Tottenham Hotspur have opted to inaugurate their pre-season endeavours closer to home as Nuno Espirito Santo looks to limit travel with preparations taking place within the surrounding area.
Several key pillars among the Tottenham squad endured prolonged Euro 2020 and Copa America campaigns travelling far and wide, and amid continued uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, Daniel Levy is not taking any chances.
Here is your list of Spurs' pre-season schedule, with a handful of low and high profile fixtures, as Espirito Santo looks to cement the foundations to his new side.
Saturday, July 17 - Leyton Orient, The Breyer Group Stadium (3pm)
Spurs kick off their pre-season campaign with a mere five-mile drive down the road to the O's as Tottenham fans look to get their first taste of football under their new boss.
It is thought that Espirito Santo may look to reintroduce a back five as he will aim to reignite Matt Doherty's flame that once burned through defences when at Wolves under the Portuguese manager.
Wednesday, July 21 - Colchester United, JobServe Community Stadium (7:45pm)
Tottenham's second test is in the form of League Two's Colchester United who infamously beat Spurs 4-3 on penalties in the third round of the EFL Carabao Cup in 2019, despite playing the likes of Dele Alli, Son Heung-Min and Lucas Moura.
Wednesday, July 28 - MK Dons, Stadium MK (7:45pm)
With two League Two sides planned for the opening pair of fixtures, Spurs take it up a level and face League One outfit MK Dons, the former home of Alli.
The two sides have only ever played each other once in competitive competitions, dating back to 2006 when Spurs waltzed past the Dons 5-0.
Wednesday, August 4 - Chelsea, Stamford Bridge (7:45pm - The Mind Series)
Tottenham join Arsenal and Chelsea for The Mind Series, set up by the charity Mind, as part of a campaign to raise awareness surrounding mental health and wellbeing through a handful of pre-season friendlies.
It could prove to be Spurs' first extensive test in pre-season before going on to play the Gunners, followed by an opening day clash with the league champions.
Sunday, August 8 - Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (2pm - The Mind Series)
The final outing and the first pre-season game back on home turf. Despite the clash being labelled a friendly, it will unlikely be very friendly, like any other north London derby, however it is poised to rake in the fans and raise money for a great purpose.
