Spurs’ Under 18 side will play their first group game of this seasons Premier League Cup on Saturday afternoon (the game starts at 14:00pm), when they face Leeds United at their Thorp Arch Training Centre. Spurs are in a difficult group which also contains Fulham and Stoke City. However, hopefully Spurs can start the group off well, by getting a good result against a Leeds United side who have picked up six points from their opening four league games of this season, and they haven’t actually faced Spurs at Under 18 level in a competitive game for a long time. Spurs got their first competitive win of the new season last Saturday, against Reading, and that will give them confidence going into tomorrow’s game. Leeds have a good Under 18’s side, and one of their players to watch out for is Northern Ireland youth international Charlie Allen, who could be a difficult player to play against if involved on Saturday. Unfortunately I wont be able to make Saturday’s game, as I’m at the Under 23 game against Blackburn Rovers the night before. And it’s just too difficult to get from there to where the Leeds match is being played. I would like to wish the team all the very best of luck for the match.

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Hayton, Torraj, Dorrington (c), Andiyapan, Linton, Haysman, Kyerematen, Bloxham, Donley, Owen, Williams.

Subs from: Krasniqi, Chaplin, McKnight, Cassanova, Amo. 

Injured/unavailable: Roshaun Mathurin.

Doubtful: N/A.

Previous meeting: N/A.

My score prediction: 2-2.

My one to watch: Northern Ireland Under 19 international Charlie Allen (17). The former Linfield midfielder has made three competitive appearances for Leeds United’s Under 18 side so far this season, and last season he scored three league goals from 15 appearances for them.

After beating Liverpool 2-1 last Saturday in the Premier League 2, Spurs’ Under 23 side travel up to Leyland in County Lancashire this week, to face Blackburn Rovers in their latest league game, at the LFA County Ground on Friday (the game starts at 19:00pm). Wayne Burnett’s side beat tomorrow’s opponents 3-2 away from home last season, before then drawing 1-1 with them at Hotspur Way in the reverse fixture. Spurs have picked up seven points from their opening four league games of this season, while Blackburn have picked up two points from their opening four league games of the season, and are without a win in all competitions so far this season. Always a tough team to face at this level, since being promoted to Division One of the Premier League 2 back in 2018, Blackburn have always been a strong side in the league. They play the game at a good intensity, and are also a physical side as well. The last time I was up in Leyland to watch Spurs’ Under 23’s play we actually lost 4-0, but the home side did field a strong team for that game. I personally wouldn’t have thought that the Academy players who traveled out to France for Thursday’s UEFA Europa Conference League game with Stade Rennais, would then play against Blackburn on Friday. However, that could still be possible. The home side have players who could potentially cause Spurs problems, such as top scorer Sam Burns. However, Blackburn also have experienced players like Gibraltar international Louie Annesley.

This will be a tough game for Spurs, but we also have players who have played so far this season, who have a really good amount of experience of playing competitive Under 23 football. I will be travelling up to Leyland to report on the match, and then on my way back the following day I will be hoping to watch J’Neil Bennett play for Crewe. I would however, like to wish Spurs all the very best of luck for tomorrow’s game.

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Oluwayemi, Paskotši, Muir, Lyons-Foster (c), Cesay, Matthew Craig, White, Clarke, Pedder, Devine, Santiago. 

Subs from: Lo-Tutala, Lavinier, Michael Craig, Donley.

Injured/unavailable: N/A.

Doubtful: Romaine Mundle.

Previous meeting: 1-1.

My score prediction: Spurs 3-1.

My one to watch: Sam Burns. The 19 year old has so far scored four goals from five appearances for Blackburn Rovers’ Under 23 side this season.

Spurs’ Under 23 side return to Premier League 2 action on Saturday afternoon (the game starts at 15:00pm) as they take on Liverpool at The Lamex Stadium. Wayne Burnett’s side last played a competitive match on the 31st August, and they impressively won that match 4-3 against League Two side Stevenage FC. Spurs haven’t lost to Liverpool in a competitive game at this level since September 2017, and on that day Liverpool fielded a very strong and experienced side. Liverpool are unbeaten at this level so far this season, but sit only one place and one point above Spurs in the league table, in sixth place. Last season Spurs did the double over Liverpool, winning 4-3 at their training ground, before then winning 4-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium towards the end of the 2020/21 season. Some Liverpool players to look out for tomorrow include forwards Kaide Gordon and Max Woltman, and also talented defender Billy Koumetio. This will be a difficult game for Spurs on Saturday, but hopefully Wayne Burnett’s side can record a good result. I would like to wish the team all the very best of luck for the match, and I will be going to Stevenage soon after the Under 18’s match against Reading finishes to report on the game. My match reports of both games will be out at some point on Sunday. 

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Oluwayemi, Fagan-Walcott, Lyons-Foster (c), Omole, Cesay, Matthew Craig, White, John, Devine, Clarke, Markanday.

Subs from: Lo-Tutala, Muir, Michael Craig, Pedder, Santiago.

Injured/unavailable: Marcel Lavinier (suspended).

Doubtful: Romaine Mundle, Maksim Paskotši.

Previous meeting: Spurs 4-1.

My score prediction: 2-2.

My one to watch: Talented forward and England Under 18 international Kaide Gordon.

Spurs’ Under 18 side return to playing competitive games on Saturday (the game starts at 11:30 am), when they host Reading at Hotspur Way, in the Premier League South. Both sides have lost their opening three league games of the season going into Saturday’s game, and last season both games between the two sides ended in draws, with the first of those two matches ending in a dramatic 4-4 draw at Hotspur Way. It sounded like Spurs were unlucky to lose 3-2 to Birmingham City in their last league game, but a good thing about the Reading game on Saturday is that Northern Ireland Under 19 international Jamie Donley returns, after serving a three game ban for a straight red card that he picked up in Spurs’ Under 18’s defeat to Chelsea last month. However, defender and second year scholar Jordan Hackett had to come off for England Under 18’s after just ten minutes in a recent match against Wales, so I would imagine that he will be a doubt for the game on Saturday. It should be another good match on Saturday and hopefully Spurs can get their first win of the new season. I will be reporting on the match and would like to wish the team all the very best of luck for the game.

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Hayton, McKnight, Dorrington, Andiyapan, Linton, Cassanova (c), Haysman, Donley, Kyerematen, Owen, Williams.

Subs from: Krasniqi, Bryan-Waugh, Torraj, Chaplin, Bloxham.

Injured/unavailable: N/A.

Doubtful: Jordan Hackett.

Previous meeting: 2-2.

My score prediction: Spurs 2-1.

My one to watch: Harvey Maunder (17). The Reading attacking midfielder scored ten league goals from 21 appearances last season.

Spurs’ Development Side return to the Papa John’s Trophy for this seasons edition of the competition. Wayne Burnett’s side lost 2-1 to Arsenal in the Premier League 2 last Friday, and they go into Tuesday’s group-stage game against Stevenage FC (the game starts at 19:00pm) at the Lamex Stadium, without a number of players because of international call-ups. This will undoubtedly be a very tough game for Spurs against an experienced League Two side. However, this game and competition will provide the Spurs Under 21’s with the invaluable experience of playing against EFL teams in competitive competition, as it has done in recent seasons. Spurs played well against Arsenal on Friday, but after Marcel Lavinier was shown a second yellow card in the second half, the game became just too difficult for Spurs. Because of the various international call-ups of players during this international break, this will hopefully give opportunities to some players who haven’t played many games this season, and what a great game it will be to play in for them, if selected. Spurs will have to watch out for Stevenage forwards Luke Norris and Jamie Reid on Tuesday, as both have goals and experience in forward areas. However, the whole Stevenage team are more than capable of causing Spurs problems on the night, which is what will make it such a challenging game. I will be in Stevenage reporting on the game on Tuesday evening, and I will hopefully have my match report ready for the next day. I would like to wish Spurs all the very best of luck for the match.

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Oluwayemi, Cesay, Lyons-Foster (c), Fagan-Walcott, Lavinier, White, Santiago, Mundle, Robson, Bennett, Markanday.

Subs from: Hayton, Muir, Kyezu, Haysman, Pedder, Torraj, Williams.

Unavailable (international call-ups): Dane Scarlett, Thimothée Lo-Tutala, Maksim Paskotši, Nile John, Alfie Devine, Jamie Donley, Jordan Hackett, Will Andiyapan.

Doubtful: N/A.

Previous meeting: N/A.

My score prediction: 2-2.

My one to watch: Luke Norris (28). The Stevenage forward has already scored two goals in League Two this season from five appearances, and he is a player that the Spurs defenders will have to watch closely, if he does play.

Spurs’ Under 18 side will face a new team in the Premier League South this Saturday (the game starts at 12:00pm), when they take on Birmingham City at their Trillion Trophy Training Centre. Birmingham City were recently awarded Category One Academy status, and this is their first season playing in the Premier League South. They have lost both of their Under 18 matches so far this season, losing to Brighton and Southampton respectively. Spurs have also lost their two opening games of the season, losing 7-2 to Chelsea last time out, although Spurs did play quite a long part of that game with ten men. Saturday’s match is the last game that Spurs’ Under 18 side will play before the international break, and some of the players will be away on international duty during that time. As for me covering Saturday’s match however, I had sent emails off to Birmingham regarding attending the game, but unfortunately I haven’t heard back, so sadly I won’t be reporting on the match. However, I would like to wish the side all the very best of luck for the game.

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Hayton, McKnight, Dorrington (c), Andiyapan, Hackett, Cassanova, Kyerematen, Mathurin, Haysman, Owen, Williams.

Subs from: Krasniqi, Bryan-Waugh, Torraj, Turner, Bloxham.

Injured/unavailable: Jamie Donley (suspended).

Doubtful: N/A.

Previous meeting: N/A.

My score prediction: Spurs 4-2.

My one to watch: Jobe Bellingham (younger brother of Borussia Dortmund player Jude Bellingham). The Birmingham City player has scored two goals from two appearances for their Under 18 side this season, and he has also already made the bench for their first team this season.

After starting the new Premier League 2 season well, Wayne Burnett’s Spurs Under 23 side have a north London derby to play this Friday lunchtime (the game starts at 12:00pm) against Arsenal at Hotspur Way. Arsenal have won one and lost one from their opening two Premier League 2 matches of this season, recovering well from losing their opening game of the season 6-1 against West Ham, to beat Crystal Palace 3-2 last week. Meanwhile Spurs recorded a 2-2 draw with Chelsea in their first game before beating Leeds United 4-2 on Monday, in what was a fantastic game of football. Arsenal finished last season in tenth place in Division One of the Premier League 2, 12 points behind Spurs. However, they are a very talented side, and Kevin Betsy’s team includes the likes of regular goalscorer Mika Biereth, Omari Hutchinson, Marcelo Flores and Mazeed Ogungbo. Last season Spurs played really well in both meetings with Arsenal, and this will be another very competitive game tomorrow as Spurs look to build on a fantastic performance against Leeds United on Monday. It will be interesting to see what the team is on Friday, and whether Dane Scarlett will play following his involvement with the first team this season. I will be reporting on the game and I would like to wish the team all the very best of luck for the match.

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Oluwayemi, Cesay, Lyons-Foster (c), Fagan-Walcott, Lavinier, Matthew Craig, White, John, Devine, Clarke, Markanday.

Subs from: Hayton, Muir, Michael Craig, Santiago, Mundle.

Injured/unavailable: Jamie Donley (suspended).

Doubtful: N/A.

Previous meeting: 1-1.

My score prediction: Spurs 4-1.

My one to watch: Mika Biereth. The former Fulham forward was directly involved in over 30 goals for Fulham’s Under 18 side last season, and the recent Arsenal signing scored his first goal for their Under 23 side in their last match against Crystal Palace. 

After putting in a very good performance in their first Premier League 2 game of the season against Chelsea last Monday, Spurs have a very tough test in their second Premier League 2 game of the season this Monday afternoon (the game starts at 16:00pm). The opponents are newly promoted Leeds United, a side who were outstanding in Division Two last season, and the match will take place at their Thorp Arch training ground. Leeds finished last season as champions of Division Two, finishing 11 points clear of second place Crystal Palace, a side who they actually beat 3-1 in the opening game of this season. Whenever I’ve seen Leeds play at this level they have always played the whole game at a great intensity, just like how their first team play. They are a very talented team and I wouldn’t at all be surprised if they were to challenge for the league title this season. Some of the players that Spurs will have to watch out for on Monday include attacking midfielder Sean McGurk, centre forward Joe Geldhart, central midfielder Lewis Bate, defensive-midfielder Nohan Kenneh and forward Sam Greenwood. McGurk is a very inventive forward player, while Geldhart is a strong and clinical centre-forward who has experience of playing in the EFL. Ex-Chelsea midfielder Lewis Bate is a player with good vision and passing ability and Nohan Kenneh is a very talented defensive player. Finally ex-Arsenal player Sam Greenwood is a skilful player who recorded a good number of goals last season. 

This will no doubt be a tough game for Spurs, but they are still more than capable of being able to record a good result, especially if they play in a similar way to how they played against Chelsea the previous Monday. With Spurs’ first team playing Portuguese side FC Paços de Ferreira on Thursday in the second leg of their Europa Conference League play-off tie, I would personally imagine that Spurs will involve more senior players in the squad for that game. If that is the case then a number of the Academy players who made the squad for the first leg game in Portugal would probably be in the Under 23 squad for the Leeds game on Monday. Unfortunately I won’t be at Thorp Arch tomorrow as Leeds are not letting me in to report on the game. However, I would like to wish the Spurs team all the very best of luck for what should be a great and very competitive game of football.

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Oluwayemi, Lyons-Foster (c), Muir, Fagan-Walcott, Lavinier, White, Michael Craig, John, Devine, Bennett, Markanday.

Subs from: Lo-Tutala, Matthew Craig, Pedder, Santiago, Mundle.

Injured/unavailable: Jamie Donley (suspended).

Doubtful: N/A.

Previous meeting: N/A.

My score prediction: 3-3.

My one to watch: Sean McGurk (18). A player who first really impressed me in an FA Youth Cup game for Wigan Athletic against Spurs back in 2020, attacking midfielder (he can also play out wide) Sean McGurk is a very inventive forward player with great balance and skill on the ball, but most importantly of all a real eye for goal. He actually came off the bench against Crystal Palace to score in Leeds United’s opening game of the season.

Spurs’ Under 18 side have their first home league game of the season tomorrow, and it’s a London derby against Chelsea (it starts at 11:00pm on Saturday, at Hotspur Way). Spurs lost their opening game of the Premier League South season 4-2 to Fulham last Saturday, despite putting in a very good performance in the second half of that game. Spurs’ opponents on Saturday started the 2021/22 season by beating West Brom 5-2, but last season Chelsea actually finished behind Spurs in the league, as they finished in seventh place, one point behind sixth placed Spurs. Over the years this fixture has produced some memorable games at this level, and last season Spurs beat Chelsea 6-1 at Cobham before then losing 1-0 in the reverse fixture at Hotspur Way. Tomorrow’s game will be a very competitive one but it will be very interesting to see how it goes. I’m particularly looking forward to tomorrow’s game as it’s the first time that I’ll be at Hotspur Way since February 2020, when Spurs’ Under 18 side beat Southampton 6-1. I would like to wish the team all the very best of luck for the match, and my match report will be out later on tomorrow.

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Hayton, Torraj, Dorrington (c), Hackett, Linton, Cassanova, Kyerematen, Mathurin, Williams, Bloxham, Donley.

Subs from: Krasniqi, McKnight, Bryan-Waugh, Haysman, Owen.

Injured/unavailable: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Previous meeting: Spurs 0-1 Chelsea.

My score prediction: Spurs 3-2.

My one to watch: Talented Chelsea defender Luke Badley-Morgan (17), who actually featured against Spurs’ Under 23 side last Monday. Badley-Morgan made 11 league appearances for Chelsea’s Under 18 side last season. 

Spurs’ Under 23 side get their season underway on Monday night, when they host Chelsea at Stevenage’s Lamex Stadium (the game starts at 19:00pm). Wayne Burnett’s side had a good pre-season, winning three, drawing one and losing one from five friendly matches, and they’ll go into this London derby with Chelsea in good confidence. Since centre-forward Kion Etete joined League Two side Northampton Town on loan Spurs now have only two recognised centre-forward’s at Academy level (Dane Scarlett and Jamie Donley). Although I would imagine that Dane Scarlett will get a lot of minutes for the Under 23’s this season despite his first team involvement. I also wouldn’t be surprised if first year Academy player Jamie Donley also got minutes for the Under 23 side this season. Last season Spurs lost both of their Premier League 2 meetings with Chelsea, who ended up finishing as runners up to Manchester City in Division One last season, four points above of third place Spurs. With players like George McEachran, Thierno Ballo and Jude Soonsup-Bell all potentially involved against Spurs on Monday, it will no doubt be a difficult game for Wayne Burnett’s side. However, if we perform like we did last season then we’ve got a real chance of getting a good result in the opening game of our season. I will be travelling to Stevenage on Monday to report on the match. I would like to wish Spurs all the very best of luck for the game and for the season.

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Oluwayemi, Paskotši, Muir, Fagan-Walcott, Lavinier, Lyons-Foster (c), John, Markanday, Devine, Bennett, Scarlett.

Subs from: Lo-Tutala, Cesay, Michael Craig, Pedder, Robson.

Injured/unavailable: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Previous meeting: 1-4.

My score prediction: Spurs 2-1.

My one to watch: Thierno Ballo (19). The Austria Under 21 international is a forward, and he was directly involved in ten goals (seven goals and three assists) from 21 Premier League 2 appearances for Chelsea last season.