Sandro Tonali comes in for captain Bruno Guimaraes and winger Jacob Murphy replaces Anthony Elanga in the starting line-up as head coach Eddie Howe freshens up his side a little following their weekend win at Everton.
Frank 'must respond with clarity and certainty'published at 12:21 GMT
12:21 GMT
Ali Speechly Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
What is the identity of Thomas Frank's Spurs?
In whatever time Frank has left as our manager - and, personally, I hope it is at least until the end of the season - he needs to prioritise finding a clear blueprint for how he wants his team to play, regardless of opposition.
Of course, there is a long-term project under way as well, but unfortunately for Frank, many Spurs fans are so weary from years of disappointment that patience is thin - if it exists at all.
To successfully develop people, team culture and a supportive environment, you need everyone to commit, including the fans.
So, how can Frank win over the fanbase in the short term to achieve more lasting, systemic change? Arguably the quickest way is to show that he knows how to win, especially at home.
Following another self-destructive display at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium - this time a losing performance to Fulham that began with six minutes of madness, and ended with a frantic and ultimately futile hunt for redemption - loud boos were heard from some Spurs fans.
While I fully agree with Frank's post-match comments that it is unacceptable for fans to boo their own players during the game, tensions have been building for a while now, full of grievances that both predate Frank's time here and are new.
Frank must respond to criticism with clarity and certainty. What is his preferred starting XI? What is his favoured formation - not one based on nullifying the opposition, but instead one that showcases the strengths of his own players?
Now is the time for Frank to pick a plan and stick to it. Victory through consistency is key if he wants his team to elicit the positivity they so clearly need from the crowd.
Newcastle v Tottenham: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 09:16 GMT
09:16 GMT
Tom McCoy BBC Sport journalist
Newcastle go in search of a third consecutive league win against a Tottenham side beaten in each of their past three games in all competitions. BBC Sport examines some of the key themes before Tuesday's match.
Magpies defender Malick Thiaw took just 52 seconds to open the scoring at Everton on Saturday and they capitalised on that fast start by winning 4-1, with Thiaw on target twice in the club's biggest league victory of the season.
The next step, according to head coach Eddie Howe, is finding "the consistency we're searching for". Wins against Manchester City and Everton have come either side of a European defeat in Marseille and Howe admits striking the "sweet spot" between the demands of the Premier League and Champions League has proved a challenge.
What has proved less of a challenge, at least in recent years, has been beating Tottenham Hotspur.
Newcastle have won six of the past seven encounters in all competitions, including a 2-0 victory at St James' Park when the sides met in the EFL Cup in October.
Howe also has a formidable personal record against Thomas Frank, winning six of eight Premier League meetings whilst his opposite number was Brentford boss.
While Newcastle made a flying start at the weekend, Tottenham failed to recover from a disastrous opening six minutes against Fulham in which they conceded twice, eventually being booed off after a 2-1 home defeat.
Frank says supporters are entitled to vent their feelings after the final whistle but believes it is "completely unacceptable" that some booed goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario immediately after his error for the second goal, adding they "can't be true Tottenham fans".
Criticism of match-going supporters, whether valid or not, can be a slippery slope for Premier League managers and an improved performance is needed to stop the pressure building on Frank.
A trip away from London might help. Spurs were soundly beaten in three derby matches last month yet remain unbeaten in Premier League games outside the capital this season, collecting 10 points from a possible 12.
More attacking threat would also boost Frank's popularity. Tottenham's tally of 124 shots is the third lowest in the top flight this season, and equivalent to 9.5 per game. They have never ended a full Premier League campaign with fewer than 11 shots per match.
'Why would you do that?' Sutton on Spurs fans booingpublished at 09:05 GMT
09:05 GMT
The Monday Night Club's Chris Sutton and Rory Smith talk with Tottenham Hotspur fan Jack Hussey to unpack why some Spurs supporters booed their own players after Saturday's home defeat by Fulham.
Sutton's predictions: Newcastle v Tottenhampublished at 08:12 GMT
08:12 GMT
Tottenham boss Thomas Frank needs a result. He was so relaxed when he was at Brentford but now he just looks like a guy under pressure.
Frank saying the supporters who booed Guglielmo Vicario after his mistake against Fulham "can't be true Tottenham fans" underlines the friction he is feeling at the moment, but he does have a point about the effect that has.
As a player who has been booed a lot over the years, I can tell you that it doesn't have a positive impact on your performance. Being serious, though, I just don't get it - it just creates negativity.
The Spurs players will probably be relieved to be playing away after that, but Newcastle have found a bit of form in the past week so this is not an easy trip at all.
Tottenham have already lost at St James' Park this season in the Carabao Cup, and I am going for a repeat result - by the same scoreline.
Spurs want to sign Porto's Spanish forward Samu Aghehowa, 21, in January but are worried they will lose out to Manchester City in their efforts to land Bournemouth's 25-year-old Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo. (Teamtalk), external
Frank on fan discontent, 'remarkable' Vicario and Simonspublished at 14:57 GMT 1 December
14:57 GMT 1 December
Nat Hayward BBC Sport journalist
Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has been speaking to the media before Tuesday's Premier League game against Newcastle at St James' Park (20:15 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Frank began by confirming that "everyone ready for the Fulham match is ready for Newcastle", while Cristian Romero is also available again after serving his one-match suspension.
Reacting after the 2-1 home defeat by Fulham, he added: "I completely understand the frustration. If we don't win there will always be a frustration. We have not won much at home this season and also last, so the frustration can grow. It's my job to do what we can to have calm."
On his comments criticising fans for booing after Guglielmo Vicario's mistake: "We are nothing without the fans. Tottenham Hotspur is nothing without the fans. My point was that during matches we need each other. Afterwards the booing can be fair. During, we need to make it a fortress and to do that we need to be together."
More on fan discontent: "If we go into every game, I'm pretty sure every fan wants to win and support. If it's not going to plan, some get more frustrated than others. There's always some that shout louder than others."
Frank said he has talked to Vicario about the incident: "I spoke with him and asked how he was. He said he was OK. He is a good player to deal with when it is setbacks like that. How you deal with mistakes is a big part of how good you become as a player. Everyone can make mistakes but the way he carries himself impressed me very much. Vic is remarkable. His character is fantastic in every aspect."
Asked about his defence conceding 13 goals in four games, Frank said: "You can say the four goals we conceded against Manchester United and Fulham are some of the goals I'd like to avoid more. I think they had five and seven shots - the xG was very low. In the other two, we conceded too many shots."
On summer signing Xavi Simons not starting any of the three matches last week: "There is a reason why we have Xavi here. I think he is a very good player. He has trained very well. It is not the first time a player has stepped into the Premier League and needs a bit of adaptation."
Tottenham 1-2 Fulham - the fans' verdictpublished at 08:45 GMT 1 December
08:45 GMT 1 December
Media caption,
We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League between Tottenham and Fulham
Here are some of your comments:
Spurs fans
Phil: Despite the injuries, it is becoming clear that the bulk of our players are not above mid-table mediocrity. The manager - who I really like - is beginning to look out of his depth and if the next three games don't go Spurs' way, I can see Frank being sacked before Christmas.
Ashleigh: Crazy from Vicario. He should kick the ball into touch. He also doesn't kick long upfield when time is running out and we needed a different and more direct approach. Porro was abysmal and Udogie not much better. Another defeat now and we will be down in the relegation zone again. Frank needs to face up to a series of unacceptable and very poor performances.
Mark: It is not just the keeper's mistake, it is the lack of confidence and composure through the whole team. You look at running off the ball, throw-ins where players don't seem to make themselves available, very little creative play. If we don't have the players to play out of the back, then don't do it.
Edward: Another loss at home. There is no doubt Thomas Frank will now be feeling the heat and pressure. There will be supporters asking for his head on a plate. I'm not one of them, if anybody is going to sort out our lack of confidence at the moment, then it's Thomas Frank.
Fulham fans
Jim: Brilliant team display by Fulham in the first half, though a third goal would have calmed the nerves. Second half we held on well.
Neville: I won't mean anything if we don't beat Crystal Palace at home next week!
Will: After about half an hour we were hanging on for dear life, so it is a good thing we made the most of the first 10 minutes. Great finishing on display and a very important first away win.
Terry: Despite the early lead, I felt we were under the cosh from midway through the first half. That said, we allowed Spurs to have the ball and dealt with their attacks comfortably in the main. Job done!
'Completely avoidable' Vicario error piles more pressure on Frankpublished at 11:37 GMT 30 November
11:37 GMT 30 November
Emlyn Begley BBC Sport journalist
Media caption,
Tottenham Hotspur supporters who booed goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario were told afterwards "they can't be true Tottenham fans" by boss Thomas Frank.
Spurs conceded twice in the opening six minutes to lose 2-1 to Fulham, their 10th Premier League home defeat of 2025.
But the main talking point was Fulham's second goal when Vicario lost possession well outside of his box.
He came out to deal with a long ball and took the ball towards the touchline.
However, instead of booting it out of play, the Italian turned and tried to clear, but slipped as the ball skimmed off Harry Wilson and was controlled by Josh King
King laid the ball off to Wales midfielder WIlson, who curled a shot into the goal from the touchline measured at 36.6 metres.
Moments later when the ball came to Vicario again, some Spurs fans booed him.
Despite Vicario's mistake, it was not an easy goal for Wilson to score.
In fact it was the second longest-range Premier League goal of the season – after Tyler Adams' 43.3m goal for Bournemouth against Sunderland, which incidentally also came on Saturday.
Wilson said he was a "little bit surprised" that he still had an empty goal to aim for.
Ten seconds passed between Vicario coming out of his box and Wilson shooting - which was five seconds after the clearance.
"I felt like the goalkeeper was out of the box for ages," Wilson said.
"I was surprised none of the back four went back to the line. When none of them defended the goal, my eyes lit up a bit.
"[Destiny] Udogie slipped too, which gave me a bit of extra time. Then it was all about trying to make the right contact and get it on target. I had a good feeling, as soon as it left my foot, that it was on the right line."
Tottenham 1-2 Fulham: What Frank and Vicario saidpublished at 09:42 GMT 30 November
09:42 GMT 30 November
Media caption,
Tottenham boss Thomas Frank, speaking to Sky Sports about the supporters being frustrated to the point they booed their own goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario: "It is OK that they are frustrated, because we haven't won at home for a long time. We all badly want to win so I'm fine with them booing after the game, but during the game I hope it was one incident and it never happens again."
On Pedro Porro showing some frustration towards the supporters when he left the pitch: "I didn't see the incident so I don't know exactly. We are in a tough spell right now and for my players it is about being as calm as possible and doing everything we can to work through it."
On their recent run of form: "This result leaves us in a place where we have lost another game. Every game has a single story, this game we lost in the first six minutes. We just need to keep working. The second half was much better and hopefully something we can use to learn."
Tottenham goalkeeper Vicario speaking to Sky Sports: "It's tough because to go 2-0 down after six minutes, you never expect this. Especially the second goal was a mistake of mine. I take the responsibility for that.
"The intent was to clear the ball long but I hit the ball in a bad way. It was a bigger mountain to climb after seven minutes. We tried to push, put in some duels and put some pressure on them but we didn't create so many chances to hurt them and get back in the game.
"It's a very disappointing defeat which we didn't expect to. I take the responsibility for the defeat.
"But we got another game in two days and we will try to do our best to make sure we have a positive result against Newcastle."
Did you know?
Tottenham suffered their 10th home defeat of 2025 in the Premier League, with this now their joint-most home league defeats in a single calendar year in club history (also 10 in 1994 and 2003).
Spurs have lost four consecutive home London derbies for the first time in the Premier League (v Chelsea twice, Crystal Palace and Fulham).
Fulham taking a 2-0 lead in the sixth minute marked the earliest that Tottenham have ever conceded two goals in a Premier League home match.
Spurs analysis: Vicario howler sums up shambles of a halfpublished at 22:23 GMT 29 November
22:23 GMT 29 November
Emlyn Begley BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Tottenham's Jekyll and Hyde form continues.
A promising performance in a 5-3 defeat by Paris St-Germain on Wednesday was followed up by a first-half disaster in the 2-1 loss to Fulham.
This was their 10th home defeat of 2025 in the Premier League and they have never lost more than 10 home league games in a year in their history.
Frank's side were sloppy at the back and toothless up front.
For the first goal, Samuel Chukwueze's pass managed to go between two players before finding Kenny Tete.
Moments later Guglielmo Vicario ran out of his box to deal with a long ball, took it to the corner and then hit a weak clearance straight to Harry Wilson for the second goal.
The goalkeeper was booed by his own fans a minute later when the ball came to him again.
Spurs had never trailed a Premier League home game by two goals after six minutes before. And it could have got worse.
Chukwueze hit the post after Spurs failed to deal with a corner – and the winger took the ball around Vicario only to be denied an open-goal opportunity by Micky van de Ven.
In the first half, they had 16 open-play crosses with none finding a team-mate – and did not fashion a single realistic scoring opportunity.
The second half was much better – although it could not have been worse. But only two of their efforts were on target and only Mohammed Kudus was able to beat Bernd Leno, with a fine strike from Lucas Bergvall's clipped ball over the top.
Tottenham v Fulham: Team newspublished at 18:59 GMT 29 November
18:59 GMT 29 November
Tottenham make four changes from the side that lost 5-3 to Paris St-Germain in the Champions League.
Kevin Danso, Joao Palhinha, Destiny Udogie and Mohammed Kudus replace Djed Spence, Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Sarr and Cristian Romero - who is suspended today.
Tottenham Hotspur XI: Vicario, Danso, Van de Ven, Udogie, Porro, Palhinha, Gray, Bergvall, Kudus, Richarlison, Kolo Muani.
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Sunderland v Bournemouth" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Everton v Newcastle", for instance.
Sutton's predictions: Tottenham v Fulhampublished at 12:00 GMT 29 November
12:00 GMT 29 November
As Thomas Frank is finding out, Tottenham are just an odd club. Some Spurs fans are questioning whether he has the credentials to manage them, which I don't understand. All he needs is time.
Mark Chapman reeled off a stat on the Monday Night Club that Tottenham are a big-six club because they are fifth in the table for total points gained in the Premier League era.
Come on, Chappers. We are better than that. Have Spurs ever won the Premier League? No. Is there a 'total points' trophy? Also a no.
Spurs are a big club, but that's from their distant history, not from what they have done since 1992. They are well-supported and have got a fantastic stadium, but you don't win trophies for those things either.
They need to get things right on the pitch but when they have brought in a manager who did win something with them, Ange Postecoglou, they have sacked him.
I am sure Spurs will improve, if Frank is given a chance. They played well in defeat against Paris St-Germain on Wednesday and that makes me think they might have too much for Fulham.
Marco Silva's side really needed their win over Sunderland to avoid being dragged into the relegation scrap, and they are still not out of trouble.
Fulham's away record is pretty awful but then so is Tottenham's home form, so the obvious thing to go for here is a draw.
It's only taken me four seasons of doing these predictions, but I am finally applying some logic.
Tottenham v Fulham: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 19:17 GMT 28 November
19:17 GMT 28 November
Tottenham will be aiming to bounce back from two defeats in a week on Saturday (20:00 GMT) when they entertain a Fulham side who have won two of their last three Premier League games.
Home form a concern for Spurs
Tottenham may have shipped five goals in their midweek loss against Paris St-Germain, but their performance against the defending European champions did at least restore some pride after their damaging defeat against Arsenal.
They showed the fight and attacking endeavour in Paris that was so badly missing in the 4-1 thrashing at the Emirates, as the negative tactics of manager Thomas Frank were heavily criticised.
Frank was lauded at the start of the season for sorting out Spurs' defensive woes, but they have conceded nine goals in their last two games, while the seven they have let in during their three top-flight fixtures in November is as many as they did in nine games across August, September and October.
Having lost ground in the league after only one win in five, Spurs now face a pivotal week with Newcastle away and his former side Brentford at home to come after their clash with Fulham.
However, their home form has been an issue for a long time now and they have managed just three league wins in a year, with their only victory in front of their own supporters under Frank coming on the opening weekend of the season against Burnley.
Fulham struggling away
Fortunately for Tottenham, they face a Fulham side who sit joint bottom of the away form table having lost five in a row on the road. They have just a solitary draw to show from their travels this season, having accrued 93% of their points at Craven Cottage.
However, after years of dominance over the west Londoners, Spurs have struggled of late against Fulham. After a run of eight wins in nine league games against the Cottagers, Tottenham are without a victory in any of the last three, with Fulham's two wins in those games as many as they had managed in their previous 23 encounters.
After losing five of their last six league games, Marco Silva's side picked up a crucial win over in-form Sunderland last weekend to move three points clear of the bottom three.
The Cottagers had 24 shots in that match, but scored only once, highlighting an issue that has held them back this season. Only Leeds and Wolves have scored fewer than Fulham's 13 goals in 12 top-flight matches this season.
However, a superb cameo off the bench from on-loan winger Sam Chukwueze in that game culminated in a brilliant assist to firmly put his case forward for a first Premier League start at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
