More stories

  • in

    Tottenham opponents Bodo/Glimt in chaos as they face having HALF their team out for crunch Europa League clash

    TOTTENHAM’S Europa League semi-final opponents Bodo/Glimt face an absentee crisis ahead of Thursday’s first-leg showdown.The Norwegian champions are already without three players due to suspension, including influential skipper Patrick Berg.Bodo/Glimt will be missing some key players when they face TottenhamCredit: GettyClub captain Patrick Berg is suspendedCredit: AFPOdin Bjortuft is injuredCredit: AlamyOle Blomberg is also a doubt due to injuryCredit: AFPBut now they are sweating on injuries to key centre-back Odin Bjortuft and winger Ole Blomberg.Ever-present Bjortuft, 26, was forced off early in the second half of Bodo’s 3-0 league win over KFUM on Sunday with a groin complaint.Bodo boss Kjetil Knutsen said after the game: “I do not know anything. I never enjoy a player laying down, but the medical staff are looking into it.”Bjortuft is now a doubt for this week’s trip to North London, along with wideman Blomberg who missed the KFUM game completely due to an injury picked up earlier this month.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSkipper Berg, 27, is banned due to too many yellow cards, along with midfield partner Hakon Evjen and striker Andreas Helmersen.The latter netted a crucial goal in the quarter-final triumph over Italian giants Lazio, which added to their impressive list of scalps this season.Knutsen’s side have already beaten Olympiacos, FC Twente and Besiktas this season.While they also gave potential final opponents Manchester United a scare by going 2-1 up at Old Trafford in November, only to lose 3-2 thanks to a Rasmus Hojlund double.Most read in Europa LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBodo’s domestic campaign has only just kicked off, but they are unbeaten in four league games, winning three of them.Spurs’ season – and possibly the future of boss Ange Postecoglou – hinges on them going all the way in Europe.Fire alarm at Stockley Park sees VAR SCRAPPED in middle of Tottenham vs Nottingham Forest match as statement releasedThat is after an horrendous league term where they have lost NINETEEN games, with their latest disasterclass coming at Anfield on Sunday where a 5-1 thrashing handed Liverpool the title.Postecoglou has been without multiple key players due to injury this season but goes into the Bodo game only worrying about the fitness of captain Son Heung-min.The South Korean, 32, has missed the last four games with a foot injury.Ange Postecoglou’s season hangs on the Europa LeagueCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Tottenham trying to move Premier League game to gain advantage for Europa FINAL… despite needing to beat Bodo/Glimt

    TOTTENHAM are trying to move their Premier League game away to Aston Villa to help their Europa League cause in the event they make the final.Spurs are due to visit Villa in their penultimate league match of the season on Sunday, May 18.Tottenham are trying to move a Premier League game to help their Europa League causeTottenham still have Bodo/Glimt to overcome in the Europa League semi-finalsThat is three days before the Europa League final in Bilbao, Spain, which Ange Postecoglou’s side will reach if they see off Bodo/Glimt in the semi-finals.The North Londoners’ pre-emptive plans are not intended presumptuously and insiders insist the club are in no way taking Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt lightly.But they are in talks with the Prem now so as to give fans as much time as possible to make arrangements in the event the fixture is given a new date.It remains to be seen which day the match would be switched to if all parties agree – but SunSport understands it would NOT be Friday, May 16.Read More on FootballSpurs said in a statement: “We should like to inform supporters that we are in discussions with the Premier League regarding a change in date to our away Premier League match against Aston Villa, currently scheduled for Sunday May 18.“Further information surrounding this fixture will be announced in due course.”Tottenham’s season hinges on the Europa League after a dreadful Prem campaign which has seen them languishing in 16th place.The same could be said for boss Postecoglou’s future at the club, with the Australian in danger of the sack if he does not go all the way in Europe.Most read in Europa LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBodo/Glimt have proved themselves an impressive outfit having knocked out Lazio in the last round and comfortably beaten Olympiacos earlier this season.Spurs host the Scandinavians in the last-four first leg on Thursday, before heading to the Arctic circle for the return fixture a week later.Tottenham fan brings along his puppet to watch the match Manchester United face Athletic Bilbao in the other semi-final.Should Spurs win the competition, they would land their first trophy in 17 years and qualify for the Champions League. More

  • in

    Bournemouth vs Man Utd: Get £50 in Premier League free bets with Betfred

    MANCHESTER UNITED make the trip to the south coast on Sunday to face Bournemouth, a few days before a crunch Europa League semi final clash.The two-legged tie gets underway at Bilbao on Thursday, so how will Ruben Amorim approach this game with the Cherries?New Betfred customers can claim a whopping £50 in free bets and bonuses when they sign-up and stake a tenner on the Super Sunday encounter!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereBournemouth vs Man Utd: Get £50 free bets HERE*How to claim..Betfred welcome offerVisit the Betfred website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: BETFRED50Deposit £10 using a Debit CardPlace your first bet of £10 or more on any qualifying Sportsbook markets, at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that bet has settled, Betfred will credit your account with £50 in Free BetsBetfred: Get your £50 in free bets – Claim here*Bournemouth vs Man Utd: Get £50 free bets HERE*New to Betfred? Then you can claim this incredible offer.Simply visit the Betfred website using this link HERE* and register a new account using the Promo Code: BETFRED50Then you just need to deposit and stake £10 on any football market at odds of Evens or greater.When that first bet has settled — win or lose — Betfred will credit your account with the following free bets;3 x £10 to use on any Sportsbook Markets2 x £10 to use on Accumulators (4+ selections)Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – GambleAware.orgRead our guide on responsible gambling practices.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.*Betfred. New customers only. Register (excl 05/04/25), deposit with Debit Card, and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility exclusions & T&Cs Apply. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply. More

  • in

    Man Utd star Amad Diallo has ‘recovered in record time’ and could return for Europa League semi in huge boost for Amorim

    AMAD DIALLO is reportedly set to hand Manchester United a huge boost before the end of the campaign.The Red Devils have woefully underperformed this season and are set for a bottom-half finish.Amad Diallo impressed at Manchester United before his injury in FebruaryCredit: AlamyAn ankle ligament was thought to have ruled him out for the seasonCredit: GettyHe is reportedly set to return to training next weekCredit: GettyThere is one glimmer of hope for manager Ruben Amorim and that is in the Europa League.Man United have reached the semi-final and face Athletic Bilbao over two legs.Amad, 22, was expected to miss the season when he picked up his ankle ligament injury back in February.Fabrizio Romano has now claimed that the forward will be back training with the squad “next week”.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe reporter has suggested that the Ivorian has recovered from his injury in “record time”.Amad has been one of the shining lights at Old Trafford this season with his impressive performances.The winger has provided six assists and scored six goals in the Premier League.He also chipped in with two goals in the Europa League league phase earlier this season.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAmad’s return to the squad will add a much-needed attacking boost to Amorim’s squad.The team has struggled in front of goal in recent weeks as they went scoreless in defeats to Wolves and Nottingham Forest.Ruben Amorim will go all out to secure Europa League glory for Man Utd Amad did hint that he could be back earlier than expected with a cryptic snapchat post in March.He showed a picture of himself on Snapchat along with two emojis – an egg timer and a smiley face.Meanwhile, the club have taken steps to secure the long-term future of the former Atalanta star.He put pen to paper on a new contract in January that tripled his wages.Amad is now tied to the Red Devils until June 2030 and will earn £100,000-per-week.His new deal bumps him much higher in Man Utd’s wage list and above the likes of Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho and Diogo Dalot. More

  • in

    Tottenham are just famous for being famous, like Gemma Collins – they should not be part of Premier League’s Big Six

    SHOULD Son Heung-min end up lifting the Europa League trophy for Tottenham, it will only start the argument —  not finish it.Win their first silverware since 2008 and some will claim Spurs are back among the Big Six, others may say English football’s ultimate fancy Dans never went away.Tottenham’s place in the Big Six comes with question marks that won’t go even if they win the Europa LeagueTottenham are famous for being famous — like Gemma CollinsAll while it’s a reasonable shout to suggest they should never have been in it in the first place.Spurs did well to overcome Eintracht Frankfurt in the last eight. A cracking achievement, given how hopeless they are on the home front this season.Monday night’s soulless surrender to Nottingham Forest came just four days after a stirring victory in Germany.The European quest is impressive of late and hopefully they’ll go all the way and bring the trophy back next month.Read More on FootballIf they do, it will finally end an agonising wait for glory stretching back 17 years — about the same time as it takes to walk from the ground to Seven Sisters Tube.The 2008 League Cup final success over Chelsea is a fast-fading and flimsy claim to historical fame.Because that came almost a decade after they had bagged the same trophy. North London’s original football club have never been serial winners.Tottenham try to play aesthetically. They have employed a few skilful  players — David Ginola, Glenn Hoddle, Paul Gascoigne. But, ultimately, they are famous for being famous — like Gemma Collins.Most read in FootballSo what exactly is it that makes so many people within the game class them as members of the so-called Big Six?And in an age of fluid wealth, when clubs can be transformed overnight with foreign investment, maybe it’s time to dismiss the  idea of an elite enclave.How Enzo Maresca can transform Chelsea to challenge for Premier League titleDefining the size of a football club has no universal measure.It’s genuinely surprising that as football lurches towards total automation, some smart-arse has not conjured up a Stephen Hawking-style algorithm to calculate it to ten decimal places.Capacity of ground multiplied by number of honours, then dividing that by length of time between trophies is one possibility.Money in the bank, times international players, minus number of losses squared, all over position in the league table?Football today bears no resemblance to the 1980s. Back then it was easier to work it out as money didn’t muddy the equation so much. Life was simpler.Along with Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Everton, Tottenham were in a league of their own. It’s not so clear-cut now.Behind the competitionThey have a lovely, big ground.  Stamford Bridge is tiny by comparison — but Chelsea are now by far the most successful club in London.Newcastle are awash with Saudi cash and winning this season’s Carabao Cup means they have won as much as Tottenham since 2008. Aston Villa are waking up from a decades-long coma.They entertained us in the Champions League this season and are fighting hard to get back in it.Manchester City were poor neighbours of United for donkey’s years. Eddie Large was their most famous fan.Yet this season is a write-off, even though they may yet win the FA Cup and qualify for a 14th successive campaign in the Champions League.They have billions locked away in their Arab owners’ vaults  and have amassed four Premier League titles on the trot. The Etihad isn’t the biggest mind.ResentmentThere’s been just two seasons since 2010 when Spurs finished outside the top six. Yet they are 16th and every match at their enviable new ground is tainted by resentment towards the ownership.They will lose more league games this season than they will win.Even if Son does get his hands on that Europa League trophy, three cups in 26 years is hardly massive. Relegated Leicester have won bigger things — the title and FA Cup — in the past decade.It’s mind-bogglingly complex working out  who is the biggest and the best.Maybe it’s easier switching the sums around and instead of going mad deciding who is in the Big Six, work out who isn’t. The Tottenham conundrum is much simpler then.MARESCA CAN’T WINENZO MARESCA copped it from some fans for not joining in the post-match celebrations of Chelsea’s win at Fulham.Even though he had just been booked for overdoing it on the touchline when Pedro Neto smashed home the winner moments earlier.There is a palpable distance between the Chelsea supporters and the reserved Italian.I’ve yet to hear them sing his name and there is a feeling that whatever he does, they will never completely warm to him.With Chelsea trailing at half-time on Sunday, Maresca was forced to take the long walk past the away end at Craven Cottage and was roundly labelled a “w*****” by a noisy minority.I don’t blame him for not wanting to attend the post-match party and salute those who, 45 minutes earlier, were giving him such stick. It seems he cannot win, despite having just won.Meanwhile, over at all-but-relegated Ipswich, boss Kieran McKenna’s name was lustily cheered when read out before they were thumped 4-0 by Arsenal. It seems he cannot lose, despite losing a lot.ROCKET’S LAUNCHEDLEAST surprising result of the week is Ronnie O’Sullivan’s demolition of arch-adversary Ali Carter at snooker’s World Championship.The Rocket rocked up to the Crucible, typically out of form and playing the wounded animal, claiming he would be lucky to  pot even one red ball.A crushing 10-4 triumph later — having won five frames in   succession — and O’Sullivan is in the balls, as they say. And into the last 16.He is someone who changes his mind on a daily basis whether or not he wants to pick up a cue. But he has seven world titles dating back to 2001.O’Sullivan  turns 50 in December — and  there is a serious belief that he will be enjoying his eighth world crown, having surpassed the haul of his other great baize nemesis, Stephen Hendry.ENI’S WRIGHT JIBE IS JUST WRONGTHE BEST broadcasters choose their words carefully.Eni Aluko has not with her surprising attack on Ian Wright for “dominating” punditry in women’s football.Ex-Chelsea star Aluko says:  “If we had a situation where there was an equal opportunity for broadcasters and coaches that there is in the women’s game  but that’s not the case. I can’t dominate the men’s game.”No, she can’t but maybe that’s for individual reasons rather than sexism. Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan will be sharing the biggest presenting gig in football with Mark Chapman on Match of the Day from next season.Read More on The SunThat’s two women and one man hosting the country’s flagship highlights show  covering the biggest men’s league in the world, with a vast audience.Genuine question . . . am I missing something here? More

  • in

    European semi-finals set to take centre stage as Dream Team season reaches dramatic climax

    DOUBLE Gameweeks are invaluable in the world of Dream Team.More fixtures equals more point-scoring opportunities and with the season reaching its dramatic climax, gaffers should endeavour to make the most of the precious few double Gameweeks remaining.Madueke, Rice and Solanke starred in the European quarter-finalsCredit: Dream TeamDream Team managers have been blessed by the fact FOUR English teams have reached the semi-final stage of the European competitions.Arsenal are set to take on PSG in a mouthwatering Champions League tie.Premier League stragglers Manchester United and Tottenham will face Athletic Bilbao and Bodo Glimt respectively in the Europa League.While Chelsea have to get past Djurgarden if they are to reach the Conference League final.The first legs of all these semi-finals will take place in Gameweek 33 with the second legs to follow in Gameweek 34 around the usual domestic action.Arteta oversaw a fantastic victory over Real MadridCredit: ReutersIn a perfect world, these match-ups would be more favourable.The Gunners were hugely impressive against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals but they will have to produce a pair of performances of equal quality (at least) if they are to eliminate Luis Enrique’s side – PSG are on the brink of an invincible Ligue 1 campaign.Declan Rice (£4.9m) leads the way for points among Arsenal players with Bukayo Saka (£6.4m), David Raya (£4.5m) and William Saliba (£4.3m) completing the top four.Most read in FootballHowever, it’s important to note that Mikel Arteta’s side will only double up in Gameweek 34 as they will not be in action this weekend.Only Mohamed Salah has more points than Bruno Fernandes this seasonCredit: AlamyDream Team bosses may be hesitant to back the Red Devils and Spurs given both clubs are among the most disappointing under-performers in the Premier League this season.Even so, these additional fixtures are too tempting to pass up.Plus, the likes of Bruno Fernandes (£7m), Pedro Porro (£4.9m), Alejandro Garnacho (£3.3m), Dejan Kulusevski (£4.1m) and others have provided plentiful points despite the broader weaknesses of the teams they represent.Predicting Arsenal, Spurs or Man United’s semi-final fortunes comes with risk but Chelsea have to be considered strong favourites to beat their Swedish opponents over two legs, hence why Cole Palmer (£5m) is currently the most popular recruit ahead of Gameweek 33 despite his dwindling form.Forest will also pull double duty this coming GameweekCredit: GettyIt’s worth noting that Nottingham Forest will also pull double duty in Gameweek 33.Nuno Espirito Santo’s side will face Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals this weekend before hosting Brentford in the league on Thursday night.UPCOMING DOUBLE HEADERSGAMEWEEK 33MANCHESTER UNITED v Bournemouth (a) & Athletic Bilbao (a)TOTTENHAM v Liverpool (a) & Bodo Glimt (h)CHELSEA v Everton (h) & Djurgarden (a)NOTTINGHAM FOREST v Man City (n) & Brentford (h)GAMEWEEK 34ARSENAL v Bournemouth (h) & PSG (a)MANCHESTER UNITED v Brentford (a) & Athletic Bilbao (h)TOTTENHAM v West Ham (a) & Bodo Glimt (a)CHELSEA v Liverpool (h) & Djurgarden (h)Read More on The SunDream Team bosses should endeavour to make the most of these additional fixtures.The deadline for Gameweek 33 is 11am this Saturday.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More

  • in

    Scott Parker is shock candidate to replace Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham with Daniel Levy ‘massive fan’ of Burnley boss

    SCOTT PARKER has emerged as a shock candidate for the Spurs job – if the club decide to axe Ange Postecoglou.The Australian could leave the North London outfit at the end of the season, regardless of whether he wins the Europa League or not.Ange Postecoglou could leave Tottenham at the end of the seasonCredit: AlamyDaniel Levy will have to find a replacement for the AustralianCredit: GettyScott Parker is a shock candidate for the manager job at SpursCredit: AlamySunSport can reveal a number of senior figures at Tottenham “hugely admire” the job Parker has done at Burnley this season.And despite difficult spells in charge of Fulham and Bournemouth in the Premier League, he remains one of the most highly-regarded young English coaches in the country.Spurs owner Daniel Levy is among those said to be a massive fan of former Tottenham star Parker.Levy is keen to cement his club’s reputation for playing an attacking brand of football alongside a history of bringing through young players.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThese traits are central to Parker’s philosophy – but appointing him would be hugely controversial.That’s because if Postecoglou is axed, Spurs fans are already demanding a replacement with proven Premier League experience.Supporters’ message boards highlight Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola as a preferred choice, and he remains a firm favourite with the bookies too.Marco Silva and Thomas Frank are also being tipped by many bookmakers, with Mauricio Pochettino repeatedly linked with a return to Spurs.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAn insider told SunSport: “It’s going to be a big summer at Spurs. If they can win the Europa League, then it’s very unlikely that Ange will go anywhere.“He’ll have earned the opportunity to start the new season and to try and turn around Spurs’ fortunes in the Premier League.’Turning gold into c–p’ – Ange Postecoglou kicks off again over criticism of Tottenham penalty farceMarco Silva and Andoni Iraola have been linked to SpursCredit: GettyMauricio Pochettino has also been tipped for a stunning returnCredit: Getty“But if he gets off to a bad start then the noise will become unbearable and he could be out by Christmas.“There’s obviously a lot of talk and work going on behind the scenes at the club with contingency plans being put in place as to what life would be like without Ange.“And Scott Parker is a name who is being talked about more and more. The job he’s done at Burnley has underlined, again, what an excellent young coach he is.“There’s a view among many at the club that he could be a potential boss for Spurs, but the board know if they do replace the current manager they need to get the next appointment spot on.“It might be the case that it’s a bit early for Parker. But he’s definitely someone who might potentially end up in the Spurs dugout one day.“Spurs came very close to appointing Parker in 2021 when he was Fulham manager. But, in the end, he just missed out.”Many years have now passed, and he’s become more experienced, which has made him an even more attractive proposition.”Parker’s manager career by statsHere is a look at Scott Parker’s career by stats…Fulham, 2019–2021Matches – 105Wins – 37Draws – 25Losses – 43Bournemouth, 2021–2022Matches – 55Wins – 29Draws – 13Losses – 13Club Brugge, 2022–2023Matches – 12Wins – 2Draws – 6Losses – 4Burnley, 2024-presentMatches – 48Wins – 28Draws – 16Losses – 4 More

  • in

    Ange Postecoglou ‘set to leave Tottenham whether or not they win Europa League’ as replacement shortlist emerges

    ANGE POSTECOGLOU is set to be sacked by Tottenham even if they win the Europa League, according to reports.Spurs are in the midst of a disastrous Premier League season and they are currently sat a dismal 16th in the table.Ange Postecoglou is set to leave Spurs in the summerCredit: AlamyMonday night’s 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest was their 18th loss – and they are now just one away from matching their record of 19 defeats suffered in the 2003-04 campaign.But the season can still be saved by ending the club’s 17-year wait for silverware via the Europa League.Postecoglou’s men saw off Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarter-finals to set up a last-four tie with Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt. But lifting the Europa League on May 21 will reportedly not be enough to keep the Aussie in the job.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Telegraph claim that Spurs have decided they are going to axe Postecoglou whether they win the cup or not.Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is highly-rated by Tottenham chiefs, but the Cherries are determined and “optimistic” of keeping him.Fulham manager Marco Silva is also among the leading candidates to replace Postecoglou.Mauricio Pochettino has expressed his interest in returning to Tottenham – although he is set to manage the US team at their home World Cup next summer.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSSpurs technical director Johan Lange is understood to be a fan of Brentford’s Thomas Frank.It comes amid reports that their chief football officer Scott Munn is set to be sacked.Nottingham Forest star Harry Toffolo reveals ‘I might go throw up’ after downing six pickle juices during Tottenham clashMunn is said to be Postecoglou’s “key ally and biggest supporter”.Before beating Eintracht Frankfurt, the under-fire boss opened up about his future and admitted he has “got no idea” whether he will be at Spurs next season.He said: “You either think I’m capable of doing the job now or you don’t. That’s where I sit with these things.“If people think that us winning tomorrow all of a sudden makes me a better manager than what I am today or us losing tomorrow somehow makes me a worse manager, I guess that’s their burden, not mine.“I don’t think that way and I don’t think most people think that way. Or I’d like to think they don’t, in terms of their own sort of self esteem and who they are as people.“I couldn’t care less. Really. I couldn’t care less.Read More on The Sun“There’s no burden on me, there’s no anxiety on me. What I’m sitting here doing is thinking we’ve got a great opportunity to get to the final four of a major tournament.“Mate, I’m not going to let that slip by without fighting tooth and nail for it irrespective of what may come the day after.”Andoni Iraola is a leading candidate for the Spurs jobCredit: GettyMauricio Pochettino could return, but he is preparing for the World Cup with the USCredit: Getty More