Tottenham Hotspur’s 2014-2015 season could be summed up neatly in two words: Harry Kane. The young striker came out of nowhere to rescue Tottenham from potential disaster, and shot himself to instant stardom in the process. All eyes will now be on English football’s next big thing as he looks to power Spurs into the Champions League this season.
Read on below for a quick preview of Tottenham Hotspur for the upcoming campaign. And for more on the Premier League’s second-tier clubs, check out our previews of Southampton, Everton and Swansea.
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Tottenham Hotspur 2015-2016 Premier League Preview
Overview
[sc:Soccer240banner ]It’s been an unusually quiet summer transfer window for notoriously active Tottenham. Defender Toby Alderweireld has been the only notable addition to the side which finished fifth in their first season under manager Mauricio Pochettino. Alderweireld will take the place of departed captain Younes Kaboul, who has made his way out of White Hart Lane along with midfielders Paulinho, Etienne Capoue and Benjamin Stambouli.
Spurs still have a very promising young attacking core spearheaded by last year’s breakout star Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen, and Nacer Chadli, who are all expected to improve in their second year playing Pochettino’s fast-pace system. The squad is still nowhere near title contention – Tottenham is priced at +10,000 to win the title – but with a few more signings, Spurs could yet make a run at one of the coveted top four spots this season.
Key Player – Harry Kane
It’s by no means an exaggeration to say that Harry Kane saved Tottenham’s 2013-2014 season. With veteran striking options Roberto Soldado and Emmanuel Adebayor failing to produce early in the campaign, Pochettino finally turned to the untested 21-year old to lead the line. And lead it he did.
Kane proceeded to take the league by storm as he blasted home 21 goals – second in the league only to Sergio Aguero – including his incredible New Year’s Day hat-trick to defeat eventual champions Chelsea, 5-3. He was named Premier League Player of the Month for January and February 2015 and was also named the PFA Young Player of the Year.
The pressure will be on for Kane to follow up that very impressive season, especially with Spurs still short of striking options. Whether he can deliver or not will basically define Spurs’ season.
Last season was the first time since the 2010-2011 campaign that Tottenham successfully avoided defeat against bitter rivals Arsenal. They drew 1-1 at the Emirates and won 2-1 at White Hart Lane care of a Harry Kane brace.
The first North London derby of the season is set for November at the Emirates, and Spurs will be eager to keep their unbeaten run against the Gunners going. It’ll be an uphill battle for Spurs to emerge victorious, though, as they’ve won just once at Arsenal in the last 23 years.
Best/Worst Case Scenario
Best Case Scenario
Kane manages to top his incredible debut season with another goal-filled campaign. He – along with the rest of Tottenham’s first-choice 11 – remains relatively healthy, which prevents Spurs’ lack of depth from getting exposed. With continued growth under Pochettino coupled with a surprising step down from one of the “Top Four,” Spurs find themselves slipping into one of the Champions League places.
Worst Case Scenario
Kane loses the element of surprise as teams quickly figure out how to play him. As Kane fails to cope with the increased scrutiny, Spurs’ lack of alternatives up front becomes painfully clear. The goals dry up, which sees Spurs slide down the table and out of the European places.
Complete Schedule
DATE
OPPONENT
TIME
August 8
@ Manchester United
7:45 AM ET
August 15
vs Stoke City
10:00 AM ET
August 22
@ Leicester City
10:00 AM ET
August 30
vs Everton
12:30 PM ET
September 13
@ Tottenham
8:30 AM ET
September 20
vs Crystal Palace
8:30 AM ET
September 26
vs Manchester City
7:45 AM ET
October 3
@ Swansea
10:00 AM ET
October 17
vs Liverpool
10:00 AM ET
October 24
@ Bournemouth
10:00 AM ET
October 31
vs Tottenham
11:00 AM ET
November 7
@ Arsenal
11:00 AM ET
November 21
vs West Ham United
11:00 AM ET
November 28
vs Chelsea
11:00 AM ET
December 5
@ West Bromwich Albion
11:00 AM ET
December 12
vs Newcastle
11:00 AM ET
December 19
@ Southampton
11:00 AM ET
December 26
vs Norwich City
11:00 AM ET
December 28
@ Watford
11:00 AM ET
January 2
@ Everton
11:00 AM ET
January 14
vs Leicester City
4:00 PM ET
January 16
vs Sunderland
11:00 AM ET
January 23
@ Crystal Palace
11:00 AM ET
February 3
@ Norwich City
3:45 PM ET
February 6
vs Watford
11:00 AM ET
February 13
@ Manchester City
11:00 AM ET
February 27
vs Swansea
11:00 AM ET
March 2
@ West Ham United
3:45 PM ET
March 5
vs Arsenal
11:00 AM ET
March 12
@ Aston Villa
11:00 AM ET
March 19
vs Bournemouth
11:00 AM ET
April 2
@ Liverpool
10:00 AM ET
April 9
vs Manchester United
10:00 AM ET
April 16
@ Stoke City
10:00 AM ET
April 23
vs West Bromwich Albion
10:00 AM ET
April 30
@ Chelsea
10:00 AM ET
May 7
vs Tottenham
10:00 AM ET
May 15
@ Newcastle
10:00 AM ET
Writer’s Prediction
Kane can’t quite match his dream debut season, and Tottenham as a team fails to make up for the loss in production. Spurs slide down to sixth.
