Football London

Former Tottenham midfielder Harry Winks has announced that he has become a father, just a matter of minutes after it was revealed that he has been axed from the Leicester squad.

Winks, 29, who left Spurs to join the East Midlands club for £10million in July 2023, played a major role as the Foxes returned to the Premier League at the first time of asking. He started in all-but one of their 46 Championship matches last season as they lifted the second-tier title.

However, Winks' game time has reduced since Leicester's return to the Premier League. He started the season as a firm fixture in their starting XI but dropped out the side after suffering a groin injury in November.

Winks was back in the fold for the trip to Liverpool on Boxing Day and started seven matches in a row before being dropped for the visit of Arsenal in February.

He has since not started a single game, and after three cameo appearances against West Ham, Chelsea and Manchester United, he was left out of the squad for the trip to Manchester City on Wednesday.

Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy didn't even name Winks on the bench and the reason for his omission has since been revealed. According to The Telegraph, the 10-cap England international was not included in the travelling contingent because refused to compromise on his 100-mile commute.

It's added that Van Nistelrooy was involved in a heated confrontation with Winks over the international break after he declined a request to stay overnight one day a week at the club's training ground.

Winks, who is said to be one of three players to travel more than 90 miles a day to Seagrave in north Leicestershire, is thought to have his own private reasons for commuting every day to training.

But Van Nistelrooy reacted angrily to what he felt was ill-discipline and excluded Winks from the squad for the trip to the Etihad Stadium. It's unclear, at this stage, if Winks will return for the visit of Newcastle on Monday.

Less than an hour after the report emerged that he was axed from the Leicester squad, Winks posted an exciting announcement on his Instagram account, confirming that he has become a father.

Alongside an image of his newborn, Winks posted the date of birth - 12 March 2025 - as the caption on the post. Leicester goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk and forward Stephy Mavididi were among those to congratulate Winks, with the duo both commenting with a love heart emoji.

Winks later liked another comment which read: "This is why u don't want to commute that's media for u."

It's clear the situation at Leicester is damning at the moment and Van Nistelrooy is trying to instil discipline in the squad for the remaining eight fixtures. The Foxes are on a terrible run right now, having lost 14 of their last 15 Premier League games, and failing to score in any of their last seven.

At home, the Foxes haven't scored a single league goal since December 8, and last tasted victory in any competition on January 26 when they ran out 2-1 winners at Winks' former club Tottenham.

They sit 19th in the Premier League table on 17 points from their 30 fixtures and look destined to return to the Championship. The Foxes sit 12 points behind Wolves in 17th with 24 to play for.

Considering Van Nistelrooy's side have picked up just seven points since he replaced Steve Cooper as the club's new head coach in November, it looks like a very tall order.

Ange Postecoglou is speaking to the media following Tottenham's 1-0 Premier League defeat against Chelsea on Thursday evening.

Losing at Fulham in their previous Premier League encounter, the Spurs boss made a host of changes to his team for the London derby clash as Micky van de Ven was handed a start.

The Dutchman was involved in the action inside the first minute of the contest as his clearance hit Nicolas Jackson and cannoned off the post.

Chelsea did have a number of chances in the first half and Guglielmo Vicario was needed to stop Destiny Udogie putting the ball through his own net and to tip Jadon Sancho's effort over.

The hosts did take the lead shortly after the break through Enzo Fernandez's header, with Moises Caicedo then seeing a fine volley disallowed for offside by VAR.

Tottenham were themselves to be denied by VAR later in the second half as Pape Matar Sarr was deemed to have fouled Caicedo on his way to scoring from distance.

They did go close to an equaliser in the last minute but Sanchez was on hand to stop Son Heung-min converting from close range.

Our Spurs correspondent Rob Guest is at Stamford Bridge and is among those putting the questions to the head coach. Scroll down for the latest updates from the press conference.

Long balls and Jackson's performance

We already had nine months and until the day I will be here, I will tell you our game plan depends on the opposition. Tonight we used more balls in behind because of Tottenham, the way they defend. Nico is an important player, off the ball he is pressing everyone and for sure, with Nico, we are in a different team.

Probably, I just said to the players, we don't work every day to play how we do in the final 10 minutes, with them having the ball. But you need to learn to win like this as well. It has been my mistake, I did the change before the added time and then I realised it was too early when I saw 12 minutes.

The win

Very important. We know how important it is to win games. The performance was very good and we are happy. It was a different game compared to before the international break. The four games before, they sit back but Tottenham is a different type of game and for us, some way better.

Player ratings

While we wait for Enzo Maresca to come and speak to us, why not have a look at Bobby Vincent's player ratings from Chelsea's crucial win over Tottenham?

One Blues player was world-class...

Read more here.

Welcome, Blues!

Hello and welcome to football.london for live coverage of Enzo Maresca's post-match press conference after Chelsea defeated Tottenham by a goal to nil at Stamford Bridge.

Wow. Another action-packed game between the Blues and Spurs. Not as many goals as earlier in the season, but no less dramatic.

We will hear what Maresca thought of the game very soon.

Tottenham's nightmare Premier League season continued on Thursday evening as they fell to a 1-0 defeat away at Chelsea. In Spurs' first game since losing 2-0 at Fulham, Ange Postecoglou made a total of five changes to his team as Micky van de Ven came in to partner Cristian Romero at the heart of defence.

Lucas Bergvall, James Maddison, Wilson Odobert and Son Heung-min also returned to the XI after starting on the bench at Fulham prior to the international break. Spurs almost found themselves 1-0 down inside the first minute as Van de Ven's clearance from close range struck Nicolas Jackson and hit the post.

Chelsea went close again on 18 minutes as Guglielmo Vicario was needed to stop the ball creeping over the line after Destiny Udogie had produced some fine defending to stop Enzo Fernandez finishing off Cole Palmer's cross. The visitors did get into some good positions as the first half wore on but the final action was missing to force Robert Sanchez into any real saves.

Vicario, on the other hand, was required to tip over Jadon Sancho's shot on the cusp of half-time with the winger looking certain to net. The Blues did go on to open the scoring five minutes after the restart as Fernandez was given all the space he wanted in the box to powerfully head home Palmer's cross.

Spurs got away with one not long after as Moises Caicedo netted with a stunning volley from outside the box but it was deemed offside following a VAR check. VAR then denied Spurs an equaliser as Pape Matar Sarr was adjudged to have fouled Caicedo prior to netting from distance.

The visitors did go close to an equaliser in the 90th minute but Sanchez saved low down to stop Son's effort on the stretch creeping in. Here's how we rated the Tottenham players in the game at Stamford Bridge:

Guglielmo Vicario

Saved well on his own line just as Udogie looked set to turn Palmer's cross into his own net and produced an even better save just prior to half-time to tip Sancho's effort over. Couldn't really do anything about Fernandez's header nor Caicedo's disallowed strike but got a good hand to a late Palmer effort. 6

Djed Spence

Up against Jadon Sancho and made life difficult for the winger at times. Very few opportunities to get forward and make an impact. 6

Cristian Romero

Troubled by Jackson on a couple of occasions as the Chelsea striker got the better of him in good areas. Was involved in the melee just before half-time and received a booking for his part in the incident. Better after the break but not at his usual level. 5

Micky van de Ven

Named alongside Romero in defence for the first time in the Premier League since December and was involved instantly as his clearance from close range struck Jackson and came off the post. Produced some well-timed tackles on a number of occasions but was drawn across to Romero and Jackson for Chelsea's opening goal as Fernandez nipped in to score with his head. It proved to be a costly error. 5

Destiny Udogie

Produced some great defending a couple of yards from goal to stop Fernandez converting Palmer's cross on 18 minutes. However, the full-back saw the Argentina international run into the box for his goal but didn't move across to cover him. Wanted a penalty for a Trevoh Chalobah handball in the second half but it wasn't given. 5

Rodrigo Bentancur

Made a couple of good breaks upfield and was one of Tottenham's better performers on the day. 6

Lucas Bergvall

Returned to the starting XI after dropping down to the bench at Fulham and Spurs were better for having him in the middle of the park. Looked to get the team moving forward and made some important tackles. Replaced just after the hour mark and his exit was met by jeers from the Spurs fans as they clearly wanted him to remain on. 6

James Maddison

Spurs needed his creativity but he saw very little of the ball to make things happen at Stamford Bridge in the first half. Was more involved towards the end of the game but nothing came off for him. 5

Wilson Odobert

Given the nod on the right flank but got very little joy down his side of the pitch. Made way as part of the double substitution after the hour mark. 5

Dominic Solanke

Worked as hard as ever but no chances on goal over the course of the game with Spurs not doing enough to get him involved in dangerous areas. 6

Son Heung-min

Barely had an impact on proceedings but got more involved towards the end of the first half and forced Sanchez to get a hand to his wicked low cross. Was to be denied by the goalkeeper in the final minute after connecting with Brennan Johnson's cross at the back post. 5

Substitutes

Brennan Johnson (Wilson Odobert, 64)

Took Odobert's place on the right wing and almost got a late assist with a lovely cross that Son nearly converted. 5

Pape Matar Sarr (Lucas Bergvall, 64)

Netted with a long distance strike but his goal was ruled out following a VAR check for a foul on Caicedo. 6

Mathys Tel (James Maddison, 88)

Came on for the final few minutes. N/A

Pedro Porro (Micky van de Ven, 88)

Given a matter of minutes at the end of the game. N/A

Spurs' selection choices vs Chelsea, key player fitness & the loan latest - click here to listen to the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham

The Premier League have been forced to release a statement after the Video Assistant Referee ruled out a goal in Chelsea's clash against Tottenham Hotspur. Moises Caicedo thought he had doubled the Blues' lead at Stamford Bridge.

But, following a lengthy review by Jarred Gillett and his assistant, Craig Taylor, at Stockley Park, the 23-year-old midfielder's brilliant strike was ruled out. In the build-up to the goal, Levi Colwill was adjudged to have been in an offside position when Cole Palmer first delivered a cross into the box.

After a couple of minutes, VAR decided to rule out the goal. An official statement from the Premier League reads: "VAR checked the referee’s call of goal – and established that Colwill was in an offside position in the build-up and recommended that the goal was disallowed."

Enzo Maresca will certainly feel aggrieved by the decision as the race for top four builds a head of steam. Speaking to reporters ahead of Chelsea's clash against Tottenham, he was quizzed on the importance of securing Champions League qualification.

"If you are able to finish top four, top five, first of all it's fantastic for the fans," said the Blues boss. "For the club because we bring this club where this club has been always there.

"But, for the players, it's also important because they can realise the work that they have done and they can build from them something for the future."

On how he wants his side to play, Maresca added: "I've said many times, no matter who is playing, we want to be direct and quick when they press higher, but we cannot be direct and quick when they sit back.

"Probably the last game at home, if you review Leicester, West Ham, Wolves, Southampton, if you have a reminder of that game, there are all games where 11 players were behind the ball, almost at the edge of the box.

"It's impossible to attack quick. Now, against a team that they press higher, you can attack more quick for sure. But it's easier when you have players who are running behind.

"Maybe the players you've had before in that period, they don't really like running behind, they like balls to feet. For skills, for character, for sure when you have players that they love to run behind more, it's more easy.

"But even when you have that and teams sit back, it's complicated. There is no space to attack in behind."

On the Premier League run-in, Maresca said: "The attitude, the behaviour has always been top, every game, every game, every day. Even in the last three, four days, in the last week, because they know how important it is from now on.

"Even if I think this already starts from four, five games, in the last 12, 13, 14 games. Every game becomes important and now, as you said, we have nine games to go and hopefully we can finish where we are at this moment."

Ange Postecoglou has made five changes to his Tottenham team for this evening's Premier League encounter against Chelsea. On the losing side last time out across west London against Fulham, Spurs will be attempting to get back on track as they plan a big end to the season.

As a result of a number of sides above them in the battle for a top-half finish dropping points over the past two evenings, Tottenham can reduce Bournemouth's current ten-point lead over them to seven. A win for Spurs would see them move above Manchester United in the standings and jump into 13th from their current position of 14th.

Heading into this evening's game at Stamford Bridge, Postecoglou has made a number of alterations from the defeat at Fulham. Micky van de Ven, Lucas Bergvall, James Maddison, Wilson Odobert and Son Heung-min all come into the team as Ben Davies, Archie Gray, Yves Bissouma, Brennan Johnson and Mathys Tel drop out.

Richarlison isn't part of the matchday squad despite recently returning to first-team training with the rest of his teammates following a calf issue sustained in the team's Carabao Cup semi-final defeat at Liverpool back in February. Kevin Danso and Dejan Kulusevski remain out for Spurs but Postecoglou indicated on Wednesday that the duo are a couple of weeks away from returning.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the 59-year-old was asked about Chelsea and the challenge facing his team on Thursday evening. He said: "They’re a talented squad, good manager. I still think they've had a positive season in terms of what they're trying to build. They've got some real talent in that attacking third.

"They obviously got hit by injuries as well and have had some key players missing which affects all clubs and that affected their consistency and results. As you said at their place, they're tough to beat and it'll be a good challenge for us."

Here is the Tottenham team Postecoglou has selected to face Chelsea:

Confirmed Tottenham XI: Vicario; Spence, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bentancur, Bergvall, Maddison; Odobert, Solanke, Son.

Substitutes: Kinsky, Porro, Davies, Gray, Bissouma, Sarr, Johnson, Tel, Moore.

Spurs' selection choices vs Chelsea, key player fitness & the loan latest - click here to listen to the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham

The wait for the London derby is almost over as Chelsea and Tottenham go head-to-head in the Premier League this evening (8pm).

Spurs have a woeful record at Stamford Bridge - which should offer Enzo Maresca's squad some encouragement. Tottenham last won there seven years ago in a 3-1 verdict.

Ange Postecoglou is, also, yet to register a single point against them during his time as boss. He has lost all three top-flight meetings between the sides so far.

Their fixture earlier this season saw the Blues come away 4-3 winners from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Following a 1-0 defeat to another London outfit in Arsenal, prior to the international break, Chelsea must pick up points to distance themselves from Manchester City - who sit close to them in the standings.

Spurs, on the other hand, have had an underwhelming season and are currently 14th in the table.

Here, football.london brings you all the TV details on how to follow tonight's match.

What time does Chelsea vs Tottenham kick-off?

The match at Stamford Bridge will kick-off at 8pm on Thursday, April 3.

Is Chelsea vs Tottenham being shown live on TV?

Yes, the match will be live on Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League channels. Coverage will begin at 7pm.

Alternatively, our writers will provide full match coverage via our dedicated matchday blog live from inside the stadium. Build-up, analysis, reaction and updates will be provided, as always.

How can I watch the match overseas?

If you're outside of the UK, you can find out if the match-up will be available in your location through the Premier League's international broadcast partners here.

How can I watch Chelsea vs Tottenham highlights?

You can catch a quick montage of the highlights on the BBC's Match of the Day programme on Saturday (April 5) at 10.20pm.

Alternatively, you can watch the best bits on YouTube, via the clubs' channels, soon after full-time.

Tottenham reporters pick starting XI

Things do look much better for Ange Postecoglou on the injury front right now and there will be further boosts to come over the next fortnight.

That means the Spurs boss has plenty of choice when it comes to his team to take on Chelsea this evening.

Our football.london Tottenham writers have made their team selections for the London derby right here.

TV channel

Chelsea and Tottenham fans unable to make this evening's game at Stamford Bridge will still be able to watch all the action live on TV in the UK.

Sky Sports main event and Sky Sports Premier League is the place to be, with coverage of the 8pm kick-off starting at 7.30pm.

Alternatively, you can keep with us right here over the course of the evening for live updates in our match blog.

Every word from Ange

Ange Postecoglou was in front of the media at Hotspur Way on Wednesday afternoon to preview the Chelsea encounter.

Discussing the importance of the game at Stamford Bridge, the Spurs boss also spoke about Mauricio Pochettino's recent comments about the Tottenham job, his future, Cristian Romero playing for Argentina, Lucas Bergvall, Yves Bissouma and so much more.

You can read a full transcript of what Postecoglou had to say by clicking here.

Ange explains Romero and Van de Ven Chelsea start

Ange Postecoglou's decision to start both Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven in Tottenham's defeat against Chelsea back in December was a huge talking point at the time.

The pair had returned from injury for the game but both unfortunately went off with new injuries during the contest.

Postecoglou has opened up on his decision to start the duo right here.

There's plenty more from the Spurs boss as he also discussed two goal-laden defeats against Chelsea and Tottenham's end of the season.

Predicted Tottenham team

So who will be in Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham XI to take on Chelsea?

Our Spurs writer Rob Guest has named his predicted team right here.

Last time these sides met

Who can forget the last time these two teams squared off against each other? Tottenham supporters perhaps wish they could...

Chelsea edged the seven-goal thriller at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium despite falling 2-0 down within 11 minutes in north London. Goals from Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski gave Spurs an early advantage back in December, but Jadon Sancho's strike from distance reduced the deficit for the visitors.

In the second-half, Cole Palmer scored a penalty to level the game before Enzo Fernandez handed Chelsea the lead against their rivals. Palmer then scored his second spot-kick of the match to give the Blues a two-goal cushion. Son Heung-min scored on 96 minutes but it proved to be a consolation.

Every word from Maresca

Enzo Maresca conducted his pre-match press conference on Wednesday morning where the head coach confirmed the availability of key trio Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson.

However, there was some more concerning news regarding Romeo Lavia, who has suffered yet another injury setback. The Belgian will be assessed ahead of tonight's game and Maresca will be desperate for the 21-year-old to be fit and available with games coming thick and fast for the Blues.

Maresca also covered much more in the press conference as you can read in our full transcript below.

Read the full transcript here.

Welcome!

Hello everyone and welcome to football.london for live coverage of the latest chapter of Chelsea and Tottenham's historic rivalry.

Stamford Bridge will be the venue for this evening's mouth-watering game between two very attacking sides who will be desperate to get one over on the other.

Bobby Vincent and Rob Guest are at Stamford Bridge throughout the evening to bring you all of the latest updates and analysis from what should be a pulsating encounter.

Dimitar Berbatov has told the Tottenham Hotspur players to remain focused on the Premier League despite the priority being the Europa League.

Ange Postecoglou's men have struggled for form in the Premier League this campaign and go into the final stretch lurking in the bottom half of the table.

Spurs currently sit 14th in the Premier League with nine games left to play. Any chance of ensuring European football returns to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next season rely on their success in the Europa League, with them currently in the quarter-final.

Going all the way in the tournament will see Spurs qualify for the Champions League.

However, they face the difficult task of overcoming Eintracht Frankfurt before facing Bodo/Glimt or Lazio in the semi-final.

There is also Manchester United, Lyon, Rangers and Athletic Club left in the competition. All eight teams are competing for a place in the May 21 final in Bilbao.

Postecoglou's men also have the challenge of juggling Premier League football alongside their European adventure.

Between now and the end of the season, the north Londoners take on Chelsea, Nottingham Forest, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Brighton.

However, Berbatov believes the players and Postecoglou mustn't take their eyes off the ball in the league in favour of the Europa League games coming up.

Speaking to football.london, he said: "They need to stay fully concentrated on the next game.

"Yes, you have the big picture around you, you can imagine lifting the trophy and imagine beating the opponents. But always focus on the game that is coming next.

“Give your best and then move on to the next one."

Ange Postecoglou may be breathing a sigh of relief at Bournemouth's dramatic drop-off.

The Tottenham Hotspur boss continues to face an uncertain future in North London as Spurs' season slides towards a crucial climax. The Australian will be well aware that winning this season's Europa League is likely to be his only chance of staying in charge beyond the summer.

Of course, if Tottenham do triumph in Bilbao on May 21 then Postecoglou will be widely praised for ending Spurs' 17-year trophy drought. There is still plenty for the former Celtic boss and his team to play for and that should focus minds on ending a difficult campaign with silverware.

But regardless of whether Postecoglou leads Spurs to Europa League glory, his chances of remaining at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will have slightly increased at Bournemouth's demise. Cherries boss Andoni Iraiola has been heavily linked as a possible replacement for Tottenham's beleaguered manager.

And yet Bournemouth are now winless in 90 minutes across their last seven matches in all competitions. Their sole win since February 15 was a penalty shootout victory in the FA Cup over Wolves on March 1.

It's a devastating run which includes five defeats, the worst of which came on Wednesday night against relegation strugglers Ipswich Town. Spurs fans will of course remember that Bournemouth perhaps should have recorded a rare win when they faced them in March, having led 2-0 against Postecoglou's men before drawing 2-2.

None of this is to say that Iraiola is a bad manager. The fact Bournemouth will comfortably avoid relegation is an achievement in itself.