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A fair few fringe players will be battling to break into Ange Postecoglou’s starting eleven for Tottenham’s Europa League semi-final, and with spots up for grabs, every minute on the pitch now counts. Let’s meet the five firinge players who could force their way into the starting XI.

The Europa League semi-final between Tottenham Hotspur and Bodo/Glimt is shaping up to be a fascinating clash.

Both sides are looking to book a place in the final, and for Bodo/Glimt, it would be the first time they’ve reached such a stage in European competition.

Tottenham, meanwhile, are chasing their first piece of silverware since 2008. The last time they lifted the Europa League – back in the 1971/72 season – is a distant memory, but winning this one would finally end their long-standing 17-year trophy drought.

Both sides have contrasting advantages going into this tie. Tottenham have received a significant boost with three of Bodo/Glimt’s key players expected to miss the first leg.

On the flip side, Bodo/Glimt will have the luxury of a full week’s rest before the second leg, while Spurs are juggling a tight fixture list.

With so much at stake, every player will be desperate to feature – and for some on the fringes, this might be their golden chance to stake a claim.

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Wilson Odobert has to beat two Tottenham players

Wilson Odobert has had a stop-start time at Tottenham. The winger, who made headlines with a brace against AZ Alkmaar, has struggled to string a consistent run together, not helped by a minor knock that sidelined him just as he looked set to kick on.

Now back in the fold, the challenge is steep. He’s not just contending with Brennan Johnson but also with Dejan Kulusevski, who has arguably been one of Tottenham’s standout performers this season.

With a trip to Anfield on the cards before the first leg of the semi-final and West Ham before the return leg, a strong showing against Liverpool could boost Odobert’s chances of featuring against Bodo/Glimt, that is, of course, if he starts.

Pape Matar Sarr needs to outperform Lucas Bergvall and Rodrigo Bentancur

Pape Matar Sarr is another player floating on the fringes. He’s had chances this season, but commanding displays have been few and far between.

Now, he’s in a direct battle with Lucas Bergvall and Rodrigo Bentancur for a spot in the middle of the park.

Given how well both have played lately, it’s hard to see how Sarr breaks through, unless he seriously raises his levels in training or seizes a rare opportunity in one of the league games leading up to the semi-final.

Richarlison pushing for a Tottenham start over Dominic Solanke

Richarlison’s form has picked up recently, and his performance against Nottingham Forest was a timely reminder of his qualities.

Despite fitness concerns and injury issues, Richarlison has still managed to outscore Dominic Solanke this year, doing so with fewer minutes under his belt.

His availability will depend on how well his body holds up between now and the semi-final, but if he stays fit and firing, he could very well lead the line for Tottenham in one of the two Europa League semi-final legs.

Djed Spence could make a case against Liverpool

For a moment, it looked like Djed Spence had leapfrogged Destiny Udogie in the pecking order, but Udogie’s composed performance in the quarter-final against Eintracht Frankfurt reminded everyone why he’s so highly rated.

Spence, meanwhile, hasn’t quite hit the same levels recently, not entirely his fault, given Tottenham’s poor Premier League run, but still, he needs a big performance.

The Italian full-back was rested against Nottingham Forest, which could’ve opened the door for Spence, but it’s now confirmed that Udogie is fit. Even so, a standout display against Mohamed Salah could swing the balance in Spence’s favour.

Kevin Danso could come in if Cristian Romero dips

Kevin Danso has only just returned from a hamstring issue, but looked sharp in his brief appearance against Forest.

With Cristian Romero having endured an up-and-down season, Danso might find a way in if the Argentine centre-back doesn’t maintain his levels – or if Spurs switch to a back five.

Postecoglou will have a headache managing the squad over both legs of the tie, and if Danso continues to show he’s ready, a start could be on the cards.

A report has shed light on Tottenham’s valuation of Cristian Romero this summer after the centre-back went public with his desire to pursue a new challenge at the end of the season.

Unless you have been living under a rock over the last month, you will be aware that Atletico Madrid have been credited with an interest in the Argentine centre-back.

In fact, it has been claimed by a few outlets that Diego Simeone has already spoken to Romero about a summer switch, with the Spurs vice-captain thought to be open to the move to the Spanish capital.

This was confirmed by the player this week, with Romero admitting that he wants to “go to new places to keep growing” and confessing that he wants to experience La Liga.

How much will Tottenham demand for Cristian Romero?

The Times have now claimed that the centre-back is ‘paving the way for an exit’ from Tottenham Hotspur with the comments he has been making to the media at different points this season.

The outlet claims that Daniel Levy will demand ‘at least £60m’ for Romero from Atletico or any other suitor, with Spurs wanting to make a profit on the £42.5m they spent to sign him from Atalanta in 2022.

Interestingly, the publication suggests the club may have been preparing for Romero’s sale as early as January, which is why Tottenham made a £70m offer for Marc Guehi, which was turned down by Crystal Palace.

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Could Spurs turn to Marc Guehi once again this summer?

Tottenham’s club-record offer for the Palace man suggests that he has been identified by the club’s recruitment team as the ideal choice to replace Romero.

The 24-year-old enters the final year of his deal at Selhurst Park this June, and it has been reported by a few outlets that Spurs have made Guehi one of their priority summer targets.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly eyeing one of their former players as a potential replacement for Ange Postecoglou this summer after seeing the strides that he has made in his short managerial career so far.

Various sources over recent days have claimed that Tottenham look set to miss out on their top managerial target Andoni Iraola, with the Lilywhites thus potentially set to turn their attention to other alternatives over the coming days.

Marco Silva and Thomas Frank are thought to be the next names on Spurs’ wishlist, while various sources have suggested over recent days that Oliver Glasner has caught Tottenham’s eye.

A fresh update has now claimed that Spurs may turn to a familiar face this summer after being impressed by the work he has done in the Championship.

Tottenham are watching Scott Parker’s managerial career

This report comes from The Daily Mail, who confirm that Iraola and Silva are the names at the top of Spurs’ wishlist.

However, the outlet explains that Scott Parker also has many admirers at the club after guiding Burnley to the Premier League this season.

Parker not only played for Spurs but also began his coaching career in the club’s academy and is said to be a highly respected figure at Hotspur Way.

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It is pointed out, however, that the 44-year-old’s success at Burnley has been built on defensive solidity, with The Mail thus suggesting that he might not be as suited to inheriting Postecoglou’s attack-minded squad as someone like Iraola.

Why Spurs fans should not turn their noses up at Parker

Many Spurs fans will not like the idea of appointing Parker, given that he has not yet proven himself at the Premier League level.

However, the days of appointing managers with a pedigreed record are over, with most clubs now preferring younger managers with fresher tactical ideas rather than an experienced head.

There is a reason why clubs like Chelsea and Bayern Munich have gone for the likes of Enzo Maresca and Vincent Kompany, respectively, rather than simply appointing the biggest name available.

Bodo/Glimt have been dealt a series of blows ahead of their Europa League semi-final against Tottenham, with key suspensions and a fresh injury doubt weakening their squad before the first leg.

While Tottenham’s league performance is nothing to write home about, their Europa League showing has been rather encouraging.

Monday’s 2-1 defeat marked Spurs’ 18th loss of their Premier League campaign, but they’ve looked far more composed in Europe, losing just two of their 12 fixtures in the competition so far.

Up next for Ange Postecoglou’s side is Norwegian outfit Bodo/Glimt in the semi-finals, a team with a formidable home record, having never lost a knockout match at the Aspmyra Stadion.

Bodo/Glimt suffer injury and suspension blow before Tottenham clash

Postecoglou’s men know that three more wins would seal the Europa League crown, and ahead of the first leg at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, they may have just been handed a timely boost.

Captain Patrick Berg is suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards in the competition, and his midfield partner Hakon Evjen is also ruled out for the same reason.

Andreas Helmersen, who scored a crucial goal against Lazio, will miss out as well after being sent off in the previous round.

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To make matters worse for head coach Kjetil Knutsen, Ole Blomberg is now an injury doubt for the Tottenham clash. The 23-year-old winger was forced off just 15 minutes into Bodo/Glimt’s 2-2 draw with Molde on Monday.

The extent of the injury is unclear, but he was seen leaving the stadium on crutches and wearing a protective boot.

Spurs handed scheduling headache despite Bodo absences

While these absences are a blow for the Norwegian side, they do have a slight edge in terms of scheduling, as Bodo/Glimt won’t be playing a domestic fixture during the week of the Europa League semi-final second leg, with their league game rescheduled.

The Lilywhites, in contrast, face a gruelling run. Tottenham take on Liverpool and West Ham between the two legs against Bodo/Glimt, before meeting Crystal Palace shortly after the semi-final concludes.

Squad depth and availability will be absolutely key. With no suspensions of their own, Spurs should have a near full-strength squad to call upon.

Whether that proves decisive remains to be seen, but both teams have their own advantages heading into the tie – it’s down to who makes them count.

The developments in Leeds United’s clash with Stoke City on Monday evening would have been of interest to Tottenham Hotspur, who are thought to be eyeing a move for a 16-year-old Harry Gray.

Some eyebrows were raised when Spurs paid £40m to sign Archie Gray from Leeds last summer, but that has proven to be money well spent, with the teenager hitting the ground running at N17.

The Lilywhites are thought to be considering raiding Elland Road for another young starlet this summer: Archie’s younger brother.

It was reported last month that Tottenham are plotting a move for Harry Gray after being impressed with the 16-year-old striker’s displays in youth football.

Huge Harry Gray development will interest Spurs

As Tottenham Hotspur continue to contemplate a potential offer for the forward, they would have taken notice of what happened on Monday.

Gray was handed his senior debut for Leeds by Daniel Farke, coming on as an 86th-minute substitute in the Yorkshire club’s 6-0 thrashing of Stoke City.

That result sealed Leeds’ promotion to the Premier League, and Farke’s decision to hand minutes to Gray might have been an effort by the German to show the teenager that he is very much front and centre of his plans.

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The Championship table-toppers might be hoping that the young forward may lean towards staying at the club after being shown a first-team pathway.

Tottenham leading two Premier League rivals in Harry Gray race

It was revealed last month by TBR Football that Tottenham are facing competition from Arsenal and Newcastle for Harry Gray.

The report explained that Spurs have an advantage over the Magpies and the Gunners as they could use Archie’s help to persuade his younger brother to come to Hotspur Way.

However, the update suggested that Leeds are confident that the 16-year-old will remain at the club for the time being.

Fabrizio Romano has revealed what the feeling at Tottenham Hotspur is about their rumoured pursuit of Andoni Iraola after it emerged that Bournemouth are determined to keep their head coach off Spurs’ clutches.

While there is a lot of uncertainty about Spurs’ rumoured managerial search, the one fact that all outlets seem to agree on is that Andoni Iraola is Tottenham’s top target to replace Ange Postecoglou.

However, over the last couple of weeks, a number of publications have changed their tune and are now reporting that Iraola is leaning towards remaining at Bournemouth for one more season.

It even emerged a couple of days ago that the Cherries have offered Iraola a new deal, with the South Coast club prepared to do ‘everything they can’ to keep the Spaniard.

Fabrizio Romano on Tottenham’s Andoni Iraola interest

Over the last few days, some sources have also reported that Tottenham are ready to turn their attention to Marco Silva if a deal for Andoni Iraola proves out of their reach.

Romano has now confirmed that the Bournemouth and Fulham managers are the two names at the top of Tottenham’s wishlist.

He revealed that despite Bournemouth’s determination to hang onto their head coach, Spurs may go on the offensive for the 42-year-old over the coming weeks.

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Romano told GiveMeSport: “It’s true that there is also interest from Tottenham. Andoni Iraola and Marco Silva are two of the main names on the list at Tottenham for the potential new coach, in case they decide to fire Ange Postecoglou.

“So there is a concrete possibility of seeing Tottenham trying to attack the situation. But Bournemouth are talking to Iraola. They are quite confident about keeping him for one more season.

“So let’s see how the conversations continue. I’m sure also this week there will be a new round of talks between Iraola and Bournemouth, but for sure, they want to keep him.”

Fulham issue hands-off warning to Spurs over Marco Silva

As the speculation linking Marco Silva with a move to Spurs intensifies, the Cottagers have wasted no time in responding to the rumours.

A few days ago, Fulham vice-chairman Tony Khan made it clear they want Silva to stay at the club for many years, adding that the Portuguese coach is a key part of the club’s project.

It appears that Tottenham may thus have a major fight on their hands to secure either Andoni Iraola or the Fulham boss this summer. Could it be another saga of rejections for Spurs?

Fabrizio Romano has weighed in on Eberechi Eze’s future as Tottenham Hotspur continue to be linked with an ambitious move for the Crystal Palace attacking midfielder.

The speculation linking the Palace man with a move to Spurs has been a regular occurrence in almost every transfer window over the last few years, and that is the case again ahead of this summer as well.

In fact, some outlets have even claimed that Tottenham are front-runners to sign Eberechi Eze this summer, with many at the North London club thought to be admirers of the player.

However, some reports over the last few weeks have stated that Spurs are not prepared to trigger Eze’s £68m release clause, with the Lilywhites instead hoping to sign the player for a much lower fee.

Fabrizio Romano reveals what he has heard about Eze’s future

Tottenham are not the only ones eyeing the 25-year-old, with a report from TEAMtalk claiming two weeks ago that Man United are ready to challenge Tottenham in the race for Eberechi Eze.

The report suggested that there is a feeling among some at Selhurst Park that the former QPR man wants a new challenge.

Fabrizio Romano has now also refused to rule out the possibility of Eze leaving Palace, although he made it clear that nothing is advanced at the moment.

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When asked if the England international could make a move this summer, the journalist told GiveMeSport: “Yes, it’s a possibility. But nothing has been decided yet, in terms of clubs or negotiations. The situation will be one to assess in the summer.”

Tottenham told to forget about signing Eberechi Eze

A move for Eberechi Eze would certainly signal ambition from Tottenham Hotspur and that is the sort of move Spurs fans would want to see the club make this summer to close the gap with the top sides in the division.

However, Alan Pardew insisted last week that Eze will not consider joining Tottenham even if the North London club press ahead with a move.

Tottenham Hotspur have now received confirmation that a few million will get added to their coffers this summer after the latest rounds of results in the Championship.

Leeds United and Burnley will both officially be back in the Premier League season, with the two clubs sealing automatic promotion with wins over Stoke City and Sheffield United respectively on Monday night.

This is significant to Spurs as former Tottenham Hotspur academy graduate, Marcus Edwards is currently on loan at the Clarets, who have an obligation to buy the winger for €10m (£8.5m) if their promotion is secured.

Tottenham will be owed 35 per cent of the fee for Edwards due to the sell-on clause they have on the winger.

Tottenham’s Marcus Edwards boost now confirmed

With Burnley now having sealed progression to the top flight, they will have to pay £8.5m to Sporting Lisbon for Edwards.

They might not be too pleased with the outcome, as the winger has only scored one and assisted one in his 13 Championship outings for Scott Parker’s men so far.

However, the outcome is an excellent one for Tottenham Hotspur, who will now be owed €3.5m (£3m) out of the total fee that Sporting receive for Edwards due to the North London club’s sell-on clause.

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Spurs fans will also get to see Edwards ply his trade for the first time in the Premier League next season, with the winger failing to make a single league appearance for the Lilywhites during his time at the club.

Why Leeds’ promotion may also affect Tottenham’s summer plans

Leeds’ promotion might also have a bearing on Tottenham’s summer plans and may also boost the Lilywhites’ coffers.

That is because it was reported previously that Leeds were expected to sign Solomon permanently this summer once their passage to the top-flight was assured.

A report has claimed that Tottenham Hotspur could lose two of their best players this summer as some big clubs around Europe are circling over the pair amidst Spurs’ continued struggles in the Premier League.

There has already been a lot of speculation on the kind of signings that Spurs will prioritise in the summer, but the Lilywhites are also potentially in danger of losing some key men if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.

Over the last few weeks, it has been widely reported that Cristian Romero is likely to leave Tottenham amidst interest from Atletico Madrid.

Meanwhile, there are also question marks over the future of his centre-back partner, as it has been alleged that Micky van de Ven is on Real Madrid’s radar.

Tottenham may lose both Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven

A report in Football Insider has now claimed that Spurs could lose both of their first-choice centre-backs this summer, with both Van de Ven and Romero potentially being bound for the exit door.

It is revealed that both players are now attracting interest from top clubs, and both defenders could push for a move away from N17 this summer.

The outlet says that they have heard from reliable sources that Tottenham “have to accept” Romero’s departure this summer, given that the 26-year-old has just two years left on his contract.

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However, the publication adds that Spurs are in a better position to keep Van de Ven and may decide to build their defence around the Netherlands international.

What Cristian Romero has said about his future

Tottenham’s hopes of keeping Romero at the club received a huge blow when the Argentine came out publicly to make an admission about his future on Monday.

Romero admitted that he is looking for a “new place to continue developing” and added that he would like to play in La Liga.

Virgil van Dijk has made a curious admission about the games that Liverpool have played against Tottenham this season and has revealed what the feeling is inside the Reds camp ahead of what could be a title-clinching game against the Lilywhites next week.

Tottenham Hotspur have nothing but pride to play for in the Premier League this season, and the club’s main focus at the moment will be on the Europa League as they look to create history by winning their first trophy in 17 years.

The league games left are thus an opportunity for Postecoglou to hand minutes to other squad players as the Australian would understandably be keen to wrap his key men in cotton wool.

He did that in the 2-1 loss to Nottingham Forest by withdrawing both Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven at the interval.

Virgil van Dijk makes admission about facing Tottenham

Arne Slot’s men have handed Spurs some of their biggest defeats of the campaign, beating them 4-0 in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semifinal in February and handing them a 6-3 loss in the reverse fixture back in December of last year.

Liverpool are currently 13 points clear at the top of the table, which means that another win over Tottenham at Anfield next Sunday will see them be officially crowned Champions.

However, Van Dijk is not taking Spurs lightly, with the Dutchman insisting that he and his teammates have had difficulty coping with the Lilywhites’ intensity this season.

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The Liverpool captain told Optus Sport: “Now we have a chance to finish it on the weekend against a very good Tottenham Hotspur in my opinion. We played already three times against them this season and every game is very intense.

“We’ve got a week to prepare, if anything happens on Wednesday, happy days, if not, then we have to finish it off and we’ve got to be at our best to do that and that’ll be our main focus. We still have a big game on the weekend.”

Liverpool players will be far more motivated than Spurs

The motivation levels of the two teams could not be any different heading into the game at Anfield next Sunday.

The Tottenham players know that they have nothing but pride to play for and will want to avoid injuries ahead of their big semifinals and potentially a final.

In stark contrast, the Liverpool stars will be keen to ensure that they lift the league trophy in front of their home fans.