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Brennan Johnson has admitted that lifting the Europa League trophy in Bilbao will be right up there among the best moments of his career, admitting that he and his teammates are determined to take the opportunity to achieve something special.

The current Spurs squad and coaching staff know that they have an opportunity to write their name in Tottenham’s folklore despite having an abject season domestically.

They could become the first Spurs side to win silverware in 2008, thereby succeeding where several big-name players and managers have failed.

Most pundits appear to be installing Man United as favourites for the final, even though Tottenham have beaten them three times this season, but that does not worry Johnson or any of his teammates.

Brennan Johnson is looking forward to ‘the special game’

Tottenham have understandably prioritised the Europa League over the Premier League over the last few weeks, which means that their league form has deteriorated even further.

Postecoglou was not happy with how some of his squad players performed against Palace, and Johnson has now explained that the loss still hurts, even though there is nothing significant riding on the league results.

When asked about the 2-0 defeat to the Eagles, the winger told Hayters: “It still hurts me just as much as anyone when we lose, and for me, it’s just about trying to win games and to try and be successful, because that’s where I know the team can be.

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“I feel like last season, we had that consistency more, which is why we’re able to finish a lot higher in the league. But yeah, scoring goals doesn’t really make me feel any better, but obviously it’s been nice to get more.”

Johnson admitted that lifting a European trophy would be a fulfilment of a lifelong dream and that excitement is building at Hotspur Way ahead of the big clash.

When asked what being crowned Europa League champions would mean, the winger said: “It’d be a dream come true. I think I’ve had some good moments in my career at the moment, but yeah, a European trophy would be unbelievable.

“I’m sure a lot of the lads would say the same thing. So yeah, it’s a special game to be involved in, but now it’s just about kind of mentally preparing, physically preparing for what’s to come.”

Johnson reveals Postecoglou’s important message to Spurs players

The Wales international revealed that the Spurs boss has stressed to his players that occasions like the one in Bilbo next week do not come around often in one’s career.

Johnson insisted that all the Tottenham players are acutely aware that this could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

He added: “The manager alludes to it a lot, these games don’t come around often. Some players are a lot older than me, some are a lot younger than me, and it can be a once-in-a-career moment.

“Hopefully not. I wish the best for everyone. But yeah, I think we’re all aware that these situations are big and we can’t take them for granted.”

Tottenham fans have had their say on who they want to see replace Dejan Kulusevski in the number ten role, with the fanbase split on their preferred option.

Tottenham Hotspur were handed another injury blow ahead of their Europa League clash against Manchester United, with Dejan Kulusevski now sidelined for the rest of the season.

It was confirmed yesterday by the club that, following surgery on his right patella after picking up a knock in Tottenham’s Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace last weekend, the midfielder is now set to begin his rehabilitation.

The club wrote in their official statement: “We can confirm that Dejan Kulusevski suffered an injury to his right patella in our Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace last weekend. Following further specialist consultation, the midfielder has undergone surgery today and will commence his rehabilitation.”

Tottenham fans name their Dejan Kulusevski replacement ahead of Europa League final

With the Swede, James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall now all set to miss the Europa League final, we took to social media to ask Tottenham fans who they would like to see step into the ten role.

Many fans did not hold back, with a range of suggestions that revealed just how divided the fanbase is when it comes to filling Kulusevski’s boots.

One fan simply said: “Odobert”. Another went with: “Son!” while one got creative, proposing: “Bissouma, give him a free role with Sarr and Bentancur sitting”.

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Another replied: “For me Sarr, him and Solanke and Richarlison or Son pressing can be hard for United to play around. Then if we need to attack we can bring in Who from Son and Richarlison is on the bench as second striker.”

One fan put forward Mikey Moore: “Mikey Moore. He has looked good whenever given the opportunity this season, plus it keeps the shape by not shoehorning Odobert or Son in behind Solanke.”

Another said: “Tel, in the Dele role as a second striker behind Solanke. Bissouma and Bentancur as double pivot 6s.”

Some went tactical, with one calling for Solanke to drop deeper: “Gotta be Solanke, I would be intrigued to see Richarlison ahead of him, Tel left and Johnson right.”

Another suggested a complete formation switch: “Should bin the number 10 for the final. Play a 3-5-2 formation with two strikers and three centre-backs. Gonna have to rely on Porro, Djed and Solanke to create.”

What Spurs could do without Kulusevski

Tottenham Hotspur are no strangers to managing an injury crisis, as we have seen earlier this season when several key players were ruled out for extended spells.

That period saw the likes of Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall step up impressively, with Ange Postecoglou managing to keep the duo performing despite the injury setbacks.

The Australian boss already tried one of the fan-favoured options, Wilson Odobert, in the clash against Crystal Palace, though he admitted it was not a premeditated decision, but one made out of necessity.

He said: “It was a needs must basis today, I put him in there, he has played there before because I did not want to expose any of the other guys from the other night so he had to play in there.”

We have laid bare our thoughts on how Tottenham could set up in the absence of their creative tens – you can read more here.

Tottenham will honour a century-old San Mames tradition ahead of the Europa League final, while Manchester United are exempt from the gesture despite also reaching the showpiece in Bilbao.

The countdown continues, as Tottenham Hotspur are now seven days away from taking on Manchester United in Spain at Bilbao’s San Mames Stadium.

Ruben Amorim has sent a message to Ange Postecoglou ahead of the big showdown in the final, stating that while it has been tough for both him and Postecoglou, there can be only one winner in the final and that United will try to win.

Postecoglou himself has stated that he longs to end Tottenham’s long trophy drought, admitting that it would not only be a personal achievement for him, but a collective one.

UEFA has announced a controversial referee to take charge of the final, and while Tottenham have lost one of the two games he has officiated involving them, Spurs would be hoping for victory at San Mames.

Tottenham to pay respects at San Mames before Europa League final

However, it has now been revealed by The Sun that Tottenham are set to take part in a tradition ahead of the Europa League final, one that Manchester United will not be a part of.

According to the publication, there has been a tradition that has remained for 98 years to honour Athletic Bilbao icon Rafael Moreno Aranzadi, popularly known as Pichichi.

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The striker played for the Spanish outfit in the early 1900s but suddenly passed away aged 29 from typhus.

To pay respect to the late Pichichi, every side that plays at the San Mames for the first time leaves a bunch of flowers in homage ahead of kick-off.

Indeed, Spurs have never played Athletic Bilbao at their home Stadium, only facing them twice in friendlies at different locations.

For that reason, Tottenham are set to lay flowers by a bust in a special area by the players’ tunnel to commemorate Pichichi.

Why Manchester United are exempt from Pichichi tribute at San Mames

Manchester United, however, would not have to take part in this tradition because they have faced Bilbao in their home stadium on several different occasions.

The Red Devils played at Bilbao’s old stadium in 1957 and 2012. And they were at the new ground earlier this month as they knocked out Athletic Bilbao 7-1 on aggregate in this year’s semi-final.

Kick-off for the Europa League final has been scheduled for 8 pm UK time on Wednesday, 21 May 2025.

One Spurs youngster has received a call-up to his senior national side in light of his impressive performances out on loan this season, even though he is yet to make his debut for Tottenham.

While a lot of Spurs fans have been raving about Jamie Donley’s outstanding showing at Leyton Orient this season, another Spurs youngster has also quietly had a sensational season for the O’s

Goalkeeper Josh Keeley has been flawless between the sticks for the League One side, conceding only 38 goals in the league and keeping 16 clean sheets in 38 matches.

The 21-year-old once again played a key role in the club’s playoff semifinal clash against Stockport County, which the O’s won on penalties, owing to Keeley’s crucial penalty save against Jack Diamond.

Josh Keeley receives his first senior international call-up

Keeley has now been rewarded for his impressive showing this season at Orient with a first call-up to the Republic of Ireland senior squad.

The Tottenham academy youngster has trained with the senior side before, but he will now officially be part of the 24-man squad for their upcoming friendlies with Senegal and Luxembourg.

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The goalkeeper has earned 10 caps for the Republic of Ireland’s Under-21s over the past two years, and he will get a chance to link up with former Tottenham Hotspur striker Troy Parrott in the senior set-up.

Josh Keeley is looking to make history on May 25

While Keeley will be excited about his first call-up, he and Jamie Donley will be focused on a huge opportunity to create history later this month.

Orient now have a chance to secure promotion to the Championship, which will be a monumental achievement as the club have not been in English football’s second tier since 1982.

Keely and Donley will thus walk out at Wembley for the biggest game of their careers on May 25, and many Spurs fans will firmly have their eye on that game to see how their academy starlets get on.

With five days to go before the big European night, Tottenham Hotspur take a quick trip to Birmingham to face Aston Villa, hoping to head to Bilbao with a bit of momentum.

It’s hardly been a week since the 2-0 second-leg win over Bodo/Glimt in Norway, and it’s already been a chaotic one for Spurs. With two domestic fixtures squeezed in before the final, one already lost 2-0 to Crystal Palace, this upcoming clash is more of a formality for what will likely be a heavily rotated Tottenham team.

Aston Villa, on the other hand, are throwing everything into the final days of the campaign. Their entire season rests on winning the next two games and hoping results elsewhere allow them to secure Champions League qualification.

What time does Aston Villa vs Tottenham Hotspur kick off?

Location: Birmingham, England

Stadium: Villa Park

Date: Friday 16th May 2025

Kick-off Time: 7:30 pm BST

Referee: Peter Bankes

VAR: James Bell

How both teams go into Aston Villa vs Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham come into this one off the back of their home defeat to Crystal Palace (0-2), a performance that left fans unimpressed. Though the game held little significance, the Eagles – who also have a final to play – still looked far dominant, unlike Spurs. Before that was the 2-0 triumph in Norway (5-1 agg) which confirmed their place in the Europa League final against Manchester United.

With just one point from their last five league games, Ange Postecoglou’s side sit 17th in the table, just about clear of relegation danger – although the final looms far larger than domestic positioning now.

As for Villa, their supporters were vocally displeased about the fixture change, which handed Spurs a few extra days of rest before their final. One might call it jealousy, considering they’re set to finish the season trophyless after crashing out of the FA Cup semi-finals with a 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace.

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Unai Emery’s men do have some wind in their sails, though, after back-to-back 1-0 wins over Fulham and Bournemouth. They currently sit sixth, only behind Chelsea on goal difference, and are unbeaten in their last 20 home matches across all competitions. With two more victories and a bit of luck elsewhere, the Champions League is still in reach.

Tottenham’s head-to-head record vs Aston Villa

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

Tottenham have only won more Premier League away games against Manchester City (12) than they have against Aston Villa (11). In their last 9 visits to Birmingham, Spurs have left with 3 points in 8 of them.

These two have met twice this season already. The reverse fixture saw Tottenham storm back in the second half to win 4-1. However, the FA Cup 4th Round clash ended in a 2-1 defeat for the Lilywhites.

Interestingly, the last 22 meetings between these two sides have produced no draws.

Tottenham team news

Tottenham suffered a huge blow in their recent defeat to Palace, losing their only available No.10 – Dejan Kulusevski. The club confirmed that Kulusevski has undergone knee surgery and that means he won’t feature in Bilbao.

Captain Heung-min Son made his return off the bench in that same fixture and looked sharp. Expect him to build minutes ahead of Bilbao.

Ange Postecoglou has already indicated there’ll be no risks taken, and that key players will be “wrapped in cotton wool.” We expect sweeping changes for this one.

Longer-term absentees include Lucas Bergvall, Radu Dragusin, and James Maddison.

Aston Villa team news

Midfielder Jacob Ramsey is suspended after picking up two yellow cards against Bournemouth. Meanwhile, Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford remains out with a hamstring issue.

Youri Tielemans remains a doubt after missing the last match due to a knock.

Predicted Tottenham line-up

Kinsky, Spence, Danso, Davies, Reguilon, Gray, Bissouma, Sarr, Odobert, Son, Moore

Kinsky started the previous game against Palace and could keep his spot, although Guglielmo Vicario remains an option.

The backline could see Cristian Romero and Pedro Porro swapped in for Davies and Reguilon to maintain some stability, though rotation is likely to be the theme.

Midfield remains light, and at least one starter from the final may have to feature unless Ange throws in a few academy names like Damola Ajayi, Luca Williams Barnett, or Callum Olusesi.

Up top, Mathys Tel or Richarlison are expected to lead the line in the final, so Son could get more minutes now. This could also be Timo Werner’s last dance in a Spurs shirt – something, at the very least, is likely.

Our prediction

Keep an eye on Mikey Moore. The youngster has impressed in recent cameos and looks hungry for his first league goal.

Truth be told, most Spurs fans won’t mind if this one doesn’t go their way. If there’s a time to stink up the pitch, better now than in Bilbao. That said, a win could see them jump to 14th depending on results for West Ham, Manchester United, and Wolves. A defeat keeps them parked in 17th.

Villa have all the motivation here. They’re at home, they’re unbeaten in 20 there, and they’re playing for a shot at the Champions League. But wouldn’t it be something to dash their hopes in their own backyard, especially after all that whining about the fixture switch?

Tottenham Hotspur’s injury woes deepen further as Ange Postecoglou confirms another forward is now nursing a fresh hamstring issue, adding to a growing list of absentees ahead of a defining few weeks.

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed several major fitness blows ahead of their Europa League final matchup against Manchester United.

Ange Postecoglou has confirmed that Dejan Kulusevski is set to miss the rest of the season, with the Swede eyeing a potential return next campaign.

The Tottenham boss has also killed off every hope of a potential Lucas Bergvall cameo in the Europa League final, stating that the initial timeline remains, despite rumours suggesting the youngster could be involved in the final.

Timo Werner adds to Tottenham injury list ahead of Aston Villa clash

Ange Postecoglou has now gone on to reveal that another Tottenham player is currently sidelined with an injury, although he is far from a regular starter.

Speaking ahead of the clash against Aston Villa in the Premier League, the Tottenham boss confirmed that Timo Werner currently has a hamstring injury.

When asked why we haven’t seen Werner for a while, he told football.london: “He’s injured, mate. He’s injured. He’s got a hamstring injury.”

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Timo Werner might have played his last game for Spurs

This is not the first time the wide man would pick up a hamstring injury, as he was sidelined for more than four weeks at the start of the year because of a similar issue.

The forward was left out of Tottenham’s Europa League squad for the knockout rounds, which means he is not in contention to play in the final.

Ange Postecoglou has offered a fresh update on Tottenham’s injury situation ahead of their Premier League clash against Aston Villa.

Tottenham Hotspur are set to take on Aston Villa in the Premier League on Friday in what is their penultimate game of the League season.

Indeed, with a Europa League final only just six days away, Tottenham would have their eyes fixed on 21 May in Spain at the San Mames Stadium.

Ange Postecoglou would be hoping that his side are not handed any more injury blows after three of his most creative midfielders have been ruled out for the final against Manchester United.

James Maddison is out for three months after picking up an injury to his knee in Tottenham’s first-leg semi-final win against Bodo/Glimt at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Dejan Kulusevski picked up a knock to his knee in Tottenham’s last Premier League game against Crystal Palace, and Kulusevski has since had to undergo surgery.

Lucas Bergvall injured his ankle ligament and is expected to be out for eight weeks, however, rumours suggest that Bergvall could be fit just in time for the final in Spain.

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Ahead of the Premier League clash against Aston Villa, Ange Postecoglou has now provided an update on the fitness of his Tottenham squad.

Speaking on Lucas Bergvall’s fitness and the likelihood of him featuring in the Europa League against Manchester United, Postecoglou told football.london: “No, it’s still the same sort of timeframe. Never long term but he’s just got out of his boot and taking his first steps on the grass but he’ll likely be a while.”

On whether Heung-min Son would feature against Aston Villa, the Spurs boss continued: “He’ll definitely play tomorrow. Whether he’ll start or not we’ll see. He reacted well to Sunday and it makes sense to get him more match minutes whether it’s starting or playing half of the game.”

Dejan Kulusevski has now broken his silence following confirmation that his 2024/25 campaign is officially over due to injury, with the Swedish midfielder taking to Instagram to send a heartfelt message to Tottenham supporters.

For most of the 2024/25 season, Dejan Kulusevski has been widely regarded as Tottenham’s standout performer.

The midfielder’s work rate, creativity and versatility have been on full display throughout the campaign, all of which played a major role in making him a fan favourite.

Kulusevski has also delivered in terms of end product, registering 21 goal contributions across all competitions, scoring ten times and providing 11 assists in 35 starts for the Lilywhites.

However, the Swede’s season has now been brought to an end following the knee injury he sustained during Tottenham’s win over Crystal Palace.

Dejan Kulusevski sends heartfelt message to Tottenham fans after season-ending injury

Tottenham Hotspur have just three fixtures remaining before the 2024/25 campaign draws to a close.

While domestic form has been patchy, Ange Postecoglou’s side has excelled in Europe and are set to face Manchester United in the Europa League final in just six days.

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Dejan Kulusevski will miss the Europa League final after the club confirmed he has undergone surgery on his right patella, following the knock he picked up against Crystal Palace.

The midfielder, well aware that his season has ended, has since taken to Instagram to issue a message of gratitude to the fans.

Sharing a video montage of his best moments this season, the 25-year-old thanked supporters for their backing and vowed to return stronger.

His caption read: “Realest one u ever seen. For the people that I gave joy this year, thank you I appreciate you and I love you. I pray for you. Do not be sad, we will be back and we coming for everybody.”

Spurs sweat on Lucas Bergvall with James Maddison ruled out

Tottenham are now set to finish the season without Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall, all of whom have picked up injuries in recent weeks.

However, the latest rumours suggest that Lucas Bergvall’s issue might not be as serious as initially feared, with whispers that he could feature in the Europa League final.

Tottenham Hotspur may have been handed an unexpected boost ahead of the Europa League final, with two Manchester United stars missing from training at Carrington.

Speaking ahead of the Europa League final set to take place in Spain at the San Mames Stadium on 21 May, Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim made it clear that he would love for his side to go into the final injury-free.

He said: “I am just worried about the next game, trying not to get any injuries for the final. If we do not win the final, it means nothing for us. We have to have a full squad [against Tottenham], stay in the game and have a bit of luck and we have to be clinical.”

With seven days to go before the final in Spain, Manchester United are now sweating over the fitness of two of their centre-backs.

Tottenham handed Europa League final boost as Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt miss training

This report comes from George Smith, a writer for the Manchester Evening News, who has now revealed that neither Leny Yoro nor Matthijs de Ligt trained at Carrington this morning (14 May).

The journalist stated that there are big question marks surrounding the pair ahead of next week’s Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur.

This comes after Matthijs de Ligt missed the last two games, while Leny Yoro was forced off against West Ham United after picking up a knock.

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His tweet read: “Neither Leny Yoro or Matthijs de Ligt are training at Carrington this morning. Big question marks surround the pair ahead of next week’s Europa League final against Tottenham. De Ligt has missed the last two games and Yoro went off vs WHU.”

Spurs midfield crisis worsens ahead of Europa League final

It is never a good thing to see players pick up injuries, especially when there is a big game coming up, but that has been the story of both clubs’ season this campaign.

Tottenham, who have had to navigate an injury crisis for most of the season, are now dealing with a midfield crisis as James Maddison, Lucas Bergvall, and Dejan Kulusevski are all out and will not be in contention for the final (unless you believe the rumours about Bergvall).

Heung-min Son has allegedly been the target of an extortion attempt back in South Korea, with a report revealing that the Seoul police have taken two people into custody for allegedly blackmailing the Tottenham captain with fake pregnancy claims.

The Tottenham Hotspur forward returned from his injury in the club’s 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, and he now has his eyes set on winning his first trophy for the Lilywhites.

Son has admitted that the Europa League is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for him to secure his Tottenham legacy and break the club’s trophy drought.

It has now emerged that the forward has had to deal with a stressful situation over recent months and filed a police complaint a few days ago after being the target of an extortion attempt.

Two arrested for allegedly trying to extort money from Heung-min Son

Yonhap News reveals that Son contacted the Korean police, alleging that a man and woman attempted to blackmail him.

The Tottenham star was allegedly approached by a woman claiming that she was pregnant with his child, with the woman thought to have first reached out to Son last June.

He and a man, who is believed to be one of her acquaintances, then allegedly approached the Spurs star again in March, demanding money in exchange for being silent.

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Son filed a complaint with the police last week, and the Gangnam Police Station in southern Seoul has confirmed that they had arrested a woman in his 20s and a man on suspicion of attempting to extort money from the 32-year-old superstar.

The arrests should hopefully put Son’s mind at ease

One can imagine that this has been playing on Son’s mind for a long time, given that the extortion attempt allegedly started last summer.

Hopefully, the action by the police will put the Tottenham star at ease as he prepares for one of the biggest games of his career.