Roberto De Zerbi's preseason: prediction for the Auckland vs Tottenham match — 26.07.2026
On July 26, Eden Park stadium will host one of the most high-profile friendlies of the summer break: reigning A-League champions Auckland welcome Tottenham. For the hosts, it’s a chance to test themselves against a Premier League side, while the Londoners kick off their preseason tour of New Zealand and Australia. The match is scheduled to start at 15:00 local time.
Auckland: championship foundation under threat
Last season was historic for Auckland. Steve Corica’s squad reached the A-League final and edged Sydney 1-0 thanks to a goal from Cam Howieson. It marked the club’s first-ever league title in just their second season of existence, and they became the first New Zealand side to win the Championship.
However, preparations for the new campaign have been far from simple. Corica departed in June to take over at Yokohama F. Marinos, and just days before the Tottenham clash, the club’s management still hadn’t named a new head coach. Corica’s assistant Danny Hay also left, meaning the hosts approach this prestigious fixture without their familiar coaching staff.
The team has also lost several key players. Player of the season Louis Verstraete, defender Dan Hall, forward Guillermo May, loanee Jake Girdwood-Reich, and one of the brightest young talents, Jesse Randall, have all left the club. Such a major overhaul is particularly tough ahead of a match against a side that will move the ball much faster and keep constant pressure on the defense.
Still, Auckland’s squad isn’t completely dismantled. Cam Howieson, Felipe Gallegos, and Michael Woud have extended their contracts, Lochlan Bayliss has joined the team, and Ronan Wynne and Daniel Norman have been promoted from the OFC Pro League squad. On home turf, the A-League champions will surely try to play boldly, but a lack of cohesion and the coaching uncertainty could lead to costly mistakes.
Tottenham: De Zerbi’s first full preseason
Roberto De Zerbi took charge of Tottenham in the spring and managed to keep the club in the Premier League. Now, the Italian is leading his first full preseason and has the opportunity to gradually rebuild the team in his signature intense, possession-based style.
The Londoners have already strengthened significantly. This summer saw the arrivals of Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Martin Dubravka, Jan Paul van Hecke, Mateus Fernandes, and Sandro Tonali. All six have experience in English football, and the squad’s depth allows De Zerbi to rotate heavily without sacrificing too much individual quality.
Before flying to New Zealand, Tottenham began their warm-up matches against MK Dons. Some players who went deep into the World Cup are yet to return, so De Zerbi is blending new signings, regular starters, and academy prospects in these friendlies.
Confirmed absentees include Xavi Simons, who is recovering from an ACL injury. On the plus side, James Maddison returned to action in May after a lengthy layoff and can now build up match fitness during preseason.
Pre-match facts
- Auckland are unbeaten in their last five official matches: two wins and three draws.
- They defeated Sydney 1-0 in the A-League final.
- Since the season ended, Auckland have parted ways with their head coach and several key players.
- Tottenham won three of their last five Premier League matches in the 2025/26 season.
- This will be the first ever meeting between the two clubs.
Even a rotated Spurs side could net three: Auckland vs Tottenham prediction
Auckland deserve credit for a brilliant season, but they come into this friendly amid a major rebuild. The upheaval in the coaching staff and the loss of several key players could especially impact their defensive organization. Sustaining a high tempo and withstanding pressure for the full 90 minutes will be a tall order for the hosts.
Tottenham are likely to make plenty of changes, but the squad’s depth means the Londoners can maintain a high level even after the break. First-team regulars will be looking to find their rhythm quickly, while young talents get a chance to impress the new boss. That’s why the visitors’ attacking intensity shouldn’t drop off in the second half.
The odds for a simple Spurs win aren’t particularly attractive. The individual total for the visitors looks more intriguing: the English side are fully capable of scoring at least three on their own, and an Auckland goal won’t affect this market.
Prediction: Tottenham individual total over 2.5 goals.
