Tottenham Hotspur v Everton: Spurs Seek First League Win as Goals Dwindle

Tottenham Hotspur return to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday with an uncomfortable truth hanging over them: three games into the Premier League season and they are still waiting for a first win.

Roberto De Zerbi’s side sit 18th, with just a single point to show from those opening fixtures. The table doesn’t flatter them, and neither does the recent scoring record. If this game ends the way last weekend did – a goalless stalemate at Forest – Spurs will go four straight league matches without a goal for the first time in the club’s history.

That prospect alone sharpens the mood around north London.

The one crumb of comfort? Their only win and only clean sheet in their last 12 top-flight home games came against these very opponents. De Zerbi and his players will cling to that, hoping history repeats itself rather than deepens the gloom.

Team news: Maddison a doubt, Mudryk sidelined again

The injury picture has not helped Spurs build any rhythm.

James Maddison trained before the trip to Forest but did not make the squad and remains a doubt, still troubled by the shoulder injury he suffered on the opening day against Brentford. Without his creativity between the lines, Tottenham have looked blunt and predictable in the final third.

Dejan Kulusevski, Wilson Odobert and Xavi Simons are all still working their way back from knee problems, leaving De Zerbi short of natural options in the attacking midfield and wide roles.

There was at least a brief lift when Mykhaylo Mudryk finally returned to competitive action against Forest, his first appearance in over 600 days. That optimism vanished quickly. The winger has since picked up a fresh ankle injury and is expected to miss six to eight weeks, another heavy blow to Spurs’ attacking depth.

With that list of absentees, De Zerbi is likely to stick with Savio and Mathys Tel in the wide positions, asking them to stretch the pitch and provide the spark that has been missing. Mohammed Kudus, easing his way back after a lengthy lay-off, should continue to build up minutes, adding power and invention in advanced areas as his fitness improves.

Predicted Tottenham Hotspur XI

Tottenham Hotspur (4-2-3-1, expected):

Kinsky; Porro, Van Hecke, Van de Ven, Robertson; Tonali, Bentancur; Savio, Fernandes, Tel; Solanke.

That setup puts plenty of responsibility on Sandro Tonali and Rodrigo Bentancur to control the game and feed a front four that badly needs a statement performance.

Kick-off time and TV details

The match kicks off at 17:30 on Saturday, 12 September 2026.

In the UK, it will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event.

Spurs need more than just a TV audience this time. They need a win, a goal, a spark – something to show this season is not drifting before it has even begun.