BBC

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou says he has "got no problem" with James Maddison going to watch darts despite being unable to start a match because of illness.

The England midfielder was meant to start last Sunday's home game against Wolves at 15:00 GMT but was only deemed well enough to be on the bench.

He came on in the 64th minute of their 2-2 draw.

Hours later he was pictured at the World Darts Championship tie between Luke Humphries and Peter Wright at London's Alexandra Palace - along with team-mate Brennan Johnson.

"I've got no problem with the players having lives," said Postecoglou. "It's a lot different trying to play a game of football and living a life. I don't see any problem with that and I don't think it hurt him.

"He wasn't 100% and it was a game where we needed someone to be 100%. He was still well enough to play.

"If he was bed-ridden, didn't turn up to the game and then still went to the darts, there may be an issue there. But I had no issue with that."

Maddison, who celebrates goals by pretending to throw a dart, has scored eight and created five assists in 26 appearances this season.

"I still think the key with Madders is to keep him fit, keep him healthy, keep him sharp and that's by not playing every game, especially with the programme we've got," said Postecoglou.

"When he's played this year his goal tally is strong, he's always impacted the game and that's what we need him to keep doing."

Thomas Tuchel is set to watch his first round of club fixtures as England head coach this week, starting with Tottenham's Premier League match at home to Newcastle on Saturday.

The German, 51, was confirmed as the Three Lions boss in October, replacing Gareth Southgate, before officially starting his role on 1 January.

Tuchel and his team are preparing for England's 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, which starts on 21 March against Albania at Wembley.

Striker Dominic Solanke and midfielder James Maddison are among the England players likely to feature for Spurs, while defender Lewis Hall and winger Anthony Gordon are in line to play for Newcastle.

Meanwhile, Tuchel has added three members to his backroom staff - goalkeeping coach Henrique Hilario, performance coach Nicolas Mayer and analyst James Melbourne.

The trio team up with Tuchel and assistant coach Anthony Barry, who was announced in October, to work alongside existing England senior staff members.

Portugal's Hilario and England's Melbourne join from Chelsea after working with Tuchel at Stamford Bridge in 2021-22.

Frenchman Mayer joins after stints alongside Tuchel at Paris St-Germain and Bayern Munich.

We asked what Tottenham's New Year resolutions should be.

Here are some of your replies:

Thomas: Buy a centre-back ASAP.

Shaun: Buy three or four players minimum to fill the voids left by injury and form.

Toby: Just sign some players to build up the squad depth. This injury crisis is forcing us to play a weakened squad every game. We need more players as soon as possible, maybe some more experienced players since we have lots of good prospects for the future.

Pete: New owners please. It's 24 years of failure with no responsibility taken by the board. Take the money you've made and go now, please.

Frank: So many hamstring injuries - is there something wrong with training or players understanding how to avoid this? A New Year resolution for the medical team should be to sort this out.

Richard: Don't sit on a one-goal lead and buy a good goalkeeper.

It's a game we should've put to bed - Postecoglou. Video, 00:01:35It's a game we should've put to bed - Postecoglou

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'Champions ahead but a few nervy moments'

HT: Leicester 0-1 Man City

Sarah Mulkerrins

BBC Final Score reporter at King Power Stadium

The champions are ahead but there have been a few nervy moments in defence for them. A loose header from Josko Gvardiol needed Stefan Ortega to save from Jamie Vardy to spare his blushes. Facundo Buonanotte also hit the post later on. Leicester are getting chances on the break, and the game is opening up.

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Everton 0-1 Nottm Forest

Everton are plugging away as they try to find an equaliser but their finishing has been lacking so far as Armando Broja sends a header from a cross way off target.

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Everton 0-1 Nottingham Forest

Shamoon Hafez

BBC Sport football news reporter at Goodison Park

That's the 15th time this season Nottingham Forest have scored the opening goal in a game this season.

As it stands, Nuno Espirito Santo's side are up to SECOND in the table.

How is your fitness Fraser Forster

Tottenham 1-1 Wolves

Nizaar Kinsella

BBC Sport football news reporter

Goalkeeper Fraser Forster needed treatment in the 20th minute on his left leg.

That's an injury Spurs can ill-afford to happen with only inexperienced Brandon Austin available on the bench.

Of course, no1 Guglielmo Vicario remains out for a substantial period of time due to surgery on a fractured ankle.

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Crystal Palace 0-1 Southampton

Thanks Chris. That said, Crystal Palace are starting to wake up.

A one-two on the edge of the box sets up Jefferson Lerma whose shot is palmed away by Aaron Ramsdale.

Jan Bednarek then does well to intercept a dangerous cross.

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Everton 0-1 Nottm Forest

Stephen Warnock

Former Premier League defender on Final Score

This scoreline will suit Forest down to the ground. They will shut up shop and Everton will have to come out, giving them the ability to hit Anthony Elanga and Chris Wood on the counter.

'Wood lifts it over the top effortlessly'

Everton 0-1 Nott'm Forest

Pat Nevin

Former Chelsea winger on BBC Radio 5 Live

Anthony Elanga's uses his intelligence and it's a one-two which he has played with Chris Wood.

Wood lifts it over the top effortlessly.

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Crystal Palace 0-1 Southampton

Where has this Southampton side been all season?

Suddenly they look devastating on the counter as a cross falls to James Bree who volleys straight at the keeper.

'Brilliant from Wood'

Everton 0-1 Nottm Forest

Stephen Warnock

Former Premier League defender on Final Score

This is brilliant from Chris Wood. Forest go direct to him and rather than flicking the ball on aimlessly he puts it into the path of Anthony Elanga.

He then gets the ball back, which draws Jordan Pickford out of his goal and Wood then dinks it over him.

Cunha is a delight to watch but for how long?

Tottenham 1-1 Wolves

Nizaar Kinsella

BBC Sport football news reporter

Matheus Cunha is the most box office entertainer of all the players on show so far in North London.

His tricks, flicks and dribbles already in the first 20 minutes have drawn gasps and admiration from both the home and away ends.

But he may face a lengthy ban after being charged with misconduct by the FA for his actions after the defeat to Ipswich.

Unfortunately for Spurs, Manchester United and Leicester City - the FA procedure takes time to process, with the Brazilian still available to cause them damage.

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'I was worried about this game' – Maresca pleased with Everton draw. Video, 00:01:17'I was worried about this game' – Maresca pleased with Everton draw

Managerial welcome

Wolves 0-0 Man Utd

Simon Stone

BBC Sport's chief football news reporter at Molineux

Vitor Pereira has been given an enthusiastic welcome by the home supporters for his first game as Wolves boss at Molineux.

There was a warm embrace from fellow countryman Ruben Amorim, who is in the opposite dug-out tonight.

For contrasting reasons, both need a win tonight.

'Amorim needs time'

Wolves v Man Utd (17:30 GMT)

Ellen White

Former England striker on BBC Radio 5 Live

It is a really tough time for Manchester United at the moment. It has been a mess. Ruben Amorim was given a lot of pressure to come in when he did. He wanted to see out the season at Sporting and he wanted a full pre-season.

He is stamping his authority slowly but he needs time. It won't happen this season and it won't happen next season, but he needs time.

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Wolves v Man Utd (17:30 GMT)

Liverpool left winger Luis Diaz has scored 11 goals in 23 appearances in all competitions this term.

Meanwhile, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka have registered five goals in 23 matches and nine in 24 respectively, for Arsenal.

So on that basis Marcus Rashford's return of seven goals from 24 appearances for Manchester United does not look too bad.

However, Diaz (two), Martinelli (two), Saka (10) have all provided more Premier League assists than Rashford (one), who operates in a similar wide forward position.

And all three are also perceived to offer more going back towards their own goal.

'Everything' needs to improve

Wolves v Man Utd (17:30 GMT)

Manchester United

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim, speaking to Amazon Prime “It was quiet without a family because they are enjoying their Christmas in Portugal, finishing things to come to Manchester. I was working because there are a lot of games and a lot of things to improve, it was busy.

On what needs to improve: "Everything. We lost some identity in the last game maybe because we had two big games in the week. We lost some focus and after the set-piece we lost control but if you saw the game we had a lot of opportunities to score. If you see the stats it is a different game but in the end it is the result that counts and today we have to be better and take advantage of the opportunities. We have to be better on set-pieces because they sometimes change the game and the momentum.

"And we have to be clear in our identity and no matter the score we have to play our game as a team and not try to do everything alone. We have a clear identity we have to follow no matter what.

"I am understanding better the players and trying to give them more time to build some connection. Without training we try to build a strong team. There is a lot of games against strong teams. Every team can beat the other, so it is really hard to manage everything at this moment but we have a clear idea of how to play and we have to follow that."

'I believe in our work'

Wolves v Man Utd (17:30 GMT)

Wolves

Wolves boss Vitor Pereira, speaking to Amazon Prime: "Yesterday we trained in the more and then in the afternoon we had a lunch with my staff because they are also here without family. It was in British style to celebrate Christmas.

"I believe that we have quality, individual quality and I believe in our work. It is just a question of believing in ourselves and having confidence to play our game.

"Rayan Ait-Nouri is a talent and can help us a lot. It is a pleasure to be here and it will be a good game with a fantastic atmosphere."

'It killed the game'

FT: Newcastle 3-0 Aston Villa

Aston Villa

Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa: "We conceded early and that's demoralising. And then the red card happens and that's tough. At times we defended well as a team but when you are defending for most of the game chances will come. We have to learn from this.

"From where I was it looked like Jhon Duran couldn't move but we can't change it now. It killed the game, especially as he's been in good form. We have to move on."

'No harm in looking at the table'

FT: Nott'm Forest 1-0 Tottenham

Nottingham Forest

More from Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson speaking to the Premier League on whether the team have thought about hopes for the season: "No, not really to be honest. There's so many games at the minute. We've got a game on Sunday again which we've got to focus on and try and get another three points. I think we're just looking at each game and trying to go from there."

On whether he has looked at the league table: "There's no harm in looking and seeing how well you are doing. I've been keeping an eye on it and I'll check probably again there but you have to stay level-headed and keep your feet on the ground."

'We're doing really at the minute'

FT: Nott'm Forest 1-0 Tottenham

Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson speaking to Premier League: "I think we're doing really well at the minute. The lads are buzzing in there, as you can hear, it's a great win."

On team spirit: "It's massive. Team spirit is very, very good. Everyone is buzzing. I think we work so hard and it is paying off. It is good."

On Anthony Elanga's form: "I think everyone knew he is always at it. You've just got to believe in him and know that he can bring these moments. He's flying at the minute and hopefully, it continues. "

On whether Nottingham Forest targeted counter attacks against Tottenham: "Definitely. We've got pace on the wings as you can see, especially with Ant. We tend to go down that way, hold it deep and try and find Ant and Cal (Hudson-Odoi). It works, so it is perfect."

Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League games this season, against a variety of guests.

This week, he takes on Eats Everything, aka DJ and producer Daniel Pearce.

Sutton's prediction: 2-2

Tottenham are flagging at the moment and missing a lot of key players but it is obvious that manager Ange Postecoglou will not compromise on his playing style - he has made that clear in the past week.

It makes this game fascinating because Nottingham Forest are in great form and they are also resilient defensively, and able to soak up pressure.

Spurs are such a strange team that I still feel they could go to the City Ground and win by three or four goals, but you have to fancy Forest to score a couple too.

I am very tempted to back Nuno Espirito Santo's side to win this, because they will sit in a mid to low block and just counter-attack, which will cause Spurs problems.

But Tottenham have got goals in them, so I am going for a draw.

Eats Everything's prediction: 3-1

One of my best mates, Matt, is a die-hard Forest fan so I follow them quite closely and I am really pleased they are doing so well. They have got some brilliant players too - if Manchester United signed Murillo then I would be over the moon, and I really like Chris Wood.

Forest were brilliant against United earlier this month and fully deserved to beat us. They have had some big results already this season and I think they will get another win here. I was going to go 2-0 to Forest, but Spurs always score.

Having won six of seven Premier League meetings with Tottenham between 1993 and 1997, Nottingham Forest have now lost each of their last six against them.

Having failed to win any of their first four Premier League away games against Nottingham Forest (D1 L3), and conceding twice in each match, Tottenham have won their last three visits to City Ground while keeping a clean sheet each time.

Nottingham Forest won 3-1 against Newcastle on Boxing Day last season; they’ve not won in this fixture in consecutive top-flight campaigns since 1990-91/1991-92, beating Tottenham 2-1 in the latter match back then.

Tottenham are unbeaten in their last 16 league games played on Boxing Day (W12 D4) since a 2-0 loss at Portsmouth in 2003-04. Only Aston Villa (20 between 1890 and 1913) have had a longer such unbeaten run in English Football League history.

Nottingham Forest have won nine Premier League games this season, already as many as they managed in both 2022-23 and 2023-24. The Tricky Trees have won each of their last three, last winning four consecutively in the top-flight in April/May 1995.

No team has scored more first half goals in the Premier League than Tottenham this season (19), with Spurs also netting a league-high nine goals in the opening 15 minutes of games. Indeed, Spurs have been at least 2-0 up inside 15 minutes in two of their last three league games (2-0 v Chelsea after 11 minutes, 3-0 v Southampton after 14 minutes).

No current Premier League player has scored more Boxing Day goals than Nottingham Forest’s Chris Wood (4), who netted a hat-trick against Newcastle in said fixture last season.

With four goals and two assists, no current Premier League player has been involved in more Boxing Day goals than Tottenham’s Son Heung-min (6, level with Mohamed Salah and Raheem Sterling).

After a run of 28 Premier League games without a goal, Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga has now scored in both of his last two appearances. The Swede has never scored in three consecutive league games before.

Tottenham’s Dominic Solanke has been involved in five goals in his two away Premier League appearances against Nottingham Forest (4 goals, 1 assist), netting a hat-trick for Bournemouth at the City Ground in December last season.