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    Huge boost for Ange Postecoglou as Tottenham’s Europa League opponents make embarrassing mistake

    TOTTENHAM’S Europa League hopes have been boosted by  Bodo/Glimt’s disciplinary cock-up.Norwegian media revealed Bodo captain Patrick Berg and midfield partner Hakon Evjen are banned for Thursday’s semi-final first-leg after the club misinterpreted Uefa rules on bookings.Tottenham have been handed a boost ahead of the first leg against Bobo/GlimtCredit: AFPThe Norwegians are going to be without several key playersCredit: RexYellow cards from earlier in the competition are wiped out AFTER the quarter-final stage.But Norway’s champions wrongly believed their players would avoid a one-match suspension even if they reached the three-booking threshold for a ban in the second leg of their last-eight tie against Lazio.Both Berg and Evjen received their third yellows of the tournament in the second half in Rome a fortnight ago.And Bodo/Glimt were stunned to learn they would have to travel to London without the key pair, as well as striker Andreas Helmersen, who was sent off in extra-time against the Italians. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJonas Bergh-Johnsen, a sports reporter for Viaplay, explained that a colleague broke the news to players after they had beaten Lazio 3-2 in a penalty shootout.He said: “The atmosphere in the dressing room kind of changed after the news from Viaplay that, ‘You’re going to miss a couple of your absolute key players in the first leg’.“I cannot understand how that is possible, that they thought they were allowed to have yellow cards in Rome.“The suspension does not disappear, that was the mistake that someone in the administration in Bodo made.Most read in Europa LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“You cannot get your head around that because in such a big club with a lot of people involved in all parts in sports and administration, someone should say, ‘Hey, this does not look right’.”On top of losing the three suspended players, Bodo/Glimt could also be without centre-back Odin Bjortuft against Ange Postecoglou’s side.Ange Postecoglou gives bleak update on Tottenham future even if he wins Europa League Bjortuft went off with a groin problem during the league win over KFUM on Sunday, a game that winger Ole Didrik Blomberg missed with an unknown injury.According to Bergh-Johnson, the Norwegians are now worried they will leave the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium without a fighting chance of reaching the final in Bilbao on May 21.He told the An Echo Of Glory podcast: “They were thinking maybe a 2-0, 3-1 defeat would be OK to go to Bodo/Glimt but now they are worried that it may be even worse.“Patrick Berg is so instrumental to everything they do and they don’t really have any proper back-ups.“Patrick is an ever-present in the team. So it’s really hard to get in there and to get any practice of playing that very vital role for  the team.” More

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    ‘It won’t save anything’ – Bruno Fernandes gives brutal assessment of Man Utd’s Europa League chances

    BRUNO FERNANDES believes winning the Europa League will not save Manchester United’s dismal season.Ruben Amorim’s men are 14th in the Prem with four matches to play after scrambling a late point at Bournemouth on Sunday.Bruno Fernandes has had his say on potential Europa League gloryCredit: GettyYet they still have the chance to put a positive spin on the campaign by lifting a European trophy and claiming a place in next season’s Champions League.But ahead of their semi-final first-leg trip to Athletic Bilbao on Thursday, skipper Fernandes says it will not overshadow the bigger picture.The Portuguese playmaker said: “I wouldn’t say it’s a reward, I think it will just be successful in terms of the Europa League.”It’s very important to do that, to get the silverware this season. But it won’t save anything.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBilbao are fourth in LaLiga and have an added incentive to reach the final — as it will be held in their city next month.Fernandes said: “They have the final at home if they beat us, so it will be really tough. You have to be prepared.”Man Utd salvaged a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth on Sunday.The Red Devils fell behind on the South Coast via Antoine Semenyo’s 23rd minute effort.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRasmus Hojlund bagged a late equaliser at BournemouthCredit: GettyEvanilson was sent off 20 minutes from time, allowing United back into the contest.Goal-shy Rasmus Hojlund netted a rare strike on 96 minute to deliver a blow to Bournemouth’s own European hopes.Ruben Amorim warns Rasmus Hojlund ‘he has to score many more’ goals after dramatic last gasp Man Utd equaliser More

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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