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Tottenham: Postecoglou insists players do not lack motivation as loss put down to lack of focus

Spurs are in danger of recording a worst-ever Premier League season

Postecoglou is facing a dismal season result

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Dan Kilpatrick @ Dan_KP2 minutes ago

Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Dan Kilpatrick

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Ange Postecoglou insisted that Tottenham do not lack motivation in the Premier League after they slumped to an 18th defeat of the season at home to Nottingham Forest.

Spurs crashed back down to earth after their Europa League quarter-final win over Eintracht Frankfurt mid-week with a 2-1 defeat to Nuno Espirito Santo's Champions League-chasing side.

Elliot Anderson broke the deadlock with a deflected strike after five minutes and Chris Wood doubled Forest's lead when he beat Guglielmo Vicario in the air, minutes after he had seen a goal disallowed for a tight offside.

Spurs dominated at 2-0, recording 22 shots in total to Forest's four, but did not pull a goal back until Richarlison's 87th-minute header.

Postecoglou’s side need eight more points from five games to beat their lowest-ever Premier League points total of 44 in 1997-98.

Asked if avoiding that low was a motivation for his players, Postecoglou said: "I don't know what that means.

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"I don't think you saw a team that wasn't motivated.

"It's not like we lost because players chucked it in. If that's what people saw then they're watching something different to me. I don't think they lacked motivation today because I thought our football was outstanding.

"But again, we've paid the price for lacking focus and concentration in key moments, and it's another game we've let slip. So I don't think motivation is an issue.

"It shouldn't be [down to leadership] because it's happened to us a few times this year," he added.

"We should have learned from these things, but it's a constant in our make-up at the moment and it's something we need to eradicate. At different times this year we've shown really good focus and concentration, Frankfurt being a classic case of that.

"But tonight, just at the start, we didn't really sense the only threat that Forest were going to have was the counter-attack, which we handled really well in the second half, and set pieces. We let in two poor goals.

"It’s another game we have lost where we shouldn’t lose and it’s been a big part of our season in that we are just making things really difficult for ourselves in key moments, just a little bit of concentration. Giving away poor goals.

"It’s a shame because our football was outstanding and we totally dominated the game. Even with the two goals we conceded, I still feel like we deserved to win the game. At the same time, it’s another loss and another unacceptable loss.”

Asked if he had a message for supporters, Postecoglou replied: "I don’t need to say anything to the fans.

"The fans are disappointed and angry, and we are as well. It’s too many losses. I know that. I don’t need to tell the fans anything.

"The fans clearly wouldn’t be happy with our results, but neither am I or the players.

"From our perspective, we need to accept responsibility that we have fallen short of the standards we need to have.

"The frustrating bit is it’s not because of the way we are playing, because our football today was very similar to the Frankfurt game at home, which was another game we should have won."

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Spurs started slowly in the match, falling to a two-goal deficit after a quarter of an hour following goals from Elliot Anderson and Chris Wood, who had another early effort ruled out by VAR.

For the remainder of the match, Tottenham were comfortably the better side, creating chances aplenty but failing to finish one until Richarlison headed home with three minutes of regular time remaining. It was scant consolation for Postecoglou.

Speaking at full-time, the Australian said: “We couldn't dominate anymore than we did or create more chances, but we just conceded poor goals and gave ourselves a mountain to climb.

“[I am] really disappointed with the goals we conceded, and the most frustrating thing is that outside of that, I thought our football was outstanding.

“Its only after we conceded that we woke up and started playing our football, but I just said we can’t give teams two-goal head starts.”

Postecoglou was right to be frustrated by the goals. Anderson’s opener took a heavy deflection to evade Vicario, but the keeper was at fault for the second as Wood leapt higher than the Italian to head home.

The loss is Tottenham’s 18th of the Premier League season, leaving them sat 16th in the table and facing a worst finish of the Premier League era. Postecoglou felt the performance was in line with some of Spurs’ earlier losses.

“That has been our problem all year. It is not about our football but about maintaining focus and concentration throughout the whole game. There are too many games this year where we have lost in that manner and that is why we are in the position we are.”

He added that he had planned for Dejan Kulusevski, Micky van de Ven, Wilson Odobert, and Christian Romero to be substituted early as he looks to conserve fitness ahead of next weekend’s trip to Anfield. It was a small solace that Spurs came out of the match with no fresh injuries.

Sport | Football

Tottenham: Postecoglou can take positives as Tel and Odobert impress in Forest loss

Another league loss was in stark contrast to Tottenham’s European form

Spurs can take positives from their loss to Forest

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Dan Kilpatrick @ Dan_KP2 minutes ago

Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Dan Kilpatrick

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Tottenham slumped to an 18th league defeat of the season, going down 2-1 at home to Nottingham Forest.

Early goals by Elliot Anderson and Chris Wood boosted Forest’s Champions League hopes, although there were reasons for encouragement for Spurs, who dominated at 2-0 down and struck late through Richarlison.

Here are three Spurs talking points from the game…

European progress is Tottenham’s clear priority

But this was another frustrating occasion for the club in the Premier League.

For the second weekend running, Postecoglou’s side started the game in an embarrassingly lax fashion, trailing after five minutes to Anderson’s fierce strike.

There was an element of fortune to the finish, which took a deflection off Rodrigo Bentancur to deceive Guglielmo Vicario, but Spurs’ failings were exactly the same as for Wolves’ second-minute opener in the 4-2 defeat at Molineux last weekend; they failed to adequately clear a set-piece or pick up a free man on the edge of the box.

And Forest’s second goal after 16 minutes was another example of Postecoglou’s side not learning their lessons.

Wood had already ghosted beyond Micky van de Ven to double Forest’s lead but the goal was ruled off by the VAR for offside.

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A few minutes later, however, Wood found space between Cristian Romero and van de Ven (both of whom were replaced by Postecoglou at the interval) and easily beat Vicario to the header.

Tel produced one of his best performances in a Tottenham shirt

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From that point onwards, Spurs were much the better team and unlucky to score just once. Richarlison had missed four good opportunities before finally heading home Pedro Porro’s cross, Mathys Tel blazed wide from a great position and Dejan Kulusevski’s header was hooked off the line spectacularly by Harry Toffolo.

But the damage was done in another sloppy opening, which suggested Spurs were ill-prepared mentally and tactically for another league game.

Maybe that does not really matter, as long as they can raise their levels against Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League semi-final next month, but there were reasons here for the Norwegian champions to be both concerned by Spurs’ threat and encouraged by their sloppiness.

Tel and Odobert lively

The strange thing was, a 2-1 home defeat came with plenty of reasons for optimism, particularly in the performances of Tel and Wilson Odobert.

The France Under-21 internationals lined up either side of Richarlison, who was starting for the first time since February 6, and both advanced their cases to be included against Bodo, especially Tel.

The Bayern Munich loanee built on his bright display in the Europa League quarter-final win over Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday with a confident showing, linking up well with left-back Djed Spence and worrying his full-back.

For the first time, the 19-year-old looked like a potential £50million player and possible long-term replacement for Heung-min Son – who was missing again with a foot injury.

He did, though, squander a great chance, blazing high and wide after Neco Williams made a mess of Porro’s cross in the first half.

Odobert was similarly lacking end product but his willingness to run at his man and ability to go inside or out make him an asset for Postecoglou’s Spurs, and he was also lively here.

If his teammates, notably Richarlison, had been sharper, the 20-year-old might have finished with at least one assist.

There was an irony that Dominic Solanke has been crying out for proper service in recent weeks but he was introduced as Odobert was withdrawn in the 67th-minute.

As it stands, Son and Brennan Johnson appear to be Postecoglou’s first-choice wide men, and rightly so given their superior numbers in the final third.

But Tel and Odobert have shown some promise and potentially given the head coach a positive headache going forward.

Vicario struggled on Monday night

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Vicario form now a concern

For the second weekend running, Vicario was at fault for certainly one and arguably two goals in another alarmingly shaky showing from the goalkeeper.

If last weekend at Wolves, when Vicario was to blame for the hosts' first two goals, could be put down as a blip, his form is now a serious concern for Postecoglou.

Anderson’s strike took a deflection and was tricky for the Italian but he still might have kept it out, and there was no excusing his poor judgement as he raced off his line for the second goal, only to easily be beaten by Wood in the air.

With a European semi-final ahead, Spurs need Vicario – who is a dressing room leader and one of their few established senior players – to be confident and sharp.

Right now, he looks anything but.

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Tottenham’s league form continues to falter despite Europa League highs

Richarlison’s late headed effort was not enough to undo Forest’s fast start

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Dan Kilpatrick @ Dan_KP2 minutes ago

Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Dan Kilpatrick

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Tottenham came back down to Earth after their Europa League quarter-final win at Eintracht Frankfurt mid-week with a 2-1 home defeat to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.

Goals from Elliot Anderson and Chris Wood in the first 16 minutes boosted Forest’s Champions League hopes in a game otherwise dominated by Ange Postecoglou’s side.

Richarlison headed home a late consolation for Spurs, having already missed four good chances, while Dejan Kulusevski had an effort spectacularly cleared off the line by Harry Toffolo.

Forest clung on to move back into the top three and leave Spurs with 18 top-flight defeats this season.

Here’s how we rated the Spurs players…

Guglielmo Vicario 3

Arguably at fault for both goals in another alarmingly shaky display. Deceived by the deflection for Anderson’s strike but outright beaten in the air by Wood for the clincher.

Pedro Porro 7

Set up Richarlison’s headed goal with one of a number of dangerous crosses from the right. Stretched by substitute Callum Hudson-Odoi in the second half.

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Cristian Romero 4

A red mist day for the Argentine, who looked determined to pick up at least a booking, which he duly managed. Wood ghosted away from him for the second goal and he was hooked at half-time.

Micky van de Ven 4

Wood escaped him for a disallowed goal and he was beaten in the air by the Kiwi for the one which counted. Replaced at half-time, along with Romero.

Djed Spence 7

Started brightly and made some dangerous runs into the Forest box. Faded a little after the break.

Porro posed a threat throughout

AP

Rodrigo Bentancur 6

Provided the platform for Spurs to control possession, but his passing was a mixed bag.

Pape Matar Sarr 6

Looks short of sharpness in possession but covered plenty of ground, as usual.

Dejan Kulusevski 6

So unlucky that Toffolo brilliantly cleared his header off the line. Looked short of sharpness, which was no great surprise on his first start since February.

Wilson Odobert 7

Saw plenty of the ball and used it well in a lively display. Would have had at least one assist if his teammates had been sharper.

Mathys Tel 7

Followed up a good display in Frankfurt with another confident showing. Worried his full-back and create a number of opportunities. Blazed a glorious chance high and wide after Neco Williams made a mess of a cross.

Richarlison 7

Made it goals in back-to-back league games after finally taking a late chance with a lovely header. He had twice headed wide from good positions in the first half and twice forced smart saves from Matz Sels after the break.

Tel missed a big chance in the first half

Action Images via Reuters

Subs

Ben Davies (van de Ven 46’) 7

Assured at the back as Forest were held at arms length after the break.

Kevin Danson (Romero 46’) 7

Initially looked rusty but grew into the half and dealt well with Forest’s threat on the counter. Flashed a decent effort wide from range.

Brennan Johnson (Odobert 67’) 6

Not as threatening as Odobert and presumably in competition with the Frenchman for a start on the right against Bodo/Glimt.

Dominic Solankle (Kulusevski 67’) 6

Made a limited impact but would have loved to have been on the pitch for some of Richarlison’s first-half chances.

Lucas Bergvall (Sarr 81’) 7

Added drive to the midfield in another lively showing. Has moved well ahead of Sarr in the pecking order.

Not used: Kinsky, Bissouma, Gray, Maddison.

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Forest were quick off the mark, Elliot Anderson’s deflected shot bouncing beyond Vicario after just five minutes, before Chris Wood would have an effort ruled out by VAR after ten. He would head home again with just over a quarter of an hour played, though, to double the guests’ lead.

From there, Forest largely coasted. After Wood’s goal, they would not have another shot until well after half-time, content to sit back and let the hosts dictate the play.

And Spurs did grow into the game after looking far from convincing in the opening stages, but Richarlison’s wayward shooting would prevent them from drawing level before the break as he headed wide of the mark on two occasions. Mathys Tel would also lash a shot well wide after Neco Williams’ bungled clearance left him face to face with Matz Sels.

The match mellowed somewhat in the second half as Tottenham tired of their frenetic drives forward, but it was the hosts who continued to have the better of the play.

Dejan Kulusevski went agonisingly close as he headed a corner across goal, but Harry Toffolo was at full stretch to deny him, clearing his effort off the line. Sels would later get down to the line remarkably quickly to deny Richarlison a headed goal.

The Brazilian’s moment would still come, though, as he pulled one back for the hosts with three minutes remaining in regular time, but it would be too little, too late for Tottenham, who chalk up an eighteenth loss of the season.

Spurs looking to build momentum after reaching the Europa League semi-finals

Postecoglou will look to save face amid a difficult season

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Tottenham vs Nottingham Forest LIVE!

Spurs are back in Premier League action tonight as they welcome former manager Nuno Espirito Santo back to north London. It has been four days since Ange Postecoglou guided his team into the Europa League semi-finals - and likely saved his job in the process - but will be all too aware of the threat of an 18th Premier League defeat of the season tonight.

High flying Forest have lost back-to-back league games but are still on course to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in their history as they sit sixth, level on points with fifth-placed Chelsea with tonight’s game being their game in hand. A win tonight will move them into third, above Newcastle, who lost to Aston Villa at the weekend.

Spurs are expected to make changes, given their efforts in Frankfurt last week, with the likes of Richarlison, Dejan Kulusevski and Kevin Danso pushing to start. Forest will assess Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi ahead of the game. Follow the game LIVE below with our dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis from Dan Kilpatrick at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tottenham vs Nottingham Forest latest news

Dan Kilpatrick at Hotspur Stadium

Hear analysis from Dan Kilpatrick ahead of kickoff:

Look away, Spurs fans

No two teams in the Premier League have more different points tallies this season relative to last season than Nottingham Forest and Tottenham.

Forest have gained 28 this year relative to last year’s tally.

Spurs have lost 23.

Ange speaks ahead of kickoff: Momentum crucial to Europa League run

Ange Postecoglou shares his views ahead of kickoff.

On tonight’s goal: “Coming off the other night we want a continuation of our performance. There is a real focus on discipline in our Europa League performance and we will need that again against a tough opponent today.”

On momentum: “I think its important, momentum, we know in the league what our position is and we have a massive opportunity in Europe. The best way to prepare for that is to keep our performances up.”

On focusing on Europe and disregarding league form: “That doesn’t mean we need to be dismissive of our league form. We have had some challenges this year, and we still have five or six games in the league. We have the squad now, so hopefully we can maintain some consistency. Europa League is a great opportunity for us, there’s no hiding from that, it is an opportunity to win a trophy for a club which hasn’t won one for quite a while.”

Hudson-Odoi dropped to the bench

The former Chelsea man has four goal involvements (3G 1A) in his last 16 appearances, and it seems Nuno has lost patience.

He does not have a fantastic record against Spurs, too, with no goals and just one assist in nine career appearances against them.

His pace could be crucial against Spurs’ high line, though, and may pose a risk as a super sub.

Nottingham Forest confirmed XI: Wood starts

Here is how Nuno’s squad will shape up.

Confirmed Nottingham Forest XI: Sels, Murillo, Williams, Anderson, Gibbs-White, Toffolo, Dominguez, Elanga, Danilo, Milenkovic, Wood

Subs: Miguel, Morato, Sangare, Awoniyi, Hudson-Odoi, Moreno, Yates, Sosa, Abbott

Confirmed Tottenham team news: Maddison on the bench

Postecoglou names his starting XI.

Spurs confirmed XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, van de Ven, Spence; Sarr, Bentancur; Kulusevski, Odobert, Tel; Richarlison

Subs: Kinsky, Davies, Danso, Gray, Bissouma, Bergvall, Maddison, Johnson, Solanke

Team news up next

Lienups should be with us in five minutes.

Will Richarlison feature for Spurs? Will James Maddison?

Can Chris Wood retain his starting spot after struggling against Everton?

All will be revealed...

What would a win mean for Tottenham?

This season is effectively a write-off for Spurs, at least domestically.

A win would certainly make the situation a little easier on the eye, though, sending them from 16th to 13th.

It would also help them carry some much-needed momentum from last week’s win over Frankfurt into the Europa League semi-final, where they will meet north Swedish side Bodo/Glimt.

What has become of Forest of late?

Forest have enjoyed a transformative campaign this season. After dodging relegation last year by just six points, they looked for long stretches of the new campaign to be favourites for Champions League qualification.

There have been some memorable results: last month’s win over Man City, a 7-0 thrashing of Brighton, a league double over Man United.

But as the top-five race grows increasingly competitive, a pair of losses to Everton and Aston Villa has seen Forest drop to sixth in the table.

That will be good enough only for next year’s Europa League, though a win would put the Reds back up to third, demoting Chelsea, Newcastle, and City.

This is a pivotal tie in the run-in, not just for Forest.

Can Richarlison replace Solanke in today's lineup?

Ange Postecoglou has hailed Tottenham's match-winner in Germany, Dominic Solanke, saying his selfless work rate is key to the side's chances of success.

Solanke scored the only goal from the penalty spot as Spurs beat Eintracht Frankfurt 1-0 in the Europa League to set up a semi-final against Bodo/Glimt next month.

It was the England international's first goal in 12 games but Postecoglou says there is more to Solanke's game than finishing.

Read Dan Kilpatrick’s pre-match piece in full HERE.

Latest updatesOlder updates

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Spurs plan to rotate against high-flying opposition with Europa League semi-final tie on the way

Former Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo defeated his old club and Ange Postecoglou at the City Ground on Boxing Day

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George Flood2 minutes ago

Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Dan Kilpatrick

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Tottenham will hope to take renewed confidence from their Europa League exploits when they host Nottingham Forest tonight.

The mood at Spurs has been transformed in recent days after a potentially pivotal 1-0 win away against Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany that sealed their progress into the semi-finals of Europe’s secondary club competition, where they will face reigning Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt.

It was a victory that saved Tottenham’s season and eased the huge pressure on under-fire manager Ange Postecoglou, who will hope to take some of that new-found momentum into a wretched Premier League campaign that reached 17 defeats from 32 matches in dismal fashion at Wolves last weekend.

Expect changes from Spurs against a Forest team who are enjoying a tremendous season under former Tottenham head coach Nuno Espirito Santo and are in the thick of the race for Champions League qualification, though have suffered back-to-back defeats against Aston Villa and Everton and may be distracted by a looming FA Cup semi-final date with Manchester City at Wembley.

How to watch Tottenham vs Nottingham Forest

TV channel: In the UK, tonight’s match is being shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. Coverage of Monday Night Football begins at 6:30pm BST ahead of an 8pm kick-off in north London.

Live stream: Those with a Sky Sports subscription can also watch the game live online via the Sky Go app.

Live blog: Follow the action with Standard Sport’s live blog, featuring expert analysis from chief football correspondent Dan Kilpatrick at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

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"I know he’s a striker and when they don’t score people will focus on that but he’s such an important part of the way we play," the Spurs head coach said ahead of Monday's Premier League game against Nottingham Forest.

"Our back four, five were outstanding [in Frankfurt] but our front three were so disciplined also in their defensive work on Thursday. Dom and the two wingers had important jobs for us from a defensive point of view.

"You ask them to do such a massive physical load and then they still have to produce when the ball gets up to them in an attacking sense.

"And maybe in other teams… if you look at Frankfurt, they don’t ask that of [their No.9, Hugo] Ekitike. When he gets the ball, he feels fresh and he can run at people.

"Dom usually receives the ball when he’s done four or five sprints closing people down so you factor that into it. But we feel as a team that gives us a better chance of success."

With Spurs captain Heung-min Son missing through injury, Postecoglou signalled for Solanke to take the penalty after James Maddison was clattered by Frankfurt goalkeeper Kaua Santos late in the first half, and the 27-year-old finished coolly before celebrating in front of Frankfurt's ultras behind the goal.

"I was delighted for him," added Postecoglou. "He took his penalty really well. Don’t underestimate the pressure he was under in that moment, taking a penalty away in Europe knowing how significant it is, right in front of the most vocal part of their fanbase. It shows the measure of the guy. He didn’t miss a beat.

"Important goal for us, important player for us, and we missed him when he was out. And when he was out and Richy was out, that was a big hole in our team."

Richarlison is fit after recovering from a calf injury and could start on Monday for the first time since early February, likely in place of Solanke.

"Richy is another one who is going to get some game time in the next couple of games because he's looking really good in training. But Dom’s been super important," Postecoglou said.

Spurs' focus is now firmly on a first European semi-final since 2019 but Postecoglou says they must pick up in the league, with his side slumped in 16th ahead of the visit of Champions League-chasing Forest.

"100 per cent. When we've got everyone fit, we believe we can beat anyone," he said. "Not many games left so another step closer, so hopefully we can go onto do it.

"This cup was something we had our eyes on from the start of the season. We're not far off it now so hopefully we can keep producing these performances in the cup and league throughout the rest of the season and kick on.

"We all know we need to be more consistent from game to game. When you have a game like this, you need to go out there and show no fear and get the job done. There's no second chances in knockout football so we knew we had to go and get the job done and that's what we did."

Tottenham are expected to make changes tonight against Nottingham Forest after a heroic effort last week to reach the Europa League semi-finals.

Dejan Kulusevski, Kevin Danso and Richarlison have all returned to the squad after injury in recent weeks and Spurs head coach Ange Postecoglou has said he will make "five or six" changes to his XI from Thursday's seismic win against Eintracht Frankfurt.

Kulusevski is likely to replace James Maddison at No10, with the England international a doubt with soreness after being forced off in Germany following a clattering by goalkeeper Kaua Santos, while Richarlison could start up front, giving Dominic Solanke a rest.

Danso played the final five minutes in Germany and the Austrian is pushing to come into the backline, which could also feature Archie Gray and Djed Spence at full-back. Cristian Romero is due a rest, with Ben Davies or Micky van de Ven options to fill in at centre-back.

Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma are pushing for starts in midfield, although Lucas Bergvall may be fresh enough to keep his place.

Postecoglou has been managing Wilson Odobert's minutes of late and Heung-min Son (foot) remains sidelined, so Mathys Tel and Brennan Johnson may stay in the XI.

Spurs host top-four hopefuls after keeping their season alive in the Europa League

Monday Night Football: Tottenham play host to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League

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George Flood1 minute ago

Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Dan Kilpatrick

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Tottenham are back in action tonight as they take on high-flying Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Easter Monday.

It’s quickly back to domestic matters for Spurs, who kept their season alive and eased the significant pressure building on under-fire manager Ange Postecoglou with a vital win away in Frankfurt on Thursday night that sealed their progress into the semi-finals of the Europa League, where Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt await.

Sitting down in 16th place with nothing to play for in a dismal top-flight campaign, all the focus is now on trying to end that 17-year wait for a major trophy, which could well go a long way to saving Postecoglou’s job in addition to offering a place in next season’s Champions League.

Changes are inevitable against Forest, with Spurs having suffered their 17th defeat in 32 league matches with a dreadful 4-2 loss to in-form Wolves at Molineux last weekend.

The visitors are enjoying a remarkable campaign under ex-Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo and are in a fierce battle to secure a top-five finish and Champions League qualification, though would have watched on this weekend positional rivals Chelsea, Manchester City and Aston Villa all won. They also have the small matter of a looming FA Cup semi-final showdown with City at Wembley.

Date, kick-off time and venue

Tottenham vs Nottingham Forest is scheduled for an 8pm BST kick-off time tonight, Monday April 21, 2025.

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The match will take place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in north London.

Where to watch Tottenham vs Nottingham Forest

TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage of Monday Night Football beginning at 6:30pm BST.

Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Sky Go app.

Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog, with expert analysis from chief football correspondent Dan Kilpatrick at the ground.

Tottenham vs Nottingham Forest team news

Postecoglou has said that he will make “five or six” changes to his Tottenham team after their exertions in Frankfurt and with that two-legged semi-final tie against Bodo/Glimt on the way, in addition to meetings with Liverpool and West Ham.

Captain Heung-min Son remains sidelined with a lingering foot issue, while James Maddison is a doubt after going off before half-time on Thursday. Radu Dragusin is Spurs’ only other absentee at present after Dejan Kulusevski and Kevin Danso both came off the bench in Germany.

Double injury blow: Heung-min Son and James Maddison are both likely to be out for Tottenham

Getty Images

Ola Aina (calf) and Taiwo Awoniyi (hamstring) both remain doubtful for Forest after picking up injuries in the win over Manchester United and missing the losses to Villa and Everton.

Tottenham vs Nottingham Forest prediction

Like fellow semi-finalists Manchester United, Tottenham’s Premier League campaign has been nothing short of a disaster and all the attention is now on trying to win the Europa League.

But while Amorim seems safe no matter what transpires in the weeks ahead, Postecoglou will presumably still be eager for results at home as even winning the competition might not be enough to persuade frustrated Spurs fans that he should get a third season in charge if they continue to take beatings in the league.

On the flip side, there is probably preciously little left in terms of league results that would bolster his case for staying if Tottenham do not lift the trophy in Bilbao next month.

The Australian has made no secret of his plans to rotate on Monday and they are catching a Forest side currently experiencing a lull in their otherwise tremendous season with consecutive losses and that Wembley trip coming up next weekend.

The visitors really could use a result to bolster their Champions League push, but we’re anticipating a hard-fought draw on the night.

Draw, 1-1.

Head to head (h2h) history and results

Forest were 1-0 winners over Tottenham at the City Ground on Boxing Day thanks to Anthony Elanga’s goal. That was their first Premier League win against Spurs since 1997.

Tottenham wins: 59

Nottingham Forest wins: 38

Draws: 29

Tottenham vs Nottingham Forest match odds

Tottenham to win: 7/5

Nottingham Forest to win: 15/8

Draw: 6/4

Odds via Betfair (subject to change).

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