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Tottenham Hotspur are in free fall - could an unthinkable Premier League relegation actually happen? Latest Opta prediction and vote

Tottenham Hotspur's slide has left them 17th in the Premier League table, just one point above the relegation zone, with Opta giving them a one-in-four chance of going down. With seven games left and no win in 13, their survival hopes rest on a tense run-in against West Ham United, Leeds United and Nottingham Forest. Could the unthinkable actually happen? Vote in our poll below.

Tottenham Hotspur x EFL Championship: a match that has only existed in the minds of the most imaginative of rival fans. Until now.

After a grim 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest before the international break, Spurs sit 17th in the Premier League table - one point above West Ham United in the drop zone.

With the club in free fall, and rumours swirling around interim manager Igor Tudor, the R-word is a serious possibility.

Opta give Spurs a 26.49% chance of going down. Anyone who watched the second half against Forest will be surprised it is not higher.

TeamPlayedPointsChance of relegation14. Crystal Palace30390.05% 15. Leeds31337.67%16. Nottingham Forest31328.49%17. Spurs313026.49% 18. West Ham312957.42%19. Burnley312099.93%20. Wolves311799.95%

With Crystal Palace essentially safe, and Burnley and Wolverhampton Wanderers doomed, it is one from four for the final relegation spot: Leeds v Forest v Spurs v West Ham.

Spurs are projected to finish on 38.44 points, with West Ham just behind on 36.97. But the sharp minds amongst you know that decimal points are impossible, so we need to dig a little deeper into the fixtures...

TeamPredicted pointsCrystal Palace47.97Leeds41.86Nottingham Forest40.98Spurs38.44West Ham36.97Burnley26.15Wolves24.98

Premier League relegation run-in

Spurs are winless in 13 league games (D5 L8), their worst run since 1935. Maintain anything close to that trajectory and they are destined for the drop.

The fixtures do not offer much comfort either. Based on last season's equivalent games, Spurs took just three points from five games (Sunderland and Leeds came up from the Championship).

They could even drop into the bottom three before kicking another ball.

West Ham host basement-dwellers Wolves on April 10. Win that, and Spurs would head to Sunderland two days later needing a result to climb back ahead.

Remaining fixtures:

West HamSpursForestLeedsWolves (h)Sunderland (a)Villa (h)Man Utd (a)Palace (a)Brighton (h)Burnley (h)Wolves (h)Everton (h)Wolves (a)Sunderland (a)Bournemouth (a)Brentford (a)Aston Villa (a)Chelsea (a)Burnley (h)Arsenal (h)Leeds (h)Newcastle (h)Spurs (a)Newcastle (a)Chelsea (a)Man Utd (a)Brighton (h)Leeds (h)Everton (h)Bournemouth (h)West Ham (a)

Spurs' home form is a major concern. They have the worst record in the league, with just two wins all season.

Brighton & Hove Albion, Leeds and Everton all look winnable on paper - but on current evidence, no points are guaranteed.

Away from home, the results are quite palatable, albeit not since Tudor took charge. Trips to Sunderland, Aston Villa and Chelsea are huge tests, making the game at Wolves, themselves much-improved in recent weeks, pivotal.

The maddening part for Spurs fans is that they outplayed Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid at home in a thrilling last stand in the UEFA Champions League, only to capitulate against Forest in the same stadium four days later.

The level is obviously there, the UEFA Europa League win last season proves that, but the consistency has vanished.

No more European distractions should help - if, and it's a whopping if, they make the correct call around who guides them through the final seven games.

Still, West Ham may actually be in deeper trouble. Arsenal at home and Newcastle United away looks the most daunting double-header of all four teams in the scrap, meaning their margin for error is minimal. Fail to beat Wolves at the start of the run-in and it could quickly be curtains.

Leeds and Forest hold the advantage, with points on the board and out-of-form Burnley travelling to both clubs. Forest’s early May run - Chelsea, Newcastle, Manchester United - looks brutal, though.

It could even come down to the final day, when Spurs host European-chasing Everton and West Ham take on Leeds. Spurs' fate may yet be decided over those final 90 minutes.

- - -

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Manager of the US men's national team Mauricio Pochettino has said he misses ”the world of football in England". Pochettino has coached three teams in the Premier League, most notably having success at Tottenham Hotspur. The Argentine has been linked to a return to north London in recent years, with Pochettino revealing the club had been in contact about rejoining the club in 2021.

Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino admitted that he misses ”the world of football in England".

Pochettino has managed three teams in the Premier League, having also had spells at Southampton and Chelsea.

The Argentine is currently the head coach of the US men’s national team and is preparing to lead them into a home FIFA World Cup this summer.

But with Spurs mired in a relegation battle - sitting one point above West Ham United in 18th by the March international break - Pochettino has been linked to a return to north London.

And in ⁠an interview with French news outlet L'Equipe, the 54-year-old said that he still holds a fondness for football in the UK.

"I miss the world of football in England. I love ​the country, its culture, the football culture," Pochettino said.

"For anyone with a competitive spirit who ​wants to measure themselves against others and test their abilities, it's the ideal ​place. You have to constantly give your best."

Pochettino was appointed manager of Spurs in 2014 after a successful stint with Southampton.

During his five years there, Spurs qualified for the UEFA Champions League four times and reached the final in 2019. They also finished second in the Premier League in the 2016-17 season.

But he was sacked in November 2019 before going on to manage Paris Saint-Germain for 17 months, winning the French league title, and Chelsea for the 2023-24 season. He began his coaching career at Espanyol in Spain.

When Spurs were searching for a new manager after moving on from Ange Postecoglou last summer, Pochettino ruled him out of contention, saying it was ”not realistic". He did hint that he would consider a comeback at some point down the line, adding: "If something happens [in the future], you for sure will see.”

But in his interview with L’Equipe, Pochettino revealed that Spurs – along with other clubs – contacted him in 2021 about a possible return to the Premier League.

"Not just Tottenham, other very big clubs too. With the ​whole COVID situation, ​the club situation ⁠created instability," he said.

Spurs will be searching for a new permanent manager in the summer after sacking Thomas Frank and appointing Igor Tudor on an interim basis.

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Spurs face a treacherous end to the Premier League season, with just one point separating themselves from West Ham in 18th position and seven games remaining. Tudor has earned one point from his five games in charge.

For Pochettino, he is tasked with leading the US into the 2026 World Cup, with big things expected in a home tournament, which they will host alongside Canada and Mexico.

The US have been drawn in a group alongside Paraguay, Australia and the winner of the play-off between Turkey, Slovakia, Kosovo, and Romania.

Stream the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Men's and Women's FA Cup and more on TNT Sports

Tuesday’s Paper Round leads on Tottenham Hotspur, with the club already having held talks with Roberto De Zerbi in the hope the ex-Brighton and Marseille boss will take charge of the club. Elsewhere, Eddie Howe’s job at Newcastle United is not in danger, while Jadon Sancho’s prospects of moving to Borussia Dortmund in the summer have not been impacted by a change of sporting director.

Roberto De Zerbi is open to taking the permanent Tottenham Hotspur head coach role but only if the club remain in the Premier League, the Telegraph reports.

Igor Tudor’s future as interim head coach remains unclear after Spurs lost to relegation rivals Nottingham Forest on Sunday, but the club will prioritise supporting the Croatian after his father passed away.

The Telegraph adds: ”Whatever happens with Tudor between now and the end of the season, there is no prospect of him earning the permanent Spurs job. De Zerbi and Mauricio Pochettino are the favourites for the long-term post, with Tottenham keen to appoint a new man with experience of European football and the demands that places on the head coach – even though the club will not be in Europe next season.

”De Zerbi could yet emerge as a contender for the Manchester United and Liverpool jobs, if Arne Slot leaves Anfield, but the Italian is believed to be open to taking over at Spurs if the club can secure Premier League status for next season.

”His front-foot style of attacking football would be popular with Tottenham supporters, many of whom would like Pochettino to return. The Argentine is committed to the United States national team until the end of this summer’s World Cup.”

Howe safe at Newcastle

Eddie Howe’s job at Newcastle United is ”safe”, according to The i Paper, despite the loss to rivals Sunderland on Sunday following their UEFA Champions League exit.

Newcastle are 12th in the Premier League table heading into the international break, but for now the club are focusing on a summer rebuild under Howe as opposed to searching for a new manager.

The i Paper adds: ”Newcastle are preparing for up to five or six players who are part of the first-team group to depart this summer.

”Out-of-contract veterans Fabian Schar and Kieran Trippier are set to leave while Aaron Ramsdale will not be signed on a permanent basis. Joe Willock, who did not impress as a substitute on Sunday, is also available.

”In addition to that the future of several crown jewels is also uncertain, with Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali linked with moves away.

”England international Tino Livramento, who has struggled since returning from injury, also has admirers.

"Newcastle intend to be front foot on those questions and have apparently learned from their reactive stance on Alexander Isak.”

Dortmund change won’t impact Sancho move

Borussia Dortmund will still plan to sign Jadon Sancho in the summer despite a change of sporting director, the Mirror reports.

Sancho is currently on loan at Aston Villa from Manchester United, and he is widely expected to leave Old Trafford for good in the summer transfer window, with a third stint at Dortmund possible.

The Mirror adds: ”The winds of change are already sweeping through Dortmund ahead of the next transfer window, with their highly rated sporting director, Sebastian Kehl, leaving his post.

”He departs the German giants with immediate effect and they have wasted no time in sourcing a replacement, announcing that Ole Book has agreed to fill the void left by Kehl's exit.

”Such a significant change behind the scenes is likely to alter plans when it comes to the transfer window. But in Sancho's case, he could be unaffected.

”That's because a move to re-sign the Aston Villa loanee has already been given the green light by Nico Kovac, Dortmund's head coach.”

- - -

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Igor Tudor's father has passed away. His current club, Tottenham Hotspur, and former side, Juventus, were among the first to share messages of support for the Croatian manager. Tudor has managed Spurs since he replaced Thomas Frank in February. Tudor did not take part in any post-match interviews following his side's defeat against Nottingham Forest due to the sad news.

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed that Mario Tudor, the father of their manager, Igor Tudor, has passed away.

The Croatian coach did not conduct any post-match interviews in the aftermath of his side's 3-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest on Sunday due to his father's passing.

Tudor replaced Thomas Frank as manager of Spurs in February, but he has endured a difficult start to life in north London.

The Premier League side sent their condolences to their head coach in a post on social media.

"Everyone at Tottenham Hotspur is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Igor Tudor's father, Mario," read a post on X, formerly Twitter.

"Our thoughts and condolences go out to Igor and his family during this incredibly difficult time."

Igor Jesus, Morgan Gibbs-White and Taiwo Awoniyi all scored during a disappointing afternoon at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday.

The defeat left Spurs in 17th place, just one point above West Ham United and the relegation zone.

Tudor has now overseen seven games as manager of last season's UEFA Europa League winners, producing one win, one draw and five defeats.

Prior to replacing Frank, Tudor had a seven-month spell with Serie A giants Juventus.

He helped the club qualify for the UEFA Champions League last term, but was sacked in October after a difficult start to the 2025/26 campaign.

Nonetheless, they were quick to pass on their support to Tudor.

"Juventus stands with Igor Tudor and his family at this difficult time," read a club statement on X.

"Juventus joins in mourning the passing of his father."

Spurs have seven Premier League games left to secure enough points to avoid relegation.

They will go head-to-head with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Sunday before hosting Brighton & Hove Albion at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

They then have away games against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa to contend with.

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Those clashes will be followed by a home game against Leeds United and a trip to Stamford Bridge to play bitter rivals Chelsea.

Spurs' Premier League campaign will draw to a close with an away game against Everton on May 24.

Club captain Cristian Romero has declared that all seven games are now finals, insisting that he will put "200%" into every fixture.

”It’s a difficult day for everyone, but the first thing is to speak about the fans. Thank you for today and always staying with us,” Romero said.

”They gave us fantastic support, but about us, it’s a bad day. Now it is finished, and the most important thing is to understand the situation.

”It’s not easy, but the most important thing is to get to the national team and back here for the last seven finals.

”I promise [to] put 200% into every one, and for me it is not easy, but we have to stay all together. It’s a bad day, yeah, but we will go again.”

Nottingham Forest are three points clear of the relegation zone after Sunday's win, with Leeds in 15th place, four points above West Ham.

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Women's Super League round-up: Khadija Shaw shines as Manchester City move closer to title with Tottenham Hotspur win - 'Like playing FIFA'

Manchester City maintained their Women's Super League title charge after a stunning display from Khadija Shaw. After the clash, her team-mate Sam Coffey suggested her performance was like something out of a computer game. Elsewhere, there were impressive wins for Manchester United and Arsenal but defending champions Chelsea were held to a draw by London City Lionesses.

Sam Coffey said she felt like she was watching a video game after witnessing Khadija Shaw's sensational hat-trick in Manchester City's 5-2 win against Tottenham Hotspur in the Women's Super League.

Shaw scored all three goals in 13 first-half minutes to put her side 3-1 up, with Olivia Holdt finding the back of the net for Spurs.

It was 5-1 before the break thanks to a Kerolin finish and Amanda Nilden's own goal, with Bethany England scoring a late consolation for the visitors.

The victory was a huge step towards the WSL title for City, who are now eight points clear of rivals Manchester United at the top of the table with just four games remaining. The defeat leaves Spurs in fifth place in the WSL table.

Coffey said that Shaw's performance was like something out of a computer game after her side secured the victory.

"I said earlier that I feel like I'm playing FIFA," said Coffey. "You can score three goals like that in 20 minutes?"

Man Utd leave it late against Everton

Melvine Malard scored in the fourth minute of stoppage time to help Manchester United beat Everton 2-1 and keep the WSL title race alive.

Elisabeth Terland gave The Red Devils the lead in the 38th minute after firing the ball into the top-right corner of Courtney Brosnan's net.

United appeared to be cruising towards victory until Inma Gabarro's header got The Toffees back on level terms in the closing stages.

Just as it looked like all three points were slipping through the home side's fingers, Malard popped up with a header of her own to secure the victory.

United leapfrog Chelsea into second place, while Everton are now sixth.

Chelsea slip to third

Chelsea dropped to third after being held to a 1-1 draw by London City Lionesses.

Johanna Rytting Kaneryd produced a calm finish to give the defending WSL champions the lead in the 22nd minute.

However, Lucia Corrales forced an excellent save from Hannah Hampton in the 82nd minute, setting the stage for Isobel Goodwin to head in the rebound and rescue a point.

Gunners thrash Hammers

Arsenal maintained their hopes of winning the WSL with an emphatic 5-0 win against West Ham.

The Gunners were 1-0 up at the break after Stina Blackstenius turned Chloe Kelly's cross into the back of the net in the fourth minute.

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Alessia Russo headed in a Smilla Holmberg delivery two minutes after the break.

Kelly then scored in the 55th minute and the 80th minute to make it 4-0 heading into the closing stages of the clash.

Beth Mead put the icing on the cake in the 90th minute, leaving her side 11 points behind leaders City with two games in hand.

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Tottenham Hotspur face a nerve-shredding end to the Premier League season as they battle to avoid an extraordinary relegation. Their hopes were hit on Friday by the news that first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is likely to be out for a month with injury. Antonin Kinsky is likely to be handed the gloves for Sunday's crucial clash with Nottingham Forest, but could be low on confidence.

Tottenham Hotspur and Italy goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario will undergo hernia surgery during the international break that will keep him out for a month, the Premier League club have announced.

The setback paves the way for a likely return for Antonin Kinsky, who endured a nightmare outing in last week's UEFA Champions League last 16 first leg against Atletico Madrid when he was substituted after just 17 minutes with Spurs already 3-0 down.

Spurs, who face Nottingham Forest in a crunch relegation showdown on Sunday, sit just one point above the drop zone with eight games remaining.

”We can confirm that Guglielmo Vicario will undergo surgery next week on a hernia,” read a club statement.

”The minor procedure for the Italy international goalkeeper has been timed to have as minimal an impact on our season as possible.

”Guglielmo will commence his rehabilitation with our medical staff immediately, and it is hoped that he could return to action within the next month.”

Spurs were knocked out of the Champions League on Wednesday night despite showing signs of improvement with their first win under interim boss Igor Tudor, beating Atleti 3-2 on the night for a 7-5 aggregate defeat.

Tudor now has achieving Premier League safety as his sole focus for the remainder of the campaign, but will be without his first-choice keeper for a crucial run of games.

In the course of the next month, Spurs face Forest, Sunderland, Brighton and Wolves – fixtures that could go a long way to determining their top-flight status.

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Vicario will hope to return in time for a difficult season run-in that sees Spurs travel to Aston Villa on May 2, before hosting Leeds, going to Chelsea and finishing with a home game against Everton.

The 29-year-old has also missed the chance to be part of the Italy squad for next week’s World Cup play-offs.

The Azzurri face Northern Ireland in a Bergamo semi-final, with either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina awaiting in a potential final, as the four-time winners look to return to the competition for the first time since 2014.

Vicario has been Spurs’ undisputed number one this season, making 42 appearances in all competitions and keeping 13 clean sheets, but he was at the centre of the most controversial moment of Tudor’s turbulent tenure.

The Croatian coach, who replaced the sacked Thomas Frank in January on an interim basis, made the surprising decision to start Kinsky in goal for Spurs’ last 16 first leg in Madrid on March 10.

But a string of errors from the 23-year-old saw him concede three goals in 15 minutes before being unceremoniously hooked by Tudor and replaced with Vicario.

The Czech keeper, who is yet to make a league appearance this season, will hope to banish those memories with a run of games in Vicario’s absence, having otherwise made only two EFL Cup appearances this season for the club.

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TNT Sports

Who's ready for more Premier League predictions? Brighton & Hove Albion host Liverpool on TNT Sports and discovery+ on Saturday lunchtime, while it's an enormous weekend in the relegation scrap as Tottenham Hotspur welcome Nottingham Forest to north London. Just the eight games this week due to quadruple-chasing Arsenal's clash with Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.

With the top two scrapping over the Carabao Cup trophy this weekend, attention is fixed on the unavoidably enormous six-pointer at the bottom of the Premier League table as Tottenham Hotspur face Nottingham Forest.

But at least some of that attention will also be fixed on the Ally vs Fletch predictions battle on TNT Sports, with just two points separating Ally McCoist and Darren Fletcher with the finish line in sight.

Despite Spurs and Forest qualifying for Europe last term, they are embroiled in a relegation scrap after woeful league campaigns.

Spurs, much improved in recent outings with Liverpool and Atletico Madrid, are a point clear of 17th-placed Forest, who are level on points with West Ham United in the drop zone.

The Hammers travel to Aston Villa on Sunday, having slashed the gap to those above them in recent weeks.

Elsewhere, on TNT Sports and discovery+, Liverpool head to Brighton & Hove Albion looking to build on their mauling of Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League in midweek.

Chelsea, fresh from their 8-2 aggregate defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in Europe, head to Goodison Park to meet Everton.

You know the drill by now: check out the expert picks, then make your own predictions for the weekend's games below!

WinsPointsAlly11192Fletch12190

Gameweek 31 predictions

Date (GMT)MatchAllyFletchFriday, March 20 (20:00)Bournemouth v Man Utd1-11-2Saturday, March 21 (12:30)Brighton v Liverpool (TNT)1-21-2Saturday, March 21 (15:00)Fulham v Burnley2-02-0Saturday, March 21 (17:30)Everton v Chelsea1-22-1Saturday, March 21 (20:00)Leeds v Brentford2-11-1Sunday, March 22 (12:00)Newcastle v Sunderland2-13-1Sunday, March 22 (14:15)Aston Villa v West Ham1-11-1Sunday, March 22 (14:15)Spurs v Nottingham Forest1-11-2

Selected matches:

Brighton v Liverpool (TNT Sports)

Ally: "I fancy Liverpool to sneak it down at Brighton. I think we saw their best performance of the season against Galatasaray in midweek. The Amex Stadium is a difficult place to go, but Liverpool to sneak it."

Prediction: Brighton 1-2 Liverpool

Fletch: "I was really impressed by Liverpool in the week. I think they will be very confident based on what they did against Galatasaray. I find Brighton a bit inconsistent and I just think Liverpool will pick up where they left off in the week, play with confidence and get the win."

Prediction: Brighton 1-2 Liverpool

Spurs v Nottingham Forest

Ally: "What a game. Simply neither of them can afford to be beaten and that's why I've sat completely on the fence and gone for a draw!"

Prediction: Spurs 1-1 Nottingham Forest

Fletch: "Massive game. It could go either way. As a Forest fan, I can't go against them this weekend. I just think if they can keep it tight for half an hour, it could start weighing on the Spurs' players' minds, and they could capitalise from there."

Prediction: Spurs 1-2 Nottingham Forest

Get involved: Vote on Gameweek 31 fixtures

Now it is over to you, our runaway leaders. Vote on the results for the next round of fixtures below!

Points (match result only)You (voter average)133Fletch128Ally128

FRIDAY

Bournemouth v Man Utd

SATURDAY

Brighton v Liverpool

Fulham v Burnley

Everton v Chelsea

Leeds v Brentford

SUNDAY

Newcastle v Sunderland

Aston Villa v West Ham

Spurs v Nottingham Forest

Ally vs Fletch scoring - and how you can play along

Each gameweek, Ally and Fletch predict the scores for every game and offer some hot takes on the biggest matches. The points system:

One point for getting the right result (win, draw or loss)

Three points for getting the score bang on

Double points for matches on TNT Sports

Want to get involved? You can vote on the result of every game - win, lose or draw - above, with a separate leaderboard tracking how you stack up against the experts.

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Related Matches

Nottingham Forest could cap a memorable week with a victory over Tottenham Hotspur in a huge Premier League relegation clash. Vitor Pereira saw his side reach their first European quarter-final for 30 years on Thursday after a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Midtjylland. TNT Sports expert Steve Sidwell thinks momentum could be key, with Spurs out of Europe and bidding to avoid the drop.

TNT Sports expert Steve Sidwell believes Nottingham Forest's European momentum could see them stay in the Premier League at the expense of Tottenham Hotspur.

The pair face off in a relegation six-pointer on Sunday, with mixed fortunes befalling the two sides in midweek.

And though this will mean extra games for Vitor Pereira's team, Sidwell believes they are better prepared for a relegation dogfight.

Asked who he thinks will be relegated, Sidwell said: "Spurs.

"I just think momentum as well. I know they've had a couple of decent performances and results in Europe. But I've been down there, and it's hard. You look at games, and you go, 'I don't know where points are going to come from'.

"You got to think that Leeds have been down there before; they know what it's like. Forest would have been in and around it; they've got players there that have experienced it.

"Spurs haven't got that, and I don't see enough in that dressing room, fight and desire, that will get them out of it."

Spurs are 16th in the Premier League table, one point above Forest and West Ham, and two behind Leeds.

Former Forest and Tottenham midfielder Andy Reid took a more diplomatic approach, opting for another club in danger of dropping down to the Championship.

"It's Leeds, for me," predicted Reid on TNT Sports. "I think they've had a really good run, and they still haven't been able to pull themselves away, and I think they'll be looking over their shoulders.

"So I think Leeds will get pulled in. But it's exciting for sure, isn't it? Not if you're one of the clubs down there, but if you're a neutral watching it, it's most certainly exciting. Nerves are definitely jangling for a lot of clubs down there."

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Ortega: 'Tired' Forest have 'big chance' of beating Spurs

Penalty shoot-out victor Stefan Ortega, who saw all three of Midtjylland's penalties miss the target, said that the visiting dressing room was "buzzing".

Pereira made nine changes from his side's 0-0 draw with Fulham in the Premier League, and Ortega was impressed by the energy shown by all in front of him.

Ortega said: "Everyone is happy, buzzing. Everyone is tired as well. It was a long fight today. We played so good with energy from minute one. A lot of changes but the energy was unbelievable and from the supporters, who came a long way to see us. The situation in the league where we are too. This is such a good feeling.

"To be honest, I thought it was better to get it done before the finish, then we scored that goal, which was offside. They could break too at the end, with everyone tired. We were lucky today; a shoot-out is 50-50, but we'll take it.

"Everyone is tired, but this should give us a big boost for the coming weeks. There is a big chance to get the three points [at Tottenham on Sunday], get above them and keep going."

Pereira explained that he made changes during the match in an attempt to conserve the players' legs before their showdown in north London at the weekend, rather than as a response to how Forest were faring.

"I'm very happy," said Pereira. "We proved today that we came to compete, we have good, talented players. The first half was fantastic. On this difficult pitch, we were at a high level. We have to balance the players now for the weekend."

"I started to do subs not because we were playing badly but to balance the energy and be ready for Sunday.

"I don't have any doubt that we have the quality. We will compete for our targets. I want to thank the supporters too, because today they deserved to keep going in this competition."

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A round-up of the biggest transfer stories around Europe, including Inter's reported interest in Tottenham Hotspur and Italy goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, with the north London side's recent struggles increasing the likelihood of a deal. Elsewhere, Fulham are closing in on the signing of Ricardo Pepi from PSV Eindhoven, while Randal Kolo Muani could be set for a permanent move to Juventus.

Inter ready to target Vicario

Guglielmo Vicario is at the top of Inter's list of goalkeeper targets to replace Yann Sommer at the end of this season, according to Gazetta dello Sport.

With Sommer's contract expiring in June, the Serie A leaders reportedly have a host of names they are considering targeting this summer.

Vicario is the leading candidate, according to the Italian publication, with Tottenham Hotspur's relegation battle making an exit even more likely for the 29-year-old, who is said to be keen on the move.

Inter are reportedly also considering Real Madrid's second-choice goalkeeper Andriy Lunin and Aston Villa's World-Cup winner Emi Martinez.

Gazetta reads: "Against Atletico, [Vicario]'s Champions League dream ended and he can now focus solely on the essentials: avoiding the shame of relegation to the Championship, England's second tier, and then saying goodbye to a club and a league that believed in him three years ago.

"Inter, who have been watching him with the same desire for months, certainly aren't upset that Spurs are slipping, especially since they could benefit from the goalkeeper's growing woes in north London.

"Vicario is, in fact, the No 1 target in goal, the first on a list that includes other names, but none with Guglielmo's strength."

The report adds: "The former Empoli player has made it clear that, in general, he would like to return to Italy and that, specifically, Inter would be the ideal place to restart his career after this latest setback.

"Inter are certainly ready to move after carefully assessing the situation: in a month, just enough time to understand what will happen in the race for the Italian Scudetto and safety in England, the club's transfer market managers will close in on their prey."

Fulham reach agreement with PSV for Pepi

Fulham have reached an agreement with PSV Eindhoven to sign Ricardo Pepi for €40m (£34.5m) plus add-ons this summer, according to AS.

The American striker was reportedly given the green light to travel to London on Wednesday to undergo his medical.

He is expected to sign on a five-year deal, having been on the brink of signing in January before the Dutch side pulled out because of a lack of replacement.

The report from AS reads: "Barring any surprises, Pepi will be a Fulham player.

"This multi-million-pound signing by the London club completes a transfer that fell through last January through PSV's own decision.

"However, it was agreed at that time to continue talks to finalise the deal before the summer, which has now come to pass.

"Sources close to the deal indicate that Pepi's desire to join the Premier League was key to finalising the transfer.

"The American was ready to take on a new challenge in his career after practically dominating the Eredivisie.

"Numerous clubs expressed interest in signing him, especially ahead of the World Cup, where he will be one of the crown jewels of Mauricio Pochettino's United States team."

Should the move go through, the deal will break Fulham's transfer record.

PSG and Juventus discuss Kolo Muani and David deal

Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus are discussing the details of a deal involving Randal Kolo Muani and Jonathan David, according to Gazetta dello Sport.

Kolo Muani is currently on loan at Tottenham Hotspur from PSG, having spent the second half of last season on loan in Turin.

He reportedly remains out of Luis Enrique's plans, and the French champions want to find a permanent solution for the striker, whom they spent €90m (£77.5m) on in 2023.

They are reportedly in talks with Juventus over a deal for the Frenchman, with sporting director Luis Campo hoping David will make the switch in the opposite direction.

Gazetta's report reads: "Sporting director Luis Campos, who doesn't lack flair or creativity, has refocused his attention on an old favourite he discovered in Belgium when he was Lille's transfer director.

"For the Portuguese, the real David is the one who scored 25 goals a season in France, not the one who scored seven goals in 39 games seen in Italy.

"Hence the temptation to solve two problems at once: give Luis Enrique a technical striker and resolve the Kolo Muani case without a bloodbath."

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PSG were frustrated last summer by Juventus opting to sign Lois Openda late on in the window, according to the publication, which forced the Ligue 1 side into a last-minute deal with Spurs to loan out Kolo Muani.

But the Gazetta report adds: "In January, when [Damien] Comolli reconsidered Kolo Muani to stem the injury of Dusan Vlahovic, diplomatic negotiations helped the two clubs put old grudges behind them and look ahead.

"The result of the winter thaw could materialise this summer."

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