Auckland FC vs Tottenham takes place at Eden Park on Sunday as Roberto De Zerbi’s side continue their pre-season preparations in New Zealand.
Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes could retain their places, while Andy Robertson and Jan Paul van Hecke are pushing to make their Spurs debuts.
Tottenham began their summer schedule with a 1-0 victory over MK Dons at Hotspur Way. Fernandes scored the winner after only three minutes, meeting a loose clearance with a powerful volley from outside the penalty area.
ReadTottenham covered how Fernandes made an immediate impact on his Tottenham debut. Tonali and Martin Dúbravka also received their first minutes following their summer arrivals.
Auckland provide a different challenge. The hosts won the A-League Grand Final in May, becoming the first New Zealand club to claim the title, although several important players and former head coach Steve Corica have since departed.
When is Auckland FC vs Tottenham?
The friendly takes place at Eden Park on Sunday, 26 July.
Kick-off is scheduled for 3pm local time, which is 4am BST for supporters in the United Kingdom. Tottenham will wear their new home kit, while rain and temperatures of around 11°C are expected in Auckland.
How to watch Auckland FC vs Tottenham
The match will not be shown on a traditional UK television channel.
Supporters can watch live through SPURSPLAY, subject to regional availability. Tottenham will also provide text updates through the Match Centre on the club’s official website and app.
A standard annual SPURSPLAY subscription costs £45, reduced to £35 for One Hotspur members. Access is included for eligible season-ticket holders and One Hotspur+ members. ReadTottenham has explained how supporters can watch all seven pre-season fixtures.
Tottenham team news
De Zerbi has selected a 35-player squad for the tour of New Zealand and Australia.
Robertson and Van Hecke joined the group after receiving additional rest following the World Cup. Both defenders could make their first Tottenham appearances, although De Zerbi may manage their minutes carefully.
Tonali, Fernandes and Dúbravka are available after featuring against MK Dons. James Maddison, Dominic Solanke, Mathys Tel, Lucas Bergvall, Richarlison and Mikey Moore have also travelled.
Guglielmo Vicario remained in London after suffering a minor training injury. Mohammed Kudus, Xavi Simons, Wilson Odobert and Dejan Kulusevski are continuing their rehabilitation at Hotspur Way.
Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr have been granted extended leave. Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Marcos Senesi and Djed Spence are also absent following their involvement in the latter stages of the World Cup.
Players to watch
Fernandes will attempt to build on his excellent opening appearance. The former West Ham midfielder offered energy beside Tonali and showed his ability to attack loose balls around the penalty area.
Robertson and Van Hecke should also receive minutes during the tour. Their availability gives De Zerbi the opportunity to begin developing a defensive structure ahead of the Premier League season.
Bergvall’s involvement will attract attention following transfer interest from Nottingham Forest. De Zerbi has praised the midfielder’s talent but admitted they must discuss whether he wants to remain and compete for his place.
Predicted Tottenham XI
Kinsky; Takai, Danso, Davies; Udogie, Tonali, Fernandes, Robertson; Maddison, Tel; Solanke.
De Zerbi is likely to make extensive changes during the match. Several academy players have travelled, while the Italian will want to distribute minutes across his senior squad.
Score prediction
Auckland FC 1-3 Tottenham
Auckland should provide a competitive and physical test in front of a large home crowd. However, Tottenham’s attacking depth and additional match sharpness should help De Zerbi secure a second pre-season victory.
