Tottenham Hotspur vs. Burnley Prediction, Match Preview, and Betting Tips, 16 August 2025

The Premier League opener at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium sees a clash between Tottenham Hotspur and Burnley. For Spurs, it’s a fresh start under new manager Thomas Frank following a challenging season where they finished 17th. Notably, they nearly edged out Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup, indicating some promising form despite their mixed pre-season results.
Burnley, newly promoted and eager to make a mark, have bolstered their squad with significant signings, including Armando Broja from Chelsea. They aim to harness the momentum of their recent promotion to secure a strong start.
Referee Michael Oliver will be in charge of the match, adding an experienced hand to the proceedings. With Tottenham’s defensive frailties and Burnley’s potential on counter-attacks, our match tip suggests betting on Burnley to win.
While Tottenham are the bookmaker’s favourite, with odds of 1.37 for a home win, Burnley’s resilience and recent investments could very well give them a fighting chance.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Burnley Prediction & Betting Tip

Our recommended betting tip for this encounter is to back Burnley to win.
Tottenham have shown defensive frailties in recent matches, which a well-organized Burnley side could exploit. With Burnley excelling in quick counter-attacks and set pieces, an upset is on the cards.
Tottenham’s mixed form, with only one win in their last five matches, makes them vulnerable. The bookmakers might favour Spurs with odds of 1.37 for a home win, but Burnley’s resilience and recent squad enhancements suggest they could very well give them a run for their money.

• Tottenham has shown defensive weaknesses in recent matches.
• Burnley’s ability to capitalize on quick counter-attacks and set pieces makes them a dangerous opponent.
• Tottenham has only one win in their last five matches, indicating mixed form and potential vulnerability.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Burnley Odds

The upcoming clash between Tottenham Hotspur and Burnley sees the bookmakers favouring Tottenham to clinch a home victory. This is reflective of their stature and home advantage, despite their recent defensive concerns and mixed form.
Burnley, however, is seen as the underdog with enticing odds, indicating a potential profitable bet for those believing in an upset. A draw also holds substantial value, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the Premier League.

While Tottenham are the favourites, their recent performances suggest vulnerabilities that Burnley could exploit. Burnley’s counter-attacking prowess and recent squad reinforcements make them a lively underdog in this encounter.

Tottenham Hotspur Team Analysis

Tottenham Hotspur Recent Performance ()

Tottenham Hotspur’s recent form has been a mixed bag, with their last five matches showing one win, two draws, and two losses. Their pre-season fixtures included a commendable 2-2 draw against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup, although they eventually lost on penalties.
Despite scoring an average of 1.40 goals per game in their last five outings and securing two clean sheets, defensive vulnerabilities have been noticeable, particularly in their hefty 4-0 defeat to Bayern Munich.
Thomas Frank’s men will need to tighten up at the back and leverage their average goal-scoring capability if they hope to kick off their Premier League campaign with a win. With recent arrivals potentially boosting their squad depth, Spurs will aim for a stronger showing in their opening match at home against Burnley.

Tottenham Hotspur Key Players

Tottenham Hotspur’s lineup for this match could be quite dynamic, featuring a mix of defensive solidity and attacking flair. Noteworthy players include:

• Goalkeeper: Guglielmo Vicario
• Defenders: Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Djed Spence
• Midfielders: João Palhinha, Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Sarr
• Forwards: Brennan Johnson, Mohammed Kudus, Richarlison

With standout defender Micky van de Ven attracting interest from Real Madrid, his performance could be crucial. Midfield dynamo Rodrigo Bentancur will likely play a pivotal role in breaking up Burnley’s play and setting the tempo.
Richarlison, leading the line, will be Spurs’ main goal threat, aiming to capitalize on service from the wings and midfield. With creative players like Kudus and Johnson supporting him, expect intriguing battles against Burnley’s defensive setup.
This ensemble sets the stage for a compelling encounter, especially as Spurs look to bounce back from a challenging previous season.

Tottenham Hotspur Suspensions & Injuries

Tottenham Hotspur has several key players unavailable due to injuries, which could significantly impact their performance against Burnley.

Injuries:

• Radu Dragusin: Cruciate ligament injury, set to return mid-October 2025.
• Bryan Gil: Knee injury, potential return in about a week.
• Dejan Kulusevski: Knee injury, expected back in mid-September 2025.
• Destiny Udogie: Muscle injury, doubtful for the match.
• James Maddison: Cruciate ligament injury, out until mid-February 2026.
• Kota Takai: Foot injury, aiming for a late-August 2025 return.

With Maddison and Kulusevski out, Spurs lose substantial creativity and goal-scoring ability from midfield. Udogie’s doubtful status and Dragusin’s long-term absence add to defensive concerns. These injuries could severely test Thomas Frank’s squad depth and tactical adaptability in their Premier League opener.

Tottenham Hotspur Tactics and Formation

Tottenham Hotspur will likely opt for a balanced tactical approach under the new management of Thomas Frank, addressing both defensive solidity and attacking prowess.

Tottenham Hotspur Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Richarlison
• Midfield Duo: João Palhinha, Rodrigo Bentancur
• Attacking Trio: Brennan Johnson (right wing), Pape Sarr (attacking midfielder), Mohammed Kudus (left wing)
• Defensive Line: Pedro Porro (right back), Cristian Romero (right center back), Micky van de Ven (left center back), Djed Spence (left back)

Tottenham’s strategy may likely be to maintain possession and control the midfield through Bentancur and Palhinha while exploiting the wings with the pace and creativity of Johnson and Kudus. Richarlison will be pivotal in converting chances created from wide areas and through balls. However, their defensive vulnerabilities, highlighted by only two clean sheets in their last five games, will need to be addressed to avoid being exposed on counter-attacks by Burnley.

Burnley Team Analysis

Burnley Recent Performance (WDLL)

Burnley’s form leading up to this match has been somewhat inconsistent, with a win, a draw, and two losses in their last five encounters. Despite these mixed results, the newly-promoted side has shown a knack for scoring, evidenced by their 1.40 goals per game average. However, their defense has been a concern, as they’ve only managed one clean sheet in the same period.
Their most recent friendly matches against Lazio and Stoke, both resulting in losses, hint at some defensive vulnerabilities, especially against higher-caliber teams. However, Burnley’s ability to score and counter-attack quickly remains a consistent threat.
Their pre-season performances suggest they could exploit any weaknesses Spurs might show, particularly given Tottenham’s own defensive issues. Burnley’s ability to grind out results and maintain offensive pressure will be crucial in their Premier League opener.

Burnley Key Players

Burnley will rely heavily on key players to navigate their Premier League opener against Tottenham. Notable additions like Armando Broja, freshly acquired from Chelsea, could make a significant impact upfront. Broja’s pace and finishing ability will be pivotal in breaking down Tottenham’s defense.

Expected lineup for Burnley:

• Goalkeeper: Martin Dubravka
• Defenders: Kyle Walker, Maxime Esteve, Hjalmar Ekdal, Quilindschy Hartman
• Midfielders: Josh Laurent, Josh Cullen, Marcus Edwards, Hannibal Mejbri, Jaidon Anthony
• Forward: Lyle Foster

The presence of experienced defender Kyle Walker will shore up Burnley’s defense, while Josh Cullen and Josh Laurent will be tasked with controlling the midfield. Marcus Edwards, another new signing, will look to exploit Tottenham’s defensive vulnerabilities, making his battle with their full-backs one to watch. These key players will be instrumental if Burnley hopes to capitalise on Tottenham’s recent defensive inconsistencies.

Burnley Suspensions & Injuries

Burnley, entering this match with a few notable injury concerns, will need to adapt their squad selection carefully.

Injuries:

• Zeki Amdouni: Cruciate ligament injury, expected to return mid-January 2026.
• Connor Roberts: Suffering from a knock, making his participation doubtful.
• Zian Flemming: Muscle injury, also doubtful for the match.
• Bashir Humphreys: Muscle injury, expected return mid-September 2025.

The absence of Amdouni and potential unavailability of Roberts and Flemming could impact Burnley’s attacking efficiency and defensive solidity. New signing Bashir Humphreys will also be missed in the defensive line, increasing the pressure on experienced players like Kyle Walker. Their ability to manage these injuries strategically will play a crucial role in their performance against Tottenham.

Burnley Tactics and Formation

Under the guidance of Scott Parker, Burnley will likely put forth a resilient and organised setup aimed at exploiting Tottenham’s defensive vulnerabilities.

Burnley Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Lyle Foster
• Midfield Duo: Josh Laurent, Josh Cullen
• Attacking Trio: Marcus Edwards (right wing), Hannibal Mejbri (attacking midfielder), Jaidon Anthony (left wing)
• Defensive Line: Kyle Walker (right back), Maxime Esteve (right center back), Hjalmar Ekdal (left center back), Quilindschy Hartman (left back)

Burnley’s strategy will hinge on sharp counter-attacks and exploiting set pieces. Lyle Foster will spearhead the attack, supported by playmakers Hannibal Mejbri and Marcus Edwards, who will aim to stretch Spurs’ defence. Defensive stability will be overseen by the experienced Kyle Walker, providing both leadership and tactical discipline. Their cohesive unit aims to frustrate Tottenham while maximising their efficient counter-attacking play.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Burnley Head-to-Head Statistics

The last five encounters between Tottenham Hotspur and Burnley show a favourable record for the Spurs. Tottenham has won four of the last five meetings, including the most recent 2-1 victory in May 2024.
One notable moment was their 5-2 thrashing of Burnley in September 2023, highlighting Tottenham’s offensive capabilities. Burnley’s sole recent win came in February 2022, when they secured a narrow 1-0 victory.
Tottenham will be looking to extend their dominance, particularly as they open their Premier League campaign at home. However, Burnley’s historical ability to score in these fixtures makes them a potential threat in this match-up.
Both teams have shown they can find the back of the net in these encounters, suggesting we might be in for an entertaining and competitive game.

Odds accurate as of 14.08.2025 15:02, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.