Tottenham and Hoffenheim confirm lineups for pre-season friendly at Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre
Tottenham Hotspur and TSG Hoffenheim meet in a pre-season friendly at the Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre on August 16, 2026, with Spurs having beaten Hoffenheim 3-0 in the previous day's match. Full starting XIs and benches for both sides have been announced ahead of the fixture.
Managed by Roberto De Zerbi, Tottenham again face Hoffenheim in this preparatory match at Hotspur Way; both teams have made multiple changes to their squads. Several high-profile players, including Sandro Tonali, Mathys Tel and Richarlison, are not involved, while James Maddison, Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr are named among Tottenham’s principal selections. The report notes Hoffenheim have also left out many of their top players to manage workload and guard against injury with the new season approaching.
Tottenham’s confirmed starting lineup is: Austin (GK); Souza, Danso, Davies, Hall; Bentancur, Sarr; Maddison, Fernandes, Williams-Barnett; Ajayi. The Spurs’ bench is listed as Jack, Takai, Donley, Tyrese Hall, Elliott-Parris, Byrne, Adewole. The article includes the club’s social post: "Our side to face Hoffenheim at Hotspur Way! 🙌"
Hoffenheim’s announced XI is: Philipp (GK); Coufal, Hranac, Hajdari, Rots; Conte, Avdullahu; De Cat, Hlozek, Wimmer; Daghim. Their bench comprises Abraha, Chaves, Baumann, Bernardo, Biedermann, Burger, Gendrey, Honajzer, Kabak, Lemperle, Lenz, Machida, Moerstedt, Spranger, Vogt. The piece adds that Die Kraichgauer’s men were completely outplayed by the Lilywhites in the pre-season friendly yesterday and will be looking to avoid repeating those mistakes.
Broadcast details and follow-up coverage are provided: SPURSPLAY can be used to view this club friendly live, and Khel Now advises readers to follow its Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts, download the Khel Now Android or iOS app, or join the community on Telegram for more updates. The article is credited to Dilpreet, described as a dedicated football writer who joined Khel Now in 2025 and writes about tactics and culture as well as scores.
The report states: "No, after finishing 17th in the Premier League last season, they are not eligible to be a part of the Elite European competition." It also notes: "They might not perform in the UEFA Champions League 2026-27, but their squad looks strong enough to win at least one domestic title in the upcoming season."