Auckland vs Tottenham - Friendlies Clubs

A fascinating Friendlies Clubs chapter awaits on July 26, 2026 when Auckland take on Tottenham at the home ground — two sides with plenty to play for and everything to prove. The left-back was taken off in the final minutes against Everton with cramp, and was not risked for the Champions League clash vs Sabah on Thursday.

There is plenty riding on this Friendlies Clubs encounter for Auckland and Tottenham alike, and neither will want to leave the home ground empty-handed. The hosts will be looking to find their rhythm and put a run of results together. The visitors will back themselves to cause problems and will not make the trip expecting an easy afternoon. It remains to be seen if Leeds will target a No 10 or a winger capable of playing inside now that Brandt is off the table.

Stylistically, this is a compelling matchup. Auckland favour a patient, possession-based approach, whereas Tottenham are at their most dangerous when allowed to hit quickly on the counter. Few of Bouaddi's age possess such a rare blend of physicality off the ball, and poise and balance in possession.

Neither side is short on individuals capable of tilting the balance, and the duel between the two squads' chief creators could prove particularly pivotal. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. That was a modest score compared to the seven that Feyenoord racked up at PEC Zwolle but PSV's 4-1 win over Sparta Rotterdam was arguably the most significant.

Predictions are tricky when the sides are this evenly matched, and small margins — a moment of quality, a slice of luck — could decide it either way. With the sides so closely matched, a 1-1 stalemate looks the most likely way this one ends. The ramifications of this result could ripple through the Friendlies Clubs standings for weeks to come, regardless of who comes out on top. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Liverpool's midfield wasn't great last year but I expect Florian Wirtz to have a better season, 100 per cent.