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Tottenham: Winning Europa League could be turning point for club, says Ange Postecoglou

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Ange Postecoglou believes winning the Europa League and ending Tottenham's 17-year wait for a trophy could be a turning point for the club.

Spurs are preparing for a huge showdown against Manchester United in the Europa league final in Bilbao on May 21 as they look to secure their first silverware since the League Cup in 2008.

Europa League glory would be the north London club's first European trophy since the UEFA Cup in 1984 and Postecoglou thinks earning silverware would change the perception of Spurs going forward.

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When asked what winning a trophy at Spurs would mean, he said: "For me personally, great, it's another trophy I can reminisce about in my old age. But more importantly for the club, I've always said that it's the significance of what it does to people that really impacts you.

"A lot of the success I've had has been really significant stuff. Yokohama hadn't won the championship for 14 years, Australia had never won a continental championship, and Brisbane hadn't won one.

"South Melbourne, my first job, hadn't won in seven years and Celtic was one year, but that's a long time in Scotland. They had to wrestle back the dominance they've had for so long.

"When you look at the historical backdrop of this club for the past 20-odd years, it feels like a turning point for how people perceive this club and how this club perceives itself, which I think is the biggest thing.

"Until you do it, irrespective of what else you accomplish, people are going to say you haven't won anything. In our game, and in life in general, that's the things that matter most when people asses where you are at."

'We need to break the cycle'

Postecoglou was also quizzed about the narrative that could be used in the build-up to the final that United usually have success winning finals, while Spurs have lost their most recent finals.

Spurs lost the Champions League final to Liverpool in 2019 and were beaten by man City League Cup final in 2021. Meanwhile, United won the League Cup in 2023 and beat rivals Man City in the FA Cup final at Wembley last season.

He said: "That's the hurdle this club has to overcome, because it will always be there. Until you actually do it, you are fair game for people to say you've always fluffed it on the big stage.

"Irrespective of what the opposition say or what anyone else says, you've got to try and break that cycle and whatever motivation you need to do that, you tap into.

"Maybe there are things we tap into but to really do something as big as we want to do there's got to be a higher purpose than just shutting peoples' mouths up.

"That'll happen anyway and it is more about can you make an impact. I often say to the players that at the end of your careers, what you want to be able to do is go back to the clubs you served and know you've made an impact.

"The photos I see up on the walls at the stadium are all of Bill Nicholson. The 1984 winning team. A lot of them are in black and white. Can we get this group up on that wall?"

Spurs still assessing Kulusevski injury ahead of Europa League final

Meanwhile, Tottenham will continue to assess Dejan Kulusevski after he suffered an injury in Sunday's 2-0 Premier League loss to Crystal Palace.

Kulusevski was forced off after 19 minutes and Postecoglou provided an update on the midfielder at the club's Europa League final media day on Monday.

"He was a bit sore this morning with his knee. It looks like a knock at this stage but we'll let it settle for 24 hours," Postecoglou said.

Spurs captain Heung-Min Son did return in the loss to Palace and Postecoglou was pleased with his progress after a month out with a foot issue.

Postecoglou added: "Firstly, from a physical standpoint, he is good. It was good for him to get minutes yesterday and he had a good session today.

"It was important he got some minutes yesterday against Crystal Palace because he needed them, more for himself physiologically.

"He had a good session today. He was never going to do the whole session because he played yesterday. He feels good and we've still got eight or nine days to go, plus a game on Friday where we can build him up.

"It's great to have him available. He's been a big catalyst this year and a big driver.

German referee Zwayer to officiate Europa League final

UEFA has confirmed previously Felix Zwayer will take charge of the all-English Europa League final.

The 43-year-old refereed last week's Champions League semi-final second leg between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal, with May 21 in Bilbao to be his second UEFA showpiece having refereed the 2023 Nations League final.

Zwayer took charge of England's semi-final win against the Netherlands at Euro 2024, ahead of which then boss Gareth Southgate insisted the appointment of a previously suspended official was "not even a consideration".

The German was given a six-month ban by his country's football federation in 2006, having worked as an assistant referee alongside Robert Hoyzer.

Zwayer was one of the officials who brought Hoyzer's match-fixing plot to light, with the relatively short duration of Zwayer's ban a recognition of that contribution. Hoyzer was banned for life.

England midfielder Jude Bellingham was fined in 2021 by the German federation after he referenced Zwayer's involvement in that scandal following a defeat for his former club Borussia Dortmund against Bayern Munich.

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Man Utd deserve to be in relegation scrap, Trent Alexander-Arnold circus and fragile Tottenham in Hits and Misses

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Man Utd deserve to be in a relegation scrap

If you take the three relegated clubs out of the equation, Manchester United have won one of their last 17 Premier League games. They are fortunate the gap between the Championship and the top-flight is so great otherwise they'd be genuinely flirting with a relegation fight with two Premier League games to go. If they lose both their remaining league games they won't have even amassed 40 points this season - usually the standard bearer of what you need to stay up.

As it happened | Teams | Match stats

Live Premier League table | Watch PL highlights for free

Apart from the flashy feet of Amad Diallo, who got 80 minutes under his belt down the right flank, this was another dispiriting afternoon for the locals.

West Ham carried the greater attacking threat, were more robust without the ball and were clinical with their finishing. United have now failed to score in 14 Premier League games this season - only Southampton (15), Everton (15) and Leicester (16) have blanked more.

Yet this team are one win away from playing Champions League football next season. Someone make it make sense.

Lewis Jones

Arsenal's striker hole laid bare at Anfield

Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool. The Champions League finalists and the Premier League champions.

Arsenal had two of their biggest tests of the season this week and how they close the gap to those two teams cannot be clearer now.

Both matches started in the same vein - Arsenal came flying out of the blocks in both. Like in Paris on Wednesday night, the Gunners had multiple chances to open the scoring - most notably Bukayo Saka's from a free-kick - but they failed to take them. Then just like the other night, Arsenal fell behind and were playing catch-up.

Mikel Arteta's side ended the first half with the same number of shots as Liverpool, but they were two goals down. Liverpool took their chances while Arsenal didn't have the firepower. It hit the nail in the coffin that a new striker was needed.

Arsenal's midfield got into countless good areas at Anfield only for there to be a vacuum of emptiness in the penalty box to help out. The first 45 minutes painted the story of their season.

The second half told a little bit more. Leandro Trossard went off injured while Mikel Merino made it six red cards this season for Arsenal. Setbacks and sending offs have also defined their 15-point gap to Liverpool.

But so many red cards and injuries are likely to make up a freak campaign. But if Arsenal don't be ruthless in the forward areas this summer, they won't bridge that gap.

Sam Blitz

Trent circus far from ideal for Liverpool

Arne Slot insisted afterwards that Trent Alexander-Arnold's introduction was not a distraction at Anfield, even getting into an exchange with a journalist in the press conference discussing the percentage of supporters who booed the departing full-back.

The Liverpool coach found himself making a point about the relative decibel levels of booing compared to clapping. Probably the point at which one might have to accept that the reaction to Alexander-Arnold coming on had become a bit of a sideshow.

As it happened | Teams | Match stats

Slot's calculation regarding the player - who has confirmed he will leave the club at the end of his contract this summer - is coldly logical. He started Conor Bradley because he is the future. He brought Alexander-Arnold on as he thought he could help win the game.

But Liverpool is a club fuelled by emotion and those emotions ran high at Anfield on Sunday. Slot seemed to regard the chants for Bradley and Steven Gerrard as a positive thing but they clearly represented a pointed response to Alexander-Arnold's decision.

Mohamed Salah flung an arm towards the Kop in disgust at the boos, applauding his team-mate onto the pitch, while Andy Robertson told Sky Sports that it was "not nice to see a friend get booed" so it is naĂŻve to think this does not detract a little from the mood.

Slot insisted afterwards that nothing can take the edge off this Premier League title win. And yet, here he was answering questions about Alexander-Arnold rather than his team. It is an unfortunate way for Liverpool's magnificent campaign to be coming to an end.

Adam Bate

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Potter needs to build around Kudus and Bowen

West Ham fans were singing about Niklas Fullkrug for much of their enjoyable away day at Old Trafford. They obviously like what they heard from him after the Southampton game. But despite having the adulation of his fans it is very difficult to see how he fits in.

This was another example of West Ham being at their best under Graham Potter when Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen are allowed to play as the flexible front two. Potter has now beaten Arsenal and Manchester United away from home and was minutes away from getting a point at Liverpool.

It was Kudus and Bowen - as a pairing - that provided the attacking platform for West Ham to go and get those results. Kudus, especially, was red hot at Old Trafford. The best player on the pitch. You feel if Potter can add some steel and some trusty lieutenants to this system, West Ham could be a tough nut to crack next season.

Lewis Jones

Fragile Spurs on brink of big success or big failure

With the sun shining and the buzz of Thursday's Europa League semi-final win energising the Spurs fans ahead of kick-off, there was positivity in the air. It didn't last long.

Crystal Palace swiftly scythed through Ange Postecoglou's much-changed team and what might have otherwise been a celebratory homecoming for Spurs' European finalists instead saw them booed off at the break and then at full-time.

There were plenty of empty seats by that final whistle too. Palace fans had taunted their Spurs counterparts by asking why they were even here as the hosts slumped to a 20th Premier League defeat of the season. That resilience shown in Norway nowhere in sight. Many Spurs supporters seemed to come to the conclusion it wasn't worth watching.

The priority, of course, is that Europa League final. But Postecoglou pointed out fringe players missed their chance to impress and push for a place in his XI for that Man Utd showdown. It will be even harder to catch the eye at in-form Aston Villa on Friday.

This is a group of players hit by injuries this season and Dejan Kulusevski limping off was another worry. From Spurs' physical shape to their performances to the feeling around the club - it's all fragile right now.

Will Bilbao bring a sweet remedy or a crushing blow?

Peter Smith

Guehi shows his value to Palace

Eberechi Eze was Crystal Palace's match-winner against Spurs, his two goals taking him to five in his last four games in all competitions. But Marc Guehi might just have been their best performer.

The 24-year-old was outstanding from the very first minute of the game, when he cut out a Pedro Porro cross at his near post, setting the tone for a totally dominant individual display.

Every time Spurs got into a dangerous position, Guehi stood in their way, snuffing out danger, tackling, intercepting. A highlight came in the penultimate minute of the game, when he blocked a Heung-Min Son shot with nonchalant ease, then won his side a free-kick.

Moments after that, Guehi provided an example of his outstanding ball-playing ability, sending Eddie Nketiah through on goal with a superb pass in behind Spurs' defence. He used the ball smartly all afternoon, switching play, threading passes into his midfielders.

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Man Utd deserve to be in relegation scrap, Trent Alexander-Arnold circus and fragile Tottenham in Hits and Misses

Submitted by daniel on
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Man Utd deserve to be in relegation scrap, Trent Alexander-Arnold circus and fragile Tottenham in Hits and Misses - Sky Sports
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Man Utd deserve to be in a relegation scrap

If you take the three relegated clubs out of the equation, Manchester United have won one of their last 17 Premier League games. They are fortunate the gap between the Championship and the top-flight is so great otherwise they'd be genuinely flirting with a relegation fight with two Premier League games to go. If they lose both their remaining league games they won't have even amassed 40 points this season - usually the standard bearer of what you need to stay up.

As it happened | Teams | Match stats

Live Premier League table | Watch PL highlights for free

Apart from the flashy feet of Amad Diallo, who got 80 minutes under his belt down the right flank, this was another dispiriting afternoon for the locals.

West Ham carried the greater attacking threat, were more robust without the ball and were clinical with their finishing. United have now failed to score in 14 Premier League games this season - only Southampton (15), Everton (15) and Leicester (16) have blanked more.

Yet this team are one win away from playing Champions League football next season. Someone make it make sense.

Lewis Jones

Arsenal's striker hole laid bare at Anfield

Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool. The Champions League finalists and the Premier League champions.

Arsenal had two of their biggest tests of the season this week and how they close the gap to those two teams cannot be clearer now.

Both matches started in the same vein - Arsenal came flying out of the blocks in both. Like in Paris on Wednesday night, the Gunners had multiple chances to open the scoring - most notably Bukayo Saka's from a free-kick - but they failed to take them. Then just like the other night, Arsenal fell behind and were playing catch-up.

Mikel Arteta's side ended the first half with the same number of shots as Liverpool, but they were two goals down. Liverpool took their chances while Arsenal didn't have the firepower. It hit the nail in the coffin that a new striker was needed.

Arsenal's midfield got into countless good areas at Anfield only for there to be a vacuum of emptiness in the penalty box to help out. The first 45 minutes painted the story of their season.

The second half told a little bit more. Leandro Trossard went off injured while Mikel Merino made it six red cards this season for Arsenal. Setbacks and sending offs have also defined their 15-point gap to Liverpool.

But so many red cards and injuries are likely to make up a freak campaign. But if Arsenal don't be ruthless in the forward areas this summer, they won't bridge that gap.

Sam Blitz

Trent circus far from ideal for Liverpool

Arne Slot insisted afterwards that Trent Alexander-Arnold's introduction was not a distraction at Anfield, even getting into an exchange with a journalist in the press conference discussing the percentage of supporters who booed the departing full-back.

The Liverpool coach found himself making a point about the relative decibel levels of booing compared to clapping. Probably the point at which one might have to accept that the reaction to Alexander-Arnold coming on had become a bit of a sideshow.

As it happened | Teams | Match stats

Slot's calculation regarding the player - who has confirmed he will leave the club at the end of his contract this summer - is coldly logical. He started Conor Bradley because he is the future. He brought Alexander-Arnold on as he thought he could help win the game.

But Liverpool is a club fuelled by emotion and those emotions ran high at Anfield on Sunday. Slot seemed to regard the chants for Bradley and Steven Gerrard as a positive thing but they clearly represented a pointed response to Alexander-Arnold's decision.

Mohamed Salah flung an arm towards the Kop in disgust at the boos, applauding his team-mate onto the pitch, while Andy Robertson told Sky Sports that it was "not nice to see a friend get booed" so it is naĂŻve to think this does not detract a little from the mood.

Slot insisted afterwards that nothing can take the edge off this Premier League title win. And yet, here he was answering questions about Alexander-Arnold rather than his team. It is an unfortunate way for Liverpool's magnificent campaign to be coming to an end.

Adam Bate

Live Premier League table | Watch PL highlights for free

Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW 📺

Choose the sports notifications you want! đź””

Potter needs to build around Kudus and Bowen

West Ham fans were singing about Niklas Fullkrug for much of their enjoyable away day at Old Trafford. They obviously like what they heard from him after the Southampton game. But despite having the adulation of his fans it is very difficult to see how he fits in.

This was another example of West Ham being at their best under Graham Potter when Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen are allowed to play as the flexible front two. Potter has now beaten Arsenal and Manchester United away from home and was minutes away from getting a point at Liverpool.

It was Kudus and Bowen - as a pairing - that provided the attacking platform for West Ham to go and get those results. Kudus, especially, was red hot at Old Trafford. The best player on the pitch. You feel if Potter can add some steel and some trusty lieutenants to this system, West Ham could be a tough nut to crack next season.

Lewis Jones

Fragile Spurs on brink of big success or big failure

With the sun shining and the buzz of Thursday's Europa League semi-final win energising the Spurs fans ahead of kick-off, there was positivity in the air. It didn't last long.

Crystal Palace swiftly scythed through Ange Postecoglou's much-changed team and what might have otherwise been a celebratory homecoming for Spurs' European finalists instead saw them booed off at the break and then at full-time.

There were plenty of empty seats by that final whistle too. Palace fans had taunted their Spurs counterparts by asking why they were even here as the hosts slumped to a 20th Premier League defeat of the season. That resilience shown in Norway nowhere in sight. Many Spurs supporters seemed to come to the conclusion it wasn't worth watching.

The priority, of course, is that Europa League final. But Postecoglou pointed out fringe players missed their chance to impress and push for a place in his XI for that Man Utd showdown. It will be even harder to catch the eye at in-form Aston Villa on Friday.

This is a group of players hit by injuries this season and Dejan Kulusevski limping off was another worry. From Spurs' physical shape to their performances to the feeling around the club - it's all fragile right now.

Will Bilbao bring a sweet remedy or a crushing blow?

Peter Smith

Guehi shows his value to Palace

Eberechi Eze was Crystal Palace's match-winner against Spurs, his two goals taking him to five in his last four games in all competitions. But Marc Guehi might just have been their best performer.

The 24-year-old was outstanding from the very first minute of the game, when he cut out a Pedro Porro cross at his near post, setting the tone for a totally dominant individual display.

Every time Spurs got into a dangerous position, Guehi stood in their way, snuffing out danger, tackling, intercepting. A highlight came in the penultimate minute of the game, when he blocked a Heung-Min Son shot with nonchalant ease, then won his side a free-kick.

Moments after that, Guehi provided an example of his outstanding ball-playing ability, sending Eddie Nketiah through on goal with a superb pass in behind Spurs' defence. He used the ball smartly all afternoon, switching play, threading passes into his midfielders.

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Tottenham vs Crystal Palace LIVE! Premier League match updates, news and score

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Fulham vs Everton - Live match updates

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Fulham 0-0 Everton

KICK OFF!

FREE highlights from 5.15pm in THIS blog! | ALL PL Highlights ▶️

How the teams line up...

Here come the teams!

Fulham and Everton emerge from the tunnel and into the sunshine at Craven Cottage - kick-off is moments away.

Stay here for live match updates and then free highlights.

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Jones Knows: Fulham to slip up vs lowly Everton

Sky Sports' Lewis Jones:

"Fulham have had a strange season.- Marco Silva has got the maximum out of this squad but they've left so many points on the table against the lesser teams in the Premier League.

"They've won just four of their 13 games against teams in the bottom seven, which makes them easy to swerve here at 11/10 with Sky Bet.

"When it comes to the reliability factor, Everton aren't great shakes either, racking up a Premier League high of 15 draws this season.

"The record for draws in a 38-game season is 17 and they may take one step closer to that in this one."

SCORE PREDICTION: 1-1

The race for eighth: Four teams hoping Man City win the FA Cup

The race for the Champions League is hugely competitive - but there is another mini-battle emerging in the middle of the table: the race for eighth spot and the UEFA Conference League.

Bournemouth, Brentford, Brighton and Fulham aiming for Europa Conference League via eighth-place Premier League finish

Sky Sports

Last time out: Everton 2-2 Ipswich

Silva refuses to 'close door' on Al Hilal switch

Marco Silva will not "close the door" amid speculation linking him to Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal but maintains his future is at Fulham.

The Cottagers boss, who has a year left on his contract, could link up with former Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic if he decides to end his four-year tenure and move to Saudi Arabia.

"It's clear the focus is what we can control at the football club. When we do good things these links are normal," Silva said.

"I don't waste time to think about it but the most important thing is Fulham and we want to fight until the end of the season and focus on our goals and to prepare for the future of the club like we are doing.

"We have a great relationship [Mitrovic], normally we speak often, not about this situation, we have contact but not about this situation.

"Being a manager means you have to be open to everything with what the market can give you, but the last few years is clear about what my ambitions are.

"I don't close doors to something like that, I'm not saying I won't work outside of Europe, it can happen in the future."

Silva 'committed' to Fulham despite Al-Hilal talk

Sky Sports News' Paul Gilmour:

"Marco Silva addressed the media on Friday amid interest from Al Hilal, making clear that he remains committed to Fulham.

"He emphasised he has one year left on his contract and intends to be at the club next season.

"Silva expressed happiness with his current role and has already begun planning for summer transfers, a familiar stance he takes annually to ensure Fulham are ambitious and well-prepared for pre-season.

"Despite the confident message, his contract situation inevitably adds uncertainty.

"With only a year remaining, Fulham could face pressure from interested clubs, especially as Silva’s consistency has raised his profile.

Marco Silva: Fulham head coach happy at Premier League club amid Al Hilal interest

Sky Sports

"He was asked if former Fulham striker Aleksandr Mitrovic, now at Al Hilal, has been in touch but said they remain in contact and have not discussed the Saudi interest.

"Silva appeared relaxed and focused, speaking passionately about his ambitions for Fulham’s continued improvement.

"He also showed faith in the club’s board to support his plans. His optimism is supported by performance—just one more win this season will see Fulham break their Premier League points record, surpassing the total set by Roy Hodgson's team in 2008-09.

"The press conference reinforced Silva’s short-term commitment, though questions about his long-term future will likely persist."

Transfer Talk podcast: Fulham want to strengthen at full-back

Sky Sports News' Dharmesh Sheth discussing Fulham's summer business on the Transfer Talk podcast:

"The full-back area is an area they will want to strengthen. Kenny Tete is approaching the final couple of months of his deal, and it looks like he's not going to be signing a new contract, so he'll be leaving as a free agent in the summer.

"They are doing due diligence on a number of players. One is Kyle Walker-Peters.

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"We seem to be talking about him nearly every single transfer window, but it will come to a head this time because he's clearly not going to sign a new contract at Southampton, who are now back in the Championship.

"He should get a reasonably good Premier League move and something like Fulham feels like quite a good fit him.

"Also Ben Johnson from Ipswich, who only just joined in the summer and hasn't done too badly for them."

Play Super 6 for a chance to win ÂŁ250,000!

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Last time out: Aston Villa 1-0 Fulham

Expected formations...

Everton make four changes

Abdoulaye Doucoure returns to start for Everton as David Moyes makes four changes from their 2-2 draw with Ipswich.

Doucoure was absent last weekend due to personal issues and comes into the midfield for Iliman Ndiaye.

There are two changes in defence with Ashley Young and Michael Keane starting instead of Nathan Patterson and Jake O'Brien.

Jack Harrison also replaces Dwight McNeil.

Robinson absent for Fulham

Fulham captain Antonee Robinson is absent as Marco Silva makes two changes from their 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa.

Emile Smith Rowe comes into the line-up while Ryan Sessegnon moves to left-back to cover for Robinson.

Andreas Pereira replaces Sasa Lukic in midfield.

Everton team news

Everton: Pickford; Young, Keane, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Gueye, Garner; Harrison, Doucoure, Alcaraz; Beto.

Subs: Virginia, Patterson, McNeil, Calvert-Lewin, Ndiaye, Chermiti, Broja, Coleman, Iroegbunam.

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Fulham team news

Fulham: Leno; Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Sessegnon; Berge, Pereira; Wilson, Smith Rowe, Iwobi; Jimenez.

Subs: Benda, Diop, Cuenca, Cairney, King, Traore, Willian, Godo, Vinicius.

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Moyes: No truth in Richarlison rumours

Everton manager David Moyes insists there is “zero truth” in claims he wants to bring Richarlison back to the club.

Reports suggested the Brazil international was a player Moyes wanted to reinvigorate his side – only the three relegated teams have scored fewer league goals – next season.

The 27-year-old left Goodison Park three years ago after scoring 53 goals in 152 games over four seasons, but his spell at Tottenham has been beset by injuries.

That record would be one factor to consider for Moyes, whose own injury-plagued striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin is out of contract this summer and contemplating whether to stay or not.

But he has dismissed any interest, saying: “Richarlison is a really good player and someone I’ve liked but I can only tell you there is zero truth in that from my side.”

Castagne out until pre-season following surgery

Fulham defender Timothy Castange will be out until pre-season after undergoing ankle surgery.

The Belgium international had successful surgery this week having suffered ankle tears throughout the season.

The news may put further emphasis on Fulham extending the contract of full-back Kenny Tete, whose deal expires this summer.

"The surgery of Timothy on Tuesday means he will be out until pre-season," Silva added.

"I don't know if it will be for the first day of pre-season but we expect him to be ready.

"Maybe he will miss one week or 10 days (of pre-season), maybe he can play some friendly games and be ready for the Premier League."

Good afternoon!

Hello and welcome to Craven Cottage for live match commentary of Fulham vs Everton in the Premier League.

We'll bring you highlights of this game right here from 5.15pm.

ALL PL Highlights ▶️

Fulham are pushing for eighth place which could deliver a Conference League place should Manchester City beat Crystal Palace in the FA Cup.

Everton's season is petering out having won just once in their last 10 games.

We'll bring you team news shortly followed by everything you need to know ahead of kick-off at 3pm - and then live match commentary. Stay right here!

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Live Commentary - Spurs vs C Palace

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Kick Off 2.15pm: Spurs vs Crystal Palace

London rivals meet ahead of their major cup finals

Highlights: FREE after FT 🚨 | ALL PL Highlights ▶️

Live Premier League table | Sky Bet

Choose the Sky Sports push notifications you want! đź””

Commentary by Nick Wright, with Peter Smith at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

FIVE minutes until team news!

Don't go anywhere, we'll have the line-ups very shortly...

Last time out: Palace draw with Forest

Last time out: Tottenham book Europa League place with win at Bodo/Glimt

Bodo/Glimt 0-2 Spurs (Agg: 1-5): Tottenham book Europa League final place with Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro goals

Sky Sports

Good afternoon!

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of Tottenham vs Crystal Palace from a very sunny north London.

The sun is shining on both of these sides metaphorically too, with Spurs still revelling in Thursday's win which booked their Europa League final place, and Crystal Palace looking forward to Saturday's FA Cup final.

How will that affect the line-ups and play today? We'll find out...

Stick with us for all the build-up, team news and in-game updates and analysis. We'll have FREE match highlights shortly after full time too.

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Son in contention to face Palace

Tottenham could be boosted by the return of captain Heung-Min Son for Sunday’s visit of Crystal Palace.

Son has missed Spurs’ last seven matches with a foot injury, but will aim to start his comeback trail ahead of this month’s Europa League final with Manchester United.

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou said: "Half hopeful we get Sonny some minutes tomorrow, so he’ll be the only one who can come back in."

Glasner confirms Wharton ruled out for Tottenham

Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton has been ruled out of the upcoming clash against Tottenham due to an ankle injury.

Wharton was forced off the field in the 61st minute during the 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest on Monday and has not trained since.

Speaking ahead of Sunday's meeting with Spurs at Selhurst Park, his boss Oliver Glasner offered an update on his fitness.

"No, unfortunately, he's not available, so he didn't train the whole week," he said.

"So if everything goes right, I hope that on Monday, after the Tottenham game,he can be reintegrated, at least partly, into the training.

"And then on Wednesday, when we start preparing for the final, I hope that he's in training with us. But he's the only one who can't play. All others are fit."

Pushed for an answer on Wharton's chances of returning to full fitness for the FA Cup final against Man City on May 17, Glasner added: "I think, for me, it's 90% that he can play.

"Things can happen, but Sunday at Tottenham it's too early."

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Ange Postecoglou says critics 'fearing' a Tottenham Europa League win

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Ange Postecoglou says critics 'fearing' a Tottenham Europa League win - Sky Sports
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Ange Postecoglou hit out at Tottenham's critics, saying they are trying to diminish the team's achievements because they fear Spurs will win the Europa League.

Spurs beat Bodo/Glimt 5-1 on aggregate to set up an all-English final with Manchester United in Bilbao on May 21.

For both sides the final offers the chance to celebrate at the end of difficult seasons. Spurs and United are languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League but would qualify for the Champions League with a Europa League triumph.

Report: Bodo/Glimt 0-2 Tottenham (agg 1-5)

As it happened from Norway | Teams | Stats

When is the Europa League final in Bilbao?

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United boss Ruben Amorim said that would still not make his side's season a success but Postecoglou tore into his detractors when that quote was put to him and said it would be "massive" for Spurs to lift the trophy and end their 17-year wait for silverware.

"Why do I care what Manchester United think? Ask the Manchester United manager why he says that. I've said all along this is important," said Postecoglou.

"What's happening right now is people are fearing that. That it actually might happen. And let's see if we can tear it down and diminish it somehow by saying it's been a poor season and we don't deserve this or that and comparing us to Manchester United.

"Maybe if we'd had Manchester United's success I'd have a different view.

"But I came into this role...I could have been sitting here in fifth position and I guarantee the commentary would have been: 'That's great Ange but this club needs to win something.'

"Of course it's massive. You have to frame it against what this club has been through over the last 15-20 years, what the supporters have been through. Manchester United have got their own journey. Maybe if they go 15 years without winning something they'll change their own perspective as well."

When asked about a Europa League win also earning Spurs a place in the Champions League, Postecoglou said: "That's going to upset a lot of people, isn't it?

"There will be debates now raging. I've heard the latest one is that neither of us will be able to get a trophy if we win, just take a team photo because we're not worthy.

"Who cares if we're struggling in the league? Why is that important when...as if it's so easy to get to a final - then why doesn't everyone that finishes in the top three do it? It's a separate thing. It's got nothing to do with league form.

"We understand our league form hasn't been great. We understand the struggles we've had. A lot of them are because of the situation we've been in. But how that diminishes the achievement of getting to a final...

"This club and others have finished first, second or third in the Premier League and haven't made finals. I couldn't care less. I think both us and Manchester United have earned the right to be there. I think we've beaten teams who probably will be in the Champions League next year on our road to getting there.

"I'm looking forward to it, it should be a great game."

Spurs had just 31 per cent possession on Thursday night as they played a more conservative game to limit a Bodo/Glimt side which has an outstanding record on their home artificial pitch. The tactic paid off, with Spurs winning 2-0 on the night.

Asked if he was pleased with the way his team adapted their game, Postecoglou said: "I love winning. That's all I've done my whole career. People are dismissive of it, that's fine.

"I love winning and I love the way the boys clearly understood what we needed to do tonight."

Ange gives passionate dressing room speech after reaching EL final

After the win in Norway, Tottenham released dressing room footage of Postecoglou giving a passionate speech.

The Australian said: "What you've gone through this year, let me tell you, I've been in this game a long time and I've experienced it all, but I'm so proud of how all of you have just stuck together.

"Not one time have I felt like people are not believing or have lost what we have in here - it's just outstanding. People will never realise what it's taken for you guys to be in this position, and you deserve all of the credit for that, that's unbelievable what you've done.

"To come to this difficult place, win comfortably, but the whole time through all the things we've had to deal with.

"There's people who aren't with us today who are back home - Fraser's (Forster) played a big part, Sonny's (Heung-Min Son) played a big part, there's Madders (James Maddison), Lucas (Bergvall), Radu (Dragusin), they've all played a big part. Everyone's contributed and that's the main thing that's got us to this point.

"Yeah, we've had problems for sure, but we've stuck together and you deserve it.

"Now we've got just under two weeks to prepare. Every day's important, every training session, every game we have between now and then is about getting ready for that big game.

"Well you can change things. You saw what you did - 400 supporters here today, they'll never forget it, and there's thousands back home and you can make it something really special.

"I keep saying to you, this is the group of players that are going to do it. So we focus on that for now but you deserve all of the credit. You've been outstanding."

When is the Europa League final?

Tottenham will face Man Utd in the Europa League final.

It takes place at the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, Spain on Wednesday May 21; kick-off 8pm.

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