Tottenham are eager to steady themselves at the top end of the table as they take on basement side Wolves, who are yet to earn a point this term.

Tottenham are set to resume the Premier League campaign after a big win in midweek over Doncaster in the EFL Cup. Thomas Frank was able to rotate his side and will have to go again in the top flight with renewed optimism.

Spurs have had a good start to their season compared to what happened last term. Their only defeat so far has come at the hands of Bournemouth on home soil, but last weekend, they were not able to break down a Brighton side.

Brioghton went two goals ahead in the first half, and Frank’s men held a fightback in the second period to earn a point in the end. Frank would want to have a concerted run at the top end of the table, and that will come only when they can stitch together a run of wins, which could begin with this upcoming game against Wolves.

Wolves are in disarray and are also making some contrasting decisions in the background. Despite their midweek win to continue the progress in the EFL Cup against Everton, the two victories in as many rounds in that competition remain their only source of joy this term.

They are closing in on an unwanted record set by Portsmouth, Crystal Palace and Norwich City in the past, as these are the teams that have lost their first six games of a Premier League season. Wolves are currently without a win or draw in their opening five games, and are absolutely staring at extending that run into a sixth game running.

Last weekend, it was newly promoted Leeds United who came to the Molineux and set the record straight in the first half to record a big win against Vitor Pereira’s side. The baffling decisions in the background are somewhat confusing, as despite this bad run, the club have extended the manager’s contract, but there are already question marks whether it will last even the next few months, let alone the many years left on the deal.

Team News & Tactics

Tottenham Hotspur

The big news for Spurs ahead of the weekend is the ongoing issue with Dominic Solanke, who appeared to be on the verge of returning but has suffered a setback. Frank insisted the problem is not a long one, but that he could still see him miss the Wolves clash.

There are fitness doubts over Yves Bissouma, but the bigger question over the midfielder is his synergy with Frank. Radu Dragusin, Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison remain out for the long term and are not expected to return anytime soon.

Frank might make some key changes to his side, which could see him use a double pivot in his midfield as Pape Matar Sarr and Joao Palhinha are likely to keep their spots. The move might be designed to integrate Xavi Simons in the attacking midfield role, as Mohamed Kudus and Brennan Johnson are likely to feature on the wings.

There might be no changes to the backline, although Djed Spence could have a chance of replacing Destiny Udugie at left-back; however, the Italian is likely to start there again. Richarlison remains the undisputed choice to start up front once again, with Frank deprived of other options at the moment, such as Solanke.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1) – Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Sarr, Palhinha; Kudus, Simons, Johnson; Richarlison

Wolves

Pereira will be delighted to not have too many injury issues at the moment, and in fact, he has a full squad to choose from ahead of their visit to north London. The only concern is with Jorgen Strand Larsen, who is not yet 100% after returning from a recent injury, and might not be ready to start games for Wolves.

The midweek performance from Tolu Arokodare has given Pereira an option to experiment with his attack, as the goalscorer will likely lead the line against Spurs.

Andre and Joao Gomes are expected to start in midfield, while Pereira will persist with a back three of Yerson Mosquera, Emmanuel Agbadou and Toti Gomes. Jackson Tchatchoua and Rodrigo Gomes are likely to take the wing-back roles, while Fer Lopez and Jean-Richer Bellegarde are set to play behind Arokodare.

Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1) – Jose Sa; Mosquera, Agbadou, Toti; Tchatchoua, J.Gomes, Andre, R.Gomes; Lopez, Bellegarde; Arokodare

Key Stats

• Wolves have been losing at both half-time and full-time in 8 of their last 9 matches in the Premier League.
• Wolves have lost 8 of their last 9 matches in the Premier League, including all 5 this season.
• Tottenham are unbeaten in their last 15 Premier League home games against teams starting the day at the bottom of the table, winning 12 of them.
• Tottenham have won 3 of their last 4 games across all competitions.

Player to Watch

Xavi Simons

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The Premier League brings its scrutiny on big-name arrivals, and Simons is not far away from it. The Dutchman came into Tottenham with much fanfare following his move from RB Leipzig in the latter stages of the window, and there have been some positive signs so far.

However, there’s some benefit of the doubt given to the player, considering he has only played a few games so far, but it won’t take long before the focus is on him if he fails to perform. The game against Wolves is the best possible platform at the current moment for a player like Simons to shine and get the ball rolling on his career in north London.

Prediction

Tottenham 3-1 Wolves

Wolves are not in the best of places at the moment, and are likely to record a sixth consecutive defeat in as many games this season. They are likely to join the likes of Portsmouth, Crystal Palace and Norwich in a special group to lose as many opening games in a campaign.

As for Spurs, this could be a welcome game after a few tricky ones this season, as Frank could stamp his authority with a solid performance from his players. There’s nothing more than a comfortable win for Spurs to predict here, as anything other than that will be a disaster of sorts for the north Londoners and their manager.