Spurs Web

Tottenham Hotspur return home from Norway for domestic duties as they prepare to face Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

Tottenham fans are still riding the high after their side booked a place in the Europa League final, comfortably seeing off Bodo/Glimt 2-0 away (5-1 on aggregate) on Thursday night.

It’s hard to move on from a feeling like that, especially considering their Premier League woes. However, the remaining fixtures still need to be played, whether they matter or not.

Likewise, Crystal Palace fans are also on top of the world, having secured a spot in the FA Cup final two weeks ago, where they’ll take on the blue side of Manchester.

How both teams go into Tottenham v Crystal Palace

Spurs come into this fixture fresh off their 2-0 second leg win in the semi-final over Bodo/Glimt. Goals from Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro secured a 5-1 aggregate win and punched their ticket to Bilbao, where Manchester United now await.

In the league, however, it’s been a less joyful tale. Just before their trip to Norway, a run of three consecutive defeats was halted by a 1-1 draw away to West Ham. They sit 16th with 38 points from 35 games, ensuring a bottom-half finish for the first time since 2007-08.

Four places above them, Crystal Palace sit 12th with 46 points from their 35 matches. A miserable start to the season was slowly turned around under Oliver Glasner. However, like Spurs, the Premier League isn’t their main concern anymore.

MORE SPURS STORIES

After beating Aston Villa (yes, the same Villa who ended Spurs’ FA Cup run) 3-0 in the semis, they now face Manchester City in next week’s final. A win would not only end a 30-year trophy drought (their last honour being the Championship title in 1993-94) but would also earn them European football for the first time in the club’s history.

After their semi-final win, Palace returned to league action with a third consecutive 1-1 draw, this time against Nottingham Forest. Proper scoreline, although a 0-0 draw might have felt more fitting. That followed stalemates against Bournemouth and Arsenal, with their last five in the league reading LLDDD.

Head-to-head: Tottenham v Crystal Palace

The last time Spurs faced Palace, the Eagles hadn’t won a single match, and Spurs were firmly in the top-four conversation. Oh, how the tables have turned (literally).

The reverse fixture saw ‘Dr Tottenham’ at his best, ending Palace’s winless streak with a 1-0 defeat in late October at Selhurst Park.

That said, Palace haven’t won away to Spurs since a 0-0 draw in 2014. That match featured Ryan Mason and Mile Jedinak going head-to-head, both of whom now work under Ange Postecoglou.

If you ignore the home record, Spurs have still been dominant in this fixture. In the last 25 meetings in all competitions, Spurs have won 17, Palace five, and the rest were draws.

Tottenham team news

There was a slight concern when Brennan Johnson appeared to be struggling with his leg after being subbed off in the second leg. However, Ange Postecoglou didn’t mention anything about it in the post-match press conference, and the Welshman seemed fine during the celebrations.

Everyone else from the first leg got through the game uninjured, though we still expect significant rotations.

Postecoglou said Heung-Min Son has a chance for this weekend, but we await further clarity from his press conference later today.

Confirmed absentees for the rest of the season include James Maddison, Lucas Bergvall, and Radu Dragusin.

Crystal Palace team news

Oliver Glasner confirmed that Adam Wharton will miss Sunday’s match but is hopeful of having him back for the FA Cup final.

He also mentioned that all the others are fit and available.

The long-term absentees remain Chadi Riad and Oumar Doucoure.

Predicted Tottenham lineup

Vicario, Gray, Romero, Danso, Spence, Kulusevski, Bentancur, Sarr, Odobert, Richarlison, Tel

Nine of Spurs’ starting XI played the full 90 minutes on Bodo/Glimt’s artificial pitch on Thursday, so the changes are self-explanatory.

Ben Davies has a decent chance of starting over Romero, though we expect Ange to rest the Argentine against Villa instead.

Pedro Porro could also retain his spot. But again, Ange might prefer to save him for Villa Park next week, given his comfort with quick turnarounds.

Midfield remains thin with Maddison and Bergvall out. But one possibility could see Davies slot in at left-back, Spence move to the right, and Gray pushed into midfield. Yves Bissouma was arguably Spurs’ best player over the two semi-final legs and will very likely start the final in the #6 role. Either he or Bentancur should retain their place here – the Uruguayan feels more likely.

If Son is fit, Ange may prefer to ease him back from the bench. Richarlison, who only played an hour in Norway, may be fit enough to start for a fourth straight game.

Players to watch out for

Kevin Danso: I can’t think of one person who doesn’t like this man. As things stand, he’s the most successful of Spurs’ January signings. Fans can only hope he makes his move permanent this summer. He’s arguably only behind Romero in positional awareness and passing from Spurs’ defence. A defensive duo of him and Romero could easily make a second successive clean sheet very likely.

Archie Gray: We’re aware that the chances of him starting aren’t very strong, although we’d love to see him. Fans have been too harsh on him after his showing at Anfield, but that atmosphere would’ve rattled even the best, let alone a teenager. If he starts, expect him to be more confident, regardless of the position.

Eberechi Eze: Definitely on Spurs’ summer watchlist. And should they win the Europa League and secure Champions League football, there will hardly be a reason for him not to join. He’s scored in each of Palace’s last three games and this match gives him the perfect chance to up his price if Spurs do come calling.

Our prediction

This might feel like a formality for both sides, but as Glasner said, momentum is vital heading into the big games.

Spurs will enter this fixture the more confident after their showing in the Arctic Circle. A win here, combined with losses for Wolves, Everton, and Manchester United, could lift them to 13th. A defeat, however, coupled with a West Ham win, could see them drop to 17th. And let’s be honest, Spurs do care about that. Like Ange Postecoglou said, ‘Spurs does crazy things to people’ – and even if they win the Europa League, critics won’t be quiet about their league finish.

Crystal Palace will likely rotate their key players, which should give Spurs a real chance to claim the three points.

Tottenham and Manchester United have shared some thrilling battles in recent years, so let’s have a look at the head-to-head record of their last ten meetings ahead of the all-important Europa League final.

It is official. Following the results of the last two Europa League semi-final ties, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are set to contest the sixth all-English European final.

The Europa League final will be staged in Spain this year, with the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao handed the honour of hosting the showpiece event.

The final will take place on Wednesday, 21 May 2025, with kick-off scheduled for 8 pm UK time.

While this will be the first time Tottenham and Manchester United meet in a European final, it is far from their first encounter. In fact, the clash in Bilbao will mark the 192nd meeting between the two clubs.

Tottenham vs Manchester United head-to-head: recent results and form

Indeed, Spurs have had the edge over Manchester United this season, beating them three times, but overall, United hold the better record in this fixture, having won 93 matches in total, with Tottenham winning 52 and 46 ending in a draw.

But what do the last ten encounters between these sides tell us? And how has the dynamic shifted in recent seasons?

MORE SPURS STORIES

In the last ten meetings, Tottenham Hotspur have emerged victorious on four occasions, with three of those wins coming in this current campaign.

The most recent clash saw the Lilywhites secure a 1-0 victory at home on Matchday 25 of the Premier League.

Prior to that, they edged Manchester United 4-3 in an end-to-end Carabao Cup quarter-final at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Of course, earlier this season, Tottenham also claimed a 1-0 win at Old Trafford on Matchday 6, while their fourth win against Man United in their last ten meetings came in the 2023/24 season, a 2-0 home win for Spurs.

Manchester United vs Spurs: past dominance and recent shift

In that same period, there have been two draws. Both finished 2-2 – one at Old Trafford in the 2023/24 campaign and the other at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium during the 2022/23 season.

Manchester United’s strongest run in this fixture came four to five years ago, between the 2020/21 and 2022/23 seasons, when they beat Tottenham four times in a row.

That included a 3-1 away win in the 2020/21 season, followed by a dominant 3-0 result at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2021/22.

United also won the reverse fixture that season, edging it 3-2, before a 2-0 home victory in 2022/23 capped off their streak.

Head to Head: Last 10 Matches Between Tottenham and Manchester United

Based on the last ten meetings, results show that Manchester United enjoyed a dominant spell between 2020/21 and 2022/23, winning four straight ties, but now Tottenham appear to be in the ascendancy, with three consecutive victories of their own.

Should that trend continue, the Lilywhites may well be on course to extend their winning run and lift the trophy in Bilbao. Yet, as history has shown, momentum in this fixture rarely stays in one camp for long.

Serge Aurier’s message to the Tottenham Hotspur players ahead of their Europa League final shows he is still fully ‘COYS’ despite leaving North London in 2021.

Tottenham Hotspur are so close to ending their long wait for silverware, with a victory against Manchester United at San Mames in Spain all that is needed.

Tottenham have already beaten Manchester United three times this season, including a thrilling 4-3 win in the quarter-final of the Carabao Cup.

Ange Postecoglou has stated that the Lilywhites must remain focused, treating every game between now and the final as if it were training, because each step matters.

Serge Aurier sends a message of support to Tottenham players ahead of the Europa League final

Everyone affiliated with Tottenham are desperate to see the north London club triumph, with David Bentley urging Ange Postecoglou’s side to go on and get the job done against Manchester United.

Former Tottenham full-back Serge Aurier has now followed suit, sending a message to the current players which shows he is still Spurs through and through.

In the comment section of the behind-the-scenes post shared by the official Tottenham Hotspur social media page, Serge Aurier simply stated: “One to go ☝🏾🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍”

MORE SPURS STORIES

Glenn Hoddle issues warning ahead of Spurs vs Manchester United final

While every Tottenham fan, including Aurier, has their eye on the clash in Spain, former Tottenham manager Glenn Hoddle has warned of a potential bad omen heading into the Europa League final.

The ex-manager pointed out the difficulty of beating a Premier League side four times in one season, but he believes this Tottenham team are more than capable, provided they are at their best.

He said: “That is a slight problem for me actually, I am on a down… To beat a team four times in one season from the Premier League is really tough, it really is.

“But it is a one-off game and Spurs, when they are on their game, when they defend properly, they are a match for anyone and they have proved that with some of the performances they have put in this year.”

James Maddison would have been delighted to watch Tottenham Hotspur seal passage into the Europa League finals with a 2-0 away win against Bodo/Glimt, and one moment from the game in particular would have put a smile on the injured midfielder’s face.

After losing two of their biggest creative outlets in Lucas Bergvall and James Maddison to injuries, Tottenham once again had a workmanlike midfield in Norway, with Ange Postecoglou playing a trio of Rodrigo Bentancur, Yves Bissouma and Dejan Kulusevski.

That worked perfectly for the Lilywhites on the night as the home side struggled to break down Tottenham and create any clear-cut chances through the game.

Dominic Solanke scored Tottenham’s opener on 63 minutes, leaving the Norwegian side with a mountain to climb before Porro sealed the result with an outstanding strike six minutes later.

James Maddison would have been delighted with Pedro Porro’s Tottenham celebration

The Spaniard somehow managed to lob the goalkeeper from an extremely tight angle, but the right-back confessed after the game that he actually meant to cross the ball into the box.

Either way, the Tottenham players did not care as the wild celebrations that followed the goal showed just what it meant to the side to make the final in Bilbao.

After his strike, Porro opted to do Maddison’s trademark darts celebration, which would have undoubtedly put a smile on the face of the 28-year-old, who would have been watching from London.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Maddison reacts on social media to Porro’s message

Porro led the celebration in front of the travelling fans after the final whistle, with the 25-year-old really taking in the moment.

After the game, the full-back took to social media to express his delight, writing: “Got the job done together. We’ll see you in Bilbao… VAMOSSSSS !!!”

Maddison replied in the comments with “Love you brother”, while Djed Spence added a light-hearted message, calling his strike “a Rocket” and adding a laughing emoji.

Heung-min Son might have missed both legs of Tottenham Hotspur’s semi-final clash against Bodo/Glimt, but the club captain has now hinted that he could be back in time to lead the team out in the Europa League final.

Tottenham Hotspur followed up their 3-1 win against Bodo/Glimt at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with a 2-0 win over the Norwegian side at the Aspmyra Stadion.

It was a performance described as “professional” and “outstanding” by former Spurs midfielder David Bentley, and given how well Tottenham performed, the expectation is that the Lilywhites build on this win ahead of their final with Manchester United.

Ange Postecoglou and his coaching staff had to secure a victory without club captain Heung-min Son, who is still nursing a foot injury, hence why he did not travel with Tottenham.

Heung-min Son sends message to Tottenham fans ahead of final

However, on social media, Son has shown that he is right behind this Tottenham team, sending a message to fans ahead of the final.

On his Instagram stories, the Korean forward simply wrote: “Good morning and see you soon on pitch.”

This, of course, hints that a return to action is very much on the cards for the Tottenham wide man who has yet to feature since April, missing the second leg tie against Frankfurt and the two semi-final games against Bodo/Glimt.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Speaking ahead of the clash in Norway, Ange Postecoglou already provided an update on how soon Son would make a return.

The Australian manager made it clear that while the Spurs skipper did not travel with the squad, he is in contention to feature against Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday.

When asked if Son has travelled, Postecoglou added: “Disappointing for Sonny. He has progressed and he is a possibility to get minutes at the weekend but he has not trained with the team yet.”

Tottenham Hotspur may have a history of falling at the final hurdle over the last two decades, but Ange Postecoglou has now revealed what he sees in the current Spurs squad that gives him confidence that they can get their hands on the Europa League trophy in Bilbao.

Spurs will take on Man United at San Mames on May 21 in one of the most high-profile Europa League finals in a long time, given the pedigree of the two sides involved.

Tottenham have beaten the Red Devils on three occasions already this season across all competitions, which the Lilywhites will take confidence from.

However, some pundits believe that Man United are clear favourites in the final, due to the club’s history of regularly winning silverware.

Ange Postecoglou reveals why he has faith in his Tottenham players ahead of Europa League final

While this will undoubtedly be the biggest game of Postecoglou’s managerial career so far, the Australian is no stranger to being involved in cup finals, having won trophies wherever he has been.

The 59-year-old pointed out that his Tottenham side have shown tremendous resilience amidst adversity all season, admitting that it gives him the belief that they can deal with the pressure and expectations of a massive final.

When it was pointed out that United have a knack of winning silverware, and when Postecoglou was asked if his players were mentally ready to take on Rubem Amorim’s men in the final, he said (via Football.London): “A final is a unique standalone game, it’s a bit different to everything you do in the build up to it.

MORE SPURS STORIES

“But if you’re talking about resilience and adversity, this group of players have had it in bucket loads this year and we’ve still found a way to deal with it. We’ve been losing players, key players and yet they’ve still found a way to stick together and believe in what we’re doing.

“That gives me the belief that the challenge we have of trying to overcome a tough opponent in a massive game, I know the lads have it in them to rise to that.”

History will count for very little in Bilbao

One can certainly create a narrative based on the history of the two clubs involved in the final, but the reality is that the majority of the players in both squads are completely unburdened by past failures or successes.

There are a lot of players in the United squad who have not tasted success at the highest level, while Tottenham Hotspur boast a World Cup winner and a two-time Copa America winner in their squad, among several other league title winners.

Basing one’s assessment on the history of two clubs rather than on the history of the actual players and managers involved in this game is flawed.

Tottenham fans have been left baffled after footage emerged of the Europa League trophy being paraded at Old Trafford during Manchester United’s semi-final clash – and the timing could not be more suspect.

The next 12 days are set to be long for Tottenham Hotspur fans, who must now endure a wave of one-sided media coverage in the lead-up to their Europa League showdown with Manchester United on 21 May.

That media push has already kicked off, with a video circulating on social media showing the Europa League trophy inside Old Trafford during Manchester United’s semi-final clash against Athletic Bilbao.

With so many former Manchester United players now taking up punditry roles on television, it is quite clear what the narrative is going to be in the build-up – and Owen Hargreaves has already struck that tone, claiming United are the side carrying momentum into the final.

Tottenham fans react to the Europa League trophy being shown at Old Trafford

Spurs fans have been left perplexed by the viral video, and many have not held back in expressing their confusion, with some going as far as labelling it strange.

One fan replied to the video saying: “Is this some kind of script that is already written? #weird” while another added: “Agreed, very weird icl.”

A third commented: “That does seem strange,” and one supporter was quick to call out the media’s bias: “The classic broadcast media-to-club bias rearing its head again. Not surprised at this, sadly.”

MORE SPURS STORIES

Another fan added: “The two weeks leading to this final are going to be long, are they not?” while another chimed in: “I see the media agenda for wanting United to win it is in full force then.”

One Spurs fan saw the funny side of it all, posting: “They wanted to show it to them because its next stop is north London,” while another confidently stated: “We are winning it.”

Spurs legends back Tottenham to beat Manchester United in final

While Manchester United pundits have unsurprisingly rallied behind their club, with Paul Scholes suggesting United’s European pedigree makes them favourites to lift the Europa League, a few former Tottenham players have begun to throw their weight behind the Lilywhites.

Speaking after Tottenham’s semi-final win over Bodo/Glimt, ex-Spurs midfielder David Bentley praised Spurs’ performance, describing it as “professional” and “outstanding”, urging the side to finish the job against Manchester United in the final.

He said: “Happy night, I was nervous a little bit before the game, just with the conditions, with the sort of season Tottenham have had, and you just think, ahh please do not.

“But I thought they turned up, they were outstanding. Real professional performance and they have got to a final and it is beautiful, go on and win it and beat Man United, happy days.”

With the final set to take place on 21 May, Tottenham will be looking to make it four wins from four and bring the trophy back to north London when they face Manchester United at San Mames.

Cristian Romero’s latest Europa League display has silenced any doubts about his commitment to Tottenham, with his underlying stats proving why he remains a vital part of Spurs’ defence.

With Cristian Romero stating that he would love to play in Spain, there have been questions about whether his heart is still at Tottenham Hotspur.

The defender, on his day, is one of the best centre-backs in world football, although there are moments where lapses in concentration can cost his side.

That being said, throughout the Europa League knockout rounds, Tottenham have had to rely heavily on their Argentine centre-back, and in every round so far, he has delivered standout performances that have anchored the defence.

Cristian Romero shines for Tottenham in Europa League clash vs Bodo/Glimt

Against Bodo/Glimt in the second leg at the Arctic Circle, Cristian Romero was once again impressive, with the defender proving influential in both penalty areas.

His underlying numbers now support the eye test, as data from FotMob lays bare just how dominant Romero was on the night.

Defensively, Romero won both of his tackle attempts, made one block, completed five clearances – four of them with his head – registered two interceptions, made five recoveries and was not dribbled past once.

MORE SPURS STORIES

When it came to duels, he remained a dominant force, winning four out of six across the match and asserting control whenever danger threatened.

Spurs captain Cristian Romero delivers at both ends of the pitch

Romero’s performance was not confined to his own box either, as the 27-year-old also made a telling impact in the attacking third.

He registered an assist for the opening goal, climbing highest from a corner to direct a header into a dangerous area, which Dominic Solanke converted from close range.

Beyond that, the Argentine international completed 26 of his 27 attempted passes, showing a calmness on the ball that kept Tottenham ticking in possession.

He also had a touch inside the opposition’s box, played two passes into the final third, and completed both of his attempted long balls.

His performance was rounded off with a clean sheet, as Tottenham shut out a Bodo/Glimt side that had scored in every home match this season.

James Maddison has sent a touching message to the Tottenham fans after the club secured passage to the Europa League final and has admitted that he is gutted not to be able to play a part in Bilbao as his side looks to make history.

The possibility of European success is certainly not something that something to be scoffed at, particularly considering that Tottenham Hotspur have only won three European trophies in their 143-year history.

The club are currently in their longest trophy drought since the turn of the 20th century, which will make their achievement even more special if they beat Manchester United in Bilbao.

Further, to do that on the back of what has been an extremely testing season will undoubtedly make it ever sweeter for Ange Postecoglou and the Tottenham squad, who have come under intense criticism all season.

James Maddison is hoping May 21st will be a special night for Tottenham

Maddison has now taken to social media to admit that the Europa League final in Bilbao is something that he and his teammates had their eye on right from the start of the season.

This comes after news that Maddison has been sidelined for around three months with a knee injury, and he confessed that the blow was really tough to take.

However, the 28-year-old reiterated his belief that his teammates can get the job done in San Mames and make it a historic night for Tottenham.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Maddison wrote on Instagram: “Gutted. Just absolutely gutted. We’ve had our sights on that European final in Bilbao from day one of this campaign. So to accept not being able to take part out on that pitch with the boys is really tough to take.

“Injuries are just part of this game that can be so cruel at times. But I truly believe that it can be a special night for my football club. Bring on the 21st. All together @spursofficial”

Togetherness among the Spurs squad is commendable

When a club has a season as poor as the one Tottenham have had this term, fractures in the dressing room are inevitable and the relationship between some players and members of the coaching staff suffers.

However, that appears not to have happened at N17, with the squad managing to stick together through the adversity, and one could tell from the Tottenham players’ wild celebrations after the full-time whistle just how tight the players are.

That is something that Postecoglou deserves immense credit for while the Tottenham board also deserve some praise for holding their nerve and not sacking the Australian.

Opta’s supercomputer has now predicted who will win the Europa League final between Tottenham Hotspur and Man United on May 21 in Bilbao.

Given how poorly Tottenham Hotspur have performed domestically this season, few would have predicted the Lilywhites to make it to a European final.

Well, they have, and standing between them and ending their almost two-decade-long trophy drought is fellow English side, Manchester United.

The Red Devils themselves have struggled domestically, with Ruben Amorim’s men camped a place above Spurs in the Premier League table in 15th.

Opta predict close Tottenham vs Manchester United final

With an all-English final set to take place on the 21st of May in Bilbao, Opta’s supercomputer has crunched the numbers.

According to Opta, their predictions two weeks before the 2025 Europa League final, between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao, are in favour of the Red Devils.

Manchester United are predicted to win the trophy in 50.7% of the supercomputer’s 10,000 current simulations, compared to 49.3% won by Spurs.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Spurs’ head-to-head advantage over Man United and hopes for silverware

The prediction of the Opta model is very tight, which suggests that the final is sure to be closely contested.

Looking at their head-to-head record this season, Tottenham have secured a win in the three encounters between themselves and Man United, even beating them in the quarter-final of the Carabao Cup.

United do, of course, have the European pedigree, something so many of their legends have alluded to. But given how similar both sides have been this season, it is a difficult final to call.

The hope now is that Tottenham put in another professional and mature display as they have done all season in Europe, and if they do, then the trophy could be theirs.