Spurs reportedly headed to New Zealand in preseason Tottenham Hotspur’s upcoming schedule has drawn attention as the club plans to expand its preseason activities beyond Australia. Following the conclusion of the current season, the team will participate in the World Cup before embarking on two preseason fixtures in Sydney. One of these matches is set against London rivals Chelsea, but the club’s management has opted to add another destination to their tour. According to a report by New Zealand media outlet Sport Nation NZ, Tottenham has confirmed plans to travel to Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand, to face A-League side Auckland FC. The article’s title, “Premier League club heading to New Zealand,” highlights the significance of the move, though the report acknowledges that Spurs’ participation in the country remains uncertain given the team’s recent challenges. The details of the fixture are sparse, with Auckland FC’s CEO declining to comment when approached. However, the match is expected to be scheduled near Spurs’ games in Sydney during the last week of July or the start of August. Auckland FC, a relatively new club in the A-League, joined the competition last season and finished as Premiers before a post-season playoff round. They currently sit in second place in this season’s standings. While the A-League team is not on the same level as Premier League clubs, the match will serve as a valuable opportunity for Spurs’ younger players to gain experience. The fixture is seen as a chance to build fitness and acclimate to different playing conditions. This contrasts with Auckland City FC, a semi-professional team from New Zealand’s domestic league that faced criticism for its performance at the Club World Cup last summer. The trip to New Zealand has sparked mixed reactions.#tottenham_hotspur #auckland_fc #auckland #sport_nation_nz #aleague
Spurs Set for Preseason Tour to New Zealand Tottenham Hotspur is reportedly planning a preseason tour to New Zealand, marking a significant shift from their initial schedule that included a trip to the West Island. The club’s senior management has decided to extend their international itinerary by adding a match against Auckland FC, a team in the A-League, in Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand. This development comes amid ongoing speculation about the club’s plans for the upcoming season, though details remain sparse. The news was first reported by New Zealand media outlet Sport Nation NZ, which highlighted the potential fixture as an exclusive update. While the report lacks specific details about the match timing, it notes that the game is expected to be scheduled near Spurs’ matches in Sydney, Australia, during the last week of July or the start of August. This would place the New Zealand fixture in close proximity to their existing preseason matches against London rivals Chelsea. Auckland FC, a relatively new club in the A-League, joined the competition last season and finished as Premiers before a post-season playoff round. They currently sit in second place on the league ladder this season. While the A-League team is not considered a direct competitor to Premier League clubs like Spurs, the match is expected to serve as a valuable opportunity for Spurs’ younger players to gain match fitness and experience. The fixture also provides a contrast to Auckland City FC, a semi-professional team from New Zealand’s domestic league that faced significant challenges in the Club World Cup last summer. Despite the disparity in competition levels, the match against Auckland FC is seen as a meaningful test for Spurs’ squad.#new_zealand #tottenham_hotspur #auckland_fc #sport_nation_nz #auckland_city_fc
A-League Round 21 Expert Tips & Predictions The 2025/26 A-League season is entering its critical phase as the top teams battle for playoff positions. Newcastle Jets remain at the summit of the table, though their recent winless streak has slightly dented their dominance. They sit comfortably ahead of Auckland FC and Sydney FC, with the latter two vying for second place. Meanwhile, Adelaide United and Melbourne Victory continue their pursuit of top-six spots, while Central Coast Mariners are performing strongly in the middle of the table. At the bottom, Wellington Phoenix and Western Sydney Wanderers struggle, with Perth Glory and Melbourne City now threatening to close the gap. The upcoming round features several high-stakes matches, with expert predictions offering insights into potential outcomes. Brisbane Roar, currently in poor form after a five-game winless run, face Western Sydney Wanderers, who have also lacked consistency. Despite the Wanderers’ recent win, Brisbane’s home advantage and need for a result make them the favored pick. A 2-1 victory for Roar is expected. Wellington Phoenix, battling to avoid the wooden spoon, host Perth Glory, who sit just one point above them. Both teams are under pressure, and a draw is anticipated due to the lack of clear momentum in either side. Similarly, Central Coast Mariners, on a five-game winning streak, face Adelaide United, who are also unbeaten in their last three matches. The match is expected to be tightly contested, with a draw seen as the most likely outcome. Newcastle Jets and Auckland FC, the league’s top two teams, clash in a crucial encounter. Both sides are eager to maintain their positions, and the match is expected to be a high-quality affair. A draw is favored due to the intensity of the contest.#a_league #newcastle_jets #sydney_fc #melbourne_victory #auckland_fc
Giancarlo Italiano's abrupt departure from the Wellington Phoenix marks another significant coaching change in the A-League, continuing a trend of instability across the league. Italiano resigned following a heavy derby loss to Auckland FC, leaving the club to seek a new interim coach. His exit adds to a list of A-League head coaches who have left their positions this season, with fewer than half of the league's 12 clubs retaining their original head coaches from a year ago. The A-League has seen frequent coaching changes since the 2025/26 season began in October, with at least one club altering its coaching staff almost every month. Italiano, who had been with the Phoenix since 2023, left without addressing the team, further highlighting the league's volatility. Other recent departures include Alen Stajcic, who was sacked by Western Sydney Wanderers in January, and David Zdrilic, who was replaced by Adam Griffiths at Perth Glory in December. Mark Jackson, the former coach of Central Coast Mariners, also left for an overseas opportunity in October, with Warren Moon promoted to a permanent role. Wellington Phoenix turned to Chris Greenacre, a familiar figure in the club's history, to step in as interim coach for the fourth time. Greenacre, who previously held interim roles, expressed his commitment to the club despite the challenges of the coaching environment. "I've never been in a rush to get to wherever the end may be," he said, emphasizing his focus on daily progress rather than long-term goals. Greenacre acknowledged the club's patience and loyalty, stating he aims to succeed at Phoenix regardless of his future role. The coaching changes reflect broader pressures in the A-League, where clubs often act swiftly when results are unsatisfactory.#a_league #wellington_phoenix #auckland_fc #chris_greenacre #giancarlo_italiano
