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Let's face it, everyone on the planet thinks Aston Villa will win this - the same way everyone will expect Chelsea to beat Manchester United in Friday's other game.

The way both Tottenham and United are approaching next week's Europa League final, they are just gripped with fear. It has become like a World Cup final for both clubs.

Both managers will make lots of changes for their matches on Friday, because they are so afraid of injuries to key players but I just don't think that is the way to approach Wednesday's game in Bilbao.

Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou does not want anyone to get injured but the flip side to leaving key people out is that you want to go into a big game with a bit of momentum, and Tottenham do not have any.

I put myself in a position of a Spurs player, and if I am Micky van de Ven or Cristian Romero, I would want to play against Villa and I would want to take that risk.

But what Postecoglou is scared of, naturally, is if something happens to one of them, because then he would be asked 'why on earth did you do that?'

So, we know what he will do and, because of that, you can't make a case for Tottenham beating Villa, or getting anything at all from this game.

On the face of it, things have turned out pretty well for Villa haven't they? Last summer they would have looked at their last two games of the season - Spurs at home on Friday and United away next weekend - and thought that is very tough.

Now, though, they must be rubbing their hands. They are fighting for a top-five finish and they finish up with two games against teams whose focus this week is completely on an all together different prize.

Sutton's prediction: 2-0

Ange Postecoglou has signalled he will rest key players when Tottenham play Aston Villa on Friday as he "can't afford to lose another" to injury with the Europa League final less than a week away.

Midfielder Dejan Kulusevski has become the latest first-team regular to suffer an injury that will rule him out of Wednesday's final in Bilbao against Manchester United.

Fellow midfielders Lucas Bergvall and James Maddison are both also set to miss the final, while defender Radu Dragusin is a long-term injury absentee after suffering a serious knee injury in February.

Head coach Postecoglou rested several players against Crystal Palace last weekend.

Plans to field his strongest side against Villa to "sharpen up" for the Bilbao trip may now have to be scrapped.

"The reality of our existence at the moment is we can't lose another player to an injury," Postecoglou said. "It's just too finely balanced for us considering what's at stake.

"Look, in a normal world you use this to be sharpening up, but we're not living in a normal world.

"Even with the best planning we're still getting hit with these setbacks. From my perspective I've got to take that into account when considering the [Aston Villa] game."

He may take the opportunity to try new combinations in midfield.

"We've always had to try to find creative ways to cover the absences we've had and we'll find a way to do that again," Postecoglou said.

"There's obviously a few players who will play [on Friday] who haven't played regularly or a lot lately who will get an opportunity."

Spurs are 17th in the Premier League table - one place above the relegation zone but out of danger, and one behind United in 16th.

Both Europa League final sides have endured dismal domestic league campaigns but the winner next Wednesday will qualify for next season's Champions League.

Tottenham have not won a trophy since lifting the League Cup in 2008.

Tottenham captain Son Heung-min has filed a criminal complaint with the South Korean police for being the victim of an alleged blackmail plot after it was reported that a woman threatened him with a false pregnancy claim.

Gangnam Police Station in southern Seoul said it had detained a woman in her 20s and a man in his 40s on suspicion of extortion and attempted extortion, South Korean news agency Yonhap reported., external

The woman is alleged to have approached Son last year, claiming she was carrying his child. She reportedly demanded money to stay silent.

The man then allegedly followed up with him in March, trying to get money.

Son's agency said in a statement that the South Korea captain is the "clear victim in this case".

'I will put a team out I think will do it's best to win'

Aston Villa v Tottenham (Fri, 19:30 BST)

Tottenham Hotspur

Ange Postecoglou on whether he will rest players against Aston Villa, considering Tottenham play in the Europa League final on Wednesday: "No, we are are certainly going to go out there to try to win the game tomorrow and put out a team that hopefully gets that job done."

On whether he was worried about protecting the integrity of the Champions League race: "I'm not sure about the integrity. There have been times this year when we have had to field weakened teams because of injury. Does that affect integrity? So, if people are thinking there is some sort of competitive balance that exists or doesn't exist over the course of a season, I would be very surprised if people were questioning our integrity to try and win a game of football tomorrow.

"I will put a team out that I think will do its best to win a game of football, yes."

Postecoglou on injuries and bad luck

Aston Villa v Tottenham (Fri, 19:30 BST)

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou on his side's luck with injuries: "It's just reflective and consistent with everything else that has happened this season. We just haven't had a smooth run of things. Every time we look like we are getting to a place where we are looking in decent shape squad-wise, invariably we have been hit.

"The last few weeks again, it's just circumstances that have happened probably in the one area of the park."

The news on Dejan Kulusevski followed a season-ending injury for playmaker James Maddison.

Kulusevski knee 'blew up the next day'

Aston Villa v Tottenham (Fri, 19:30 BST)

Tottenham Hotspur

Ange Postecoglou on Dejan Kulusevski being out for a "few months": "Disappointing news. Initially we kind of thought it wasn't too serious. The medical team were worried about structurally how the knee was but it seemed good. It kind of blew up the day after and we knew there was an issue there.

"He's had surgery and it will put him out for at least a few months."

On whether he will be OK for the start of next season?: "We'll see. I only have basic information at the moment in terms of recovery, but it will certainly put him out for a while."

Kulusevski to miss season finale after knee surgery

Aston Villa v Tottenham (Fri, 19:30 BST)

Tottenham Hotspur

Ange Postecoglou will definitely be asked about Dejan Kulusevski

Tottenham confirmed on Wednesday that the Sweden international will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery on his right knee.

The 25-year-old winger was forced off in the 19th minute of Spurs' defeat at home to Crystal Palace on Sunday.

"We can confirm that Dejan Kulusevski suffered an injury to his right patella in our Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace last weekend," a Tottenham statement read.

"Following further specialist consultation, the midfielder has undergone surgery today (Wednesday) and will commence his rehabilitation with our medical staff immediately."

Phil McNulty Q&A: 'Not for me to tell fans how to react or how to feel'

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer

Adam: On Trent Alexander-Arnold, and some of the fans' reaction last Sunday. I think It was embarrassing for LFC and whatever happened to “You'll Never Walk Alone”! Also, Arne Slot should take some responsibility, as he was commenting last week that the fans will react however they will. Why didn’t he show respect to TAA and say to the fans that he has shown excellent loyalty after being here 20 years and has won everything there is to win? Those Liverpool fans who booed are an embarrassment to the club. What are your thoughts on this subject? Thank you, as always.

Phil: I was surprised at how angry the reaction towards Trent Alexander-Arnold was, but I am very much of the view that it is not for me to tell fans how to react or how to feel. They are allowed to show their emotions and no laws were broken.

This is a very emotive issue, the local boy who has won everything leaving for a Champions League rival in Real Madrid on a free transfer, so fans will react in their own different ways, and clearly lots of Liverpool fans felt betrayed.

What must not be forgotten is what a magnificent player Trent Alexander-Arnold has been for Liverpool and how he has helped them claim all the major prizes.

Perhaps, in time, the decision he has taken will be viewed more kindly by those who showed their disapproval at Anfield.

People have questioned Slot's decision to put him on as a substitute, but his job is to make decisions he believes will win football matches for Liverpool, not be influenced by outside considerations

Phil McNulty Q&A: Have Liverpool taken the foot off the gas?

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer

Anon: Hey Phil, I’m a Liverpool fan. Pleased with our title win! Question is when the title is over and won with multiple games left what’s best for the team? Ease off, relax and enjoy the rest of the season and start the rest prior to the title defence next season, or push and aim to win the remaining games and keep a winning mentality?

Phil: Arne Slot’s preference is to win the remaining games and maintain that mentality, but players are only human and it is easier said than done to keep the levels of intensity high when the job is done and the first round of celebrations are over.

In the perfect world, Liverpool’s players would carry on as normal, but a drop off is understandable given the physical and mental efforts they have put in.

Phil McNulty Q&A: Liverpool in 'great position to do strong business this summer'

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer

Michael: Hi Phil. How much money do you think Liverpool will have to spend this summer and who do you think they will buy?

Phil: Hi, Michael. I wouldn’t hazard a guess on the exact figure, but given Liverpool pretty much kept their powder dry last summer, I think they are in a great position to do strong business this summer.

I think the priorities will be a left-back, perhaps Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez, and a striker. I also think they will be in the market for a central defender should all the cards fall in the right place and they have enough money to pursue the right option. What a position Liverpool are in. Champions and with the power to add.

Injured midfielder Dejan Kulusevski is the latest Tottenham player to be ruled out of their Europa League final against Manchester United.

The Sweden international has undergone surgery on his right knee and will miss the remainder of the season after he was forced off in the 19th minute of Spurs' 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on Sunday.

The 25-year-old, who has scored 10 goals and added 11 assists from 50 appearances in all competitions this season, joins fellow midfielders James Maddison (knee) and Lucas Bergvall (ankle) on Spurs' injury list for the showpiece in Bilbao on 21 May.

"We can confirm that Dejan Kulusevski suffered an injury to his right patella in our Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace last weekend," a Tottenham statement read., external

"Following further specialist consultation, the midfielder has undergone surgery today (Wednesday) and will commence his rehabilitation with our medical staff immediately."

Recap: Man Utd's media day

That's all from us today.

If you missed Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim speaking to the media, check out his quotes below.

Environment is "different" for Europa League matches, Amorim says

Amorim adds: "I understand the problems" with the team

Injury update: "We are going to try to push."

The page is also full of United content before their Europa League final against Tottenham on 21 May.

Catch you soon.

Injury update

Tottenham v Man Utd (Wed, 21 May, 20:00 BST)

Manchester United

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim on players returning from injury: "I don't know if they are going to be available [for the Europa League final]. We are going to try to push.

"All the players want to play that [Europa League final] really bad. They will not go to Chelsea."

Manchester United's injured players who could possibly return for the Europa League final: Matthijs de Ligt, Diogo Dalot, Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven.

'You have to win the final'

Tottenham v Man Utd (Wed, 21 May, 20:00 BST)

Manchester United

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim on using his playing days as a preparation for this final as Amorim was a runner-up in the Europa League:

"No, it's just that feeling that I played the final as a player but I lost and it doesn't matter. You will never say that I was a finalist. You have to win the final, no matter what. The feeling is going to be - what a waste of time, and the pain will be tougher in the final. My message to the players - we need to win it or else it doesn't matter."

'It would be massive for us'

Tottenham v Man Utd (Wed, 21 May, 20:00 BST)

Manchester United

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim on whether he has spoken to former United Europa League-winning boss Jose Mourinho: "No, about this final, no. He has a big job in Fenerbahce.

"Again, it would be massive for us to win something, to give something to the fans."

'In these kind of games, they are prepared'

Tottenham v Man Utd (Wed, 21 May, 20:00 BST)

Manchester United

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim on backing his players for the final:

"It's a thing of our players also, and they've proved in the past that in these kind of games, they are prepared to do that. So we will be prepared for the game."

'I understand the problems'

Tottenham v Man Utd (Wed, 21 May, 20:00 BST)

Manchester United

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim on his side's poor form: "Since I arrived I was always talking about standards. I have a clear idea of what to do - I understand the problems of the team.

"We need to perform or else they [Man Utd's board] will change us. That is a normal thing. That was my feeling, and it's still my feeling today.

"I'm the manager of this big club. Even if it's a pre-season match, we need to win."

'Champions League is more important'

Tottenham v Man Utd (Wed, 21 May, 20:00 BST)

Manchester United

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim on gaining Champions League qualification or winning a trophy:

"Personally for me, Champions League is more important, for everything, to prepare the next season, and we are supposed to be in the Champions League, Europa League here is not enough and you feel it here. This is the best way to help us to get to the top."

Amorim on the morale being 'different' in Europa League

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Manchester United

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim on the morale within the club including the players and staff:

"A final is different. This season has been really difficult on everyone - the results and also the change in the staff and you can feel it in our club.

"We are addressing that during the season, we are changing the way we play during the season, we have so many bad results in the Premier League.

"The environment is different at the moment but I guarantee you when we are preparing a game in the Europa League, the environment is a little bit different, then you can feel the excitement."

'Everybody wants the staff there'

Tottenham v Man Utd (Wed, 21 May, 20:00 BST)

Manchester United

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim: "You know that we have a lot of things - people leaving, a lot of changing in the staff.

"In this moment for our club sometimes it is hard to understand when to give and when to take.

"It is complicated for the club to start giving to other members of staff - it is a really hard position."

On Amorim offering to pay for backroom staff at Manchester United to attend the Europa League final: "My reaction was to help.

"Then we talk to the players and the players had the same reaction - everybody wants the staff there and their families there."

'I don't want to risk Dalot'

Tottenham v Man Utd (Wed, 21 May - 20:00 BST)

Manchester United

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has given an update on Diogo Dalot's availability for the Europa League final:

"I don't want to risk Dalot, once you get one injury and the second injury, it's a big thing. He is working really hard to make the final."

Amorim avoids 'new manager bounce'

How does Ruben Amorim compare to new Premier League managers this season?

Only Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ivan Juric sit below Amorim with the least amount of points-per-game. Van Nistelrooy, who left his interim role at Manchester United to join Leicester, has already seen his side relegated.

Ivan Juric joined Southampton in December 2024 and has already departed the Saints after the club reached an agreement with the Croatian to leave following their relegation to the Championship.

Under Amorim, Man Utd have lost a total of 13 Premier League games out of 25 matches. Compared to Amorim, Juric faced 14 Premier League games and lost 12.

It's worth noting that Vitor Pereira joined Wolves when they sat second from the bottom, having won two games out of their opening 16 games.

Pereira has a 50% win record in the Premier League and has guided the club to safety for another year of Premier League football.

That's what they call the 'new manager bounce'.

Young talents can compete for Asia tour spots

Simon Stone

BBC Sport chief football news reporter

Manchester United's young players will remain in training for the next fortnight and could be drafted into Ruben Amorim's squad for the post-season trip to Asia up to the moment the plane leaves on 25 May.

United are committed to having a strong squad with them for matches in Malaysia and Hong Kong.

Club officials have confirmed, injury-permitting , even United's international players are expected to be with them despite the fact some of them have key international matches four days after returning to Manchester, with the South American contingent having World Cup qualifiers on 5 June.

Defenders Harry Amass and Tyler Fredricson, plus striker Chido Obi, have all featured regularly in Amorim's recent senior squads.

Jaydan Kamason and Bendito Mantato were both on the bench for the Europa League semi-final against Athletic Bilbao, when clubs are allowed to name 12 substitutes.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven spoke to the media at an event to preview the Europa League final: "We played unbelievable games to reach the final but it's one game away from the trophy and we want to win the trophy at the end. No one is going to talk about how you reach the final and of course we want to win it. It's going to be difficult but we are going to do everything for it. We can do it.

"The build up will be the same but the feeling is different - it's a final.

"I wouldn't say it's an advantage (playing Manchester United). Those were games in the past. This is a final and in a final anything can happen. We won three times against them, hopefully we can do the same thing for the final.

"The gaffer made sure we stayed together at all times. It's been a tough season, everybody was doubting us, now we've proved them wrong - we reached the final. And the gaffer is believing in us every time over and over again and you can see that. Off the pitch and on the pitch, we are a tight group and we want to make sure that we can bring this trophy home."

Tottenham Hotspur winger Brennan Johnson spoke to the media to look towards the Europa League final: "It's been a rollercoaster I think. It's been some good highs and obviously some disappointments. We have probably lacked a bit of consistency. But where we are now going into the final, if you offered that at the start of the season, we'd be really excited by that.

"For me its about trying to win games and try to be successful because that's where I know this team can be and I feel like last season, we had that consistency more and that's why we were able to finish a lot higher in the league.

"I'm confident. We have to do everything right we can now to prepare for the game and it's down to us. It's about how we perform on the pitch.

"It'd be a dream come true. I think I have had some good moments in my career at the moment but a European trophy would be unbelievable and I'm sure a lot of the lads would say the same thing. It's a special game to be involved in but now it's about mentally and physically preparing for what's to come."

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Aston Villa have won three of their last five Premier League games against Tottenham, though they have lost the last two. It’s more victories than they managed in their previous 21 against Spurs (W2 D3 L16).

Only against Man City (12) have Tottenham won more Premier League away games than they have against Aston Villa (11), with Spurs winning eight of their last nine at Villa Park (L1).

Aston Villa have lost 4-0 and 4-1 in their last two Premier League games against Tottenham – only against Everton (1891) and Blackburn (1935-1936) have they conceded 4+ in three consecutive league games against an opponent.

Aston Villa are unbeaten in their last 20 home games in all competitions (W14 D6), with the Villans last having a longer run between September 1976 and May 1977 (24).

Tottenham have won their final away league game in each of the last four campaigns, averaging four goals per game in these matches. However, their last such defeat came the last time their final away game wasn’t their overall final match of the season (0-1 v Bournemouth in 2018-19).

Since the start of March, only Newcastle (22) have earned more points in the Premier League than Aston Villa (21), with the Villans winning seven of their eight matches in that time (L1).

Tottenham have lost 24 games in all competitions this season, their second highest number of defeats in a single campaign in their history after 1991-92 (25).

Tottenham have won just one of their last 10 Premier League games (D2 L7), beating bottom side Southampton 3-1 in April. They’ve conceded in each of their last 11 league games, their longest run without a clean sheet since a run of 17 between August and December 2010.

Ollie Watkins scored his 75th Premier League goal last time out against Bournemouth, becoming Aston Villa’s highest goalscorer in the competition. He’s looking to score 10 home goals in the same top-flight season for the first time (currently 9), though none of his three goals against Spurs have come at Villa Park.

Tottenham striker Dominic Solanke has applied more pressures (1,198) and made more off the ball runs into the opposition box (290) than any other player in the Premier League this season.