankin-Costello 87; Spurs – Dinzeyi 73, 

Bowden 86.

Referee: Steven Copeland.

Venue: The County Ground, Leyland.

Spurs under 23’s statistics: 

Goals: Troy Parrott – 2

Kazaiah Sterling – 2

Harvey White – 2

Tashan Oakley-Boothe – 1

Shilow Tracey – 1

Paris Maghoma – 1

Rodel Richards – 1

Phoenix Patterson – 1

Armando Shashoua – 1

Dilan Markanday – 1

Assists: Shilow Tracey – 5

Jamie Bowden – 1

Tariq Hinds – 1

Paris Maghoma – 1

Kazaiah Sterling – 1

Dilan Markanday – 1

Tashan Oakley-Boothe – 1

Armando Shashoua -1

Clean sheets: Brandon Austin – 1

Spurs under 23’s versus Blackburn Rovers: (match preview)

(This photograph is from Tottenham Hotspur FC).

Our under 23’s are preparing to take on Blackburn Rovers, who they will face tomorrow evening at the Leyland County ground in the PL2. Wayne Burnett’s development side have drawn their last two league games 2-2 against both Southampton and Chelsea respectively, so they’ll be aiming to win tomorrow nights fixture to keep in touch with league leaders Chelsea. Frustratingly in both our last two games we have let two goal leads slip, that’s something that we’ll be hoping to avoid in tomorrow’s encounter with Blackburn. Last season we beat Blackburn 3-1 up in Lancashire, putting in one of our performances of the season, before later losing to them 3-0 down in Stevenage. The ‘ Blue and Whites ‘ who are managed by Billy Barr have had an interesting start to the new PL2 season. Blackburn have lost three, drawn one and won one of their opening five league fixtures. That one win was an impressive 5-3 victory away to Brighton. Some of the ‘ Rovers ‘ standout players include inform winger Harry Chapman (21), Northern Irish midfielder Brad Lyons, Spanish left winger Stefan Mols, forward Jack Vale and skilful attacking midfielder Joe Rankin-Costello. I am expecting Billy Barr’s side to be direct and very physical in their play. Due to our first teams Carabao cup tie with Colchester United taking place on Tuesday night I would expect a couple of players to not travel up to Leyland. Namely Troy Parrott and Alfie Whiteman, with central midfielder Harvey White also being a possibility. I will be making the long trip up to Leyland to report on tomorrow’s game and I would like to wish our under 23’s all the very best of luck for what promises to be a tricky game for the young ‘ Lilywhites ‘ however, it is a good opportunity to return to winning ways.

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) De Bie, Okedina, Eyoma (c), Lyons-Foster, Hinds, Bowden, Oakley-Boothe, Markanday, Maghoma, Tracey, Richards.

Subs from: Oluwayemi, Dinzeyi, Shashoua, Patterson, Clarke.

Injured/unavailable: Dennis Cirkin, J’Neil Bennett, Jeremie Mukendi.

Doubtful: Maxwell Statham, Maximus Tainio, Maurizio Pochettino.

Previous meeting: Spurs 0-3.

My score prediction: Spurs 3-1.

My one to watch: Inform winger Harry Chapman, who was already scored three goals and registered one assist in the PL2 so far this season. Chapman was once a highly thought of prospect at Middlesbrough and he has already featured for Blackburn’s first team.

Spurs under 18’s 2-0 Southampton: (match report)

Our under 18’s took on out of form Southampton on Saturday morning in the premier league south, at the ‘ Saints ‘ Staplewood training ground. Matt Taylor’s side weren’t at their best against the ‘ Saints ‘ however, they found themselves one nil up at the break thanks to a goal from Tarrelle Whittaker and some splendid first half saves from Kacper Kurylowicz. Kallum Cesay made it 2-0 shortly after the restart as Spurs started to dominate possession. And in the end Matt Taylor’s side held onto record a good, solid two nil win. Taylor’s side lined up in their usual 4-2-3-1 formation as Kacper Kurylowicz started in goal. A back four consisting of Kallum Cesay, Malachi Walcott, Luis Binks and Dermi Lusala lined up in front of him. Matthew Craig and Chay Cooper partnered up in central midfield while Enock Asante and Tarrelle Whittaker operated out on the flanks either side of CAM Max Robson. Kion Etete led the line for Spurs. Spurs got the game underway on a warm morning in County Hampshire. Kegs Chauke’s early effort on goal was deflected behind for a corner by Luis Binks. The Spurs captain then headed away David Agbontohoma’s headed effort on goal from Seamas Keogh’s corner kick. Binks was on hand again moments later, this time to clear away James Morris’s cross. The alert Kacper Kurylowicz saved Roland Idowu’s powerful shot on goal as Southampton began to dominate possession. A good attacking move saw Roland Idowu pass the ball to Ramello Mitchell who passed it to James Morris down the left side of the Spurs box but his resulting shot was saved well by the legs of Kurylowicz at his near post. Kion Etete headed over Chay Cooper’s corner kick before midfielder Matthew Craig picked up an injury and had to be replaced by Rafferty Pedder who went into the CAM position. Sam Bellis headed Seamas Keogh’s corner kick into the arms of Kurylowicz. There was not a lot of action during the early stages of the game. After receiving Ryan Cluett’s pass Ramello Mitchell shot wide from the edge of the Spurs box.

Roland Idowu then had a powerful effort on goal parried by Kacper Kurylowicz before Enock Asante came inside from the right flank before curling an effort over the Southampton goal. Luis Binks cleared away a corner kick from James Morris before the home side came desperately close to taking the lead through Sam Bellis. After David Agbontohoma’s looping cross was missed by Kallum Cesay inside the Spurs box the ball came to Sam Bellis whose powerful effort was superbly pushed onto his left hand post by the razor sharp Kacper Kurylowicz, before Marco Rus was ruled offside after latching onto the ball. Tarrelle Whittaker and Enock Asante switched flanks before Malachi Walcott made an important interception on Ramello Mitchell inside the Spurs box as Mitchell looked for a penalty. A corner kick from Tarrelle Whittaker came to Enock Asante inside the Southampton box but his resulting shot was blocked by Sam Bailey before Whittaker had a cross gathered by Southampton goalkeeper Olly Wright, before Spurs took the lead on the stroke of halftime. Rafferty Pedder passed the ball to Etete who gave it to Robson who threaded a nice pass through to Tarrelle Whittaker down the right hand side of the Southampton box. Whittaker’s resulting low effort squirmed underneath Olly Wright before nestling into the back of the net, 1-0. The referee blew his whistle for halftime shortly after the restart. Spurs made a change at halftime as Malachi Walcott was replaced by Marqes Muir. Southampton got the game back underway. Spurs were knocking the ball around the park well during the opening minutes of the second half. After receiving Kion Etete’s pass Rafferty Pedder went on a jinking forward run through the middle of the park before having a powerful shot palmed away by Olly Wright. Kallum Cesay then had a shot blocked by James Morris inside the Southampton box. Spurs then doubled their advantage through Kallum Cesay.

After Enock Asante had intercepted Seamas Keogh he passed the ball to Rafferty Pedder whose powerful low effort from the edge of the Southampton box hit Olly Wright’s right hand post. However, the ball came to Kallum Cesay who fired home from an acute angle, 2-0. Southampton responded by hitting the Spurs crossbar through Roland Idowu before Luis Binks blocked Marco Rus’s shot inside the Spurs box. A good Spurs move saw Kallum Cesay pass the ball to Max Robson who passed the ball to Kion Etete who burst down the right hand side of the Southampton box. Although Etete slipped he managed to pass the ball to Tarrelle Whittaker whose low effort on goal was touched behind by Olly Wright. A couple of minutes later Max Robson passed the ball to Chay Cooper who had a shot saved by Olly Wright. Tarrelle Whittaker then had a curling effort tipped over the bar by Olly Wright. A couple of moments later Whittaker chested down Chay Cooper’s sprayed pass inside the Southampton box before shooting a low effort narrowly wide. Luis Binks then headed Chay Cooper’s corner into the path of Kallum Cesay whose volleyed effort was saved by Olly Wright. Yago Alonso came onto replace Chay Cooper before Luis Binks headed Rafferty Pedder’s corner kick into the arms of Olly Wright before Dermi Lusala cut out a dangerous pass from Ramello Mitchell through to Kazeem Olaigbe in the Spurs box. Mikey Saunders then volleyed James Morris’s cross wide of Kurylowicz’s goal before Sam Bailey powered an effort from range onto the crossbar, before the referee sounded his whistle for full time. It was a good win for Spurs who after struggling a little bit in the first half really came into the game and played some attractive attacking football. Up next for Spurs is a Premier League Cup fixture against West Ham next Saturday. They’ll be eager to avenge their recent 3-2 league defeat to the ‘ Hammers ‘.

Player reviews: 

• Kacper Kurylowicz: My man of the match, see below. 
• Kallum Cesay: After a difficult period during the first half the right back really grew into the game. Cesay was solid and he got up and down the right flank well, going on some good attacking forays. Cesay took his goal well from a tight angle.
• Malachi Walcott: It was fantastic to see the RCB back in action after a long injury lay off. Walcott completed the first half of today’s game and I thought that he had a solid game, making some important interceptions and reading the game well.
• Luis Binks: This was another imperious defensive performance from the Spurs captain who had an excellent game at LCB. Binks led the defence well and the quality of his interceptions and challenges today was top class. Dominant in the air and good at bringing the ball out from the back, Binks couldn’t have done much more on the day.
• Dermi Lusala: The tenacious left back had a very good game for Matt Taylor’s side. Good on the ball and at going forwards, Lusala also defended impeccably well and he showed great strength on the ball. It’s worth mentioning that he is in fact a right back by trade.
• Matthew Craig: Although he was nice and tidy during the time that he was on the pitch, unfortunately Craig went off injured early on in the game.
• Chay Copper: The assertive Chay Cooper put in a good shift in central midfield and he added a nice balance to the side with his silky skills and tigerish pressing. 
• Enock Asante: The striker would operate out on both flanks and he made a positive impression on the game. Asante was involved in our second goal of the game after winning the ball off of a Southampton player.
• Max Robson: Very tidy in the middle of the park and good at linking up play, Robson had a good game which was capped off by him registering a nice assist. 
• Tarrelle Whittaker: The winger was potent going forwards and good at tracking back. Furthermore, Whittaker took his goal on the stroke of halftime really well. He has now netted two goals so far this season. 
• Kion Etete: I thought that the 17 year old had a really good game today. Etete led the line well and he did a great job at holding up the ball. He also pressed the Southampton defenders at every opportunity. He showed a nice tenacious side to his game and he made some strong challenges.
• Rafferty Pedder: The first half substitute totally energised the Spurs team after he came on to replace the injured Matthew Craig. Pedder linked play really well and whenever he ran forwards with the ball the Southampton defenders looked scared. Pedder got the assist for Kallum Cesay’s goal. He was probably Spurs’ best attacking player on the day.
• Marqes Muir: The second half substitute was solid and assertive alongside the more experienced Luis Binks. 
• Yago Alonso: The midfielder looked nice and composed on the ball during his short time on the pitch.

My man of the match: Kacper Kurylowicz. The Tottenham goalkeeper made some match winning saves which really kept Spurs in the game today during the first half. The vocal Kurylowicz’s distribution was good and he also dealt relatively well with crosses and set pieces. However, it was his five important saves which were just as important as our two goals. The 18 year olds excellent reflex save to deny Sam Bellis from close range during the first half was a defining moment in the game.

Spurs: Kurylowicz, Cesay, Lusala, Matthew Craig (Pedder 23), Fagan-Walcott (Muir 46), Binks (c), Asante, Cooper (Alonso 78), Etete, Robson, Whittaker. Substitutes (not used): Lo-Tutala, Mundle.

Spurs under 18’s statistics 2019/20:

Goals: 

Chay Cooper – 3

Enock Asante – 2

Kion Etete –  2

Tarrelle Whittaker – 2

Kallum Cesay – 2

Max Robson – 1

Rafferty Pedder – 1

Assists:

Tarrelle Whittaker – 2

Max Robson – 2

Chay Cooper – 1

Luis Binks – 1

Michael Craig – 1

Dermi Lusala – 1

Eddie Carrington – 1

Kion Etete – 1

Kallum Cesay – 1

Marqes Muir –  1

Enock Asante – 1

Rafferty Pedder – 1

Clean sheets: 

Kacper Kurylowicz – 2

Joshua Oluwayemi – 1

Spurs under 18’s versus Southampton: (match preview)

(This photograph is from Tottenham Hotspur FC).

After suffering a 3-2 home defeat to West Ham United last Saturday in the under 18 premier league south, Matt Taylor’s Spurs under 18’s will be looking to make amends when they face Southampton tomorrow. Last Saturdays game was a close one and Spurs were unlucky to lose it however, good that they were going forward. Tomorrow’s opposition Southampton have won just one of their opening five league games and the ` Saints ’ have a poor record against us in recent seasons. Paul Hardyman’s side have also had to promote a number of their best under 18 players up to the Southampton development side due to injury problems. Southampton have already been beaten pretty comfortably by the likes of Swansea City, Fulham and Chelsea so far this season and Matt Taylor’s Spurs side will be hoping that they can inflict a defeat of their own on the ` Saints ’. Some of Paul Hardyman’s danger men include midfielder and Irish youth international Roland Idowu who has scored two league goals already this season. Furthermore, skilful forward Benni Smales-Braithwaite and pacy wide man and former Spurs schoolboy Rio Glean are other potent attackers that Southampton have on their books. Also worth a mention is talented goalkeeper Jack Bycroft and defender David Agbontohoma. Southampton like to play a passing brand of football with emphasis on the wide men. Hardyman’s side will also look to whip the ball into the danger zone on a frequent basis, just like their under 23’s did against us when we faced them last week. Some of the players who featured for our under 19’s against Olympiacos in midweek will also likely feature tomorrow, namely Luis Binks, Dermi Lusala and Tarrelle Whittaker. Hopefully midfielder Nile John will feature again tomorrow as he was our injured, and it will also be interesting to see whether or not recent signing Yago Alonso will make his competitive Spurs debut against the ` Saints ’. Alonso who was signed from Spanish side Celta Vigo over the summer is by trade a central midfielder who has drawn great praise in the Spanish press. Alonso was named on the bench for our under 18’s against Southampton last Saturday but he didn’t get on. Spurs will be hoping to beat Southampton so they can stay in touch with the likes of Fulham, Chelsea and Brighton who lead the way in the premier league south.

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Kurylowicz, Cesay, Muir, Binks (c), Lusala, Alonso, Robson, Cooper, Pedder, Whittaker, Asante.

Subs from: Lo-Tutala, Walcott, Matthew Craig, Mundle, Etete.

Injured/unavailable: Dennis Cirkin, Michael Craig, J’Neil Bennett.

Doubtful: Jeremy Kyezu, Malachi Walcott, Nile John.

Previous meeting: Spurs 3-1.

My score prediction: Spurs 3-1.

My one to watch: Speedy winger and former Spurs schoolboy Rio Glean.

Spurs under 19’s 1-1 Olympiacos: (match report)

Our under 19’s who are managed by Ryan Mason got this seasons UEFA youth league odyssey underway on Wednesday afternoon, when they took on Greek side Olympiacos in group game number one of the competition. It was a tough game for the young Spurs lads who had to contend with the sweltering Greek heat, something which seemed to sap the energy out of us throughout the game. A strong Spurs side which included Troy Parrott took the lead through the Irishman on ten minutes before Spurs would enjoy a dominant spell in the game. However, Olympiacos equalised shortly after the half hour mark through  Georgios Fekkas. The second half was in all honesty a fairly tedious one, and Spurs only created a couple of half decent chances while the home side hit the crossbar late on in the game as both sides had to settle for a point. Spurs lined up in their usual 4-2-3-1 formation with Joshua Oluwayemi starting in goal. A back four made up of Brooklyn Lyons-Foster, TJ Eyoma, Luis Binks and Harvey White lined up in front of him. Jamie Bowden and Paris Maghoma anchored the midfield while Dilan Markanday and Rayan Clarke operated out on the flanks, either side of CAM Troy Parrott. Rodel Richards led the line for Spurs. Olympiacos got the game underway in the afternoon sun and an early risk from goalkeeper Joshua Oluwayemi almost led to him giving the ball away to the high pressing Alexandros Voilis inside the Tottenham penalty area. A couple of minutes later and after receiving a pass from Rayan Clarke, Paris Maghoma would go onto bend an effort wide of the Olympiacos goal from long range. Joshua Oluwayemi punched away Georgios Fekkas’ cross before Spurs took the lead on ten minutes through Troy Parrott. After former West Ham academy player Kristijan Belic gave the ball straight to Rodel Richards the Spurs forward slipped the ball into the feet of Parrott, who burst down the right hand side of the Olympiacos box before keeping his composure and clinically slotting the ball into the bottom left hand corner of the goal, 1-0.

After some good early passing from the visitors Olympiacos came desperately close to drawing level through Alexandros Voilis. After Georgios Fekkas had whipped the ball into the Spurs box from the left flank, Voilis attacked it but his volleyed effort was met by Joshua Oluwayemi who made an excellent reflex save, from point blank range to deny the Olympiacos centre forward. TJ Eyoma then cleared away a cross from Georgios Fekkas as Olympiacos started to really get into the game. Polykarpos Katsavakis then had an effort deflected behind for a corner by Jamie Bowden before Vasilios Sourlis headed over Georgios Fekkas’ resulting corner kick. Giorgios Neofytidis shot wide from long range before TJ Eyoma cleared away Nikitas Nikolis before Joshua Oluwayemi punched away a cross from the same player. Troy Parrott came close to meeting a whipped cross from Harvey White inside the Olympiacos box before Vasilios Sourlis nodded wide a cross from Paraskevas Ntoumanis. A brief cooling break took place before action resumed once again. And once it had resumed Olympiacos took full advantage of a defensive error from Spurs. After TJ Eyoma’s poor back pass to Oluwayemi lacked pace, it was latched onto by Alexandros Voilis who steadied himself as he came forward, before squaring the ball for Georgios Fekkas inside the Spurs box and he cooly slotted home, 1-1. Shortly after the restart Rayan Clarke beat a couple of players down the left flank before entering the Olympiacos box and stinging the palms of goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis with a powerful shot at his near post. After receiving Paraskevas Ntoumanis’s pass inside the Spurs box Georgios Fekkas fired an effort over Joshua Oluwayemi’s crossbar. Spurs were knocking the ball around the park well as we neared halftime. After Dilan Markanday had passed the ball to Paris Maghoma down the left flank the Tottenham midfielder floated a cross into the Olympiacos box but it came off of Troy Parrott’s chest before being gathered by Konstantinos Tzolakis before the referee blew his whistle for halftime. 

Spurs restarted the game. Nikitas Nikolis had a shot blocked by TJ Eyoma before Dimitros Arsenidis fired the ball over Joshua Oluwayemi’s crossbar. A couple of minutes later Arsenidis burst into the Spurs box before firing an effort towards Oluwayemi’s near post but the Spurs goalkeeper blocked it with his feet. A couple of minutes later a nice move saw Troy Parrott and Paris Maghoma exchange passes before the former forced a save out of Konstantinos Tzolakis however, the linesman on the far side flagged for offside. Jamie Bowden was shown a yellow card for pulling back Giorgios Neofytidis before Paris Maghoma had an effort blocked by Paraskevas Ntoumanis, before the same player fired an effort over Oluwayemi’s crossbar from long range. Both sides went in search of that all important winning goal. Dilan Markanday had an effort blocked by Paraskevas Ntoumanis down the right hand side of the Olympiacos box before Jamie Bowden fired an effort wide of goal. TJ Eyoma headed over a Jamie Bowden corner kick before another cooling break took place. Dermi Lusala came onto replace the yellow carded Jamie Bowden as Harvey White slotted into central midfield. Dimitros Arsenidis smashed Oluwayemi’s crossbar with an effort from long range before the Spurs goalkeeper saved Nikitas Nikolis’ long range effort. Tarrelle Whittaker came onto replace Rayan Clarke for the final moments of the game as both sides had to settle for a point. Spurs’ next game in this competition is at home to Bayern Munich, next month. 

Player reviews:

• Joshua Oluwayemi: The 18 year old goalkeeper made a couple of saves including an excellent one to deny Alexandros Voilis from point blank range during the early periods of the game. Oluwayemi remained vocal throughout and he talked his teammates through the game.
• Brooklyn Lyons-Foster: Although he isn’t a right back I thought that Lyons-Foster had a solid game in that position yesterday. The 18 year old didn’t allow Olympiacos to have much joy down that side of the pitch.
• TJ Eyoma: Apart from his costly back pass which led to Georgios Fekkas’ goal I though that Eyoma had a decent game. He was dominant in the air.
• Luis Binks: One of our better performers was LCB Luis Binks who impressed me with his positioning and reading of the game.
• Harvey White: White looked comfortable playing at left back before later going onto play in central midfield. 
• Paris Maghoma: Despite working hard and linking up well with striker Troy Parrott, things didn’t quite come off for the CM yesterday.
• Jamie Bowden: My man of the match, see below.
• Dilan Markanday: The right winger went on some decent attacking forays down the right flank.
• Troy Parrott: Without doubt one of our best players on the day striker Troy Parrott had a good game all round. Parrott took his goal really well and he worked extremely hard for the team, and he was involved in some good passages of play. 
• Rayan Clarke: The left winger went on one good run down that side of the pitch and he had some nice moments in the game although he wasn’t on the ball a lot.
• Rodel Richards: The CF worked hard and made some intelligent runs. Richards got the assist for Parrott’s goal.
• Dermi Lusala: The young fullback showed his quality on the ball and he fed a nice pass through to Troy Parrott during the latter stages of the game.
• Tarrelle Whittaker: N/A.

My man of the match: Although there weren’t really many standout performers on the day, central midfielder Jamie Bowden had a good game during his 71 minutes on the pitch. Bowden kept things ticking in the middle of the park and he made some intelligent forward passes and decisions. The 18 year old also read the game well and he did a good job at anticipating danger.

Olympiacos: Tzolakis, Ntoumanis, Gkotzamanidis, Belic (Aslanidis 79), Martinis, Neofytidis, Nikolis (Liatsos 67), Fekkas, Sourlis (Syrmis 79), Katsavakis (Arsenidis 46), Voillis (c) (Bullari 65). Subsitiutes (not used): Stournaras, Tsavos.

Spurs: Oluwayemi, Lyons-Foster, Eyoma, Binks, White, Bowden (c) (Lusala 72), Maghoma, Markanday, Richards, R Clarke (Whittaker 89), Parrott. Substitutes (not used): Kurylowicz, Asante, Etete, Matthew Craig, Robson.

Goals: Olympiacos – Fekkas 31; Spurs – Parrott 10.

Yellow cards: Olympiacos – Sourlis 73, Liatsos 90+2; Spurs – Bowden 59.

Referee: Tihomir Pejin (Croatia).

Venue: Olympiacos Training Centre, Piraeus, Athens.

Spurs under 19’s statistics:

Goals: Troy Parrott – 1

Assists: Rodel Richards – 1

Spurs under 19’s versus Olympiacos: (match preview)

(This photograph is from Tottenham Hotspur FC).

Ryan Mason’s Tottenham Hotspur under 19 side will begin this seasons UEFA youth league odyssey tomorrow afternoon when they take on Greek Side Olympiacos, at their training centre in Agios Ioannis Rentis, Athens. Group game number one is a very tricky one for Spurs as they take on a team who they will likely know very little about. This is Olympiacos’ first taste of this competition since the 2017/18 competition. ‘ Erythrolefki ‘ have recorded some impressive victories over a number of top teams in this competition since they first entered it in 2012. Olympiacos have beaten the likes of Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Juventus to date and my research tells me that they have been strong at home. The warm weather along with the fact that Spurs have not played Olympiacos before will make Wednesday’s game a potentially very tricky one for young Ryan Mason’s side, despite their experience in this competition over recent seasons. Spurs’ UEFA youth league squad was named last week and the overage players included as part of this years squad is as follows; Jonathan De Bie, Brooklyn Lyons-Foster, Tashan Oakley-Boothe, Rodel Richards, TJ Eyoma. Left out surprisingly is the talented Armando Shashoua. Still missing a number of important players going into tomorrow’s important game, Spurs will likely be without Dennis Cirkin, J’Neil Bennett and Malachi Walcott as they are all recovering from injuries. I have done as much research as I possibly could on tomorrow’s opposition and some of the players to keep an eye on if fit include defender Apostolos-Ilias Martinis and forward Alexandros Voilis. Ricardo Martin Peres’ side will likely be really up for tomorrow’s game like ourselves, and they’ll be looking to start this seasons competition with a win. We experienced a very difficult game when we took on fellow Greek club PAOK in this competition last season. Tomorrow’s game will be shown live on BT Sport 2 and I would like to wish Ryan Mason’s side all the very best of luck for their UEFA youth league opener.

My predicted lineup: (3-4-2-1) De Bie, Eyoma (c), Lyons-Foster, Binks, Cesay, Bowden, White, Lusala, Markanday, Maghoma, Richards. 

Subs from: Oluwayemi, Muir, Oakley-Boothe, Pedder, Whittaker, Clarke, Asante.

Injured/unavailable: Dennis Cirkin, J’Neil Bennett.

Doubtful: Maximus Tainio, Jeremy Kyezu, Nile John, Michael Craig, Malachi Walcott, Maurizio Pochettino.

Previous meeting: N/A.

My score prediction: Spurs 2-1.

My one to watch: The Greek clubs fairly prolific 19 year old centre forward Alexandros Voilis.