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Tottenham begin pre-season with friendly against MK Dons under new manager De Zerbi
Tottenham Hotspur play their first pre-season friendly of the summer against MK Dons, with new signings hoping to impress new head coach Roberto De Zerbi.
By Edward Beaumont · 4 min read
Tottenham Hotspur kick off their pre-season campaign this afternoon with a friendly against MK Dons at Stadium MK, giving new head coach Roberto De Zerbi his first opportunity to assess his squad in a match situation. The fixture, which has attracted significant interest from Spurs supporters, marks the beginning of the club's preparations for the 2026-27 season.
De Zerbi, who took over at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium earlier this summer, is expected to field a strong starting XI that includes several of the club's recent signings. The Italian manager has been working with the squad during the early weeks of pre-season training and will be keen to see how his tactical ideas translate into a competitive environment, even if the result is of secondary importance at this stage.
Among the new arrivals likely to feature are a number of players brought in to strengthen key areas of the pitch. The match against MK Dons, a League Two side, offers a relatively low-pressure setting for these signings to build fitness and understanding with their new teammates. Supporters will be watching closely to see how the team shapes up under De Zerbi's system, which is known for its emphasis on possession, pressing, and fluid attacking movement.
Team news released ahead of the game confirms that De Zerbi has named a lineup that blends experience with youth. Several first-team regulars are included, alongside fringe players and academy graduates looking to make an impression. The manager has stressed the importance of using pre-season friendlies to build match sharpness and implement his philosophy, rather than focusing solely on results.
Injury updates from the club indicate that a few players are being managed carefully during the early part of pre-season, with some expected to be given limited minutes or rested entirely to avoid unnecessary risks. However, the overall squad is reported to be in good condition, with no major fitness concerns ahead of the new campaign.
The friendly also provides an opportunity for MK Dons to test themselves against Premier League opposition. The home side will be looking to use the fixture as a valuable part of their own pre-season preparations, with their squad aiming to cause an upset against a top-flight team still finding its rhythm.
For Tottenham, the match is the first of several pre-season fixtures scheduled before the start of the Premier League season. The club's summer tour and training camp have been designed to ensure the players are physically and tactically ready for the demands of the upcoming campaign. De Zerbi has emphasised the need for a strong start to the season, and these early friendlies are seen as crucial building blocks.
Fans unable to attend the match at Stadium MK have been able to follow the action through live updates and streaming services, with the club providing coverage across its official channels. The fixture has generated considerable buzz on social media, with supporters eager to see the first glimpse of De Zerbi's Tottenham in competitive action.
As the game unfolds, attention will be on how the new signings integrate into the team and whether the early signs of De Zerbi's tactical approach are evident. While pre-season results are often misleading, the performance and fitness levels shown today will give an indication of the direction the club is heading under its new management.
The match against MK Dons represents the start of a new chapter for Tottenham Hotspur, and the coming weeks will reveal more about the squad's potential as they build towards the Premier League opener. For now, the focus is on getting minutes into legs, building cohesion, and laying the groundwork for what the club hopes will be a successful season.
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