The build-up…

It’s our first-ever trip to Tottenham’s shiny new stadium, and when the fixtures were announced, this was an away day many of us immediately circled. It’s a cracking way to kick off our 2026 travels — even if I do still have a soft spot for the partially obscured views we used to endure at White Hart Lane.

It’s not just appealing because of the stadium tour, either. On paper, this doesn’t look like the worst assignment. We’re currently averaging a point per game away from home — nine points from nine matches, if you like your maths neat — but even more surprising is Tottenham’s home form.

At the time of writing, only Burnley, West Ham United and Wolves have collected fewer points on their own turf. Spurs have managed just two home wins from nine league games. The first came on the opening day against Burnley, while the second was a 2-0 success over Brentford at the start of December.

For most Spurs managers, a run like that would bring serious pressure — even without Daniel Levy looming in the background. But under Thomas Frank, there’s a sense he’ll be afforded patience and time to turn things around.

That said, our record against Spurs makes for grim reading. We haven’t beaten them home or away in any competition across the last 13 meetings. That run stretches back to the infamous Darren Bent game in 2010, when he scored twice and missed a penalty in a 3-1 win.

Our last victory in North London came even further back, in August 2008, when Roy Keane’s Sunderland beat Juande Ramos’ Spurs 2-1. Goals from Kieran Richardson and debutant Djibril Cissé sealed the win that day.

It’s approaching two decades since we last won down there — so surely we’re due one.

The betting…

The bookies have the Lads priced at 18/5 for the win. Spurs are favourites at 4/5, while the draw is available at 9/4.

Head-to-head at Spurs

(All competitions)

• Sunderland wins: 15

• Draws: 13

• Spurs wins: 33

• Sunderland goals: 67

• Spurs goals: 112

Last meeting at Spurs

Sunday 18th September 2016
Premier League – White Hart Lane

Tottenham Hotspur 1–0 Sunderland
Kane 59’ (Januzaj sent off 90’)

Sunderland:
Pickford, Denayer (McNair), Kirchhoff (Khazri), Koné, Djilobodji, Manquillo, Cattermole, Ndong, Pienaar (Watmore), Januzaj, Defoe
Subs unused: Mika, Love, O’Shea, Gooch

Tottenham Hotspur:
Lloris, Walker, Vertonghen, Wanyama, Alderweireld, Dier (Davies), Sissoko, Dembélé (Lamela), Kane (Janssen), Alli, Son
Subs unused: Vorm, Trippier, Winks, Eriksen

Attendance: 41,107

Prediction…

Tottenham Hotspur 1–1 Sunderland

 

I fancy us to frustrate them, keep things tight, and come away with a valuable point.