Analysis, Thomas Frank Faces Tough Early Test in New Era

As the countdown to the Premier League fixture release continues, anticipation around Tottenham Hotspur’s new era under Thomas Frank is reaching fever pitch. The official 2025/26 schedule will be revealed on Wednesday, June 18 at 9am, but if early simulations are anything to go by, the Danish head coach is in for a challenging opening to life in North London.

A simulated fixture list, run by football.london, offers an early glimpse into what the first six weeks of the Premier League could look like for Spurs, and it paints a picture of immediate intensity, tricky away days, and no shortage of pressure.

Spurs’ Simulated First Six Fixtures

A = Away, H = Home

1. Gameweek 1: Leeds United (A)
   A daunting opener at a newly-promoted Elland Road, where the atmosphere will be electric. Leeds will be brimming with confidence following their promotion and Thomas Frank’s Spurs debut will be a test of temperament and tactics.
2. Gameweek 2: West Ham (H)
   A London derby in the second week is never easy, but a home game offers the chance to make a statement. Frank will look to steady early nerves at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
3. Gameweek 3: Everton (H)
   A second home match in a row and a golden opportunity for Spurs to build momentum against a side also in transition.
4. Gameweek 4: Wolves (A)
   Molineux hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for Spurs in recent years, and this away fixture adds another layer of early difficulty.
5. Gameweek 5: Aston Villa (H)
   A major litmus test. Villa, now a top-six mainstay, will challenge Frank’s tactical setup and squad readiness. Home advantage may prove vital.
6. Gameweek 6: Newcastle United (A)
   A visit to St. James’ Park rounds off a gruelling first stretch. Newcastle’s intensity at home is relentless, and Spurs’ away form in 2024/25 was poor, winning only 5 of 19 on the road.

A Mixed Bag for Frank’s First Steps

• The Good:
  Back-to-back home games against West Ham and Everton give Spurs a window to gather points and momentum early, assuming the team settles quickly under Frank.
• The Challenging:
  Three away games in the first six, including trips to Leeds and Newcastle, are a tough baptism. Both sides boast passionate fanbases and physical playing styles that could unsettle a new-look Spurs squad.
• The Opportunity:
  These early fixtures are also a chance for Frank to stamp his identity quickly. Wins against direct rivals and strong performances on the road could lay the foundation for a revitalized campaign after last season’s disappointing 17th-place finish.

Key Simulated Dates on the Calendar

• Gameweek 10: First North London Derby at the Emirates Stadium
• Gameweek 12: Thomas Frank’s Brentford Reunion

Both fixtures will carry emotional weight and strategic significance. The derby is always massive, but returning to face his former club adds a poignant subplot to Frank’s journey.

Hypothetical

Fixture simulations are just hypotheticals, but if this run proves accurate, Thomas Frank will need to hit the ground running. These matches will test squad depth, tactical cohesion, and mental resilience.

A solid start will validate his appointment and set the tone for a new chapter in N17. A shaky one, however, and the noise around Tottenham could grow loud very quickly.