Tottenham news as Ange Postecoglou faces new reality in charge at Spurs with expectation and pressure ahead of Sheffield United clash
Tottenham will have a new sort of pressure on them as they welcome Premier League newbies Sheffield United to north London on Saturday. After such a strong start to the season there is now an expectation and excitement around Ange Postecoglou's side that didn't exist before.
With the table already taking a familiar shape, led by Manchester City with Liverpool and Arsenal chasing behind, Tottenham have earned their place in the conversation. Heading into the international break with a 5-2 win over Burnley it was super Ange that had become the talk of the town for neutrals and that has been reflected with the positivity flowing throughout the fanbase.
Now, with a freshly promoted Blades side next up on the fixture list, Spurs are being tipped for some big wins. Paul Merson, who had them down to just draw against Vincent Kompany's Burnley, has now joined the hype-train.
"Tottenham have come along really well under Ange Postecoglou and I expect them to win this one quite comfortably," he wrote in his predictions for Sportskeeda. "I like the way they're playing, but their first big test of the season comes next weekend when they face arch-rivals Arsenal. Spurs need to win this one though and I think they'll do so with ease.
"Son Heung-min played through the center and scored a hattrick in his previous Premier League encounter, but Sheffield United are a physical team, so big Ange might look to play Richarlison up front to add something different to his attack." With the Brazilian forward not managing to hit top form during the fortnight away, it is perhaps the only question in the squad currently.
Merson's prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 Sheffield United
In the past few years there may well have been some nerves for fans heading into a game like this due to it being 'such a Tottenham thing to do' to lose the game on such a strong run of form. However, there is confidence in the group and pundits are reflecting that.
"I see them winning this game too, but I am expecting Sheffield United to dig in, defend deep and make life difficult for them, the same as the Blades did when they played Manchester City last month." Paul Heckingbottom's side pushed Pep Guardiola, nearly digging in for a draw, but were defeated late on by a Rodri stunner.
Sutton added: "The way this game goes will be decided by when Tottenham score their first goal. If they get it early on, then it could be a bit of a rout. If not. it might be a frustrating day for them."
Sutton's prediction: Tottenham 3-0 Sheffield United