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Former Tottenham Hotspur and current Anderlecht defender Jan Vertonghen has confirmed that he will be retiring from football at the end of the season.

The 37-year-old has spent the past two-and-a-half years on the books at Anderlecht but has only made five appearances in an injury-hit 2024-25 campaign, where he has suffered from Achilles and ankle problems.

Vertonghen is already due to become a free agent at the end of the season, but the former Belgium international has now confirmed that he will be hanging up his boots once the campaign is over.

"During the past weeks, months, I have been thinking a lot about how I want to continue or end my career," Vertonghen said in a video on Anderlecht's social media channels. "This past time has made it clear that it will be my last games. Not only at RSC Anderlecht, but in my career.

"I've realised that it's becoming harder and harder, not only in games but also in training, to get ready physically. To show what I want. To be the player I want to be. Not only towards the fans, to my teammates, but mostly to myself as well.

"I've had the chance, when I was sitting in the stands, to reflect a lot, and I'm so proud of what I have achieved with everyone. For the next 11 games, these eight to ten weeks, I'll try to give it my all and hopefully experience some beautiful moments together. But then, the journey ends.

"That hasn't been an easy decision, but it's a decision I have to take, and I feel it's the right time. We'll do everything we can to make it a fantastic ending."

Jan Vertonghen's legacy analysed as retirement confirmed

A reliable, no-nonsense defender who shone as both a centre-back and left-back in Tottenham colours, Vertonghen was a stalwart of the Mauricio Pochettino era at Tottenham after emerging through the famed Ajax academy.

Following his £10.5m arrival in 2012, Vertonghen gave Tottenham eight years of incredible service, during which time he formed a formidable partnership with compatriot Toby Alderweireld at the back.

The brilliant Belgian totalled 315 appearances for Tottenham, coming up with 14 goals and seven assists in that time, although he never succeeded in his quest to bring silverware to North London.

However, with Vertonghen and Alderweireld in front of Hugo Lloris, Spurs briefly became genuine Premier League title challengers, not to mention finishing as runners-up in the 2018-19 Champions League final after knocking out Vertonghen's former club Ajax in the semi-finals.

Vertonghen was unable to enjoy the send-off that his Spurs career deserved, as his final few months at the club in 2020 came during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and he enjoyed a fruitful two years with Benfica before heading back to his homeland to finish his career.

Even in his late 30s, the 2012 Eredivisie Footballer of the Year still managed three goals and two assists in 27 Jupiler Pro League games last season, but as he alluded to in his retirement message, his body has simply failed him in 2024-25.

Away from his astounding club career, where his most significant honours were two Eredivisie titles with Ajax in 2011 and 2012, Vertonghen won 157 caps for Belgium, by far and away the most for the senior men's team.

The versatile defender was a leader of the Red Devils' so-called golden generation, but just like his time at Spurs, Vertonghen excruciatingly went trophyless in a Belgium kit and called time on his international career after Euro 2024.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly prepared to listen to offers for one of their international midfielders.

The North Londoners are currently enduring one of their worst Premier League campaigns in recent memory, sitting in 14th position in the standings.

Although head coach Ange Postecoglou has guided Spurs through to the Europa League quarter-finals, the position of the Greek-Australian is under threat.

Regardless of who is in charge for 2025-26, there is an inevitability that ongoings and outgoings will ensue to try to move the club back up the table.

According to Football Insider, Spurs are open-minded to cashing in on one of their regulars in the middle of the pitch.

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The report alleges that Spurs are willing to accept offers for Rodrigo Bentancur with the Uruguay international said to have failed to impress Postecoglou most recently.

Former scout Mick Brown, a regular contributor to the outfit, claims that the 27-year-old is no longer a part of Postecoglou's long-term plans.

Brown said: "Ange Postecoglou is not happy with his midfield options. It's such a key area of the team, and the players at his disposal have not been good enough.

"They've failed to impress when called upon so far this season, and Bentancur now is not part of Tottenham's plans moving forward.

"So if they can get rid of him and bring in a decent fee, it's definitely something they'll consider. I hear there are clubs in Europe who have been looking at a move in the summer."

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A harsh judgment?

When Spurs have regularly underperformed this campaign, only a handful of players can feel that they have retained their reputations, but Bentancur is probably not one of them.

Although a total of 27 starts and five substitute outings have been made in all competitions, Bentancur has scored just twice and played all or the majority of some notable defeats in recent months.

In an area where Spurs are well-stocked, Spurs may feel that now is the right time to cash in on a big earner who has less than 18 months remaining on his contract.

Spurs will hope to generate somewhere close to the £21.5m that they paid for Bentancur in at the start of 2022.

Manchester United are reportedly braced for competition from Tottenham Hotspur for the signature of Sunderland's Chris Rigg.

Both United and Spurs have endured difficult seasons in the Premier League, with the clubs languishing in 13th and 14th place respectively.

Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim has been provided with some leeway for his side's performances given he only arrived in November, while Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou has faced significant scrutiny.

The upcoming summer transfer window is certain to be one of sizeable change, with both managers keen on strengthening their flawed squads.

However, Fichajes report that Spurs are willing to pay nearly £38m to sign Sunderland midfielder Rigg, who is believed to be one of the finest prospects currently in the Championship and is said to be a target for United.

Chris Rigg in profile

Rigg is only 17 years old but has started 29 times for the Black Cats in the second tier, and though he has at times made mistakes, the level of maturity he has displayed for his age is remarkable.

The teenager could be developed into fulfilling a number of positions in midfield given his rounded skillset, with the player capable of playing in a box-to-box or more defensive role.

Sunderland have primarily utilised Rigg in more advanced areas, and the Englishman has registered 36 key passes in the Championship, a figure that only three of his teammates have bettered.

Who should Rigg sign for in the summer?

United are said to be struggling financially following years of mismanagement, and the club are reportedly on the lookout for younger stars that can be developed rather than already established players that may prove prohibitively expensive.

Meanwhile, Rigg would arguably face significant competition for a place in Spurs' team given they boast talents such as James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski in attacking roles.

Sunderland are currently in fourth place in the Championship and are almost certain to qualify for the promotion playoffs, and there is a chance that Rigg could be playing Premier League football next season if he stays with the Black Cats.

Perhaps the teenager should opt to stay at the Stadium of Light considering his young age, especially as he will likely be afforded more time to iron out his flaws with Sunderland than he would at either United or Spurs.

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly decided to target Stuttgart midfielder Enzo Millot in the summer transfer window.

The Gunners and Spurs have both endured disappointing seasons for vastly different reasons, with Mikel Arteta's side failing to compete against Liverpool for the title while Ange Postecoglou's team are currently in 14th place in the league.

Both clubs will almost certainly need to strengthen in the next transfer window if they are to achieve their respective goals, but it remains to be seen if Arsenal will have the budget for much activity considering their reported interest in Newcastle United's Alexander Isak.

As for Tottenham, they could find themselves with a new manager in the 2025-26 campaign and chairman Daniel Levy will have to decide whether he can trust Postecoglou with further expenditure.

However, BILD claim that Arsenal and Spurs are interested in the signature of 22 year old Stuttgart midfielder Millot, who can be bought for as little as £16.8m due to a release clause in his contract.

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Arsenal's midfield needs

Though Arsenal will likely focus on strengthening in attack, Arteta may need to make further additions in midfield given the uncertain futures of Jorginho and Thomas Partey, who are both out of contract at the end of the season.

Millot is capable of playing in deeper or more advanced positions, and is comfortable at progressing the ball via passing or carrying.

The Gunners have long been linked with a move for Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi, but he is a specialised defensive midfielder and it is difficult to see Millot consistently playing in deep zones.

However, given the players that could leave the club and the potential fee that his side may have to pay to sign a forward, Arteta could have to make do with a cheaper alternative to Zubimendi.

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Tottenham's midfield needs

There is an argument that Spurs already have a number of capable players in midfield, with the likes of Yves Bissouma, Pape Matar Sarr and Lucas Bergvall all strong options.

Pundits such as Jamie Carragher have criticised Postecoglou for his tactical approach without the ball, and perhaps the club would be better defensively if the Australian coach adapted his playing style to combat counter-attacks.

However, Spurs have suffered an unprecedented injury crisis this term that impacted players across the team, including midfield stars like Rodrigo Bentancur.

Tottenham might benefit from reinforcing in midfield to prevent another injury crisis, but they could have to do significantly more business than Arsenal in the coming transfer window and so must ensure that they bring in the right players for the right manager.

West Ham United Women will welcome Tottenham Hotspur Women to the Chigwell Construction Stadium for Sunday's Women's Super League clash.

The Hammers head into the weekend in ninth place, while the visitors are two points better off in seventh position.

Match preview

West Ham are sitting six points above the relegation spot after winning four, drawing three and losing nine of their 16 league matches.

The Hammers claimed the most recent of those victories in February's home clash against Brighton & Hove Albion, scoring a couple of second-half goals to run out 3-1 winners.

West Ham followed that result with a 4-3 away defeat against Arsenal, before they held Manchester City to a point in their most recent outing on March 5.

Manuela Pavi scored a stoppage-time equaliser to cancel out Bunny Shaw's effort, ensuring West Ham extended their unbeaten home league run to three games with a 1-1 draw.

In fact, Rehanne Skinner's side have now lost just one of their last six top-flight home matches (W4, D1), and they will hope home advantage can help them beat Tottenham for the second time in 2025, after clinching a 2-1 away win in January's Women's League Cup clash.

Tottenham may be above West Ham in the table, but they will head into Sunday's fixture in low spirits after losing each of their last five matches in all competitions, including a narrow loss in last weekend's home meeting with Brighton & Hove Albion.

Fran Kirby's first-half effort proved enough to condemn Spurs to a 1-0 defeat, as they drew a blank for the fourth time in five competitive matches.

While their lack of goals may be a concern, Tottenham will also be worried about matters at the opposite end of the pitch, considering they have the second-worst defensive record in the WSL with 34 goals conceded.

They have let in 22 of those goals across their seven road trips, including five without reply in their most recent away game against North London rivals Arsenal.

Tottenham will hope for better fortunes on Sunday, as they go in search of a league double against West Ham after winning 2-1 in November's reverse fixture.

West Ham United Women Women's Super League form:

West Ham United Women form (all competitions):

Tottenham Hotspur Women Women's Super League form:

Tottenham Hotspur Women form (all competitions):

Team News

West Ham are still having to cope without long-term absentee Jess Ziu, while Tottenham loanee Shelina Zadorsky is ineligible to face her parent club.

Pavi could be rewarded with a starting spot after she came off the bench at half time to score the equaliser in the 1-1 draw against Man City.

Forward Viviane Asseyi will return to the matchday squad after serving a one-match ban for an accumulation of yellow cards.

As for the visitors, Robert Vilahamn is unable to call upon Kit Graham, Amy James-Turner and Bethany England due to injury.

Australian defender Charlotte Grant is set to return to the matchday squad after missing the defeat to Brighton with concussion.

Vilahamn could be tempted to make a couple of changes to his side, with Jess Naz and Hayley Raso among those in contention to start against West Ham.

West Ham United Women possible starting lineup:

Szemik; Denton, Nystrom, Zadorsky, Hanshaw; Piubel, Siren, Brynjarsdottir, Asseyi; Ueki, Pavi

Tottenham Hotspur Women possible starting lineup:

Kop; Neville, Buhler, Bartrip, Nilden; Summanen, Spence; Naz, Vinberg, Raso; Thomas

We say: West Ham United Women 2- Tottenham Hotspur Women

West Ham have won four of their last six home league matches, and we think they will make full use of home advantage again to take three points off a Tottenham side that have lost each of their previous four WSL games.

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Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermain Defoe has exclusively told Sports Mole that Spurs will be thinking about how to replace Son Heung-min.

The Londoners were beaten 2-0 by Fulham on Sunday, with the club failing to find the back of the net for the second time in three Premier League games.

It was also the 11th match in 12 games that captain Son had not scored in, and his performances have brought his long-term future into question.

Defoe believes that Son's form is natural given his age, but feels Spurs will be actively looking to find a replacement for the winger, telling Sports Mole: "It's part and parcel - players get older, players move on and it's about the next players, it's about the academy.

"I'd like to think the club will be thinking now 'who's going to replace Son', because when I left the next one in was Harry Kane. He's come in and done what he's done, and I think you've just got to be proactive and be steps ahead."

Son has been at Tottenham since 2015-16 and his debut Premier League season is the only campaign in which he has scored fewer (4) than he has currently managed in the 2024-25 season (7).

Son's legacy at Spurs

During his time at Tottenham, Son formed a formidable partnership with striker Kane, and the duo even broke the record for goal combinations in the Premier League in February 2022.

The South Korean international currently ranks as the joint 16th highest scorer in the history of the Premier League (127), and he only needs one more goal to move above Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and claim 16th spot for his own.

Speaking to Sports Mole, Defoe heaped praise on the forward and argued that Tottenham may even be able to look to the academy to eventually replace Son's impact, saying: "Son has been an amazing player for the last 10 years for Tottenham and the amount of goals that he's scored - he's in the top five all-time goalscorers at the football club. I would love to see him finish on a high and win a trophy.

"After that, it's about recruitment, who's the next one, who can you find, who's coming through the academy? Who else is out there that we can go and get because there's some top players there."

Son's contract at Spurs will expire in the summer of 2026, so while the winger may stay in London for another season, fans will likely have to prepare themselves for his exit sooner rather than later.

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Can the next generation of forwards step up?

Tottenham scored 68 goals in the Premier League in Kane's final season at the club in 2022-23, but they managed to score 69 in 2023-24 and are on track to net 68 this term.

Son scored 10 goals in 2022-23 but increased his tally to 17 in 2023-24 - his joint second-highest return in the Premier League - and perhaps another forward will step up in Son's absence to replace his output when he eventually leaves.

Defoe was keen to highlight that Spurs have several promising prospects developing, as well as currently established stars, when he told Sports Mole: "For the future, there's some young players coming through, I mean, Will Lankshear is a centre-forward at the club, he's on loan. Mikey Moore, [Damola Ajayi] who came on and scored in Europe.

"Obviously we just signed Dominic Solanke. He started slow but then picked up and was scoring consistently. Unfortunately he's had the injury, but I wouldn't say I'm worried [about the attack after Son]."

Solanke was signed in the summer of 2024 for a fee reportedly rising to £65m, while the likes of Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert have also joined the club in recent transfer windows, and fans will hope that they can take a step forward in their development in the coming season.

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Ange Postecoglou has said that he understands the frustrations of the club's supporters following Sunday's 2-0 defeat to Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Rodrigo Muniz sent Fulham ahead in the 78th minute of the contest, before Ryan Sessegnon netted a second for the hosts in the 88th minute, as Marco Silva's side secured all three points in the London derby.

Tottenham have now been beaten in 15 of their 29 Premier League matches this season, which has left them in 13th spot in the table, level on points with 16th-placed West Ham United.

Postecoglou has conceded that "it's unacceptable" for Tottenham to have lost 15 times in England's top flight this term, and there is now expected to be fresh speculation surrounding his future.

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Tottenham have now lost 15 times in the Premier League this season

"It was a tight game and we knew it would be - it always is here. It's a tight ground and you know when you go that it is not going to be open. First half defensively we were pretty solid and they didn't really create anything," Postecoglou told reporters.

"We weren't great with the ball and didn't create much ourselves but I thought second half started really positively and had a couple of really good chances to get in front. We were definitely in much better control.

"Like we have done a lot of times this year we concede a soft goal. That just gives the opposition everything to gain from and get momentum out of it and the game gets away from us.

"I get their (the fans) disappointment. It's unacceptable to see 15 league defeats. It's nowhere near good enough, nowhere near the level we need to be and I understand the supporters' frustrations with that. Today wasn't so much about performance, it was just another day when we let a game get away from us that we shouldn't have.

"We weren't played off the park and I felt that up until the point they scored, we were the team that was getting on top. We had a couple of good chances to go 1-0 up and that would have put the pressure on them but it's happened too many times this year. We've given the opposition a lift into the game by conceding soft goals."

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What next for Tottenham?

Tottenham will be bidding to return to winning ways when they head to Stamford Bridge on April 3 to tackle Chelsea, before welcoming Southampton to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 6.

Spurs will then welcome Eintracht Frankfurt for the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final on April 10, before facing Wolverhampton Wanderers in the league ahead of their return European game with their Bundesliga opponents in Germany.

Tottenham can still secure Champions League football for the 2025-26 campaign by winning the Europa League, and the London could potentially face league rivals Manchester United in the final of the competition.

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Fulham will endeavour to stretch their unbeaten run over Tottenham Hotspur to three matches when they host the Lilywhites at Craven Cottage in Sunday's Premier League London derby.

Marco Silva's men have had a week to mull over their excruciating 2-1 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion, while Spurs saw off AZ Alkmaar to reach the Europa League quarter-finals in midweek, and here Sports Mole rounds up the team news for both clubs.

FULHAM vs. TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

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FULHAM

Out: Reiss Nelson (thigh), Kenny Tete (knee), Harry Wilson (foot), Sasa Lukic (suspended)

Doubtful: Adama Traore (ankle)

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Pereira, Berge; Traore, Smith Rowe, Iwobi; Jimenez

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Out: Kevin Danso (hamstring), Radu Dragusin (ACL), Richarlison (calf), Dejan Kulusevski (foot)

Doubtful: None

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Gray, Udogie; Sarr, Bentancur, Maddison; Odobert, Solanke, Son

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match .

Fresh from what could prove to be a season-saving win in the Europa League, Tottenham Hotspur's final Premier League game before the international break takes place on Sunday, an intriguing London derby away to Fulham.

Ange Postecoglou masterminded a 3-1 win over AZ Alkmaar in Thursday's European contest, while the Cottagers have had a week to reflect on a crushing 2-1 loss at the hands of Brighton & Hove Albion.

Match preview

The man who unforgettably claimed that he "always" wins trophies in his second season with a club could still uphold that statement's accuracy come May, as Postecoglou witnessed his Spurs side complete an expected turnaround over AZ in their Europa League last-16 battle.

Two strikes from Wilson Odobert - including one from a magnificent team passing move - either side of a James Maddison finish earned Tottenham a quarter-final date with 2021-22 champions Eintracht Frankfurt, and a Peer Koopmeiners response from a Tottenham error proved meaningless in the grand scheme.

While Postecoglou will never publicly admit to prioritising one competition over another, the Australian will surely be allocating more of his time to Europa League preparation given that there is realistically very little at stake for Spurs in the Premier League between now and the end of the campaign.

Indeed, the 13th-placed Lilywhites are 12 points below the top-seven spots and 17 points clear of the relegation zone, meaning that a lacklustre top-flight season is likely now a write-off for the North London club, who at least showed guts and guile to draw 2-2 with Bournemouth last week.

Spurs have therefore only lost one of their last five Premier League matches and have won their last two top-flight contests on the road against Brentford and Ipswich Town, but now is the time for the superstitious fans to look away, as Tottenham have been beaten in each of their last five league games just before an international break.

One of those defeats coincidentally came to none other than Fulham this time last year, a harrowing 3-0 slaughter at Craven Cottage, and Marco Silva's men also held their own when they visited the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in December and left with a 1-1 draw.

The Cottagers have remarkably only lost four of their subsequent 18 matches across all competitions, although one of those reverses came at the Amex last weekend, where despite drawing first blood through Raul Jimenez, they succumbed to a Jan Paul van Hecke and Joao Pedro-led revival.

Pedro's penalty in the eighth minute of second-half stoppage time was a devastating blow to Fulham's European aspirations, although the 10th-placed hosts are still very much in the continental mix, only lying four points adrift of the top seven positions.

Consistency at home has been harder to come by for Silva's men in recent weeks, though, as Fulham have also won just one of their last seven Premier League fixtures at their Craven Cottage headquarters, drawing four and losing an additional two in that time.

Furthermore, the Cottagers only have the one clean sheet to show from their last 18 top-flight games on home turf, and that was against whipping boys Southampton in December's goalless draw, offering Spurs significant hope of bucking their pre-international break trend.

Fulham Premier League form:

Fulham form (all competitions):

Tottenham Hotspur Premier League form:

Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions):

Team News

Tottenham ought to come into Sunday's game with an identical squad from their success over AZ, where Lucas Bergvall appeared to be suffering from cramp in the closing stages, but nothing that should impact his availability for the weekend.

Either way, Postecoglou can recall Rodrigo Bentancur to the midfield after he served a Europa League ban on Thursday, and the Spurs boss is only without Kevin Danso (hamstring), Radu Dragusin (ACL), Richarlison (calf) and Dejan Kulusevski (foot) due to injury.

Danso's problem saw Postecoglou revert to the first-choice Cristian Romero-Micky van de Ven pairing against AZ, but as he is still erring on the side of caution with the latter's fitness, teenage starlet Archie Gray could come back into the XI for the derby.

As far as Fulham are concerned, Reiss Nelson (thigh), Kenny Tete (knee) and Harry Wilson (foot) are all guaranteed to be unavailable for the visit of Spurs, as is Sasa Lukic, who serves the second of a two-game ban for accumulating 10 yellow cards.

Silva opted for an unorthodox three-man defensive shape last week due to the absences of both Lukic and Adama Traore, the latter of whom missed out with an ankle injury, but he is now back in training and in contention to feature.

Traore could make a swift return to the starting XI here, as Silva may not see the need to go conservative against a tired Tottenham outfit who regularly leave gaps in behind their defence ready to be exploited.

Fulham possible starting lineup:

Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Pereira, Berge; Traore, Smith Rowe, Iwobi; Jimenez

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Porro, Romero, Gray, Udogie; Sarr, Bentancur, Maddison; Odobert, Solanke, Son

We say: Fulham 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur

Silva's 200th match as a Premier League manager should be good entertainment value for the neutrals, as Fulham can surely afford to adopt an attacking approach against Postecoglou's fatigued men.

However, the Lilywhites have shown increased levels of spirit over the past week and can likely bite back just as hard to claim a well-earned point in a second successive 2-2 top-flight stalemate.

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Tottenham Hotspur will seek to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit when they welcome AZ Alkmaar to North London in the last 16 of the Europa League on Thursday night.

Lucas Bergvall's own goal is all that separates the two sides, but despite trailing, Ange Postecoglou's men remain the favourites to advance due to the unbeaten start they have made at home in Europe, and the fact AZ have lost on all nine previous trips to England.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR vs. AZ ALKMAAR

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TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Out: Rodrigo Bentancur (suspended), Richarlison (calf), Dejan Kulusevski (ankle), Radu Dragusin (knee), Ben Davies (muscle), Timo Werner (unregistered), Antonin Kinsky (unregistered), Sergio Reguilon (unregistered), Fraser Forster (unregistered)

Doubtful: Micky van de Ven (hamstring)

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Vicario; Pedro Porro, Van de Ven, Romero, Udogie; Bergvall, Gray, Maddison; Johnson, Solanke, Son

AZ ALKMAAR

Out: Sven Mijnans (muscle), Ruben van Bommel (unknown), Jayden Addai (ankle), Mexx Meerdink (unknown)

Doubtful: Mayckel Lahdo (knock), Denso Kasius (knock)

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Owusu-Oduro; Maikuma, Goes, Penetra, Wolfe; Clasie, Buurmeester, Koopmeiners; Poku, Parrott, Sadiq

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