Matthew Chadder

Sat 16 September 2023 9:30, UK

Tottenham and Ange Postecoglou will welcome Paul Heckingbottom and Sheffield United to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday 16 September.

It has been a long old international break, and Spurs’ supporters will be desperate to see their high-flying Tottenham side back in action as the Premier League returns from its two-week hiatus.

Postecoglou’s men sit second in the division after a fantastic start to the season, during which they have won three and drawn one of their opening four games, picking up 10 points, two fewer than leaders Manchester City.

The Blades arrive in North London without a win so far this season, sitting 17th with one point, which they earned during a 2-2 draw with fellow struggles Everton prior to the break.

However, while the home fans will be confident of getting the win and continuing to build on their positive momentum, history has proven that nothing is guaranteed in the Premier League, and Tottenham will need to be at their best if they want to pick up maximum points.

And in order to do just that, these are some of the battle areas that Tottenham News have identified as potential key points.

Vulnerability to crosses

Sheffield United have conceded seven goals in the Premier League so far this season, and all seven of them have come as a result of a cross. Six of those were from open play, while one of the two goals they conceded against Everton coming from a corner.

The Toffees’ other goal from their clash could act as a blueprint for Postecoglou’s wide players.

As seen in the image above, former Spurs loanee Arnaut Danjuma made a dangerous run toward the back post.

Nathan Patterson picked him out delightfully, and the 26-year-old was able to slot the ball home. This is the type of similar run which Spurs’ wingers could look to make on Saturday.

However, they will need finding, and Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie provided just one cross into the box between them against Burnley, while Dejan Kulusevski and Manor Solomon played none between them (Sofascore).

Considering the visitors’ vulnerability to goals from crosses into the box, Postecoglou might look to encourage his wide players to increase these numbers on Saturday.

With this in mind, the 58-year-old Australian could be tempted to include Richarlison through the middle rather than Son Heung-min, as the Brazilian will offer a greater aerial threat.

Keeping Gustavo Hamer quiet

The midfield battle will be key between the two sides, and those in the centre of the park for Spurs will look to keep Hamer quiet. He scored a wonderful strike from the edge of the box at The City Ground against Nottingham Forest on his Premier League debut, and Postecoglou will need to encourage his men to close him down in those areas.

In addition to his wonderful strike, he has been influential in pulling the strings for his new teammates. Across his three league starts this season, he has played four key passes and will be a source of threat for the away side, and certainly one to watch out for.

If the home side can keep Hamer quiet and exploit the wide areas, they might well be well on their way to making it four straight wins in England’s top flight.

In other Tottenham news, the club’s women’s team have a new striker who will look to step up in the absence of Beth England.