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I plan to steal Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn show with title win in Tottenham vs Arsenal fight

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Viddal Riley and Chev Clarke will meet in a north London derby fight on Saturday night, which is going under the radar.

Riley, a supporter of Tottenham Hotspur, is relishing the opportunity to fight at the club's huge 60,000 stadium on the Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn undercard.

But it will be an extra special opportunity given he will meet fellow Briton Clarke, an avid supporter of Spurs' arch rivals Arsenal.

A north London derby is always filled with passion, fireworks and confrontations and is a standout moment on the sporting calendar.

And Riley and Clarke will deliver that in the cruiserweight encounter, with the famous British title on the line.

Of course, fans will largely be flocking in their thousands to catch a glimpse of the main event between Eubank Jr and Benn.

But in an exclusive chat with talkSPORT.com, he explained how their showdown could well take the limelight on the hallowed turf.

He said: "Yeah it hasn't been promoted as much as it could have been.

"We definitely have the potential to steal the show. Two fighters itching to win.

"Chev is coming into it off of a defeat. He will not want to feel two losses in a row.

"I've never lost and I don't want to feel it. He's also a champion and wants to keep his belt.

"There's a lot at stake, and the fight will finally kill the suspense and I will show I'm the better fighter."

Riley is a superb talent, having emerged as a professional in 2018 and impressing in the Floyd Mayweather gym.

He signed with the boxing legend's promotion but the COVID pandemic caused havoc to his career.

After spending a time with his profile skyrocketing on the back of involvement with YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI, he signed with BOXXER.

His career has moved through the gears, and he will now be fighting for the Lonsdale belt for the first time.

Clarke himself is on the back of a surprise defeat to Leonardo Mosquea, and is looking to bounce back in style.

But there is an extra spite he has never felt before on the contest, given the rivalry of their respective clubs.

And the Tottenham born native believes the football rivalry adds an extra layer to the intriguing contest.

He continued: "That's just some nice extra seasoning on the event.

"He's coming to the Tottenham stadium as an Arsenal fan, as the champion.

"But on this occasion Spurs will win. This was always on my bucket list to fight here.

"I always linked it to a world title fight, to have that opportunity come around now is destiny."

It promises to be a huge night for Riley, who can continue his unbeaten run.

Victory will see him pushed on to the stage to begin to take a route to a world title.

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What happens to the Premier League's fifth Champions League place if Manchester United or Tottenham win Europa League?

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Manchester United and Tottenham have seemingly sacrificed their Premier League standings in pursuit of Europa League glory.

The two clubs are three wins away from a backdoor entrance into the Champions League next season via UEFA's secondary competition.

Man United and Tottenham are both in separate Europa semi-finals, with the potential to meet to contest the trophy next month.

In addition to winning silverware, the two teams are desperate for the Champions League riches that come with qualification, with United standing to neta tidy £85.8million windfall.

Doing so via their final Premier League position is impossible, with United down in 14th, two spots above struggling Spurs.

All focus has been on Europe recently, with the Red Devils enduring three defeats and a draw from their past four domestic games.

Similarly, Tottenham's only Premier League win since the end of February has been at home to relegated Southampton.

In contrast, the race to secure Champions League football couldn't be any closer, with just four points separating seventh and third.

However, could a Europa League win mean that one of those slots are snatched up by either Man United or Tottenham?

How many Premier League teams can be in the Champions League?

Arsenal's win over Real Madrid meant that the top five Premier League teams will qualify for next season's Champions League.

That will be extended to as many as SIX clubs should either Manchester United or Tottenham win this year's Europa League.

That is because both the Red Devils and Spurs will finish outside the top five, with the Champions League slot reserved for the winners of UEFA's second tournament separate from domestic allocation.

It'll come as a huge boost to the likes of Man City, Nottingham Forest, Newcastle, Chelsea, and Aston Villa.

The performances of Premier League sides in all of UEFA’s competitions this season ensured England are guaranteed a top-two spot in UEFA's association club coefficient rankings, thus being one of two countries to gain an extra Champions League spot.

Liverpool are the only side guaranteed to play in the top tournament next season as they can't finish any lower than third.

Newcastle's Carabao Cup triumph over the Reds means the Toon have secured a spot in the Conference League at least for 2025/26.

Should the Magpies qualify for the Champions League or Europa League via their league position, then their place in the third tier will be transferred to the next-highest Premier League side who have not qualified for Europe.

Likewise, this rule will also apply to City, Forest, and Villa should they earn a Europa League spot by winning the FA Cup, but secure a top-five Premier League finish.

When is the Europa League final?

The 2025 Europa League final will take place on Wednesday, May 21.

It is being held at San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, Spain - home of Athletic Bilbao.

Kick-off is currently scheduled for 8pm.

Broadcast details for the final are yet to be confirmed, but it is likely to be shown live on TNT Sports in the UK.

talkSPORT and talkSPORT.com will also be on hand for all the latest news and build-up.

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

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Liverpool vs Tottenham LIVE: Kick-off time, TV channel and team news as Slot's men look to secure Premier League title

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It's nearly party time on Merseyside, and if Liverpool avoid defeat to Tottenham this Sunday, they will be crowned champions.

The Reds have dominated this season and will win their second Premier League crown and 20th overall top-flight title if they get a point against Spurs.

Even if they were to lose every match from now until the end of the year, Arsenal would need to win all of their matches and overhaul the ten-goal difference.

Now, we've seen strange things happen, but it does feel like it's a matter of when and not if Liverpool become champions.

They would love to do it this weekend at Anfield in front of what should be a raucous crowd.

For Spurs, they will try and avoid their 19th league defeat of the season before looking ahead to the Europa League semi-final against Bodo/Glimt.

Liverpool vs Tottenham: Party time

If Liverpool avoid defeat on Sunday, they will be crowned Premier League champions.

The Reds have been the best team in the division this season, with other sides unable to live with their consistency.

The fact they've all but wrapped up the title before facing Arsenal a second time is a testament to Arne Slot.

When he arrived, the expectation was that Liverpool would end up in the top four but were unlikely to challenge for the title.

But they've achieved way more than that, and the Reds deserve immense credit.

Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 15 home games against Tottenham in all competitions (W11 D4), winning the last three while scoring four goals each time.

Tottenham have won just two of their last 24 Premier League games against Liverpool (D6 L16), with both victories coming at home. They’ve also failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last 18 against the Reds in the competition.

Tottenham have conceded 10 goals against Liverpool this season, losing 6-3 in the Premier League and 4-0 in the League Cup semi-final second leg. They last conceded more against an opponent in 2013-14 (11 vs Man City), while the most they’ve conceded is 14 (vs Chelsea in 2001-02).

Liverpool vs Tottenham: Team news

The hosts only have one injury concern and that is Joe Gomez.

Everyone else is fit, and it will be interesting to see if Trent Alexander-Arnold starts.

The England international is set to join Real Madrid this summer, so Conor Bradley could keep his place.

Ange Postecoglou could decide to rest players ahead of the Europa League semi-final.

As a result, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Dominic Solanke might all start on the bench.

Radu Dragusin is out for the season with an ACL injury, and Heung-min Son has a foot issue.

Tottenham (37) are 42 points behind Liverpool (79) coming into this match. It’s the second highest number of points Spurs have been behind a side they’re facing – they were 43 behind Arsenal when they met at White Hart Lane in April 2004, with the Gunners securing the title against them that day.

With five games remaining, Liverpool have already won as many Premier League games this season as they did last term (24), while victory in this game would also see them equal their points tally from last season (82) with four games to go.

Tottenham have lost 18 Premier League games this season, only losing more in 1993-94 and 2003-04 (19 both times).

Liverpool vs Tottenham: What has been said?

With Alexander-Arnold set to leave Liverpool, Jamie Carragher believes he shouldn't start another game for the Reds.

He said: "If Trent hasn't committed, which he hasn't obviously, to the manager for next season, he shouldn't be starting games. He shouldn't be.

"In Conor Bradley, you've got a young player.

"It's not like we're talking about a 27, 28-year-old, talking about a young player who had a tough 15, 20 minutes at the start of the game, and that's part of becoming an experienced player.

"I went through that in certain games, Gary [Neville], who's commentating, would have gone through situations like that. It's not about, 'Let's give Trent a send-off.'

"It's about, 'Okay, we need to assess whether Conor Bradley is the guy for us next season playing week in, week out.'"

Liverpool have scored at least once in each of their last 29 Premier League games, since a 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest in September. It’s the second longest scoring streak in a single campaign, after Arsenal who scored in all 38 games in 2001-02.

Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has scored 15 goals against Tottenham Hotspur in all competitions, only netting more against Manchester United (16) in his European club career. 11 of those 15 goals have come in the Premier League, with only Alan Shearer (14) netting more against Spurs in the competition.

If he plays it will be Luis Díaz’s 100th Premier League appearance. He would be the 60th player to reach this milestone for Liverpool, the third most of any club after Arsenal (70) and Chelsea (63).

Richarlison has scored in four of his last five Premier League appearances (4 goals), though Tottenham have lost all four of these games. Indeed, only Matheus Cunha (5) has scored in more defeats than Richarlison this term.

Liverpool vs Tottenham: Date and how to follow

This Premier League game is set to take place on Sunday, April 27.

Kick-off at Anfield is scheduled for 4:30pm.

The match will be shown on Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League.

Sky Go customers will be able to stream the action on their laptops or mobile devices.

Alternatively, supporters can purchase a NOW TV pass. More information here.

talkSPORT will have updates throughout the afternoon.

To tune in to talkSPORT 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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Scott Parker tipped for shock Premier League job switch despite winning promotion with Burnley

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Back to the Premier League with Burnley, Scott Parker has now been touted for a return to Tottenham.

The former Spurs midfielder made the jump from the Championship for the third time in his coaching career, and has done so with an astonishing defensive record.

That’s some contrast to former club Tottenham, who look very likely to part ways with incumbent Ange Postecoglou who has the team in 16th - two places above the relegation zone.

talkSPORT understands that Spurs are likely to move on from Postecoglou even if he wins them the Europa League.

Discussing Parker’s impressive achievements at Burnley, former Spurs teammate and still huge fan of the club Jamie O’Hara threw the Clarets’ bosses hat in at his old club.

“He’s been there, they know him, he’s produced a coach there and done a really good job as a player,” the talkSPORT host began.

“I think I’d like Scott Parker at Tottenham, I think there’s something about him.

“I’ve worked with Scott, I’ve been in the dressing room with him and he is top drawer, he is a top bloke.

“His speeches are great, he was a brilliant captain, I’ve seen him as a Burnley manager and I like what he’s about.”

Parker returned to the dugout in the summer of 2024 at Turf Moor and has achieved instant promotion with a miserly 15 goals conceded in 44 games, 14 fewer than any other team.

The 44-year-old had been out of the game for over a year after a disastrous stint at Belgian Pro League side Club Brugge, but has continued where he left off in England.

Parker already took Fulham and Bournemouth up from the Championship, but in the Premier League things haven’t gone so well as he’s yet to finish a full campaign after promotion.

Asked if it was too early for the step up to a European regular, O’Hara said: “His football I like, his identity I like, is it a step too far? Maybe it’s early doors, maybe it’s early, but maybe he needs the platform at a club like Tottenham.

“I don’t think they can [do worse than this season]. I think he’d be alright. I wouldn’t mind him.”

With Spurs well on course for their worst season since 1977, it’s no surprise that replacements for Postecoglou are already being discussed.

The Australian still has a chance of silverware in the semi-finals of the Europa League against Bodo/Glimt, but questions over his future clearly won’t be going anywhere.

talkSPORT understands that chairman and decision maker Daniel Levy is an admirer of another promotion expert - Kieran McKenna, who took Ipswich from League One to the top flight in consecutive seasons.

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is also high on Levy's list, while Marco Silva and Thomas Frank, of Fulham and Brentford respectively, are other potential targets but both have hefty release clauses in their contracts.

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'Thinks he's bigger than the club' - Simon Jordan slams Cristian Romero for comments on Tottenham future

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Cristian Romero's Tottenham future has already been decided, according to Simon Jordan.

The Spurs defender still has two years remaining on his contract in north London, however, Romero revealed on Monday night that he would 'love' to play in LaLiga as his current side's woes continue.

Spurs suffered their 18th Premier League defeat of the campaign on Monday night with Nottingham Forest claiming a 2-1 win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The loss leaves Ange Postecoglou's side 16th in the table and just a point above 17th-placed West Ham.

Following the match, Romero spoke to Argentine journalist Gaston Edul, who asked him about his future.

In response, he explained: "I’d love to play LaLiga. I’d love to, honestly. It depends on a lot of things. We’ll see after the championship is over.

"The truth is, I haven’t spoken to my agent yet, but I’m open to anything. My goal is always to grow and go to new places to continue developing."

Jordan has now commented on Romero's remarks as he criticised the World Cup winner for thinking he's 'bigger than the club'.

Speaking on White and Jordan, the talkSPORT co-host stated: "Well, I think the die is cast for Romero anyway, I think there's already an established position.

"He's probably going to go at the end of the season. He's a very good player but there's a couple of times I've seen him over the years as far as where he thinks he's bigger than the club and some of his performances have exhibited that at times.

"He's got more quality than the current framework has allowed it to manifest itself in the rest of the team. I don't think it's very helpful.

"I don't think it was helpful a couple of years ago when he was a player that clearly felt that he didn't belong in this position, belonged somewhere else, but you signed for Tottenham.

"Listen, context is everything. If people are asking him the question rather than him volunteering information. He can keep schtum or you can say, ‘my lifetime's ambition at some point is to play in LaLiga’.

"But I think it's already been said we were talking about last week, Romero is likely to be going out the door and Tottenham will rebuild with the right culture."

Romero has made 23 appearances across all competitions for Spurs so far this season.

Those include the first half on Monday as he started alongside Micky van de Ven in central defence.

However, he was replaced at half-time by Kevin Danso after picking up a yellow card just minutes before the interval.

Romero has also struggled with injuries this season, notably missing three months with a hamstring issue between December and March.

Meanwhile, Spurs could still qualify for Europe next season despite their lowly league position.

They face Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League semi-finals next month.

The winner of the competition will earn a place in next season's Champions League.

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'Disgusting' - Fuming Jamie O'Hara rows with Tottenham fan live on talkSPORT after another defeat

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When it rains, it pours, and Tottenham remain trapped in the club’s worst deluge in recent memory.

Monday night’s 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Nottingham Forest marked the north London side’s 18th league defeat of the season.

If you had been out of the loop, you’d be forgiven for thinking the roles had been purposely reversed by a prankster telling you Forest were third and closing in on Champions League football and Spurs 16th with five defeats from their last seven league games.

But watching Monday’s clash was enough to purr over Nuno Espirito Santo’s impressive side while trying to figure out what on earth is going on at Tottenham.

Shameful, shocking, and atrocious are just some of the words attributed to Ange Postecoglou’s underachieving side in recent weeks, while others have preferred to vent their dissatisfaction with their feet.

And former Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara added a few extra damning words to the ever-growing list of adjectives.

“I don’t know what to say, it's so painful,” he told talkSPORT on Monday night.

“I can’t defend it, the league form is a disgrace. I think some of them (players) should be ashamed of themselves because the Premier League is where it's at and 18 Premier league defeats is disgusting, it's unacceptable.

“Some of these players are on a lot of money. Have some pride in your performance for crying out loud, you're playing for Tottenham in one of the best stadiums in the world.

“No heart, no passion, no desire to win a game.”

With Postecoglou unable to find a way out of the slump, his players unable to deliver the performances expected of a quintessential big-six club, and fans’ discontent at an all-time high.

The Australian appears to be hanging onto his job by a thread helped by the club’s Europa League hopes.

Spurs face Bodø/Glimt in the semi-finals and with the Norwegians being far from European heavyweights, they will fancy themselves against Postecoglou’s dysfunctional side.

Spurs look tired, physically and mentally, something Bodø/Glimt are not considering they are just three games into the Norwegian League season.

And if Tottenham do the unthinkable and fall short, then a change in the dugout is inevitable.

And it seems that some fans are already formulating their list of possible successors with one Spurs fan proposing an ambitious move for a true managerial legend who could be on the market soon.

“When people are talking about managers, [Carlo] Ancelotti’s going to get the sack isn't he? Would you go to him?" Tottenham fan John asked O’Hara on The Sports Bar.

But an already frustrated O’Hara was in no mood for bold suggestions and ranted at the fan.

“Who are you on about? Spurs?,” O’Hara replied. “John, are you having a wind-up? He’s going to get the Brazil job, what are you talking about, he’s been at Real Madrid."

The fan responded saying: “Yeah, but he went to Everton.”

The talkSPORT host hit back: "Because he was on £18million a year and he dipped as soon as Real Madrid phoned him.

Like many Spurs fans, O’Hara cut a tired and drained figure during the show and continued to rant at the current state of play at the club.

“You can’t lose like this every week,” he added. “The manager can’t stay in the job even if he wins the Europa League. You can’t lose 18 games in the Premier League and be a Tottenham manager.

“Every game, we’re 1-0, 2-0 down, there's no pride. It costs good money to watch Tottenham play, it’s not cheap down there.”

He then finished with a damning parting shot, saying: “He’s probably the worst Premier League manager Spurs have ever had.”

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VAR axed midway through Tottenham's clash with Nottingham Forest due to bizarre mix-up

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VAR’s biggest critics had an eight-minute respite due to a fire alarm during Nottingham Forest’s 2-1 win over Tottenham.

The video assistant refereeing system went down at the end of the first half with the visitors two goals to the good at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Premier League announced there had been an issue on their social channels, writing in a statement: "The match will be operating without VAR until further notice due to a fire alarm at the VAR Hub at Stockley Park."

John Brooks and assistant Dan Robathan were on duty at the time, as usual off-site in Stockley Park.

They’d earlier had to intervene in the tenth minute when Chris Wood thought he’d scored a second soon after Elliot Anderson’s opener.

However, Wood had just gone too early off the shoulder of Micky van de Ven and the infringement was flagged by the recently introduced semi-automated offside system.

The VAR ratified the call, and Wood later got his goal in the 16th minute.

Yet the half-time fire disruption wasn’t exactly ideal, given that there were a flurry of surprise changes at the break.

Peter Bankes was left solo to start the second half, but it was fourth official Tony Harrington who had the bulk of the work on the touchline.

Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou opted to swap out his centre backs, taking off Van de Ven and Cristian Romero for Kevin Danso and Ben Davies.

Meanwhile, Forest’s Nuno Espirito Santo traded Anthony Elanga for Morato.

There were no major incidents to start the half, and then the Premier League offered another update, saying: "VAR is now back up and running".

Thankfully nothing out of the ordinary happened during the eight minute outage, with the drama in the match reserved for late on.

Spurs pushed to get back into the game and were rewarded in the 87th minute through Richarlison.

But his goal proved to be nothing more than a consolation as Forest held on for a massive 2-1 win that lifts them back into the Premier League’s top three.

Spurs, meanwhile, remain all the way down in 16th, two places from the relegation zone but with a massive 16-point buffer.

Focus is clearly on the Europa League for Spurs, who face Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt over two legs in the semi-finals as they chase their first trophy since 2008.

Taking the positives ahead of the first leg in London on May 1, Postecoglou told talkSPORT: “Our football after [conceding the goals] was outstanding.

“I think even with that start we deserved to win the game with the way we played and the opportunities we had but it doesn’t deny that we did lose another game of football.

"On the balance of play we should've won that game, things aren't falling our way in front of goal, but the overwhelming feeling for me is disappointment about another loss."

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Premier League LIVE: Leicester relegated, Alexander-Arnold addresses Liverpool contract decision, Spurs v Forest tonight

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Stagnant

Tottenham's form heading into tonight's home clash against Nottingham Forest makes for some grim reading.

Since beating Manchester City 4-0 on November 23, Spurs have won just 18 points from the 60 they had available.

Only five wins have come during that time, with 12 ending in defeat.

European qualification is out of the question, unless they win the Europa League next month.

Defeat to Forest would only add more pressure on the continental campaign, so it's a huge night ahead for the north London side.

Unexpected

Nuno Espirito Santo admits he's been left surprised with how poor Tottenham's season has been.

Although there's 16 points between them and the bottom three, Spurs are 16th in the table with just 11 wins.

Defeat to Forest tonight, live on talkSPORT, would be their 18th of the campaign.

And opposition boss Espirito Santo has been shocked by their shortcomings given the quality within their squad.

"I think this season there are things that were not expected, and the Spurs situation is clearly one of them.

"All the teams have problems, some more than others. I'm not deeply informed on the Spurs situation, but we are talking about a big club full of talented players.

"They have a good manager that in previous seasons did fantastically well. It happens, and it's happened to many teams."

Furious

Jamie Vardy has posted an emotional statement on Instagram after Leicester were relegated back to the Championship.

The striker has been at the Foxes since 2012 and won the Premier League title with them but now faced a second relegation in three years.

Taking to Instagram the day after their 1-0 defeat to Liverpool, he revealed his anger and frustration with what has been a dismal season.

"At this point, I don’t even know what to say. No words I have can ever express my feelings of anger and sadness with the way this season has gone. There are no excuses.

"Collectively, as players and as a club, we failed. There is simply no hiding, and I refuse to entertain any suggestion of doing so.

"Having been at this club for so long, we’ve experienced so many highs and successes — and this season has been nothing but miserable and for me personally, a total embarrassment.

"It hurts, and I know you’re feeling it too.

"To the fans: I’m sorry. Sorry we haven’t performed, and sorry we end the 2025 season with such a s**t show."

Gone, but not forgotten

Virgil van Dijk says Trent Alexander-Arnold will 'always be remembered' at Liverpool if leaves the club in the summer.

Alexander-Arnold is yet to sign a new contract and looks set to join Real Madrid for next season.

The right-back has been at the Reds for 21 years and won every major trophy possible, with Van Dijk not looking to hold any grudges.

"Whatever may happen in the future for him, that's something that he has to resolve with himself and the family.

"But he's a Liverpool player at this point and he's important for our team.

"Since I joined the club, he has been a fantastic player and there's a lot of good things that he will always be remembered for if he decides to leave.

"But listen, at this point, we don't know as a group what's going to happen.

"He is already under a lot of pressure already I think so there is no point for me to put him on the spot whatsoever."

'It can kill you'

talkSPORT's Scott Minto believes the pressure of playing for Manchester United is getting to Rasmus Hojlund.

Hojlund has scored just three goals in 28 Premier League matches this season as United continue to languish in 14th.

He has 24 goals from 88 club appearances since signing in 2023, and former Chelsea defender Minto believe they need a new striker.

"I think it goes to show how Rasmus Hojlund is feeling right now. We saw Alan Shearer, obviously one of the very best, say he looks a broken man.

"I've been saying on the talkSPORT All Access podcast for over 12 months now, there are certain clubs and certain positions, where you can't risk potential, you have to have ready-made.

"United, whatever people say, wherever they are in the league, are the biggest club in this country.

"The pressure, the weight of that shirt, especially in such a crucial position, it can kill you, it can break you. And he does look a broken man at the moment.

"He's still trying to do the right things but the bottom line is, Manchester United need to bring in a striker next season, and they need to be ready-made, if not world-class, then close to world-class."

Not done yet

Dominic Solanke believes Tottenham are '100 per cent' capable of winning the Europa League but wants to build more momentum with greater consistency in the Premier League.

Spurs produced one of the finest displays of the Ange Postecoglou era on Thursday to claim a 1-0 victory away to Eintracht Frankfurt and book a semi-final showdown with Bodo/Glimt next month.

Before Tottenham play only their second European last-four encounter for 40 years, Postecoglou's side host Nottingham Forest on Monday before a trip to Liverpool on Sunday and midweek match-winner Solanke wants to arrest the club's poor domestic form.

Asked if Spurs can win the Europa League, Solanke insisted: "100 per cent. When we've got everyone fit, we believe we can beat anyone.

"This cup was something we had our eyes on from the start of the season. We're not far off it now so hopefully we can keep producing these performances in the cup and league throughout the rest of the season and kick on.

"We all know we need to be more consistent from game to game. When you have a game like this, you need to go out there and show no fear and get the job done.

"There's no second chances in knock-out football so we knew we had to go and get the job done and that's what we did."

Opposition

Aston Villa chairman Nassef Sawiris has bemoaned the financial rules in the Premier League.

Since a consortium involving Sawiris and Wes Edens bought a 55 per cent stake at Villa in 2018, the club have received vital funding.

However, strict financial rules have led them to selling young players in a bid to become profitable and avoid sanctions.

Speaking to the Financial Times, Sawiris complained about the current regulations and how they appear to aid 'Big Six' sides.

"The Premier League is under the impression that what makes it great is Manchester United and Liverpool and Chelsea and Arsenal, so they have to cater for these guys.

"But what makes the Premier League great is that Manchester United get their butts kicked by Brighton."

Also mentioned in the interview is Aston Villa's plans to increase their capacity at Villa Park.

It currently holds around 42,640 fans but could be boosted to more than 50,000 as Sawiris eyes a £100million investment into the team.

Despite this, the stadium's development remains pending as local officials work towards the expansion of rail links.

Decision

Graeme Souness believes Trent Alexander-Arnold is the easiest player to let go from Liverpool this summer.

The defender's contract expires in June and he looks set to complete a move to Real Madrid ahead of next season.

Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk also faced uncertain futures but have signed new deals at Liverpool beyond the summer.

Reds legend Souness spoke to talkSPORT Breakfast about Alexander-Arnold's pending exit and how he could be easier to replace.

"I fully get why Trent would maybe fancy another challenge, he's been at that club since he was a boy," he said.

"Who's to say, he's at an age where he can go away, not fancy wherever he goes and comes back and rejoins Liverpool?

"But out of the three players not that you'd have to pick and want to pick, but he'd be the one you'd sacrifice.

"Similarly because I feel you've got Conor Bradley who's ready, he just needs to keep himself fit but he's maybe just growing into his body.

"The other two, there is no obvious replacement for Salah, no obvious replacement for Van Dijk."

Time for change

Gary Neville believes there's more work to be done to close the gap between the Premier League and the Championship.

Southampton, Leicester City and Ipswich Town are all set to be relegated after just one season in the top flight.

The former two clubs have already had their relegations confirmed whilst Ipswich look all but set to go down with them.

It's highlighted the immense struggles that promoted sides face when they reach the Premier League amid the sheer difference in finances

Manchester United legend and Salford City co-owner Neville has called for change to bring more balance between the leagues.

"There's no doubt it's becoming more fixed, the Premier League, that's a fact," he told Sky Sports.

"Not necessarily the three same teams going up and down, but it's becoming more and more difficult the same five or six teams going up and down, it's becoming more difficult for teams to become permanent or semi-permanent in the Premier League.

"There are some clubs who have done it successfully, but you always get the feeling that there are certain clubs at the start of the season who have got a chance of going down, and some no chance of going down.

"I think that's becoming more fixed, and that's definitely something to be concerned about. One thing we always talk about with the Premier League is the competitive nature of the entire league, and we can't ever lose that.

"The relegation and promotion is something that over in this country we sort of cherish. Anybody can come from step six, seven, eight in the pyramid all the way through to the Premier League.

"Luton I think have gone from the National League up to the Premier League in the last few years, so that's a great story. But it's becoming more of an exception as the years go by.

"So it's something we need to keep an eye on, the disparity between the finances of the Premier League and Championship are there for all to see.

"The parachute payments put real pressure on clubs in the Championship to have to try and compete.

"Big challenges and I think there is something needed, but I don't think that's for today. I think that the authorities, there's a regulator coming in, there are negotiations ongoing between the Premier League and the EFL.

"Hopefully they do become concluded at some point in the future, because I'd like to see it just balance out a bit more than it currently is."

Time for change

talkSPORT's Gabby Agbonlahor believes Leicester City should make a managerial change now following their Premier League relegation.

Ruud van Nistelrooy replaced Steve Cooper in November but has won just two of his 20 league matches, losing 16 of them.

Van Nistelrooy will hold talks with the Foxes board over his future this week, but Agbonlahor thinks he needs to leave.

"I would sack him today," he said on talkSPORT Breakfast. "I think they were 16th when Steve Cooper left, now they're relegated with five games to go.

"It's been an absolute nightmare, he's won two games in the Premier League, it hasn't worked.

"Sometimes as an owner, you probably think, 'Big name, Van Nistelrooy.' But it hasn't worked, what's the point in being there?

"You're not going to be there next season. I would make a change now. I said it with Southampton as well, make a change now so you can look at the players that are left.

"Four or five games left, see who you want next season, play them for the rest of the season now.

"The players that you know are going to leave in the summer, don't play them. But, it's not worked with Van Nistelrooy."

Big boost

Pedro Neto believes Chelsea deserved the late 2-1 win at Fulham that boosted their Champions League qualification hopes.

Fulham led through Alex Iwobi but a first Premier League goal from substitute Tyrique George had the visiting Blues level.

Neto then struck the winner in stoppage-time with an excellent finish and has lauded his side's desire to win all three points.

"It could be a good part of the season for us," Neto told the Chelsea website.

"We showed the character. To be honest I have no words to describe what this team has done.

"It’s not easy to spend all season in the top four and then be out of it before this game, but the character the team showed is really good.

"We have to think about Everton next week and winning against them too. The belief has always been there, even in the bad moments.

"Everyone has bad moments and what you have to do is continue like this. Sometimes the game is not about the quality, it is about the spirit, and that is what we showed today.

"The mentality we have and the group that we are, and I think that we deserved it today."

Optimism

Mikel Arteta is hopeful of Bukayo Saka returning to action as soon as possible after his injury against Ipswich Town.

Saka was fouled by Leif Davis during the Gunners' 4-0 win on Sunday, with the latter being sent off for his nasty challenge.

The Arsenal winger was substituted and seen with an ice pack on his leg in the second half, but Arteta says it isn't too serious.

"I don't think it is intentional but it was dangerous," Arteta said.

"I do [worry] with the numbers that we have right now, especially when the player has his back to goal.

"Because that is the moment when the foot is planted, your weight is there, and you cannot really react.

"He cuts him from the back. The referee made a decision, and that it is clear. He was a bit sore, but it's nothing serious, so it's good."

'We weren't good enough'

Christian Eriksen has lamented Manchester United's efforts in the final third following their 1-0 defeat at home to Wolves.

A dramatic and morale-boosting Europa League win over Lyon on Thursday wasn't enough to distract United from their league form.

They fell to a 15th defeat of the season after an excellent Wolves free-kick from Pablo Sarabia at Old Trafford.

United, who sit 14th, will soon finish with their worst ever points tally in the Premier League.

And Eriksen has reflected on another dismal result that has seen Wolves complete a league double over them.

"I think it was pretty easy to get over. I think obviously we changed a lot of the team from Thursday... We had our chances [on Sunday].

"No matter if we played Thursday or not, I think we had enough energy to win the game and, in the end, it was just small details.

"We weren't good enough in the last end. It is football, in a nutshell.

"Sometimes if you have a good game but don't score any goals, then the opposition will always have a chance to take the lead and take the win. Unfortunately, they did that."

Slowly but surely

With a little over a month left of the Premier League season, the top and bottom ends of the table are shaping up even further.

Liverpool are on the verge of becoming champions after their 1-0 win at Leicester City on Sunday.

They will be crowned as title winners on Wednesday if second-placed Arsenal lose at home to Crystal Palace.

Leicester have been relegated from the Premier League and will join Southampton in the Championship next season.

Ipswich Town are still mathematically safe from the drop for now, but 15 points adrift of safety and look set for relegation too.

Although top spot and the bottom three are all but confirmed, there is still an intriguing battle for European qualification.

A stoppage-time winner from Pedro Neto gave Chelsea a huge 2-1 win at Fulham to put them in the final Champions League spot.

However, Nottingham Forest will overtake them with a win against Tottenham tonight, live on talkSPORT.

There are just two points separating Newcastle in third and Aston Villa in seventh ahead of the final weeks.

How much?

Tyler Dibling has laughed off his £100million price tag and revealed how his Southampton teammates have been teasing him about it.

Saints have reportedly slapped the eye-watering fee on their exciting 19-year-old winger in a bid to keep hold of him after relegation from the Premier League.

Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, in particular, has been ribbing Dibling by joking his price goes down every time he misses a shot.

"There's a few nicknames going around," said the England Under-21 international. "It is all jokes. Nobody takes it seriously. It's just a number. It's all fun.

"'Rambo' loves it to be fair. I'll miss a shot in training and he'll just go '90 million' or '80 million' as it goes down.

"It's all good fun but I'm just trying to practice every day and to get better."

Dibling has been linked with Newcastle and Manchester United while a host of Bundesliga clubs have also shown an interest.

But he added: "I don't try to think about it and just go in to train every day and work hard and train the best I can.

"At the end of the day, I love Southampton. I have been here since I was eight. It is such a great team and I am working to do big things with them."

talkSPORT understands

Ruud van Nistelrooy will hold talks with the Leicester City board next week over his future at the club.

Leicester's immediate return to the Championship was confirmed today with the Foxes failing to beat Liverpool at the King Power Stadium.

When asked about his future after the 1-0 defeat, Van Nistelrooy said: "I'm working, as I say, in the coming weeks, it's my job to do everything in the interest of Leicester City Football Club.

"And that's what I'm doing with young talent joining the first-team training, second appearance of Monga in the Premier League at 15 years old, a lot of young players starting and playing excellent games and it's all a benefit for their development into next season and that's my job for now.

"Of course, I'm waiting on the clarity of the club, how they want to continue."

When asked if he wants to lead Leicester back to the Premier League, he replied: "It's what I'm doing now, it's what I'm doing and it's the goal to lead the club in the best way possible. But of course I have to wait on how the club sees things and then take it from there."

He added: "I'm doing my job with the responsibility to do the best for the football club for now until the end of the season. I'm waiting on the direction the club wants to go and see if we can get aligned on that."

Not good enough

Leicester's Conor Coady admitted that the Foxes just haven't had the quality to remain in the Premier League this season.

In an honest interview with Sky Sports, Coady said: "Listen, we've not been good enough all year. We haven't.

"If we look at today, I thought we played and we nullified Liverpool quite well, they're a world-class side.

"But if we look back at the season, it hasn't been anywhere near good enough from a club point of view.

"But we have to look at ourselves in the mirror. We have to now. What's happened has happened.

"And we have to try to put the club in a better position come the summer. That's what we have to try and do.

"We took a bit of stick, we will take on keeping stick because it's deservedly so. From minute one this season, we haven't been able to fully compete in the Premier League.

"You need to be or it will eat you up and spit you out. It's something we have to look at, because we're devastated."

'I'm not going to speak on it'

Trent Alexander-Arnold has refused to speak about his future at Liverpool after his game-winning goal.

talkSPORT understands that Alexander-Arnold has agreed to join Real Madrid at the end of his contract this summer.

However, after his passionate celebration this afternoon, could it have hinted at a potential U-turn?

Speaking to Sky Sports post-match, he said: "I'm not going to speak on my situation or go into details.

"These days are always special, scoring goals, winning games, being close to winning titles - they are special moments that will live with me forever. And I'm glad to be part of it."

He was also pushed to the front of the celebrations in front of the Liverpool fans after the whistle by his teammates.

On that, he added: "[Virgil] pushed me to the front to soak it in to get close and personal - the away fans are amazing.

"They've pushed us every game. They helped us win the game. As much as we do it for ourselves and our families, we do it for the fans.

"They're the ones who spend the money and travel to games, it's the least they deserve.

"To be so close to winning a league title - a first one in front of fans, which is what we're missing - is very special."

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'It was ridiculous' - Tottenham clash with Nottingham Forest was abandoned after 15 minutes

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'It was ridiculous' - Tottenham clash with Nottingham Forest was abandoned after 15 minutes - talkSPORT
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Tottenham and Nottingham Forest is a game with plenty of history - but there is one match that didn't finish that lives long in the memory.

The 1991 FA Cup final win was historic for Spurs but also marked another shift in supremacy between the two sides with the Tricky Trees regularly besting them throughout the 1990s.

It's like a shifting of the poles, either Tottenham are on top - as they were in the late 1960s, early 1980s, and since Forest's 1999 relegation - or it's Forest in control.

But in 1996, an FA Cup match between the pair looked as if it was being played at the North Pole.

With Tottenham looking to get a rare 1990s win over Forest, they travelled to the City Ground on February 19.

But any optimism they had about reaching the quarter-finals was whipped away by the swirling winds that brought a blizzard spiralling in.

The weather began to change an hour before kick off when snow started falling, but forecasts back then weren’t good enough to predict the chaos that was about to unfold.

Just ten minutes into the clash a blizzard hit the City Ground, and five minutes later things became unbearable.

Officials attempted to salvage things by swapping the standard white ball for an orange winter one, but even those efforts were vain.

The pitch’s white lines soon blended into their new background and the only decision left for referee Gary Willard to take was a suspension after minutes.

Speaking at the time, Tottenham manager Gerry Francis said: "It became impossible.

“Everyone on the line would have got pneumonia if they had stayed out any longer. We would have turned into snowmen.

"No arguments, it had become ridiculous. I’m disappointed, of course, because we had started well."

His opposite number at Forest, Frank Clark, was in agreement, saying: "There was nothing else that the referee could do tonight.

"I have not seen a snowstorm like it since I was a boy in the North-east."

However, there may have been one disagreement, with Francis concerned whether a booking for Jason Dozzell would stand.

"If there had been a goal, it would not have counted," he said.

Luckily for Francis, he was able to duck for cover in the City Ground’s tunnel to speak to the press, but the same couldn’t be said for his team’s supporters.

The match became part of Tottenham folklore with talks of epic journeys back to London through thick and treacherous snow.

The match contained a number of Premier League greats like Sol Campbell, Teddy Sheringham and Kevin Campell, while on the bench was Alf Inge Haaland, a man infinitely more famous now thanks to his already iconic son.

The FA managed to re-arrange the match just nine days later, and it was a 2-2 draw in far better conditions, with Ian Woan and Chris Armstrong both netting doubles.

However, Spurs fans thinking they might finally get a reward for their February 19 struggles were left disappointed by the return leg in London.

Bryan Roy and Sheringham traded goals in a 1-1 draw before Forest qualified for the next round with a win on penalties.

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Tottenham Hotspur vs Nottingham Forest predictions, odds and betting tips

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Tottenham Hotspur vs Nottingham Forest predictions, odds and betting tips - talkSPORT
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Tottenham Hotspur return to their home ground on Monday night for a Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest, whose Champions League hopes have taken a hit in recent weeks.

Spurs have nothing left to play for in the top flight, but they will still be keen to end the season strongly. Who will win this one in north London?

Tottenham Hotspur vs Nottingham Forest best bets

Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals - 8/11 with Paddy Power

Nottingham Forest to score first - 10/11 with SBK

Anthony Elanga to score any time - 13/4 with Betfred

Spurs vs Forest odds

Find the latest match odds for Spurs vs Forest. All odds are provided by our bestfootball betting sites. Odds are subject to change.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Nottingham Forest predictions

Tottenham Hotspur’s season is still alive.

A 1-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday secured a 2-1 aggregate win in their Europa League quarter-final. The north Londoners are through to the semis, where they will face Norwegian upstarts Bodo/Glimt.

Kjetil Knutsen’s side have just knocked out Lazio, so they should not be underestimated. It is clear, though, that Tottenham are the favourites in that upcoming tie, the first instalment of which is scheduled for May 1.

Ange Postecoglou’s side are now a maximum of three wins away from the Europa League trophy and securing a place in next year’s Champions League. This has been a tumultuous campaign for Spurs, yet it might still be a glorious one.

Postecoglou gave a spiky reaction to journalists at his post-match press conference following the impressive success against Frankfurt.

"Unfortunately for a lot of you, you're going to have to put up with me for a little bit longer. So let's see how that goes," Postecoglou said.

"I think I said yesterday, I am the same manager today that I was yesterday, so if people think us winning tonight makes me a better manager or whoever thinks I wasn't doing a good job yesterday, should be feeling the same way.”

Postecoglou is certainly not a bad manager, but he has not done a good job in the Premier League this term. His team are 15th in the table heading into Easter weekend. By the time they take to the field on Monday, Tottenham could be as low as 17th.

Yes there have been injuries along the way, with Spurs harder hit than most, but they should be doing much better. As the head coach, the buck ultimately stops with Postecoglou.

Even if Tottenham have nothing left to play for in the Premier League, they must try to end the season as strongly as possible - starting with Monday’s match.

Nottingham Forest will not roll over, though. The division’s surprise package this season, Forest are fighting for Champions League qualification.

They have gone slightly off the boil of late. Back-to-back defeats by Aston Villa and Everton have left Nuno Espirito Santo’s side looking over their shoulder.

Forest will be desperate to get back on track at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Nottingham Forest betting tips

This season has not gone as expected for either Tottenham Hotspur or Nottingham Forest - albeit in very different ways.

Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals

Tottenham deserve credit for their performance against Eintracht Frankfurt last time out.

They were put under pressure by their hosts, but Spurs defended manfully and posed a threat on the break.

It was an uncharacteristically disciplined display from Tottenham. Yet it is only a week since they shipped four goals to Wolverhampton Wanderers in a 4-2 defeat.

This is more likely to be an open and end-to-end encounter than a tight and cagey one. After all, there has been a league-high average of 3.41 goals in Tottenham’s 32 matches in 2024/25.

Nottingham Forest need a result and they should have some joy against Spurs on the counter-attack.

⚽ Go for both teams to score and over 2.5 goals at 8/11 with Paddy Power ⚽

Nottingham Forest to score first

Nottingham Forest started both of those defeats by Aston Villa and Everton badly. Generally, though, they have been quick out of the blocks this season.

Forest have scored the first goal 23 times this term. No other team in the division can match that record.

Tottenham have often hit the ground trudging. In their 16 home games this season, the north Londoners have conceded the opening goal nine times.

Tottenham will dominate possession in the early exchanges, with Forest focused on packing men behind the ball.

But with their speed in transition, Nuno’s team can land the first blow on Monday.

⚽ Back Nottingham Forest to score first at 10/11 with SBK ⚽

Anthony Elanga to score any time

Because of the danger Nottingham Forest pose on the counter-attack, Anthony Elanga is the sensible pick in this market.

Like many of his team-mates, the former Manchester United man is enjoying a fantastic season.

Elanga has had a direct hand in 14 goals, scoring six and setting up eight. Elanga has really come of age in this campaign.

Tottenham have struggled to keep opposition attacks quiet throughout 2024/25. There will be plenty of space for Forest to break into and that makes Elanga a real threat.

⚽ Choose Anthony Elanga to score any time at 13/4 with BetMGM ⚽

📺 How to watch Tottenham Hotspur vs Nottingham Forest

Location: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, England.

Date and time: Monday 21st April, 8pm.

How to watch: Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.

Read more about the 2024/25 football season

Premier League winner predictions

Premier League top scorer odds

Premier League relegation odds

Champions League winner odds

Championship promotion odds

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