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First Half: West Ham 0-0 Southampton

Teams | Stats | Hammers could move above rivals Spurs; Saints already down

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Live Premier League table | Sky Bet | Club blogs: West Ham | Southampton

Commentary by Declan Olley at London Stadium

West Ham 0-0 Southampton

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Here come the teams!

The two sets of players emerge from the London Stadium tunnel, with kick-off to come shortly.

Team news reminder

West Ham: Areola; Coufal, Kilman, Todibo, Emerson; Ward-Prowse, Soler, Paqueta; Bowen, Fullkrug, Kudus.

Subs: Fabianski, Cresswell, Mavropanos, Rodriguez, Guilherme, Soucek, Ferguson, Irving, Scarles.

Southampton: Ramsdale; Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Stephens; Walker-Peters, Fernandes, Ugochukwu, Downes, Manning; Sulemana, Onuachu.

Subs: McCarthy, Bree, Wood, Welington, Smallbone, Aribo, Dibling, Stewart, Archer.

Referee Kitchen takes charge of first PL game

There is a debut at the London Stadium today.

The game will be refereed by Andrew Kitchen, who will be taking charge of a Premier League fixture for the first time in his career.

Pre-match stats and facts...

West Ham have lost just one of their last 12 Premier League games against Southampton (W8 D3), going down 3-2 at home in December 2021.

Southampton have lost 26 of their 32 Premier League matches this season, the most they’ve ever lost in a league campaign in their history. Their current loss percentage of 81% is the highest by any side in a top-flight season in history.

Since Graham Potter’s first Premier League game in charge of West Ham (January 14th), only Southampton (111) and Leicester (112) have attempted fewer shots than the Hammers (114). Indeed, only Leicester (33) have registered fewer shots on target than Potter’s side (34) in the same period.

West Ham are 17th in the Premier League and this is the lowest position in the table they’ll be heading into a game as late as this (33rd game) in a season since the final day of the 2010-11 season, when they were 20th and relegated.

As of the day of this game, Southampton will have spent 170 days bottom of the Premier League this season, their most in a single season. Across their last two seasons, they’ve spent 60% of their time in the Premier League in 20th spot (324 days out of 544, as of 19 April).

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West Ham transfer news, rumours and gossip: Live updates and latest on deals, signings, loans and contracts

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Southampton transfers, latest news, rumours and gossip: Live updates, goals and highlights

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West Ham aiming to move above rivals Spurs...

West Ham are aiming to end a five-game winless run, with boss Graham Potter yet to have lift off in his reign.

Since taking charge in January, only the bottom three – Southampton, Leicester and Ipswich – have picked up fewer points than the Hammers.

A much-needed victory, though, could lift them up to 15th above London rivals Tottenham - and that would put a smile on the faces of Hammers fans.

Can Saints surpass Derby's lowest-ever PL points tally?

Already-relegated Southampton can avoid finishing with the lowest points total in Premier League history with a win atWest Ham.

Just a third league victory of the season for bottom-side Saints at the London Stadium would see them surpass Derby County's lowest-record points tally of 11 set in 2007/08.

But defeat for Saints, who are led by interim boss Simon Rusk, would be the 27th of the season and extend their winless run to 10 games in all competitions.

Potter hoping Ward-Prowse can break Beckham's record

Graham Potter is hoping a bit of "football karma" will help James Ward-Prowse finally move alongside David Beckham as a Premier League record holder.

Ward-Prowse's tally of 17 goals direct from free-kicks is just one shy of Beckham's top-flight record of 18.

Unfortunately, Ward-Prowse has yet to score one for West Ham, with his last successful effort coming for Southampton against Potter's Chelsea side more than two years ago.

The 30-year-old midfielder starts against his former club this afternoon with Hammers boss Potter fancying him to end his drought.

"James will be the first to say it's not about him and the record, although we hope that he can get it," Potter said at his pre-match press conference.

"It would be nice for us if there was a bit of football karma and he gets it on Saturday against Southampton."

Last time out: Defeat for both West Ham and Saints

West Ham and Southampton both suffered defeats last weekend, with the Hammers losing 2-1 at Liverpool while Saints were beaten 3-0 at home by Aston Villa.

PL Predicitions: West Ham to ease past Saints

Sky Sports' tipster Lewis Jones:

Southampton have conceded 2.9 goals per game across their last 14 Premier League, shipping three or more goals on 10 of those occasions. History also tells us when relegation is confirmed the goals continue to flow against that relegated team. Teams that play a Premier League match officially relegated have conceded 2.4 goals per game across the last 25 games.

All West Ham angles are very much live then and Mohamed Kudus to score at 2/1 with Sky Bet jumped out. He has yet to find the net since Graham Potter took over - not without the want of trying having had 22 shots in his 12 starts to an expected goals figure of 2.73, including hitting the crossbar at Anfield last weekend. A goal is coming.

SCORE PREDICTION: 3-0

Premier League Predictions, odds and best bets: More away day woe for cold Chelsea, Liverpool to take step closer to Premier League title

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West Ham change three as Fullkrug starts

West Ham boss Graham Potter has made three changes from last weekend's defeat at Premier League leaders Liverpool.

Striker Niclas Fullkrug is handed just his fourth league start since arriving last summer.

But there is an injury blow for the Hammers, with defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka missing out on the matchday squad entirely after needing an injection in a toe injury.

He is replaced in the starting line-up by Vladimir Coufal, with Emerson Palmieri coming in at left-back as Potter switches to a back four.

Konstantinos Mavropanos and Ollie Scarles both drop to the bench.

Downes returns from suspension to start for Saints

Southampton have made one change from last weekend's home defeat against Aston Villa.

Flynn Downes returns to the starting line-up against his former club after serving a two-match ban for picking up 10 yellow cards.

He replaces the benched Cameron Archer.

An injury boost for Saints, with striker Paul Onuachu passing a late fitness test to start.

West Ham team news - No Wan-Bissaka as Fullkrug starts

West Ham: Areola; Coufal, Kilman, Todibo, Emerson; Ward-Prowse, Soler, Paqueta; Bowen, Fullkrug, Kudus.

Subs: Fabianski, Cresswell, Mavropanos, Rodriguez, Guilherme, Soucek, Ferguson, Irving, Scarles.

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Southampton team news - Downes and Onuachu start

Southampton: Ramsdale; Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Stephens; Walker-Peters, Fernandes, Ugochukwu, Downes, Manning; Sulemana, Onuachu.

Subs: McCarthy, Bree, Wood, Welington, Smallbone, Aribo, Dibling, Stewart, Archer.

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Team news in FIVE minutes!

Team news from the London Stadium will be dropping in just five minutes!

Will West Ham defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka be fit enough to start after a toe injury?

Could Southampton midfielder Flynn Downes face his former club after returning from suspension? And will striker Paul Onuachu pass a late fitness test?

We'll bring the teams to you at 1.45pm...

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Good afternoon!

Already-relegated Southampton could avoid finishing with the lowest points total in Premier League history with a win at West Ham this afternoon.

Just a third league victory of the season for bottom-side Saints at the London Stadium would see them surpass Derby County's lowest-record points tally of 11 set in 2007/08.

But defeat for Saints, who are led by interim boss Simon Rusk, would be the 27th of the season and extend their winless run to 10 games in all competitions.

Their opponents West Ham are aiming to end a five-game winless run, with boss Graham Potter yet to have lift off.

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Since taking charge in January, only the bottom three – Southampton, Leicester and Ipswich – have picked up fewer points than the Hammers.

A much-needed victory, though, could lift them up to 15th above London rivals Tottenham - and that would put a smile on the faces of Hammers fans.

We'll bring you all the build-up, including the all-important team news at 1.45pm, with kick-off at 3pm.

Stay tuned...

Brentford 0-0 Brighton

Brentford 0-0 Brighton

Brentford 0-0 Brighton

Here come the teams!

Lovely day for it. The sun is beaming down in west London.

These two clubs have met in each of the top four divisions of English football since 1999 – they played in League One as recently as 2011.

Two success stories on show here...

How they shape up...

Jones Knows: Back a Bees win

Sky Sports' betting expert Lewis Jones:

"It's the football betting guru derby. My kind of derby.

"Brighton owner Tony Bloom and Brentford head honcho Matthew Benham both made their fortunes beating the betting markets using ahead-of-their-time models and have now built two of the best-run football empires in the world.

"Brighton and Bloom usually get major decisions right but their season is petering out under Fabian Hurzeler, who must be coming under pressure based on the high expectations at the club. An FA Cup quarter-final exit and four games without a win in the Premier League, meaning hopes of European football next season are now slim to none, is shining a bit of a spotlight on the manager.

"The 2-2 with Leicester was another lacklustre performance at home - meaning they will end the season having not beaten Ipswich, Southampton or Leicester at the Amex. Playing away should help them here but Brentford, as competitive and tough to beat as they've ever been under Thomas Frank, look the bet at 6/4 with Sky Bet."

SCORE PREDICTION: 3-1 | JONES KNOWS' BEST BET: Brentford to beat Brighton (6/4 with Sky Bet)

Premier League Predictions, odds and best bets: More away day woe for cold Chelsea, Liverpool to take step closer to Premier League title

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Are Brighton still in Euro hunt?

Sky Sports' Lewis Jones at the Gtech:

"A top-eight finish MIGHT be enough for Conference League but that's reliant on a few factors, mostly involving Manchester City or Aston Villa winning the FA Cup.

"I think Brighton internally were hoping for a bit more than that this season judged by their net spend and ambitious owner.

"It's a season in danger of petering out."

WATCH: Brighton 2-2 Leicester

This was a blow for Leicester, failing to beat Leicester City at home.

WATCH: Arsenal 1-1 Brentford

Yoane Wissa struck a leveller for Brentford at Arsenal last weekend.

Brighton's xG still trending high...

Sky Sports' Lewis Jones at the Gtech:

"For a club that put so much emphasis on the data behind performances, the Brighton hierarchy will point to the expected goals data from their last eight matches. No team in the Premier League have a higher xG per 90 than Brighton over that timeframe, coming in at 2.15 per match. It's a bulky figure and maybe suggests this team are still doing plenty right despite an iffy run."

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Over 50% of Super 6 players believe Brentford will finally pick up a home win against an out-of-form Brighton.

Two teams who could do with a win, but 300,000 Super 6 players are backing Brentford to win 2-1.

Kayode makes full Bees debut

Sky Sports' Lewis Jones at the Gtech:

"Michael Kayode, signed from Fiorentina in January, makes his first Brentford start after impressing in recent cameo appearances. He's a real livewire from full-back. Also, Yehor Yarmolyuk gets a start in midfield.

"For Brighton, Mats Wieffer makes his first start since December 21 after a frustrating season since joining in the summer. Carlos Baleba moves back into midfield with the return of Jan Paul van Hecke after suspension."

Brighton team news

Team to play Brentford: Verbruggen, Hinshelwood, Van Hecke, Dunk, Estupinan, Baleba, Wieffer, Minteh, O'Riley, Joao Pedro, Welbeck

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Brentford team news

Team to play Brighton: Flekken, Kayode, Van Den Berg, Collins, Lewis-Potter, Norgaard, Yarmoliuk, Damsgaard, Schade, Mbeumo, Wissa

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Hello and welcome!

Sky Sports’ Lewis Jones at the Gtech:

"Always a pleasure to be at this unique, atmospheric ground.

"This place is usually a place to watch the home side win football matches. The connection between the club and fans is one of the best in the Premier League.

"However, Brentford haven’t won at home since December. The fixture list has been tough in fairness and there’s obviously no crisis talks but the home fans will want something to cheer this afternoon. Should be a fun fixture with Brighton in town."

Mitoma and Van Hecke to return vs Brentford

Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma will be available to face Brentford, while Jan Paul van Hecke also returns following his suspension.

Seagulls boss Fabian Hurzeler there was a chance that Ferdi Kadioglu and James Milner could be available before the end of the season.

"A few players [Igor, Tariq Lamptey, Joel Veltman] will be stepping up their rehab next week, so the message is positive," he said.

"We are positive that they will be back with the squad so they can help us on the pitch."

Hickey edges closer to return for Brentford

Brentford boss Thomas Frank has revealed Aaron Hickey is close to a comeback after a 20-month injury absence.

Scotland full-back Hickey has been sidelined since August 2023 due to a hamstring injury which required two operations.

The 22-year-old, who recently signed a new three-year contract, has got some B-team games under his belt and could return before the end of the season.

Frank was for once able to give a fitness update ahead of Saturday's visit of Brighton.

Brazilian striker Igor Thiago, who missed the first three months of the season with a knee injury and has been out since December with a joint infection, is also nearly back in contention.

Meanwhile, Rico Henry, Mathias Jensen and Gustavo Nunes got run-outs for the B team in a 1-1 draw with Sheffield Wednesday on Monday.

"Everyone is available that was available last week," said Frank at his pre-match press conference.

"A few players got some valuable minutes playing on Monday - Rico, Mathias and Gustavo, among others.

"Also, Igor Thiago is getting closer and Aaron Hickey is getting closer, so it all looks good."

First Half: Everton 0-0 Manchester City

Man City make four changes View post | Everton unchanged View post

Man City aiming to leapfrog fourth-placed Forest with win

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Everton 0-0 Manchester City

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They'll be available here in the match blog as well as in our match reports, so don't move a muscle.

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Team news reminder

Everton: Pickford, O'Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko, Gana, Garner, Doucoure, Harrsion, Ndiaye, Broja.

Subs: Virginia, Patterson, Keane, McNeil, Beto, Young, Coleman, Alcaraz, Iroegbaunam

Man City: Ortega Moreno, Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly, Nico, Gundogan, De Bruyne, Savinho, Bernardo, Marmoush

Subs: Carson, Kovacic, Grealish, Doku, Akanji, Khusanov, Foden, Lewis, McAtee

The race for Champions League will hot up this weekend

Three points for Manchester City will see Pep Guardiola's side move above Nottingham Forest, and within a point of third-place Newcastle, who take on Aston Villa, live on Sky, later on this afternoon.

Live Premier League table

Defeat for the current holders of the Premier League would open the door for them to drop to as low as 7th by the end of the Easter weekend should Villa and Chelsea find victories this weekend.

More De Bruyne magic to come?

Kevin De Bruyne’s had a hand in six goals in his last six Premier League starts (1 goal, 5 assists).

He’s scored and assisted in 28 games for City, with only Mohamed Salah for Liverpool (41), Wayne Rooney for Man Utd (35) and Thierry Henry for Arsenal (32) doing so more often for a single club.

Moyes record vs Man City

David Moyes is winless in his last 15 Premier League meetings with City (D2 L13).

However, as Everton manager, he only won more league games against Fulham (14) than he did against City (12), winning each of his last four against us at Goodison Park.

Last time out: Nottingham Forest 0-1 Everton

LAST-GASP DRAMA! Everton snatch stoppage-time win at Forest.

Last time out: Man City 5-2 Crystal Palace

SEVEN goals, superb comeback and Ederson assist - Man City beat Palace.

Moyes: 'I want to make the club feel better'

Gonzalez: Honour to play at Man City with De Bruyne

Jones Knows: Toffees to provide tough test for Man City

To win games against David Moyes' Everton is a tough task. They have won 21 points from 13 Premier League games since Moyes returned as boss - only five other sides have picked up more in that time. Only Liverpool at Anfield have beaten them in their last 12 games.

Man City will need patience to unlock the door and that may take time which means their shots lines are of interest with Sky Bet.

Pep Guardiola teams against Moyes ones away from home have averaged a whopping 20.5 shots per game across their last eight meetings as Moyes is happy to defend in a low-block and offer up low probability chances to possession-obsessed teams like City.

The Manchester City 17+ total shots line looks achievable at 11/8 with Sky Bet.

SCORE PREDICTION: 1-1

Premier League Predictions, odds and best bets: More away day woe for cold Chelsea, Liverpool to take step closer to Premier League title

Sky Sports

Moyes eyeing more of the same while Pep's hand is forced

Sky Sports' William Bitibiri:

"David Moyes' game planned worked down to the tee as they stole all three points in injury time at Nottingham Forest. As Moyes names the same starting 11, he'll be hoping for more of the same against a Manchester City side that will dominate possession.

"Ederson's injury during City's victory over Crystal Palace means the tried and tested understudy in Stefan Ortega, starts."

Everton unchanged, Foden returns to Man City bench

Everton boss David Moyes has stuck with the same starting eleven that edged Nottingham Forest last time out.

Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola names four changes from the side that completed a comeback win over Crystal Palace last weekend. Stefan Ortega, Matheus Nunes, Savinho and Bernardo Silva coming into the starting eleven in place of Ederson, Rico Lewis, Mateo Kovacic and James McAtee.

Phil Foden is on the bench after missing City's last outing.

Man City team news

Team to face Everton: Ortega Moreno, Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly, Nico, Gundogan, De Bruyne, Savinho, Bernardo, Marmoush

Subs: Carson, Kovacic, Grealish, Doku, Akanji, Khusanov, Foden, Lewis, McAtee

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Everton team news

Team to face Man City: Pickford, O'Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko, Gana, Garner, Doucoure, Harrsion, Ndiaye, Broja.

Subs: Virginia, Patterson, Keane, McNeil, Beto, Young, Coleman, Alcaraz, Iroegbaunam

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Team news in FIVE!

This is your FIVE-minute warning before both managers name their starting lineups for this afternoon!

Early Man City team news

Pep Guardiola confirmed goalkeeper Ederson will miss Manchester City's final trip to Goodison Park, but Phil Foden and Manuel Akanji are pushing to return against Everton.

The City boss also confirmed star striker Erling Haaland will not be ready for "the next games", while defenders Nathan Ake and John Stones are "getting better" but remain absent.

Early Everton team news

Everton’s injury list is shortening ahead of Saturday's visit of Manchester City, with winger Dwight McNeil the latest key name to return after four months out with a knee issue.

Jesper Lindstrom, Orel Mangala, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin remain sidelined.

Predict the score!

We'll have highlights from this one, right here in this blog at 5.15pm, but ahead of kick-off, why not have a try at predicting which way this one will go!

Get your score predictions in!

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Good Afternoon!

Manchester City are at Goodison Park to take on Everton in the Premier League with eyes on strengthening their Champions League qualification credentials.

Pep Guardiola's side take on David Moyes' Everton, who have been steadied since his return to Merseyside and will be in search of their first win against City sice 2017.

Moyes can lean on the Toffees' home form to break the duck, though, as Everton are unbeaten in their last six games at Goodison Park.

Stick with us as we bring you all of the updates from this one, including the team news at 1.45pm!

Highlights from the game will also be available right here in this blog from 5.15pm.

Tottenham kept their hopes of Europa League success alive with a defiant 1-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt to win 2-1 on aggregate and book their place in the semi-final.

They will now face Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in the final four, following their win on penalties against Lazio, in a bid to reach their first European final since the Champions League heartbreak against Liverpool in 2019.

Pressure was ramped up on Ange Postecoglou in the build-up to the game, following a dismal 4-2 loss to Wolves last weekend, with their hopes of European qualification and silverware also hinging on the second leg in Germany.

As it happened | Teams | Match stats

Europa League fixtures

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His side responded to the noise with a stoic defensive performance to keep Frankfurt quiet in the opening stages of the game, before Dominic Solanke's penalty handed his side the advantage in the tie after goalkeeper Kaua Santos crashed into James Maddison just before the interval.

Micky van de Ven, Rodrigo Bentancur and Pedro Porro were all influential on the defensive end to keep the advantage intact, while Guglielmo Viacrio also responded to recent criticism with a stunning save to keep Fares Chaibi's header out from close range.

It was far from a perfect performance offensively but the commitment at the opposite end of the pitch was commendable.

Spurs' season and hopes of ending the 17-year wait for a trophy remain alive and well, but Postecoglou's side will not avoid the spotlight for long, with a tough test against Nottingham Forest, live on Sky Sports, fast approaching on Monday.

Postecoglou: People like to mock but I won't change

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou speaking to TNT Sports:

When asked if the victory would silence the critics, Postecoglou said: "Doubt it! My pleasure comes from seeing this group of players rewarded. They have never lost belief. Super proud of them.

"I will leave that. People like to mock and ridicule. They diminish my achievements, I will keep doing what I do.

"We are in the final four. Semi-final of a Europe competition. We are not often there."

Will Postecoglou's premonition come to fruition?

Sky Sports' Patrick Rowe...

"I always win things in my second year," said Postecoglou at the beginning of the season.

It was a statement that has loomed large over this team for much of the 2024/25 campaign, especially after exits in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

However, with pressure and noise being piled onto them heading into this fixture, they responded and now move one step closer to proving all the critics wrong.

It was a performance that was needed from these players. Questions have been asked of their character, grit and determination throughout this season but this display, at a hostile Deutsche Bank Park, showed all of those qualities in abundance.

They are not there yet but if they play like that for the remainder of the competition, they will be hard to beat.

More to follow...

"Unfortunately, you're going to have to put up with me for a little longer."

A defiant response from Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou in the aftermath of his team booking their place in the Europa League semi-finals thanks to a 1-0 win against Eintracht Frankfurt in the second leg of the quarter-finals.

Dominic Solanke's penalty just before half-time fired Spurs into a 2-1 lead on aggregate, before a stoic defensive performance ensured their progression into the final four of the competition, keeping their hopes of silverware and European qualification alive in the process.

Frankfurt 0-1 Tottenham (Agg: 1-2) - Match report

As it happened | Teams | Match stats

Europa League fixtures

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Pressure had been heaped on the Spurs boss in the build-up to the game, following a dismal 4-2 defeat to Wolves and the season hinging on progressing in Europe, but his team responded with an impressive performance to tee up a meeting with Bodo/Glimt in the semi-finals.

"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 in his press conference.

"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.

"I don't care, it doesn't bother me, it doesn't affect what I do. For me, it's always about the dressing room. Do the players believe? Do the staff believe? That's much more important than what others may make of me."

Spurs face fourth-placed Nottingham Forest, live on Monday Night Football, in their next Premier League fixture.

Postecoglou: Frankfurt victory will not silence critics

Postecoglou also claimed the victory would not silence his critics but bit back at those who "ridicule" his achievements as a manager.

Speaking to TNT Sports when asked whether or not the win could ease the pressure from the outside world, he said: "Doubt it! My pleasure comes from seeing this group of players rewarded. They have never lost belief. Super proud of them.

The Australian head coach was then asked about his "always winning something" in his second season comments from earlier in the campaign, where he continued: "I will leave that. People like to mock and ridicule. They diminish my achievements, I will keep doing what I do.

"We are in the final four. Semi-final of a European competition. We are not often there."

Will Postecoglou's premonition come to fruition?

Sky Sports' Patrick Rowe...

"I always win things in my second year," said Postecoglou at the beginning of the season.

It was a statement that has loomed large over this team for much of the 2024/25 campaign, especially after exits in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

However, with pressure and noise being piled onto them heading into this fixture, they responded and now move one step closer to proving all the critics wrong.

It was a performance that was needed from these players. Questions have been asked of their character, grit and determination throughout this season but this display, at a hostile Deutsche Bank Park, showed all of those qualities in abundance.

They are not there yet but if they play like that for the remainder of the competition, they will be hard to beat.

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Ange Postecoglou faces a date with destiny on Thursday.

Lose the Europa League quarter-final to Eintracht Frankfurt and it will be curtains for the Tottenham boss, believes Jamie Carragher.

"It can't go on any longer," he told Sky Sports News. "I think if they go out to Eintracht Frankfurt, it probably would be a shake of hands and move on to something different for both parties."

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Postecoglou is presiding over potentially Spurs' worst Premier League campaign.

A 17th league defeat of the season on Sunday at Wolves means they are just three losses away from surpassing the club-record of 19 Premier League defeats in the 2003/04 and 1993/94 campaigns.

With a 1.15 points per match average, Spurs are also projected to record their lowest Premier League points tally. If they fail to take seven points from their final six games, including trips to Liverpool and Aston Villa, they will fall short of their 44-point season in 1997/98.

The error-strewn 4-2 defeat at Molineux leaves them a dismal 15th in the table and just two points above 17th-placed West Ham, putting them in danger of their lowest Premier League finish (15th in 1994).

"It's really hard to see and understand how Postecoglou is still in the position as head coach of the football club," Ricky Sacks of the Last Word On Spurs Podcast told Sky Sports News.

"It just seems pure and utter negligence by [Tottenham chairman] Daniel Levy and Co that this guy is still remaining in a job. It's unbelievable."

'Make-or-break for Postecoglou'

The hope of Europa League glory has given Postecoglou a stay of execution for now.

The Australian is being allowed to deliver on his promise of "always winning things in my second year", with Spurs desperate to end their 17-year trophy drought.

But his reign has all come down to Thursday's second leg in Germany, with the last-eight tie finely poised at 1-1 following an encouraging first-leg display in north London.

"It feels like make or break," ex-Arsenal striker Alan Smith told Sky Sports News. "They need a win in Europe to rescue their season and for Postecoglou to maybe save his job.

"Going over to Frankfurt with the fans behind the German team, who are riding high in third in the Bundesliga, that's going to be quite a task for them, and I'm not entirely confident that they've got it in them to handle it."

History suggests not, with Spurs having won just three of their last 14 away matches in Europe. And their form suggests not too, with Tottenham's numbers alarming under Postecoglou.

Only the bottom three clubs - Southampton, Leicester and Ipswich - have lost more league games, have a worse expected goals against and have taken fewer away points than Spurs this season.

In fact, since Tottenham's 4-0 win at Manchester City on November 23, only the bottom three have picked up fewer points than Spurs (18), who have lost 12 out of 20 games since beating Pep Guardiola's side (W5 D3).

It is a run which has seen them lose at home to relegation-threatened Ipswich and Leicester, the latter's victory their only one from their last 18 league games.

Carragher said: "Some of the results we've seen this season - there's been mitigating circumstances in terms of the injuries they've had - but even when they've had their full team, they've not been winning enough games.

"And this is not me just going on this season, if you go back to the first 10 games of last season when they were fantastic and top of the league, from then it's been going on for nearly 18 months with them conceding goals and losing games.

"It's not just turning on the manager really quickly over a poor run of form, this has been going on a long time."

Could EL glory keep Ange in Spurs job?

Twenty-five per cent of Postecoglou's 103 Premier League points were picked up in his 10-game unbeaten start to last season - a period which saw Spurs fans fall in love with the ex-Celtic boss.

Now, many want a break-up, including Sacks.

"His relationship with the supporters is at an all-time low," he said. "There's no real connection there to make you feel he can even win the fans back should he progress to the Europa League semi-finals.

"It just feels that there's been no plan. There's been no sense of any feeling from Daniel Levy that there's any kind of back-up with regards to this season, because during the season, there have been a few times where Tottenham should have and could have changed the manager on multiple occasions and have let this situation play out and play out now.

"This is no disrespect to Ange Postecoglou, but he will go down as one of the worst managers in Spurs' modern history."

On the other hand, Postecoglou could become Spurs' most successful manager of the 21st century with Europa League glory. Could lifting the trophy in Bilbao on May 21 change the 59-year-old's Spurs future?

"Even if Postecoglou somehow miraculously won the Europa League," Sacks said, "I'd find it impossible to feel how he'll be there beyond the summer."

The dilemma will only deepen if Postecoglou comes through his last-chance saloon on Thursday.

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