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Why is Tottenham’s Europa League clash with Ferencvaros early? Spurs set for first-ever meeting with Hungarian side

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Tottenham will look to continue their perfect start to their Europa League campaign away at Ferencvaros, live on talkSPORT.

Spurs only trail league table leaders Ajax on goal difference after a 3-0 win over Qarabag, despite an early red card for Radu Dragusin.

Ange Postecoglou's men now travel to the Hungarian champions buoyed by beating Manchester United by the same scoreline.

The north Londoners will fancy their chances of extending their winning streak, with Ferencvaros losing to Anderlecht last week.

Although this is the first competitive meeting between the two clubs, Postecoglou does have previous in this fixture.

The Australian guided former club Celtic to home and away wins over Ferencvaros in the 2021/22 Europa League group stage.

Ferencvaros vs Tottenham: Kick-off time

Kick-off at the Groupama Arena is scheduled for 6.45pm local time, which is 5.45pm in the UK.

Tottenham are usually in action during the second slot of UEFA's European fixtures as a high-profile Premier League team.

However, unusually, all but one of Spurs' four away league phase games have been booked in for the earlier 5.45pm kick-offs.

The one exception is the Battle of Britain showdown against Scottish giants Rangers in December, which will be held at 8pm.

That is the same time as all of Tottenham's remaining home matches, which include the visits of AZ Alkmaar, Roma, and Elfsborg.

Ferencvaros vs Tottenham: talkSPORT coverage

This Europa League clash will take place on Thursday, October 3.

talkSPORT 2 will have live coverage from Hungary, with commentary from Alex Crook and former Liverpool midfielder Ray Houghton.

To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream.

You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

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Why is Bruno Fernandes not suspended against Aston Villa? Man United captain set to feature in Premier League despite straight red card

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Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes is available to play against Aston Villa on Sunday despite being sent off last weekend.

The Red Devils star was given his marching orders in the 42nd minute during the dismal 3-0 defeat to Spurs at Old Trafford.

Fernandes attempted to stop James Maddison from running past him, where he proceeded to slip in his tackle.

It led to the Portugal international catching the ex-Leicester playmaker high up the leg.

Though replays showed it wasn't a studs-up challenge, with Fernandes instead catching him with the back of his ankle.

Nevertheless, referee Chris Kavanagh wasted no time in brandishing him a straight red card, with Spurs going on to score two second half goals as they capitalised on having an extra man.

So, he was expected to miss the next three Man United games through suspension, but this is now not the case...

Why can Fernandes play against Aston Villa?

Fernandes can play against Aston Villa this weekend after the Premier League rescinded his red card.

Following his sending off last week, he insisted it was never a red card offence and that resulted in Man United lodging an appeal.

The Red Devils then stated on Tuesday evening that they had won their claim of wrongful dismissal.

It means that Fernandes will be available for the away clash at Villa on Sunday, along with the matches against Brentford and West Ham following the international break.

A statement read: "Bruno Fernandes will be available for Manchester United’s next three games following a successful claim of wrongful dismissal.

"The midfielder was sent off for serious foul play during the Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, 29 September.

"Fernandes was set to miss our league fixtures against Aston Villa, Brentford and West Ham, but will now be available for selection following the successful appeal."

Fernandes' red card was the first of his United career on what was his 242nd appearance.

And in a live TV interview on Sky Sports immediately after United's defeat, he raged that Kavanagh made the wrong decision, while also stating Maddison agreed with him.

He said: "Never a red card - that is my view. I agree that it is a foul.

"The referee tried to tell me that as he saw it was a clear contact with the studs, no.

"I didn't touch him with the studs or even the foot, it was my ankle. It is a clear foul.

"If he wants to give me a yellow because they are going to go on a counter then I agree. But more than that, no. It is not the case."

He added: "Even James Maddison when he gets up he said it’s not a red card. If this is a red card we have to look at many other incidents.

"I don’t understand why VAR doesn’t call him [referee] to the screen.

"The red card makes it worse. I have to appreciate all the effort my team-mates have done to try and return to the game, but it wasn't possible.

"They showed great effort and character and I was happy for that."

In the end, it seems his views on the red card were correct, with the Premier League admitting their fault for the incident.

And he'll be straight back into top-flight action on Sunday.

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Dele Alli transfer round-up: Tottenham and Everton's agreement, registration loophole and Serie A lifeline

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Dele Alli could still play Premier League football before the end of the year despite Everton submitting their squad until January.

The former England international remains a free agent following the expiry of his Toffees contract but is still training with the club.

The 28-year-old hasn't been registered at Goodison Park since June but has been offered the opportunity to keep proving his fitness.

Dele has not played competitive football since a 0-0 draw against Antalyaspor in February 2023 while on loan at Besiktas.

The 37-cap England international's last appearance for Everton dates back even further to August 2022.

That was his 13th and final outing for the Toffees since arriving from Tottenham eight months prior due to injuries and off-field issues.

Dele detailed his inspirational comeback from childhood trauma that curtailed his career during an emotional interview in July 2023.

Thankfully for all involved, the attacking midfielder has been on the road to both a physical and mental recovery this year.

He can even still feature for Everton before January 2025 due to a special deadline day loophole.

Here, talkSPORT.com looks into Dele's situation.

Dele Alli: Transfer round-up

Tottenham and Everton agreement

When Dele left Tottenham to join Everton in January 2022, the Toffees didn't initially pay a fee.

Spurs would have been owed a payment had the player hit a certain threshold for appearances or signed a new contract with Everton.

The terms of Dele's original Goodison Park deal - which expired this summer - thus provided financial complications for cash-strapped Everton in offering him an extension.

However, Spurs agreed to restructure the agreement in July to waive the initial lump sum that would have been due with any new contract, and instead focused potential future payments on a sell-on fee and performance-related bonuses.

That paved the way for Dele to begin the process of negotiating fresh terms with Everton as he looks to prove his fitness.

He is training with Sean Dyche's side but as a free agent is therefore unable to play - even for the U21s to build sharpness.

Everton were said to be in the process of organising special matches to give Dele an opportunity to prove his fitness.

Deadline day loophole

Everton have submitted their 25-man squad up until February 2025.

Free agents can be immediately registered at any time throughout the year providing there's space or the player is under the age of 21.

Fortunately for Dele, Everton's transfer outgoings on deadline day have ensured the club are below the maximum threshold.

Everton sent Mason Holgate out on loan to West Brom, while Billy Crellin also went out on loan to Accrington Stanley.

The reserve goalkeeper is 24, so he would have counted as part of the senior squad, but because they've gone, there are two free spots.

What happens next?

Well, Everton's sporting director Kevin Thelwell has suggested that Dyche and Dele are keen for their relationship to continue.

He's currently a free agent but can sign a contract with Everton at any time.

Speaking about Dele, Thelwell told BBC Sounds last month: "We are in a good space now with Tottenham.

"We have an agreement with those guys about what happens next if we sign him and he would dearly love to play for Everton in the Premier League and we would dearly love that to happen as well because the boy has had a very difficult time."

That trail appears to have gone cold in recent weeks, but Dele has been reportedly thrown a lifeline by a club in Italy.

According to Italian outlet Secolo XIX, Serie A side Genoa have sounded him out as a potential replacement for their injured midfielder Ruslan Malinovskyi.

Meanwhile, Dele still believes that he can be a top Premier League player despite some difficult years dealing with injury and off-field issues.

"I know how good I can be when my head is in the right place and I'm feeling good. Obviously, I'm disappointed with the injury right now, but I'm excited to get playing.

“It's hard for me to even watch football. It's been tough for me, I'd say, this past eight months has been hard to watch.

“You know you can set reminders on your phone, I have a reminder at 11 o'clock every day that says, ‘World Cup 2026’.

"That's my aim for now. I think that people will be like, ‘He hasn't played in a year’ but I don't care, I know my level."

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Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes wins red card appeal following controversial sending off against Tottenham

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Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has had his suspension overturned after he was sent off against Tottenham.

The Red Devils star was given his marching orders in the 42nd minute during the recent 3-0 defeat to Spurs at Old Trafford.

Fernandes attempted to stop James Maddison from running past him, where he proceeded to slip in his tackle.

It led to the Portugal international catching the ex-Leicester playmaker high up the leg.

Though replays showed it wasn't a studs-up challenge, with Fernandes instead catching him with the back of his ankle.

Nevertheless, referee Chris Kavanagh wasted no time in brandishing him a straight red card, with Spurs going on to score two second half goals as they capitalised on having an extra man.

Fernandes himself insisted it was never a red card offence in his post-match interview, resulting in United to lodge an appeal.

And the club have since stated they have won their claim of wrongful dismissal.

It means that Fernandes will be available for theaway clash at Aston Villa on Sunday, along with the matches against Brentford and West Ham following the international break.

A statement read: "Bruno Fernandes will be available for Manchester United’s next three games following a successful claim of wrongful dismissal.

"The midfielder was sent off for serious foul play during the Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, 29 September.

"Fernandes was set to miss our league fixtures against Aston Villa, Brentford and West Ham, but will now be available for selection following the successful appeal."

Fernandes' red card was the first of his United career on what was his 242nd appearance.

And in a live TV interview on Sky Sports immediately after United's defeat, he raged that Kavanagh made the wrong decision, while also stating Maddison agreed with him.

He said: "Never a red card - that is my view. I agree that it is a foul.

"The referee tried to tell me that as he saw it was a clear contact with the studs, no.

"I didn't touch him with the studs or even the foot, it was my ankle. It is a clear foul.

"If he wants to give me a yellow because they are going to go on a counter then I agree. But more than that, no. It is not the case."

He added: "Even James Maddison when he gets up he said it’s not a red card. If this is a red card we have to look at many other incidents.

"I don’t understand why VAR doesn’t call him [referee] to the screen.

"The red card makes it worse. I have to appreciate all the effort my team-mates have done to try and return to the game, but it wasn't possible.

"They showed great effort and character and I was happy for that."

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Liverpool fans ‘demand’ next signing and he faces Tottenham on Thursday

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Liverpool fans have jokingly pinpointed a familiar-looking face as the club’s next signing.

Brazilian forward Matheus Saldanha has got fans in a spin and not necessarily for his footballing ability.

The 25-year-old plays for Hungarian outfit Ferencvaros but it is his striking looks rather than his net-busting traits that has already made him a fan favourite.

Saldanha is widely viewed as former striker Roberto Fimino’s doppelganger and after coming across the player, Reds fans are feeling an air of nostalgia.

One social media account posted a picture of the star alongside the caption: “Don’t care who he is or what he does. Send scouts.”

Another fan wrote: “A Firmino clone.”

A third fan added: “His name is Fobby Birmino.”

A final fan wrote: “I see Bobby, bring him now!”

Liverpool fans will not have long to get their first taste of Saldanha as he lines up for Ferencvaros against Tottenham in the Europa League on Thursday, live on talkSPORT 2.

The forward has played just four times for Ferencvaros after completing a summer switch from Partizan Belgrade but has already netted a staggering six goals in just four games for his new side.

Spurs fans will hope boss Ange Postecoglou has done his homework on the little-known forward who has made quite the impact in his new surroundings.

Saldanha’s route into European football took an unconventional route having started out at Brazilian club Bahia.

A switch to Japanese second-tier side followed in 2021 before stints in China and Azerbaijan led him to Partizan where he netted an impressive 21 times 40 games for the Serbian giants.

The Brazilian, who is uncapped for his country at any level, will be relishing his chance to face off against Premier League opposition and put himself in the shop window.

All that remains is for Reds fans to convince club chiefs of the striker's worth if they are to have the second coming of one third of the club’s 2019 Champions League-winning attack.

Meanwhile, Liverpool have European business of their own to attend to this week as Serie A side Bologna visit Anfield on Wednesday, live on talkSPORT 2.

The Italians were held to a goalless draw by Shakhtar Donetsk on matchday one and head to Merseyside dreaming of an upset.

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Forgotten ex-Tottenham man matching Kylian Mbappe after incredible LaLiga start

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Ex-Tottenham star Giovani Lo Celso’s superb start for Real Betis has seen him equal Kylian Mbappe in the scoring charts.

The Argentine is in the midst of a sensational run of goalscoring form having netted five goals in his last four games.

His exploits has seen him match former Paris Saint-Germain teammate Kylian Mbappe who has also netted five times in La Liga this term.

Lo Celso has scored each one of Betis’ last five goals including Sunday’s later winner at home to Espanyol.

Betis’ move to sign the Argentine late in the summer transfer window is now proving to be a master stroke that has helped his side climb to eighth in the table.

The midfielder has made just four starts this season but has made a huge impact for Manuel Pelligrini’s side.

His heroics have earned Betis six of their 12 points accumulated so far this campaign and has netted 63 per cent of his side’s goals.

Lo Celso sits joint third in the LaLiga scoring charts, two goals behind leader Robert Lewandowski, one behind Ayoze Perez and tied with Mbappe and Barcelona’s Raphinha.

Following Sunday’s late winner, Pelligrini reserved high praise for the Argentine and compared him to some of the legendary names he has managed throughout the years.

“The goals have eclipsed everything he does in the game,” Pelligrini told Marca. “He is constantly asking for the ball and gives it to his teammate with an advantage.

“To all this he has added the rate of goals. Everything that we could have lost we have recovered with the goals he has scored.

“He has adapted quickly and personally, players I have had like Isco, Lo Celso, Riquelme or Cazorla are the ones who have to take responsibility for the last pass. He has adapted brilliantly,” he told Marca.

Lo Celso, who is into his second spell at Betis, spent four years at Tottenham after a successful loan spell in 2019.

However, after struggling to tie down a starting place in north London, Lo Celso spent two seasons on loan at Villarreal before returning to Spurs last season.

Injury forced the midfielder out of Argentina’s World Cup triumph in 2022 despite being a key component of Lionel Scaloni’s side during the qualifying campaign.

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Tottenham vs Man City Carabao Cup tie given bizarre kick-off time as TV picks announced

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Tottenham's Carabao Cup clash with Manchester City has been handed an unusual kick-off time of 8:15pm.

The fourth round contest will take place on Wednesday, October 30 after the other five ties taking place on the same night.

The kick-off time may be unconventional, but this is likely due to the fixture being one of six fixtures picked for television coverage on Sky Sports that night.

It is a repeat of the 2020/21 Carabao Cup final which saw Aymeric Laporte earned City a 1-0 win at Wembley.

The last time the teams met was in January this year when Nathan Ake earned a win for Man City in the FA Cup fourth round.

Tottenham earned their spot in the fourth round of this term's Carabao Cup following a 2-1 victory over Coventry City earlier this month.

Meanwhile Pep Guardiola's side secured their place in the tie with a 2-1 home win over Watford.

Ange Postecoglou is desperate to win a trophy after declaring that he 'always wins something in his second year' during a spiky TV interview.

Clarifying his comments, the Australian later said: "It's amazing, isn't it? I just stated a fact and it seems like, am I supposed to just lie or just say it never happened?

"But, no, it's just confusing to me that people are making a big deal out of something. I'm not sure how I'm supposed to answer something that is true.

"Like if I don't win it in the second year this year and I come out next year and say 'well, I always win it', well, no, actually it's not true, but I've just said something that's true, and it seems like it's upset a lot of people for some reason."

Along with the clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Brighton's clash with Liverpool has also been selected for coverage on Sky Sports with a kick-off time of 7.30pm.

Meanwhile Man United vs Leicester, Preston vs Arsenal, Aston Villa v Crystal Palace and AFC Wimbledon or Newcastle vs Chelsea have also been selected with a 7.45pm kick-off time.

These fixtures will be played after the two fourth round clashes scheduled for Tuesday evening.

On Tuesday 29th October Southampton host Stoke City, while Brentford take on Sheffield Wednesday.

Liverpool are the reigning champions having won last season's final against Chelsea at Wembley.

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Tottenham joke Luke Littler has changed who he supports after Manchester United hammering

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Tottenham hit the bullseye with a joke aimed at Luke Littler on social media after they humbled Manchester United.

The darts sensation is an avid Red Devils fan and will have been as gutted as any other supporter following their 3-0 defeat to Spurs at Old Trafford on Sunday.

A cardinal sin of a football fan is to switch allegiance in the face of disappointment, something that Tottenham jokingly suggested Littler had done after the match.

The north London side shared an image of a notification received on Instagram saying that Littler's verified account had started following them.

While the timing might have been coincidental, Spurs couldn't resist poking fun at the teenager.

Writing on X, Spurs said: "Ooop. You finally seen the light, @LukeTheNuke180?"

As you'd imagine, the Tottenham fans were lapping up the banter on social media.

One fan wrote: "He knows who's the winning team."

Another said: "Loving what he saw on Sunday," while a third added: "Admin has been cooking in the last two games and I'm loving it."

Littler's Man United loyalties probably can't be doubted after he silenced rival fans in both Liverpool and Leeds during his Darts Premier League outings earlier this year.

He cupped his ear to the booing fans in Leeds, while Littler gestured '2-0' with his fingers in Liverpool following the Reds' defeat to arch-rivals Everton that week.

Of course, the light-hearted jibe from Tottenham came in the aftermath of a crushing 3-0 defeat for Man United as Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke piled the misery on the Red Devils.

In turn, this has piled the pressure on head coach Erik ten Hag once again.

Thankfully for the Dutchman, he has time to put things right with Ten Hag set to stay as Manchester United manager for at least the next two games.

talkSPORT understands that the Old Trafford hierarchy aren't planning to make a knee-jerk reaction to the defeat.

However, Ten Hag is under mounting pressure ahead of back-to-back away games before the October international break against Porto and Aston Villa.

Ten Hag was appointed in May 2022, replacing Ralf Rangnick in the role after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was relieved of his duties earlier in the season.

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'Shameless' Tottenham admin appears to troll Arsenal following Europa League victory to leave Gunners fans fuming

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Tottenham refused to let their Europa League win pass without appearing to aim a subtle dig at rivals Arsenal.

Spurs cruised to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Qarabag in their first European fixture of the season despite playing the majority of the match with ten men following Radu Dragusin's dismissal.

The Romanian defender was sent off after just seven minutes, as he was shown a straight red card for hauling down forward Juninho as he raced towards goal after dispossessing him.

But the early setback did little to hamper Ange Postecoglou's side, as Brennan Johnson put them ahead just five minutes later.

Pape Mate Sarr then put Spurs in the driving seat when he volleyed home early in the second half, before Dominic Solanke wrapped up the win with his first goal in Europe on 68 minutes.

And Spurs' social media team wasting no time in marking the win by appearing to aim a cheeky jibe at north London rivals Arsenal.

The Gunners were also reduced to ten men in their last league match, a 2-2 draw away to Manchester City, with many commenting on their decision to sit back ollowing Leandro Trossard's red card in an attempt to defend their lead, before the champions grabbed a late equaliser.

Tottenham seemed keen to draw a comparison between the two side's hugely different performances, as they uploaded a graphic in a social media post outlining their dominance against Qarabag.

Alongside the statistics, which highlighted their 469 passes and ten attempts on goal, the club wrote: "10 men and we never stopped playing our football."

It did not take long for the supposed dig to have the desired effect, with plenty of fans flocking to the comments section.

One amused user wrote: "Admin just cooked Arsenal football club."

Arsenal supporters were certainly less than impressed however, and who reminded their rivals' admin of recent results between the two sides, with Spurs' last derby victory coming in May 2022.

Alongside a picture of the Gunners' latest 1-0 final score against Spurs, a fan wrote: "Thanks for the three points though."

A more incensed fan replied: "What a shameless thing to tweet on the official account. It’s even worse cos we’ve beaten this f****** 3 consecutive times at their ground."

And it wasn't just on social media where those connected with Tottenham took aim at Arsenal by comparing the two performances.

talkSPORT co-host and former Spurs midfielder Jamie O'Hara was also keen to hail his old club's performance by taking a swipe at Mikel Arteta's side.

Speaking on The Sports Bar alongside Jason Cundy after the 3-0 victory, O'Hara said: "We've shown tonight how to do it with ten men. You know, Arsenal should have a look at us.

“They [Spurs] said, ‘Look at us Arsenal, this is how you do it!'

“You go down to ten and you still get a result. 3-0, still playing attacking football, still pressing, having a high line."

Pointing to how the Gunners were unable to successfully defend their lead against City, he went on: "That's how you do it, Arsenal. You tried it, you sat off, and you lost.”

Former Chelsea defender Cundy then reminded his co-host of Spurs' attempts at defending a lead with nine men last term against the Blues, which ended in a 4-1 loss.

He quipped: "What did you do against Chelsea when you didn't win?"

O'Hara quickly fired bac: "That was last season. Doesn't count, mate.

“It only matters now, doesn't it? So, we've shown tonight that you can do it with ten men."

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Why is Richarlison not playing against Manchester United? Tottenham without versatile forward at Old Trafford

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Tottenham will be without Richarlison for their trip north to face Manchester United this weekend.

Spurs make the journey to the red half of Manchester as they look for back-to-back league wins and a first victory on the road.

However, they will do so without the talents of Richarlison.

The Brazilian international has made just two appearances for Ange Postecoglou's side this year, and you would argue Tottenham are missing his unique abilities.

Unfortunately, he's currently out with an injury.

Why is Richarlison not playing against Man United?

Richarlison has only appeared for 25 minutes of league action this season.

He was a substitute in Spurs' two opening games against Leicester and Everton, but he hasn't been seen since.

The former Toffees striker had to withdraw from international duty in early September when he picked up an unspecified injury.

This problem ruled him out of Spurs' 2-1 defeat to Newcastle at the end of August.

Since then, Tottenham have also been without new striker Dominic Solanke, leaving Postecoglou's men short in forward positions.

This injury he's picked up is strange because Tottenham and Postecoglou have refused to reveal what it is, so we have no real timescale on his return.

But judging by his manager's most recent comments on the forward, he isn't going to be back any time soon.

Speaking about the striker, he said: “He is a fair way off, I think you should stop asking me about him until I give you a bit of an update.

“He has still not trained with the first team, so he is still a bit off.”

Last season, Richarlison and Heung-min Son alternated as Spurs' main striker, and the Brazilian enjoyed a good campaign.

In 28 Premier League games, he scored 11 goals, which was his best return since swapping Everton for Spurs in the summer of 2022.

Unfortunately, he missed nine games through injury, including the last three matches of the season with a hamstring problem.

This saw him miss the Copa America, and though he briefly returned, he's now out again and could be unavailable for some time.

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