TOTTENHAM have a rare opportunity to pick up some silverware on Saturday, 27 July when they take on Vissel Kobe in the J League World Challenge Final.
Tottenham are ahead of most Premier League teams in their preparation for the new season having played two pre-season matches already. After securing wins in both of those matches, they will be looking forward to playing again this weekend.
Vissel Kobe will provide Spurs with their toughest test of pre-season so far. They are currently in the midst of their domestic season in Japan which means Spurs can expect to face a fully fit squad on Saturday.
How the bookies view it: Spurs set to be the favourites
The bookies are yet to price this match but it is expected that Tottenham will go in as favourites due to the fact they are one of the best teams in the Premier League. Vissel Kobe are the reigning J League champions, though, and are currently in 4th position so backing a win for the Japanese outfit on home soil could turn out to be a great value-for-money bet.
Recent head-to-head: A first-ever meeting
Given the two clubs play on entirely different continents, it shouldn't come as a huge shock to learn that this will be the first-ever meeting between Tottenham and Vissel Kobe. This summer marks Tottenham's first time playing in Japan in more than 30 years. Their last visit to the country came in 1991 when they participated in the Kirin Cup following their FA Cup triumph of the same year.
Players to watch: A man with a point to prove
There won't be too many players in England this season who will feel like they have a chip on their shoulder more than James Maddison. The playmaker was left out of England's squad for Euro 2024 and stormed out of the training camp upon finding out the news.
Maddison will be desperate to prove to the new England manager, whoever that may be, that he is someone who can be trusted to deliver on the biggest stage. He started last season very well for Tottenham and a strong pre-season will allow him to replicate that this year.
Another man who Spurs fans will be looking forward to seeing in action is Archie Gray. The teenager has recently signed from Leeds and will be keen to show what he's got before the Premier League season begins.
Predicted line-ups
Despite a trophy being at stake, the most important thing for Ange Postecoglou will be improving the fitness levels within his squad so expect plenty of rotation. For Vissel Kobe, the chance to beat a Premier League side doesn't come around often so they will go full strength despite it only being a friendly.
Vissel Kobe: Maekawa – Sakai, Yamakawa, Thuler, Hatsuse – Ogihara, Ide, Yamaguchi – Muto, Osaka, Sasaki
Tottenham: Austin – Porro, Gray, Emerson, Donley – Bissouma, Sarr, Maddison – Kulsevski, Son, Werner
Anything else catch the eye?
Tottenham have scored seven goals across their two pre-season matches so far which indicates that we could be in for a goalfest on Saturday. Meanwhile, Vissel Kobe, have scored at least one goal in each of their last five matches. Therefore, both teams to score looks like a smart bet for this one.
This International Friendly match between Vissel Kobe and Tottenham will be played on Jul 27, 2024 and kick off at 11:00. Check below for our tipsters best Vissel Kobe vs Tottenham prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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