Preview & Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur vs. Burnley

Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. ET
Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London
Broadcast: TBD, Peacock (US)

Tottenham Hotspur welcome Burnley to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 16, 2025, for a Premier League Matchweek 1 clash that pits an ambitious top-four contender against a newly promoted side. Spurs, under Ange Postecoglou, are coming off a 2024–25 season where they secured European football, driven by Son Hawkins’ goal-scoring prowess and James Maddison’s creativity. Burnley, managed by Scott Parker, return to the Premier League after dominating the Championship in 2024–25, with players like Josh Brownhill leading their high-energy, attacking style. This matchup contrasts Tottenham’s free-flowing, possession-based approach with Burnley’s structured, counterattacking game plan, set against the vibrant backdrop of Spurs’ 62,000-capacity stadium. Both teams will look to make a statement, with Tottenham aiming for a strong start to their European push and Burnley fighting to prove they belong in the top flight.

Insights

• Tottenham posted a 12–4–3 home record in 2024–25, scoring 2.2 goals per game at their state-of-the-art stadium, with the North Stand’s atmosphere intimidating opponents.
• Burnley won 14 away games in the 2024–25 Championship, averaging 1.8 goals per game, but face a step up against Premier League opposition like Spurs.
• Tottenham’s 4-3-3 under Postecoglou emphasizes high pressing and fluid attacking moves, while Burnley’s 4-4-2 relies on compact defending and quick transitions.
• Son Heung-min (15 goals, 10 assists in 2024–25) versus Burnley’s James Trafford will be key, with Son’s movement testing Trafford’s goalkeeping (12 clean sheets in 2024–25).
• Tottenham lead the series 25–10–8 since 1993, with a 4–1 home win in their last Premier League meeting (2020–21), boosting their confidence.
• Tottenham target a top-four finish for Champions League qualification, while Burnley aim to avoid relegation and build early-season momentum.
• Tottenham’s Richarlison is fit after a minor 2024–25 injury, while Burnley’s Lyle Foster is questionable with a hamstring strain, potentially weakening their attack.
• The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium’s passionate crowd contrasts with Burnley’s vocal Clarets supporters, creating an electric opening-day atmosphere.

Match Forecasts

• Son Heung-min is likely to score or assist, exploiting Burnley’s high line with his pace and finishing, as seen in his 2024–25 form.
• Josh Brownhill (10 goals in 2024–25 Championship) could capitalize on Tottenham’s aggressive pressing, finding space on the counter with support from Zian Flemming.
• Tottenham’s James Maddison (86% passing accuracy) must outmaneuver Burnley’s Josh Cullen and Connor Roberts, who averaged 2.3 tackles per game.
• Tottenham converted 14% of corners into shots in 2024–25, with Cristian Romero a aerial threat; Burnley’s Ben Mee is equally dangerous from set pieces.
• Tottenham’s Brennan Johnson could provide a late spark off the bench, while Burnley’s Anass Zaroury offers pace to exploit tired defenses.
• Burnley’s backline, untested in the Premier League, may struggle against Tottenham’s quick transitions led by Dejan Kulusevski.
• Four of the last six Tottenham-Burnley matches featured at least three goals, suggesting a high-scoring, open game.

Match Facts

• Tottenham lead the series 25–10–8 since 1993, with 78 goals scored in those matches (1.8 goals per game average).
• Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with a 62,000 capacity, is expected to sell out, with Spurs’ supporters creating a hostile environment.
• The referee is TBD, but 2025–26’s semi-automated offside technology ensures quicker and clearer decisions.
• Streamed on Peacock (US) with English and Spanish commentary; local radio includes BBC Radio London and BBC Lancashire.
• London on August 16, 2025, expects 67°F with a 10% chance of rain, ideal for a fast-paced match.
• A Tottenham win would mark their 125th Premier League home victory since 2000; Burnley aim for their first Premier League point since 2022.
• Son Heung-min is three goals shy of 150 Premier League goals for Tottenham; Josh Brownhill could reach 10 goals for Burnley with a strike.