Inside Futbol

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Fixture: Tottenham Hotspur vs Nottingham Forest

Competition: Premier League

Kick-off: 14:15 UK time

Igor Tudor has picked his Tottenham lineup vs Nottingham Forest in what is a key Premier League clash in the battle for survival.

There were real questions over whether interim boss Tudor would keep his job until recently, with a draw away at Liverpool and a win over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League now seeming to have secured his job.

Tudor though knows that victory over Nottingham Forest today is needed and defeat would again spark debate over if he is the right man.

Spurs’ players though are playing for the Croatian for now in the view of one former striker and confidence will be high that Forest can be beaten.

Nottingham Forest arrive on the back of being taken to extra time in their Europa League tie against Midtjylland.

How much that might have tired out the Nottingham Forest players is open to question, but Tudor will hope it may have an effect at the margins.

Tottenham defender Kevin Danso also hopes to feel the benefits of playing at home today, with the Spurs star talking up the effect of the fans.

The earlier meeting between the two teams this season, in December, resulted in a 3-0 win for Nottingham Forest.

Guglielmo Vicario is in goal in the Tottenham lineup vs Nottingham Forest this afternoon, while at the back Tudor picks Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Kevin Danso, Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence.

In the engine room, Tudor will want to dominate and he selects Archie Gray and Pape Matar Sarr, while Mathys Tel, Richarlison and Dominic Solanke lead the attacking threat.

There are options for Tudor to call for to shake up his Tottenham lineup vs Nottingham Forest on the bench today and they include Souza and Xavi Simons.

Tottenham Hotspur Lineup vs Nottingham Forest

Vicario, Porro, Romero, Danso, Van de Ven, Spence, Gray, Sarr, Tel, Richarlison, Solanke

Substitutes: Kinsky, Dragusin, Palhinha, Simons, Udogie, Bergvall, Gallagher, Souza, Kolo Muani

Eddie Keogh/Getty Images

Flamengo are making a ‘strong attempt’ for Richarlison, as they bid to take the attacker from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer.

The Brazilian forward came to England nine years ago from Fluminense, who sold him to Watford, when they were a Premier League side.

He showed glimpses of his quality at the Hornets and Everton paid big for Richarlison, who impressed with 68-goal contributions for the Toffees in 152 games.

Richarlison arrived on Merseyside dubbed the best player currently not playing for a top six club.

The Brazilian impressed the then Toffees boss, Carlo Ancelotti, who lauded the forward’s ability to play anywhere up front.

Richarlison was rated so highly initially at Everton it was even claimed that the Merseyside club rejected a mammoth €100m bid from La Liga giants Barcelona.

Four years ago, Spurs paid a hefty £60m to the Toffees, and the Nova Venecia-born attacker claimed that he wanted to make history at the north London club.

While he has not hit the heights hoped for, Richarlison may feel he lived up to his words by helping Tottenham to win the Europa League.

Club played for Atletica Mineiro Fluminense Watford Everton Tottenham Hotspur Clubs Richarlison has played for

The Brazil attacker has clocked 126 matches so far for the Lilywhites in four years and is now attracting interest from his homeland.

According to Italian outlet Tutto Mercato Web, Brazilian Serie A giants Flamengo are making a genuine attempt for the 28-year-old.

Flamengo’s move for Richarlison is ‘a very real prospect’, though there is also suggested to be a fresh deal on the table at Spurs.

The 28-year-old could also renew his deal in north London, but that is very much dependent on Tottenham’s Premier League status by the end of the campaign.

Rcharlison’s current contract runs until the summer of 2027 and Flamengo are working to bring him to Brazil next summer.

Last summer, Vasco da Gama wanted to sign Richarlison, but that deal was deemed very difficult to do.

Now it remains to be seen if Richarlison will end his adventure in the Premier League in the summer after nine years, with Flamengo potentially an appealing prospect.

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Inter Milan’s sporting director Piero Ausilio has travelled to north London to ‘lay the groundwork’ in negotiations with Tottenham Hotspur over a potential move to bring Guglielmo Vicario back to Italy.

The 29-year-old has emerged as a target for the Nerazzurri, who are in the market for a new goalkeeper to succeed Yann Sommer at the end of the season, with the Spurs shot-stopper now firmly on their radar.

His age and reduced wage demands make him an appealing option, particularly when compared to Aston Villa’s Emi Martinez, who also attracted interest from the Italian giants during the January transfer window.

The Italy international arrived in north London in 2023 and has since made 167 appearances in a Spurs shirt, playing a pivotal role in the Lilywhite’s Europa League triumph last season, including a clean sheet in the final against Manchester United.

However, his form has dipped this season, drawing criticism from supporters and a former Premier League star, who pointed to a lack of competition in the goalkeeping department at N17 as a concern.

Even so, Inter Milan appear to be gaining momentum in their pursuit, with the Italian shot-stopper understood to be keen on a return to his homeland.

According to Italian outlet FcInter1908.it, Inter’s sporting director Piero Ausilio has already travelled to London to open talks between the two clubs as they step up their pursuit of the 29-year-old ahead of the summer window.

Goalkeeper Nationality Antonin Kinsky Czech Guglielmo Vicario Italian Brandon Austin American Tottenham’s first team goalkeepers

Vicario, who boasts prior Serie A experience from spells with Cagliari and Empoli, is seen as an ideal fit to take over between the sticks in Cristian Chivu’s side once the Swiss shot-stopper moves on.

Tottenham are also suggested to be open to a sale, provided they receive a fee in the region of €25m to €30m for the goalkeeper.

Spurs sit 16th in the Premier League and are fighting to preserve their top-flight status, placing significant trust in the Italian goalkeeper to hold firm between the posts.

That reliance was highlighted last week during a disastrous 15-minute Champions League cameo from second-choice goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, who conceded three times against Atletico Madrid in the round of 16 before being substituted by new manager Igor Tudor.

Vicario remains under contract at Tottenham until the summer of 2028, and should a move to the San Siro materialise, Spurs would likely be compelled to enter the transfer market in search of an experienced replacement between the sticks.

Who they chase may well be dependent upon which division they are playing their football in next term.

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Former top flight star Alvin Martin has lauded Tottenham Hotspur playmaker Xavi Simons, who he believes has returned to a really high level and played with confidence against Atletico Madrid.

A summer signing from RB Leipzig, Simons has found himself lost in the crowd inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Along with Tottenham, Simons also runs the risk of becoming a Championship player at the end of the season, a prospect that has been dreaded by Dutch journalist Marcel van der Kraan.

Simons, though impressed along with his other team-mates on Wednesday night in the Champions League last 16 match against Atletico Madrid.

In the 3-2 second-leg win, Simons scored a brace, giving Martin reasons to praise him and deem him the man of the match.

While making a special mention of young midfielder Archie Gray, who Martin feels was fantastic throughout the 81 minutes he was on the pitch for, the former defender said on talkSPORT (18th March, 21:58): “There were two or three Spurs players that came to mind [for the man of the match].

“One of them didn’t finish the game, Gray, who I thought he was fantastic throughout. But I would give it to Simons.

Club played for Paris Saint-Germain PSV Eindhoven RB Leipzig Tottenham Hotspur Clubs Xavi Simons has played for

“He was the one who got himself a couple of goals, was always at the centre of what was good going forward.”

Martin believes that Simons has managed to return to a really high level for Tottenham and him playing with responsibility proved that.

“He really looked like his confidence has returned to a really high level.

“Tonight, you could see he led with the ball and took a lot of responsibility.”

Simons has earned the trust of his team-mates, one of whom is Gray himself.

The Leeds United academy graduate revealed that the Dutch international is a joy to play with and horrible to play against.

It now remains to be seen whether Simons can take his form into the Premier League and help Tottenham start to move away from the relegation zone.

They have an all-important match coming up against fellow relegation battlers Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

Forest are in Europa League action this evening and all eyes will be on how much Vitor Pereira rotates.

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Fiorentina sporting director Roberto Goretti has confirmed that Tottenham Hotspur loanee Manor Solomon is set to return to action following the international break.

Solomon moved from Shakhtar Donetsk to Tottenham in the summer of 2023, following an impressive Premier League loan spell with Fulham in which he scored five goals in 24 appearances for the Cottagers.

Despite claiming he understood what then-manager Ange Postecoglou required, he struggled to secure a regular spot in the squad and went on a series of loan spells, the latest taking him to Fiorentina this winter, marking his third loan stint since arriving at N17.

Arriving in January amid a relegation battle with La Viola sitting 18th, Solomon showed faith in the squad by insisting the club would avoid the drop, and Fiorentina have since built a four-point cushion above the bottom three.

The 26-year-old has been pivotal for I Gigliati, scoring twice in his five starts, with one Fiorentina forward praising the Spurs loanee’s impact.

In last month’s 1-0 victory over Pisa, Solomon suffered a thigh injury and has been sidelined for the past five matches.

There have been concerns over just how long the Tottenham man might be out for, but Goretti confirmed that the 26-year-old is completing his rehabilitation and will return to the squad after the international break.

Premier League star On loan from Manor Solomon Tottenham Hotspur Jack Harrison Leeds United Fiorentina’s Premier League loan stars

The sporting director told DAZN (via Gonfialarete): “Solomon is finishing the rehabilitation process.

“We will have him back after the break.”

On Monday night, following an important 4-1 win against Cremonese at the Stadio Giovanni Zini in a crucial relegation showdown, Fiorentina moved up to 16th in the standings with 28 points.

Before the international break provides a brief pause, Fiorentina face a crucial week ahead, with the Conference League Round of 16 second-leg trip to Rakow and a top-of-the-table clash with Inter Milan at Stadio Artemio Franchi.

Solomon will be keen to regain full fitness and make an impact after the break, aiming to help Fiorentina remain in the top flight while bolstering his case for a permanent €10m move, a sum the club has already set aside to secure his transfer.

He will need to remain fit to convince Fiorentina to sign him and the deal would be a boost for Tottenham.

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Fixture: Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur

Competition: Premier League

Kick-off: 15th March, 16:30 UK time

Tottenham Hotspur travel to Liverpool this afternoon in a state of crisis and with open question marks over how much longer firefighter interim boss Igor Tudor will keep his job.

Liverpool’s less than impressive season took another turn for the worse when they were beaten 1-0 in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 tie by Turkish giants Galatasaray.

Despite dominating possession and having more touches inside the opposition box, they finished with an inferior xG, which will keep manager Arne Slot worried, heading into next week’s return match at Anfield.

Before that clash, though, they have another one to take care of against strugglers Tottenham on Sunday. The London-based side are in the worst possible situation possible and have been in a freefall.

Liverpool great Phil Thompson has urged the Reds to take advantage of Spurs’ fragility to make it even more horrible for them.

That prospect looks quite possible taking into account Tottenham’s recent record. The London-based side have not won a Premier League since 28th December when they came out 1-0 winners against Crystal Palace, a team they have since lost to.

They are currently on a six-game losing streak and the 5-2 defeat against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday was the worst of them all.

Tudor is still searching for his first win of the season and will hope that the match against Liverpool will allow him the opportunity to do so.

He has admitted the injury situation at the club is one he has never known before, but he must find a way; Micky van de Ven is suspended.

Victory at Anfield could be a big respite, giving the Croatian at least some time to get things back on track amidst intense talk about replacing him.

Liverpool are expected to go into the game full throttle, trying to exploit all the weakness areas in the Tottenham team. They know well that Tottenham are weak in defence and it is an area that they can exploit.

Predicted Lineups

Liverpool Tottenham Mamardashvili Vicario Gomez Porro Konate Danso Van Dijk Dragusin Kerkez Spence Mac Allister Gallagher Gravenberch Gray Salah Sarr Szoboszlai Simons Wirtz Richarlison Ekitike Solanke Predicted lineups

Recent Form (league)

Liverpool: LWWWL

Tottenham Hotspur: LLLLL

Key Men

Liverpool

Liverpool will be on the lookout to hurt the visiting team and for that to happen, their attacking players will have to take the responsibility.

In attack Hugo Ekitike could turn out to be the match winner. He has 16 goals for Liverpool already and is good at creating opportunities from a deeper position on the pitch.

An impressive 9.4 xG with as many as 133 touches inside the opposition box proves that Ekitike is not a striker to be taken lightly.

At the heart of midfield, Hungarian international Dominik Szoboszlai could also hold the key in a central midfielder role, with Florian Wirtz in front of him. The 25-year-old has completed 88 per cent of his passes this season for Liverpool, proving how good he can be.

Irrespective of Slot’s approach to the game, Szoboszlai can be the key factor, orchestrating play from the centre of the pitch and can even bring the two wingers into play with his through balls.

Tottenham Hotspur

A key to success for Tottenham will be their ability to defend. They have been dismal at the back and the 46 goals they have conceded this season is proof of that. Even Tudor’s inability to get the best out of the team has compiled to their misery.

With the two senior players Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven missing in action, Tudor will be forced to make at least two changes at the back and that could hurt them. A lot will depend on the two makeshift centre-backs Radu Dragusin and Kevin Danso.

They have both gone under the radar somewhat this season, but it is now time for them to step up and even raise their stacks ahead of the summer.

Dragusin has been linked with a move away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and performances like those against Liverpool could help him get a summer move.

Tudor could resort to a four-man defence on the back of conceding five goals in the last match and the two full-backs on either sides of the two centre-backs can help.

Result Competition Tottenham 1-2 Liverpool Premier League Liverpool 5-1 Tottenham Premier League Liverpool 4-0 Tottenham EFL Cup Last three meetings

Match Prediction

Of late, Tottenham have simply not been able to get the results they would have liked and defence has played a key role in that. The problem with Tudor’s team is that they do not know how many goals will be enough to secure them a win.

Liverpool, on their part, do have their own weaknesses to take care of. Though they have been able to bring some sanity back of late, they still have the same problems Tottenham have. The transitional phase is far from over at Anfield and their inability to add new players in defence has hurt them.

But they should still have enough to get over the line against Tottenham. Even if Liverpool concede goals, they have better qualities in attack to make up for that.

It could eventually turn out to be yet another eventful afternoon for the visitors, who have started to lose the backing of their fans.

Empty away stands are definitely going to have a psychological effect on the players entrusted to do the job if the game turns and the fans depart early.

Inside Futbol Score Prediction

Liverpool 4-2 Tottenham Hotspur

Where To Watch?

Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League will be shown live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League channels with coverage starting from 16.00 UK time.

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Journalist Alex Crook has claimed that conversations have already taken place between the Tottenham Hotspur hierarchy and potential other managers as the Lilywhites have realised that the appointment of Igor Tudor has to come to an end.

Following a disappointing league campaign, Tottenham decided to part ways with Ange Postecoglou at the end of last term, despite the manager having led them to the Europa League.

They then roped in Thomas Frank from Brentford, but that experiment did not go well and the 52-year-old was eventually sacked to prevent the club’s steady downfall.

Former Juventus boss Tudor was trusted with the rescue work, but things have gone from bad to worse, with suggestions the Croatian is already starting to lose the dressing room.

Criticism has started to come from different quarters with former hitman Mido urging the club to even sack the person who appointed Tudor in the first place.

Now it has been claimed that Tottenham are already in the process of speaking to other managers in the event Tudor is sacked.

“I think this is an appointment that is unravelling very quickly”, Crook said on talkSPORT (2.00).

Potential manager Sean Dyche Harry Redknapp Tim Sherwood Ryan Mason Roberto De Zerbi Robbie Keane Potential next Tottenham Hotspur managers

“I believe that conversations have taken place already between Spurs and potential other managers.”

Crook further took time to namecheck some of the potential candidates with whom the club have already discussed the prospect of taking over and indicated that Tottenham are realising they were wrong to appoint Tudor.

“Sean Dyche has been mentioned in the last 72 hours or so, but I think he will want a long-term contract, not a deal until the end of the season.

“There was even talk about Ange Postecoglou possibly being asked to return. I don’t think, having made enquiries this morning, that will happen.

“Ryan Mason as another interim for the third time is a possibility.

“I think they realise, the Tottenham hierarchy that this appointment is going to have to come to an end.”

Tottenham now have a match against Liverpool this weekend, where it looks likely that the 47-year-old will be in charge.

Scott Minto feels that Tudor has not been able to get the best out of the Tottenham team and it now remains to be seen whether that is again the case on Sunday.

Alex Pantling/Getty Images

Tottenham Hotspur loan star George Abbott is happy with his current good form and is aiming to play week in, week out until the end of the campaign at Mansfield Town.

The Islington-born midfield talent joined Tottenham’s academy when he was seven years old and progressed through the ranks at the club.

Abbott was handed his senior debut by the club three years ago in the Premier League, against Leeds United, when he came on as a late substitute.

Last season, Abbott was on loan at League Two outfit Notts County, where he impressed, and one former EFL winger dubbed him a player to keep an eye on.

In the first half of the current campaign, he had an injury-hit loan spell at Wycombe Wanderers, where he was given key advice by manager Michael Duff.

The 20-year-old made a mid-season loan switch to Mansfield Town, where Tottenham are managing his game time carefully.

Abbott has featured in six games so far for the Stags and won the Man of the Match award in Mansfield’s 1-0 win over Reading on Tuesday.

Person Position Nigel Clough Manager Gary Crosby Assistant Andy Garner First team coach David Waldie Fitness coach Adam Collin Goalkeeping coach Mansfield Town’s coaching team

The Spurs loanee is very happy with his current form, stressing that he is keen to get as many minutes as he can until the end of the campaign.

“I really enjoyed it again”, Abbott told Mansfield’s media (3:09) when he was asked about his recent performances.

“I thought I played really well, but it was just me getting my minutes back in.

“And now I am back to full fitness – hopefully I can keep starting games, keep getting my minutes, while I am playing well.

“I think the minutes [game time] help and getting used to the game, starting the game, getting up to the pace of it.

“And then I’m able to just play my own game and do what I do best.”

Abbott will be looking to stay fit and keep his performance levels consistent under Nigel Clough to end the current campaign on a high note.

Whether the young midfielder will be given a crack in the Tottenham first team over the course of pre-season in the summer remains to be seen.

It could well depend on what division Tottenham are in, with Spurs in an unexpected scrap to keep hold of their Premier League status at the moment.

Alex Pantling/Getty Images

Former Tottenham Hotspur hitman Mido has urged the club to sack Igor Tudor and the person who appointed him as well, stressing he is one of the ‘worst’ managers around.

Danish boss Thomas Frank got the sack after he failed to find any consistency throughout the season and Tudor was appointed as the interim until the end of the season to keep Tottenham safe.

The Croatian’s arrival, though, has only worsened the situation, as Spurs have lost all four games under his watch across all competitions.

One former Premier League star recently told Tudor that he needs to make the Tottenham players believe they are better than they are.

The north Londoners are fighting a relegation battle in the Premier League and were demolished by Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night at the Wanda Metropolitano.

An Antonin Kinsky horror show early in the first half saw them lose the game 5-2, and understandably, the Spurs fans are furious.

Tottenham have conceded 14 goals in their last four games, prompting calls to sack the Croatian boss immediately.

Now, ex-Spurs forward Mido has expressed his fury at Tudor, who he thinks is one of the worst managers around.

The Egyptian is of the view that the former Juventus boss has no management skills, stressing that he cannot handle the media and has no game plan as well.

Mido though does not just want Tudor to go as he is also keen to see the person who made the decision to appoint him to be sacked too.

“Whoever appointed #Tudor must get the sack cause I’m sure he never watched #Juventus under him!!”, the former Tottenham forward wrote on X.

“He is one of the worst coaches around! No tactics, no Game plan, and man-to-man management 0!!

“Can’t handle the pressure and can’t deal with the media!! Plz sack him today, not tomorrow!! No time for bullsh*t anymore.. the club doesn’t deserve this sh*t!!”

One former Spurs star called for the sacking of sporting director Johan Lange and CEO Vinai Venkatesham after Frank was relieved of his duties.

They are currently looking at two options in Saudi Arabia, as the north Londoners are looking to bring in a replacement for Fabio Paratici.

Alex Pantling/Getty Images

Former Tottenham Hotspur hitman Mido has urged the club to sack Igor Tudor and the person who appointed him as well, stressing he is one of the ‘worst’ managers around.

Danish boss Thomas Frank got the sack after he failed to find any consistency throughout the season and Tudor was appointed as the interim until the end of the season to keep Tottenham safe.

The Croatian’s arrival, though, has only worsened the situation, as Spurs have lost all four games under his watch across all competitions.

One former Premier League star recently told Tudor that he needs to make the Tottenham players believe they are better than they are.

The north Londoners are fighting a relegation battle in the Premier League and were demolished by Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night at the Wanda Metropolitano.

An Antonin Kinsky horror show early in the first half saw them lose the game 5-2, and understandably, the Spurs fans are furious.

Tottenham have conceded 14 goals in their last four games, prompting calls to sack the Croatian boss immediately.

Now, ex-Spurs forward Mido has expressed his fury at Tudor, who he thinks is one of the worst managers around.

The Egyptian is of the view that the former Juventus boss has no management skills, stressing that he cannot handle the media and has no game plan as well.

Mido though does not just want Tudor to go as he is also keen to see the person who made the decision to appoint him to be sacked too.

“Whoever appointed #Tudor must get the sack cause I’m sure he never watched #Juventus under him!!”, the former Tottenham forward wrote on X.

“He is one of the worst coaches around! No tactics, no Game plan, and man-to-man management 0!!

“Can’t handle the pressure and can’t deal with the media!! Plz sack him today, not tomorrow!! No time for bullsh*t anymore.. the club doesn’t deserve this sh*t!!”

One former Spurs star called for the sacking of sporting director Johan Lange and CEO Vinai Venkatesham after Frank was relieved of his duties.

They are currently looking at two options in Saudi Arabia, as the north Londoners are looking to bring in a replacement for Fabio Paratici.