Spurs must convert Paris performance into derby win against Fulham | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur approach the weekend seeking a positive result to match the progress they showed in Paris after consecutive defeats had raised questions about their early-season direction.

Their 5-3 loss to Paris Saint-Germain exposed familiar defensive lapses but it also offered evidence of a sharper, more assertive performance than the disjointed display that cost them heavily against Arsenal.

Thomas Frank’s side led twice against the Champions League holders and showed greater structure in possession, which has encouraged belief that their recent run does not tell the full story of their current level.

Spurs still face the reality of four defeats in six matches and pressure to convert improved passages of play into points, particularly with their position in the Premier League table remaining fragile.

Saturday’s meeting with Fulham therefore arrives at an important moment for a team looking to validate the signs of recovery they displayed in midweek.

Fulham travel across London with issues of their own and remain one of the league’s most inconsistent sides, which makes them difficult to predict and dangerous when allowed time to settle.

Marco Silva’s team have mixed promising spells with long passive stretches, and their results have swung sharply between convincing displays and flat, error-ridden showings.

Their inconsistency leaves Spurs unsure which version they will face, and the hosts know they must be prepared for a Fulham side capable of imposing themselves when rhythm is found early.

Fulham’s away form has been poor this season but they enter the derby fresh from a narrow win over Sunderland that eased some pressure and reinforced their ability to grind out results.

Goals have remained scarce for Silva’s side and several matches have been tight, low-scoring contests decided by individual moments rather than sustained control.

Spurs, meanwhile, have struggled at home and are searching for only their second league victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this season, which adds further weight to the fixture.

Frank is expected to restore several first-choice players after rotating heavily in Paris, and the side’s response in midweek suggests the group retains belief despite recent setbacks.

Tottenham will need that renewed energy on Saturday because they cannot rely on Fulham’s inconsistency to hand them opportunities.

A composed, disciplined performance would give Spurs the chance to lift the mood for good and convert midweek optimism into a result that steadies their Premier League campaign.