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      Bodo/Glimt 0 Tottenham 2 (1-5 agg): Spurs keep Postecoglou trophy hopes alive with convincing win to set up Man Utd final

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      TOTTENHAM proved they are no Arctic flunkies to put Ange Postecoglou 90 minutes from delivering on his second-season trophy boast.After a dark and dismal league campaign where they have been dreadfully off-key, Spurs snapped out of it in a place where the sun hardly ever goes down at this time of year.Tottenham ran out 5-1 aggregate winners over Bodo/Glimt in their Europa League semi-final tieCredit: REUTERSDominic Solanke broke the deadlock in the second leg to fire Spurs into a 4-1 aggregate leadCredit: REUTERSPedro Porro doubled Spurs’ advantage on the nightCredit: REUTERSThey successfully avoided slipping up on Bodo/Glimt’s plastic pitch that has caused numerous European big names to suffer stage fright this season.A masterclass in time-wasting and the most un-AngeBall display ever eased the tension, before Dominic Solanke struck just after the hour.If that had not killed off Glimt’s glimmer of hope, Pedro Porro’s fluke cross-shot dropping in at the far post shortly afterwards surely did.Now, Spurs are through to their first major European final since finishing Champions League runners-up to Liverpool in Madrid in 2019.READ MORE ON SPURSJust like that showpiece six years ago, it will be back to Spain to face English opposition again, only this time Manchester United in Bilbao.Given they have already beaten the Red Devils THREE times this term, it gives Postecoglou a terrific chance to make good on his bold September claim that he “always wins things in his second season”.That possible feat may still not be enough to save his job, after a woeful Prem campaign where NINETEEN league defeats have plummeted Spurs to 16th.But it would qualify the club for the Champions League, end its barren silverware run of 17 years and hand Postecoglou his crowd-pleasing moment that will be remembered forever.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSSpurs’ Europa League run has offered fans some respite from their woeful league formCredit: GETTYAnd after the season he has had, there would be a certain romance in that.Coldplay’s Yellow was one of the hosts’ tunes of choice in the build-up for obvious reasons, given their kit colour.Ange Postecoglou says he will be around ‘for a little bit longer’ after Tottenham victory over Eintracht Frankfurt The stadium energy, which Glimt boss Kjetil Knutsen said his side would feed off, grew as kick-off approached, to the sound of the Beastie Boys’ ‘Sabotage’ and ‘Thunderstruck’ by AC/DC.The bouncing army of blond-clad fans, packed into this tiny ground with League Two vibes, belted out songs of praise for their team as hoses drenched the synthetic surface.It was a tactic designed to get the ball zipping along quicker than on grass which had caught out the likes of Porto, Olympiakos and Lazio already this term.Postecoglou himself had had his own grim experience up north in Norway when losing to Bodo in the Europa Conference League with Celtic three years ago.But here, because of late driving rain, the extra water seemed to have the opposite effect and slow the ball down.Had his Spurs team frozen this time, Postecoglou would have returned to England well and truly out in the cold with regards his job prospects.But his team looked switched on from the off, taking a similarly low-risk approach to how they handled the away leg in Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarter-finals.For that game, they needed to win away from home soil, but here they knew they could even lose by a goal and they would still get through.That was thanks to a convincing 3-1 lead last week from the home leg where the only downsides were Bodo’s late lifeline strike and a season-ending injury to James Maddison.Postecoglou’s men looked to slow the game down at every opportunity, with goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario constantly reinforcing the tactic and eventually being booked for it.It limited the hosts to a few opportunities, and in truth, Spurs looked comfortable.Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou is on course to maintain his record of winning a trophy within his first two seasons at a clubCredit: SHUTTERSTOCKBarring Ole Blomberg firing into the side-netting and a Kasper Hogh header over, the hosts rarely looked like scoring in the first half.Porro came within a whisker of a crucial opener from a central free-kick just outside the D, but was denied by Nikita Halkin’s acrobatic save.Knutsen’s side had to step it up after the break and went close with a few dangerous crosses – but it was nowhere near enough.And when Solanke finished off Cristian Romero’s knock-down from sub Mathys Tel’s corner, it looked game over.It certainly was when Porro’s cross somehow went in off the post six minutes later.For all of Postecoglou’s poor results this season, his record against Manchester United reads: Played five, won four, drawn one.Self-doubting Spurs fans have already noted that fact and claimed it would be very Tottenham to then come unstuck against Ruben Amorim’s side in Bilbao.It certainly would do nothing to shake off their unwanted Spursy tag.But the fact is, taking on the worst United side in living memory offers an unbelievable chance to seal European glory for the first time since they clinched this competition in 1984.Read More on The SunWho would have thought that after everything they have been through this term, they could still end it singing, “We are the Champions.”Postecoglou, to be fair. He did call it. More

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      Man Utd 4 Athletic Bilbao 1 (7-1 agg): Red Devils set up blockbuster final vs Spurs as Mason Mount blows Spaniards away after nervy start

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      JUST when Athletic Bilbao looked like they might climb the mountain – up steps Mason Mount.The England ace climbed off the bench just after the hour when the impossible comeback looked on for the visitors.Mason Mount reminded fans of his ability with two quality goalsCredit: PAThe midfielder cupped his ear after scoring the equaliserCredit: GettyMount swivelled before curling the ball into the bottom cornerCredit: Shutterstock EditorialCasemiro’s header put Man Utd in front on the nightCredit: ReutersRasmus Hojlund copied Mo Salah’s celebration after scoringCredit: EPAMount scored a spectacular effort from close to the halfway lineCredit: GettyHe levelled with a classy goal within 10 minutes – and in stoppage time he scored a stunner with the Bilbao keeper stranded.In between Casemiro – again – and even Rasmus Hojlund got on the scoresheet as United won comfortably in the end.They never do it the easy way here though – and for a while the home fans were sweating.A total of 133 teams have won the away leg of a tie in this competition by three or more goals and all of them have gone through.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe only exception was when Olympiacos turned around such a deficit last year – but the return leg of their tie against Maccabi Tel Aviv was played on a neutral ground.Despite losing eight of 17 home matches in the Prem this season, United had been beaten in just one of their last 30 Europa League ties at Old Trafford.So it looked a tall order for Ernesto Valverde’s side, who arrived without four of their most high profile players.Brothers Nico and Inaki Williams both missed out with injury along with top scorer Oihan Sancet.Most read in Europa LeagueMeanwhile defensive lynchpin Dani Vivian was suspended following his controversial sending off in the first leg.An early goal would have been ideal for United to settle any nerves but there were plenty both on and off the pitch as there was little sign of a goal.’He’ll be fuming with that,’ says Wayne Rooney after mistaking Cristiano Ronaldo for former Man Utd team-mateAlex Berenguer had an early sight of goal for Bilbao but curled his effort over the bar.While skipper Bruno Fernandes played Alejandro Garnacho through on goal but Julen Agirrezabala raced off his line to stop him.It had been a disjointed start from the home side – such a contrast to their performance in the San Mames a week ago.Berenguer – who caught the eye in the first leg before he was sacrificed in the reshuffle following the red card – curled another effort wide.Patrick Dorgu went down under a tackle by Andoni Gorosabei but the German referee waved away the appeals and the VAR agreed after a brief check.Man Utd ratings vs Bilbao as magnifent Mount sends Red Devils to Europa League final but ineffective Garnacho hooked earlyMANCHESTER UNITED all-but booked their spot in the Europa League final a week ago.And, despite a brief first-half wobble, it was never really in doubt at Old Trafford on Thursday night as the Red Devils secured a comeback 4-1 win at home over Athletic Bilbao.Mikel Jaureguizar sent a nervous shiver around the ground with his fine effort on the half-hour mark.United struggled to click and no doubt some feared of an almighty collapse.But, when Ruben Amorim turned to the bench, it made all the difference – as Amad Diallo, Luke Shaw and Mason Mount were all involved in Mount’s delightful equaliser.Casemiro scored with a clever header and even Rasmus Hojlund got in on the act to tap in.Then Mount finish the job in style with his long-range effort into an empty net. Smiles all round. Now United have an all-English blockbuster with Spurs later this month to save their dreadful season.Roll on, Bilbao…Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Ruben Amorim’s men at Old Trafford…The first leg hinged on a penalty and red card which was given after a lengthy review but there was never any danger of this one being given.With a three goal lead still intact, there was no panic about the way United were playing – however out of nowhere the visitors took the lead on the half hour.Harry Maguire missed header and then passed it to Alvaro Djalo whose shot was blocked – but it dropped nicely to Mikel Jaureguizar.The 21-year-old midfielder still had plenty to do but curled a 20-yard shot into the top corner, giving Andre Onana no chance.It was only his third senior goal – maybe he should try luck more often if that’s what he can do.As for Maguire, he has been the unlikely hero of United’s Europa League run from an attacking point of view – maybe it has gone to his head.It gave the outstanding visiting support fresh hope – a final in their own stadium was the dream and it was flickering again.Even so, United should have extinguished that before the break.Dorgu stroked a delightful pass through the middle which Garnacho ran onto and raced clear – before lifting his shot over the keeper but the wrong side of the post.Ruben Amorim’s job at the break was to keep his players calm. He had warned in the build-up that this team had a tendency to ‘lose their minds’.And in the opening stages of the second half it looked like they had done with Athletic in complete control.All that was missing was a killer pass as the home side struggled to get out of their own half.Amorim made a triple sub just after the hour in a bid to change the course of the game – and one of them, Amad Diallo immediatley showed a bit more intent.But there was another scare as Unai Gomez sent a header right across the face of goal and wide of the far post.However it was another of Amorim’s changes who finally settled it as Mount swivelled in the box before curling home.It was their first shot on target of the night – and they hardly deserved to be level – but the Stretford End didn’t care.Minutes later Casemiro looped a header home from a Fernandes free-kick to put the result beyond doubt.Hojlund even got in the knack as he tapped in Diallo had got to the byline and squared for him.Read More on The SunAnd in stoppage time, with Agireezabala stranded, Mount showed great composure to chip in from about 45 yards into an empty net.What a night it turned out to be. 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      Nine Athletic Bilbao stars got trapped in lift in strange ‘mishap’ reveals coach Ernesto Valverde before Man Utd clash

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      ATHLETIC BILBAO have suffered further woes ahead of their clash with Manchester United – after player were stuck in a LIFT.The Champions League-chasing Basques were hammered 3-0 at San Mames last week, leaving them with it all to do at Old Trafford in the Europa League.Ernesto Valverde revealed nine of his players got stuck in a lift at the weekendCredit: EPAAthletic Bilbao are looking to turn around a three-goal deficit at Old TraffordCredit: GettyShould they achieve a miracle comeback, they will play the Europa League final against Bodo/Glimt or Tottenham at their own stadium.But boss Ernesto Valverde revealed that things took a farcical turn at the weekend.He said: “How is the team? I saw it very well.”We had a difficult match against Real Sociedad and a mishap.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”Nine players were trapped in the lift, which had a capacity of eight people. “But we got them out before the match and managed to earn a draw.”Bilbao’s preparations for this game at Old Trafford have also not been helped by the absence of three of their star players.Brothers Nico and Inaki Williams have stayed at home along with attacking midfielder Oihan Sancet, who has scored 15 LaLiga goals this season.Most read in Europa LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut Valverde insisted Athletic have not simply given up on the tie, with all three players ruled out due to injury.He commented: “If any one [of them] could have been here, they would be here. ‘Were we not good enough-‘ – Man Utd legend Roy Keane takes cheeky dig at David Beckham over 50th birthday snub”Because this game is the most important of the season right now.”I don’t understand the question. You talk to the doctor and the players, but there’s not much to decide. Those who are injured can’t play.”The Basques will also be without Dani Vivian after his red card in last week’s game. More

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      Bodo/Glimt vs Tottenham LIVE SCORE: Europa League updates as Spurs look to avoid major slip-up and progress to final

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      TOTTENHAM travel to Bodo/Glimt for the second leg of their Europa League semi-final TONIGHT.Spurs head to the Norwegian minnows with a 3-1 advantage after last week’s opener in North London.Ulrik Saltnes’s 83rd-minute strike has given Bodo/Glimt a glimmer of hope after his stunning strike narrowed Tottenham’s lead.Should Spurs get over the line in Norway, it looks highly likely that they will face Premier League rivals Manchester United in the Europa League final as they lead Athletic Bilbao 3-0.Kick off time: 8pm BSTTV channel: TNT Sports 2Live stream: discovery+Bodo/Glimt team: To follow…Tottenham team: To follow…CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Ange Postecoglou on the importance on reaching a European finalCopy linkCopiedLooking aheadAfter their first leg victory, Spurs are optimistic of making the final of the Europa League.So much so, that they have requested their clash against Aston Villa be moved.It won’t come back to bite them, surely? Copy linkCopiedNot the momentum they wantSpurs played a massive clash in the context of the Premier League table last weekend, but it did not end how they would have liked.They faced West Ham, who are also struggling this season, but the Hammers held Spurs to a 1-1 draw.They will hope for a better showing tonight, although a draw would be enough to see them into the Europa League final.Copy linkCopiedThe time is now!It’s been a poor season for Tottenham but all of that negativity can be washed away tonight!Ange Postecoglu’s side hold a 3-1 advantage from the first leg but now must navigate a plastic pitch wet weather in Norway.Surely even Spurs can’t throw it away from here?Can they?Credit: RexCopy linkCopied More

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      Man Utd vs Athletic Bilbao LIVE SCORE: Red Devils look to avoid catastrophic collapse and book Europa League final spot

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      MANCHESTER UNITED host Athletic Bilbao in the second leg of their Europa League semi-final TONIGHT.The Red Devils have one foot in the final after smashing the Spaniards 3-0 on their own turf last week.Ruben Amorim’s men will be looking to avoid a catastrophic collapse at Old Trafford and keep their hopes of silverware alive.Kick off time: 8pm BSTTV channel: TNT Sports 1Live stream: discovery+Man Utd team: To follow…Athletic Bilbao team: To follow…CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Bao outRuben Amorim is worried about losing to Athletic Bilbao as his team have a tendency to “lose our minds”.The manager admitted in his pre-match press conference: “We cannot control, we cannot say what is going to happen.”There are some teams that understand the game is going to be like this.”It can change a little bit but the story is going to be like this and you can control the narrative of the game. But we cannot do that.”We have to face the game as one more game, to win it, I feel we need to score to go to the next round.”We use Brentford, we are near a draw then we suffer a goal and another goal quite fast.”We will have to suffer a bit to go to the final and we are ready to suffer.”Copy linkCopiedGarna stayAlejandro Garnacho has vowed to stay at Manchester United and could now smash one of his idol Cristiano Ronaldo’s records.The Argentine brushed off comparisons with Ronaldo as he stands on the brink of surpassing one of the Portuguese superstar’s many feats.Yet he knows he will likely have to deal with them for as long as he remains a United player.After all, it was Ronaldo who created the Argentinian winger’s first goal for the Red Devils back in November 2022.And when the six-time Ballon d’Or winner left Old Trafford for the second and final time a few weeks later, the Stretford End immediately gave his song to Garnacho.But deep down he probably would not have it any other way.Copy linkCopiedManta StayManchester United’s young Saka-like starlet Bendito Mantato has signed his first professional contract with the club.Mantato, 17, was named on the bench for the first time last week as he travelled to Spain for the first leg of United’s Europa League semi-final against Athletic Bilbao.He was also absent from Monday’s U21 squad to face West Ham to be instead part of the preparations for the second leg on Thursday night.The teenager is so highly-rated that he has drawn comparisons with Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka with his dynamic left-footed play on the right wing.His journey from wing-back to right wing mirrors the Arsenal star’s youth journey and makes him an attractive fit for Ruben Amorim’s side.The United boss has experimented with wing-backs this season, using Patrick Dorgu and Diogo Dalot in the role.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopied(Red Devils)Manchester United will not wear their usual home kit against West Ham at Old Trafford.The Red Devils host the Hammers in the Premier League on Sunday in the battle to avoid finishing 17th.But United’s red home shirt is being changed for the match.Rather than the logo of sponsors Snapdragon on the front of the jersey, the symbol for (Red) will feature instead.The special edition changed tops will also be used for Manchester United Women’s WSL clash with Arsenal on Saturday.The one-off shirts from the matches will then be sold off on online auction site MatchWornShirt to raise funds, with net proceeds going to (Red)’s campaign against health injustice.Copy linkCopiedWelcome!We have a big night in store for Manchester United with a place in the Europa League final up for grabs.Ruben Amorim’s side were incredible last week in the Basque country, putting Athletic to the sword with a superb 3-0 win.Surely even they can’t blow a lead from this position…We’ll bring you all the build-up to a huge night at Old Trafford.Copy linkCopied More

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      Man Utd wonderkid and ‘next Bukayo Saka’ Bendito Mantato, 17, signs first pro contract with club

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      MANCHESTER United’s young Saka-like starlet Bendito Mantato has signed his first professional contract with the club.Mantato, 17, was named on the bench for the first time last week as he travelled to Spain for the first leg of United’s Europa League semi-final against Athletic Bilbao.Bendito Mantato, centre, has signed a first professional contract with Man Utd after training with the first team.Credit: GettyHe was also absent from Monday’s U21 squad to face West Ham to be instead part of the preparations for the second leg on Thursday night.The teenager is so highly-rated that he has drawn comparisons with Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka with his dynamic left-footed play on the right wing.His journey from wing-back to right wing mirrors the Arsenal star’s youth journey and makes him an attractive fit for Ruben Amorim’s side.The United boss has experimented with wing-backs this season, using Patrick Dorgu and Diogo Dalot in the role.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut Mantato could be a valuable string to his bow with 14 goals and assists this season across U18 and U21 level.It’s not just Amorim who can see the potential in the star as Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle and Brighton expressed interest in signing him last year, according to the Manchester Evening News.Mantato has been hailed as a “versatile player with impressive size for his age and a strong technical base” by community football platform Planet Football and has gone viral on X for his skills.Despite making his U18 debut aged 14 only last season, his senior debut could be on the horizon.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAmorim has already started to give youth a shot, fielding the club’s youngest ever starting XI in the Premier League against Brentford on Sunday with a 22 years and 270 days average age.Chido Obi, 17, and Harry Amass, 18, both started among an additional five 20-year-olds. After scoring the 99th minute winner against Arsenal in the February FA Youth Cup quarterfinals, Mantato will be a welcome addition to the senior side.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More

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      Rio Ferdinand to miss Man Utd vs Athletic Bilbao clash with sickness bug with TNT Sports pundit’s family also affected

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      RIO FERDINAND is set to miss Manchester United’s Europa League clash with Athletic Bilbao after being struck down with illness.Ferdinand, 46, took to social media on Wednesday with a selfie from his hospital bed.Rio Ferdinand is set to miss Man Utd vs Athletic Bilbao due to his illnessCredit: https://x.com/rioferdy5Other members of Ferdinand’s family have been affectedCredit: SplashHe was due to be in Paris to cover PSG vs Arsenal’s second leg in the Champions League. But Ferdinand could not make the trip due to his health.And PA now report that the sickness bug will also wipe him out of tonight’s Old Trafford clash.It is understood the bug has also affected other members of Ferdinand’s family. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 81-cap former England star is married to Kate Wright.They have two children together – son Cree, four, and daughter Shae, one. Ferdinand also had three kids – Lorenz, Tate, and Tia – with his first wife Rebecca Ellison, who tragically passed away in 2015.Ferdinand tweeted on Wednesday just two hours before kick-off at the Parc des Princes with his thumbs-up photo in hospital. Most read in FootballThe United hero wrote: “Gutted to be missing the Semi-Finals this week on @footballontnt!!”Wishing the team all the best — I’ll be watching every minute from the iPad!”TNT Sports were among the many to send their best wishes and a speedy recovery. Ferdinand later tweeted “horrendous decision” when PSG were awarded a controversial penalty for handball.He then replied “brooooo” to Patrice Evra’s bizarre videos – in which he compared Arsenal’s failure to win a trophy to interrupted sex. Ferdinand was set to be on commentary duties for United’s second leg against Athletic tonight. United lead 3-0 from the first leg in Spain last week thanks to a first-half blitz from Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes. Should Ruben Amorim’s side avoid a spectacular home collapse against an Athletic side missing both Nico and Inaki Williams, they will book their spot in the final in Bilbao on May 21. In the previous round, Ferdinand and fellow co-commentator Robbie Savage could not contain their excitement when Harry Maguire completed an unbelievable turnaround to beat Lyon. Ferdinand was set to be at Old Trafford for the Europa League semi-finalCredit: Getty More

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      Tottenham in Europa League chaos as cheeky Bodo/Glimt fans set off fireworks outside hotel at 2.30am

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      TOTTENHAM’S players had their sleep disrupted ahead of their crunch Europa League semi-final second leg by cheeky Bodo/Glimt supporters letting off fireworks.Pyrotechnics exploded outside the team’s hotel down by the waterfront in the sleepy town of Bodo up in the Arctic Circle at around 2.30am.Bodo/Glimt fans set off fireworks outside Tottenham’s waterfront hotel at 2:30amCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskSpurs face their biggest match in recent years tonight in the Arctic CircleCredit: RexThe disturbance happened as the Spurs squad were trying to get their rest in before the biggest game of their season.They face Norwegian champions Glimt on their tricky plastic pitch on Thursday evening having won the first leg 3-1 last week in North London.But they will be wary of Glimt’s excellent home record which has seen the Scandinavians beat Porto, Red Star Belgrade, Maccabi Tel Aviv, Olympiakos, FC Twente and Lazio already this season.It is not the first time Spurs have had fireworks let off by pesky home supporters the night before a European game.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe same thing happened ahead of their January Europa League group game in Hoffenheim, as well as in Marseille in the Champions League back in 2022.Spurs’ preparations had already been hit by the loss of James Maddison to a season-ending knee injury sustained in the first leg.SunSport understands the England star has damaged his medial ligament and is facing three months on the sidelines, putting him at risk of missing the start of next season.Boss Ange Postecoglou, who has had an unrelenting amount of injuries to deal with this term, said during his Wednesday press conference: “He’ll miss the rest of this season. Most read in Sport“I’m disappointed for him more than anything else because he’s been a big catalyst for us. JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“He’ll miss out but that’s been a constant of our season, dealing with these things, so we’ll overcome that. Everyone else from the first leg has travelled and they’re ready to go.”Captain Son Heung-min is also absent due to a nagging foot injury, but £65million striker Dominic Solanke is back fit after missing West Ham on Sunday with a quad issue.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsSpurs are bidding to save their season – and possibly Postecoglou’s job – by going all the way in Europe, having plummeted to 16th in the Premier League. More