Spurs Reach Europa League Final To Keep Postecoglou’s Trophy Boast Alive

Tottenham kept alive their hopes of ending a 17-year trophy drought and saving Ange Postecoglou from the sack as they beat Bodo/Glimt 2-0 on Thursday to book a Europa League final clash against Manchester United.

After winning the semi-final first leg 3-1 last week, Postecoglou’s troubled side weathered the storm in a second leg played in gale-force winds in Norway.

Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro netted in the second half as Tottenham’s 5-1 aggregate victory secured their place in the final in Bilbao on May 21.

United thrashed Athletic Bilbao 7-1 on aggregate to set up the showdown between the Premier League’s two biggest underachievers this season.

Tottenham have already beaten United three times this season, winning 3-0 and 1-0 in the Premier League and 4-3 in the League Cup.

The north Londoners are aiming to win their first European trophy since the 1984 UEFA Cup and their first silverware in any competition since the League Cup in 2008.

Tottenham’s last four finals have all ended in defeat, most notably the 2019 Champions League showpiece against Liverpool, while they were also beaten in the 2009, 2015 and 2021 League Cup finals.

Ending that dismal streak would fulfil Postecoglou’s bold boast earlier this season that he always win a trophy in his second season.

“We knew it was a difficult place to come. We’re aware of the record they have here, the pitch. The lads handled it well. Excited, we’re in a final,” Postecoglou said.

“You understand the context of what this football club has been trying to achieve for quite a while.

“We’ve overcome adversity this season. We’ve grown in maturity and we understand exactly what’s required. I think that’s where we won the game.”

Despite languishing in 16th place in the Premier League, Europa League glory for Tottenham would also secure a place in next season’s Champions League.

Whether that will be enough to spare the beleaguered Postecoglou from the sack is another matter.

The Australian has admitted the general perception outside Tottenham is he faces the sack regardless of the Europa League run because their domestic form has been so bad.

With three games left in the top-flight season, Tottenham are in danger of their worst finish since they were relegated in 1976-77.

United are just one place above Tottenham in the English top flight after an equally woeful campaign.

Composed Tottenham

Based just north of the Arctic Circle, Bodo/Glimt were the first Norwegian team to play in a major European semi-final.

Kjetil Knutsen’s side stunned Lazio in the quarter-finals after beating Porto, Maccabi Tel Aviv, Olympiakos, Besiktas and Twente earlier in the tournament.

It was a remarkable achievement for a side from a fishing town with a population of barely 50,000.

Playing in icy temperatures and persistent rain on artificial turf at the tiny 8,270-capacity Aspmyra Stadium, it would have been in keeping with Tottenham’s turbulent campaign if they had become the minnows’ latest scalp.

But Tottenham kept their composure, delivering a committed display to retain their chance of salvaging their wretched season.

Porro went close early on with a 25-yard free-kick that was superbly tipped over by Nikita Haikin.

In the howling wind, Patrick Berg’s swirling free-kick forced Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario to claw it away at full stretch.

In contrast to their usual ultra-attacking tactics, Tottenham were content to sit back and hit on the counter, often slowing the game down so much that Vicario was booked for time-wasting.

The plan worked a treat as Bodo/Glimt struggled to establish any momentum before Solanke scored in the 63rd minute.

Cristian Romero rose highest to head goalwards and Solanke pounced with a predatory close-range finish.

Porro killed off the Norwegians six minutes later when the right-back’s cross dipped in at the far post with Haikin rooted to the spot.

Postecoglou could finally breathe a sigh of relief on the touchline as Tottenham celebrated a rare uplifting moment in a season of angst.

Man Utd beat Athletic Club to set up Europa League final with Tottenham

Manchester United produced a dramatic late comeback to beat Athletic Club 4-1 in the Europa League and complete an emphatic 7-1 aggregate semifinal victory, setting up a mouthwatering showpiece against Tottenham.

Fireworks crackled and red smoke filled an expectant Old Trafford on Thursday following an impressive 3-0 win against 10-man Athletic in northern Spain last week.

But the air of excitement was tinged by the knowledge that Ruben Amorim’s United have shown a startling ability to implode during a horrendous Premier League season.

Perhaps, little to anyone’s surprise, Amorim’s United, much like most of the club’s teams that preceded him, had to do it the hard way. Trailing with 18 minutes to play, the substitutes were thrown on – including Mason Mount, who produced two brilliant goals to illuminate the Theatre of Dreams and turn the game on the night.

Mason Mount of Manchester United scores a goal to make it 1-1 on the night [Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images]

Amorim reverted to the team that started in the first leg, making eight changes following Sunday’s 4-3 defeat against Brentford.

Dani Vivian was suspended after his red card last week, and coach Ernesto Valverde was also hamstrung by the absence of brothers Nico and Inaki Williams, as well as top-scorer Oihan Sancet.

Mikel Jauregizar silenced the home fans and gave the visitors hope on the night with a stunning strike in the 31st minute.

For long periods of the match, the visitors looked more dangerous, and the game needed substitute Mount to settle the home supporters’ nerves with his 72nd-minute strike.

The match totally changed complexion as Casemiro, Rasmus Hojlund and Mount again scored.

epa12085065 Rasmus Hojlund (R) of Manchester United scoring the third goal of his team during the UEFA Europa League semi-finals 2nd leg soccer match between Manchester United and Athletic Club, in Manchester, Britain, 08 May 2025. EPA-EFE/ADAM VAUGHAN
Rasmus Hojlund of Manchester United tapped in his side’s third goal of the game [Adam Vaughan/EPA]

It means United have kept alive their hopes of eking something out of a terrible season.

Winning Europe’s second-tier club trophy crucially guarantees a place in the Champions League, which would boost United’s chances of attracting top talent as Amorim attempts a monumental rebuild.

United were heavy favourites to complete the job on home turf, but injury-hit Athletic nursed a grievance after defender Vivian was sent off in Spain.

They enjoyed the bulk of the early possession but struggled to fashion clear-cut chances and looked nervous when the visitors attacked.

Athletic midfielder Alex Berenguer had a good early opportunity after the home side failed to clear, but his curling shot sailed over the bar as he aimed for the top corner.

The midfielder created another chance after a surging run midway through the half, but fired wide of Andre Onana’s post from just outside the area.

United feel the nerves in Manchester

But the visitors broke the deadlock in sensational style after half an hour to give themselves hope when Jauregizar picked his spot from outside the box and curled past Onana.

The goal came after some sloppy work from United’s defence. Harry Maguire played a ball across the box and Alvaro Djalo smashed a shot against Leny Yoro.

The ball fell to Jauregizar, who could not have hit the ball more sweetly.

United struggled for attacking rhythm but should have been level shortly before half-time.

The stadium held its breath as Alejandro Garnacho was put through by the lively Patrick Dorgu, but his attempted dink over the goalkeeper went wide.

Soccer Football - Europa League - Semi Final - Second Leg - Manchester United v Athletic Bilbao - Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - May 8, 2025 Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho shoots at goal as Athletic Bilbao's Julen Agirrezabala reacts Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff
Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho spurned his side’s best chance of the first half [Jason Cairnduff/Reuters]

United offered little going forward in the early stages of the second half as Athletic made the running, forcing United to hack clear on multiple occasions.

Both teams made a triple change just after the hour mark. Shortly afterwards, Unai Gomez headed the ball across the goal and it bounced just wide of the post.

Injury-hit Mount has been a peripheral figure in his two seasons at Old Trafford, but produced a fine finish, swivelling and curling the ball into the far corner for his first.

Casemiro scored a second with his head from a Bruno Fernandes cross as United’s earlier nerves were completely forgotten.

Hojlund poked home in the 85th minute before Mount scored an outrageous second from near the halfway line after Athletic goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala came out of his box and made a poor clearance.

Chelsea Ease Past Djurgarden To Reach Conference League Final

Chelsea advanced to the final of the UEFA Conference League after a 1-0 win over Swedish side Djurgarden on Thursday sealed a 5-1 aggregate victory in their last-four tie.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall struck the only goal at Stamford Bridge late in the first half on a night 16-year-old Reggie Walsh became the youngest player to start a European game for Chelsea.

The Blues can become the first club to win all three of UEFA’s current competitions if they beat either two-time runners-up Fiorentina or Real Betis in Wroclaw on May 28.

Defender Marc Cucurella was the only player retained from the team that beat Liverpool in the Premier League last weekend as manager Enzo Maresca made sweeping changes to his line-up with an eye on Sunday’s crucial game at Newcastle.

The Italian has been criticised for his cautious tactics but he has fifth-placed Chelsea on course to qualify for the Champions League via a top-five finish in England.

Teenage midfielder Walsh made his debut off the bench in the 4-1 win in Stockholm a week ago as Chelsea seized control of the tie, but that result didn’t deter some 6,000 Djurgarden fans from making the trip to London for the second leg.

Dewsbury-Hall and Tyrique George forced saves from Djurgarden goalkeeper Jacob Rinne before the two Chelsea players combined to put the hosts in front in the 38th minute.

George threaded a pass through for Dewsbury-Hall who accelerated past a couple of defenders before sweeping in a crisp finish via the base of the post.

That goal killed off any remote hopes for Djurgarden, the first Swedish club to appear in a European semi-final since Gothenburg won the 1986-87 UEFA Cup.

Dewsbury-Hall had a chance to double his tally when he headed Malo Gusto’s cross straight at Rinne, but the visitors rarely threatened with the exception of a long-range shot from Daniel Stensson that was tipped over by Filip Jorgensen.

Chelsea haven’t won a major trophy since the 2021 Champions League, but they will be strong favourites to win their first silverware since Todd Boehly’s consortium took over from Roman Abramovich three years ago.

Man Utd Thrash Athletic Bilbao To Set Up Spurs Europa League Final

Manchester United beat Athletic Bilbao 4-1 in the Europa League on Thursday to complete an emphatic 7-1 aggregate semi-final victory, setting up a mouthwatering showpiece against Tottenham.

Fireworks crackled and red smoke filled an expectant Old Trafford following an impressive 3-0 win against 10-man Athletic in northern Spain last week.

But the air of excitement was tinged by the knowledge that Ruben Amorim’s United have shown a startling ability to implode during a horrendous Premier League season.

Amorim reverted to the team that started in the first leg, making eight changes following Sunday’s 4-3 defeat against Brentford.

Dani Vivian was suspended after his red card last week and coach Ernesto Valverde was also hamstrung by the absence of brothers Nico and Inaki Williams as well as top-scorer Oihan Sancet.

Mikel Jauregizar silenced the home fans and gave the visitors hope on the night with a stunning strike in the 31st minute.

For long periods of the match the visitors looked more dangerous but substitute Mason Mount settled the home supporters’ nerves with 18 minutes to go.

The match totally changed complexion as Casemiro, Rasmus Hojlund and Mount again scored.

It means United have kept alive their hopes of eking something out of a terrible season.

Winning Europe’s second-tier club trophy crucially guarantees a place in the Champions League, which would boost United’s chances of attracting top talent as Amorim attempts a monumental rebuild.

United were heavy favourites to complete the job on home turf but injury-hit Athletic nursed a grievance after defender Vivian was sent off in Spain.

They enjoyed the bulk of the early possession but struggled to fashion clear-cut chances and looked nervous when the visitors attacked.

Athletic midfielder Alex Berenguer had a good early opportunity after the home side failed to clear but his curling shot sailed over the bar as he aimed for the top corner.

The midfielder created another chance after a surging run midway through the half but fired wide of Andre Onana’s post from just outside the area.

READ ALSO: Man Utd Have ‘Big Responsibility’ To Win Europa League — Amorim

United nerves

Manchester United’s English midfielder #07 Mason Mount (C) celebrates with Manchester United’s English defender #41 Harry Amass (R) and Manchester United’s English midfielder #37 Kobbie Mainoo (L) after scoring Manchester United’s fourth goal during the UEFA Europa League semi final second leg football match between Manchester United and Athletic Club Bilbao at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, north west England, on May 8, 2025. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP)

But the visitors broke the deadlock in sensational style after half an hour to give themselves hope when Jauregizar picked his spot from outside the box and curled past Onana.

The goal came after some sloppy work from United’s defence. Harry Maguire played a ball across the box and Alvaro Djalo smashed a shot against Leny Yoro.

The ball fell to Jauregizar, who could not have hit the ball more sweetly.

United struggled for attacking rhythm but should have been level shortly before half-time.

The stadium held its breath as Alejandro Garnacho was put through by the lively Patrick Dorgu but his attempted dink over the goalkeeper went wide.

United offered little going forward in the early stages of the second half as Athletic made the running, forcing United to hack clear on multiple occasions.

Both teams made a triple change just after the hour mark. Shortly afterwards Unai Gomez headed the ball across the goal and it bounced just wide of the post.

Injury-hit Mount has been a peripheral figure in his two seasons at Old Trafford but produced a fine finish, swivelling and curling the ball into the far corner in the 72nd minute.

Casemiro scored a second with his head from a Bruno Fernandes cross as United’s earlier nerves were completely forgotten.

Hojlund poked home in the 85th minute before Mount scored an outrageous second from near the halfway line after Athletic goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala came out of his box and made a poor clearance.

United will face Tottenham in the final in Bilbao on May 21.

PSL to finish rest of season in UAE

Getty Images

The Pakistan Super League will move the remaining matches of the season to the United Arab Emirates amid the ongoing tensions between Pakistan and India.

Pakistan says 31 people have been killed and 57 injured by air strikes in the country and Pakistan-administered Kashmir since Wednesday morning as India responds to a deadly militant attack on Indian tourists in Kashmir last month.

A Pakistan Cricket Board official told BBC Sport one drone misfired and led to an explosion in the street behind the stadium in Rawalpindi. The BBC has been unable to verify these claims.

The PSL had been looking at all options for the remainder of the campaign, including halting the tournament for a number of weeks.

The exact schedule for the rest of the tournament, including dates and venues in the UAE, has yet to be confirmed.

Players at the PSL, including those from England, took part in an emergency meeting held by tournament organisers on Thursday.

James Vince, Chris Jordan, Tom Curran, David Willey, Sam Billings, Luke Wood and Tom Kohler-Cadmore are the English players involved in the PSL, while there are also English coaches at various franchises.

PSL organisers remain keen for the tournament, which has eight fixtures outstanding, to be completed, but the safety of players remains their priority.

A senior Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official told BBC Sport: “If Rawalpindi is not safe, Lahore and Karachi are not safe because drones also attacked there. Any city of Pakistan is not safe because the drones have targeted smaller cities of Pakistan.”

The seven English players held separate discussions over whether to return to the UK, with a split in opinion over whether to remain.

Talks took place with the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) on Wednesday to discuss the situation. It is understood feelings among those in Pakistan were mixed.

Other leading overseas names in the PSL include Australian David Warner (Karachi Kings) and former West Indies captain Jason Holder (Islamabad United).

The UK foreign office currently advises against all but essential travel within five miles of the international border between Pakistan and India.

The Indian Premier League match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals began as planned in Dharamsala on Thursday, but was called off after 10.1 overs after the floodlights went out.

Sunday’s match between the Kings and Mumbai Indians has been moved from Dharamsala to Ahmedabad.

Dharamsala is in the state of Himachal Pradesh, which borders Kashmir, and flights were cancelled to its airport on Wednesday, making it difficult for Mumbai Indians to travel.

“The venue change has been necessitated due to logistical challenges,” India’s cricket board (BCCI) said in a statement.

Twenty-six civilians were killed in Indian-administered Kashmir last month and India has accused Pakistan of supporting militants behind the attack – an allegation the neighbouring country has rejected.

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Sutton’s predictions v grime stars Footsie & Strategy

The Premier League’s top two meet at Anfield on Sunday but there is far more at stake earlier the same day when Newcastle host Chelsea.

“This is huge for both sides in the race for the top five, and there are definitely some goals in this game,” said BBC Sport football expert Chris Sutton.

“Chelsea have hit form again and it is important for them that Cole Palmer has ended his goal drought, but Newcastle are going to go for it because they are at home.”

Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League games this season, against a variety of guests.

For week 36, he takes on grime stars Footsie and Strategy, who are both Manchester United fans.

Footsie and Strategy’s collaborative album, Theatre of Dreams, was released on Thursday along with their video for their new lead single, Standard, which was shot in Manchester and London.

Do you agree with their scores? You can make your own predictions below.

The most popular scoreline selected for each game is used in the scoreboards and tables at the bottom of this page.

Strategy (left) and FootsieMax Ros

Footsie is from east London but followed in his family’s footsteps by supporting United.

“When my grandparents came over from Jamaica, they landed in Manchester,” he told BBC Sport.

“My grandad worked there for a bit, and that’s where the love for United comes from – my dad supported them too, and the whole family were Reds from there.”

For Strategy, who grew up much closer to Old Trafford, there was never any choice either.

“My mum lived in Lower Broughton which was round the corner from The Cliff (United’s old training ground) so when we were kids we used to hang out there and see all the players like Eric Cantona and David Beckham,” he explained.

“My Nana lives in Ordsall, which is like a two-minute walk from Old Trafford, and I used to catch my school bus from outside the ground every day.

“I used to regularly see Fergie (Sir Alex Ferguson) when I was stood waiting at the bus stop, and I’ve got a photo of me with him and Bobby Charlton.

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Footsie and Strategy performed a freestyle on Sir Spyro’s The Grime Show on BBC Radio 1Xtra on Tuesday, which is available now on BBC Sounds.

Before beginning his music career, Footsie was a talented footballer in his youth. He played for famous east London junior side Senrab FC and was on Charlton’s books as a teenager.

“Senrab produced an amazing amount of footballers – Jermain Defoe, John Terry, Paul Konchesky and Ledley King all played for them,” Footsie said. “I was in the same team as Muzzy Izzet and Jon Fortune and we were the top team in England in our age group.

“I had a long stint at Charlton as a schoolboy, but then music was my calling really.”

Strategy played a lot of football as a teenager too, but admits it was not at as high a level.

“I had the ability, but I never had the mentality,” he said. “I was a great finisher, but I just did not take well to training on a Wednesday morning in the rain.

“Like Footsie, I am an FA qualified football coach though. I did that for a while, but then music took over for me too.”

Footsie (left) and StrategyFootsie and Strategy

Premier League predictions

Saturday, 10 May

What information do we collect from this quiz?

I was at Goodison Park for Everton’s draw with Ipswich last week and although the result was disappointing, they played well enough to win.

If Everton had taken their chances they would have had the points wrapped up before Ipswich got back into the game.

As I’ve said before though, I don’t think it’s a bad thing that they have not sustained their early form under David Moyes because that would paint a false picture of how strong their squad is, and it needs a serious overhaul in the summer.

Moyes definitely lifted things when he took over in January but he has got some big decisions to make about who stays and goes, and it feels like a few players are on trial at the moment, with their futures uncertain.

As for Fulham, well I’ve found them almost impossible to call for most of the season, especially at home, but I am going to back Marco Silva’s side to take the points here.

They will have a go at Everton and, with James Tarkowski injured, I don’t think the Toffees will hold out.

Sutton’s prediction: 2-1

Strategy: Let’s make this competitive, shall we?

Footsie: Okay then!

Strategy’s prediction: I am going with Everton 1-2

Footsie’s prediction: I am never sure which Fulham will turn up, but my initial thought was that they will win. 2-1

What information do we collect from this quiz?

Ipswich did well to fight back for a draw against Everton last week but this is a really tough game for them.

Brentford are such a dynamic team and now they have got Kevin Schade scoring as well as Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa, so it is going to be hard to keep them quiet.

The Bees recovered from 2-0 down to win 4-3 when they played Ipswich at home in October, with Mbeumo scoring the winner in the 96th minute.

That was a big blow for the Tractor Boys at the time, but I don’t think this will be anywhere near as close. Brentford have won three games in a row, and this will make it four.

Sutton’s prediction: 0-2

Footsie’s prediction: Brentford are scoring some goals here. 1-3

What information do we collect from this quiz?

Manchester City have got the FA Cup final to look forward to next weekend but they also have a top-five place to secure, so there is no danger they will not be fully focused on that on Saturday.

After winning their past four league games, City also have some real momentum for the first time in a long while. You have to go back to August for the last time they managed a run like that.

So, I can only see one outcome at St Mary’s Stadium, and it is going to leave Southampton stuck on 11 points for at least another week. The only question here really is how many goals City score.

Sutton’s prediction: 0-3

Footsie’s prediction: This is definitely a City win, whether we like it or not! 0-3

What information do we collect from this quiz?

Wolves’ winning run was ended by Manchester City last time out but I was still really impressed by their intensity and they will cause Brighton plenty of problems too.

It has been a strange season for the Seagulls, who have been a top-half team for the entire campaign but have won only one of their past seven league games.

I don’t think their campaign is necessarily fizzling out because they played well in their draw with Newcastle last week, but their poor run might continue because I don’t see them beating Wolves either.

Sutton’s prediction: 2-1

Footsie’s prediction: This is a tough one to call. 2-2

What information do we collect from this quiz?

This should be a cracking game. Aston Villa really need a win to boost their hopes of making the top five, but how can I back against a Bournemouth side that beat Arsenal last time out?

Part of my predictions strategy last week was to back the teams who are going for the Champions League places, but I don’t think you can just ignore how well a team like Bournemouth are playing.

Sutton’s prediction: 2-2

Footsie’s prediction: Bournemouth might nick this. 2-1

Sunday, 11 May

What information do we collect from this quiz?

It’s great to see two teams going head-to-head in this race for the top five and Chelsea probably come into it in better form after getting a great result against Liverpool on Sunday.

Yes, they were playing straight after Liverpool had won the title and the Reds had probably been celebrating all week, but they still had to put them away and they did that convincingly.

It means Enzo Maresca’s side have won their past three league games so they will be full of confidence ahead of this one, but it’s going to be tough for them to extend that run.

We know Maresca is a stickler for playing out from the back, but doing that against Newcastle is asking for trouble. The Magpies will put them under serious pressure, because that’s what they do to teams at St James’ Park.

Newcastle have got a very physical midfield which might be where the battle is won and lost, and of course Alexander Isak is such a threat too.

Chelsea have got match-winners too, if Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke are firing, and my first thought was that there will be lots of goals in this game.

With what’s at stake, though, it might be a little cagier than that. I think the BBC readers will go for a draw but I am going to stick my neck out and say Newcastle will edge it.

Sutton’s prediction: 2-1

Footsie’s prediction: Newcastle are at home, which makes a difference. 3-1

What information do we collect from this quiz?

I am not sure who would want to watch this game? Manchester United’s second string versus such a poor West Ham side with nothing to play for is not exactly essential viewing, is it?

The Europa League final is going to be Ruben Amorim’s focus for the rest of the season and Brentford made the most of that when they beat a weakened United team last weekend.

I am not sure the Hammers are as dynamic as Brentford in attack, however, so they may not be capable of doing the same thing.

A lot depends on the United team selection, though. It is hard enough making predictions anyway, but its even harder when there could be mass changes, and you don’t know whether it is the United first team who are going to play, or be more like the youth team.

That makes this more of a guess, when I am used to applying science to my predictions, but I wish I had gone for West Ham to draw with Tottenham last week, and I am not going to make the same mistake this time.

Sutton’s prediction: 1-1

Footsie’s prediction: I’ve got to back United haven’t I? 2-1

Strategy’s prediction: I don’t even know what to expect but I think there will be some goals. 4-3

Footsie’s favourite United player: I used to play right-back so I used to watch Paul Parker and Denis Irwin avidly and just study their games. Now I’ve got love for Harry Maguire. He was 10 seconds away from leaving the club but now he is one of our best players by a long way. I love all the workhorses, because you need them.

What information do we collect from this quiz?

I am at this game for BBC Radio 5 Live and it is a must-win for Nottingham Forest in the top-five race.

The pressure is off Leicester because they are already down and they are probably still smiling after getting a rare win over Southampton last time out, when Jamie Vardy scored his 199th goal for the Foxes.

I bet Vardy would dearly love to get goal number 200 against Forest’s rivals before he leaves the club in the summer, and this game does have a whiff of being one where he has a say in keeping Forest out of the Champions League places

Still, if both teams play anything like they have done all season then this is a Forest win, easily.

Chris Wood scored twice in a 3-1 win at the King Power in October and although his goals have dried up a bit, I can see him getting back on the scoresheet here.

The result is really all that matters for Forest, because they need to get to the last game of the season in touch with Chelsea before they meet in what might turn out to be a Champions League play-off.

Forest are playing catch-up at the moment but, with West Ham up next after this, I still think they have a very good chance of making it.

Sutton’s prediction: 2-0

Footsie’s prediction: Forest are taking this. 2-0

What information do we collect from this quiz?

Both clubs can almost forget about this game, really. It is a bit of a nuisance for both of them.

Tottenham’s season rests on what happens in the Europa League final on 21 May, while for Crystal Palace it is all about the FA Cup final next weekend.

Eagles boss Oliver Glasner went strong with his team selection against Forest last week and if he does the same here then I can see a Palace victory. They don’t have much to play for, though, because win or lose they look likely to finish in their usual position – 12th.

Spurs are still having a stinker of a time with injuries, with James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall both set to miss the rest of the season, and that situation hardly helps Ange Postecoglou with the side he picks.

It is hard to make a call without knowing who will play but, all things considered, the most likely outcome is probably a draw.

Sutton’s prediction: 1-1

Strategy’s prediction: Palace will edge it. 0-1

What information do we collect from this quiz?

Arsenal were really good against Paris St-Germain on Wednesday, and I was impressed by how brave they were, but they still went out of the Champions League.

There will be Gunners fans out there who will think they should be winning more trophies than they have managed under Mikel Arteta, who has still not added to the FA Cup he lifted in his first season, 2019-20.

Arsenal are still heading in the right direction but the biggest problem for me has been their recruitment, especially for them to not sign a striker last summer. There are such fine margins between success and failure at the highest level, and you need someone to put away your chances in the biggest games.

They basically admitted that by trying to sign Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa in January and if anyone or anything is to blame for another trophyless season, then that’s where it lies.

Now Arsenal need to refocus and make sure they don’t let second place slip away.

This game obviously is not the title decider that some people may have anticipated earlier in the season, but I still feel both sides will be desperate to win it.

It’s just a shame that, from Liverpool’s point of view, it might be over-shadowed by the reaction to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s announcement he is leaving the club.

There is this debate surrounding Alexander-Arnold now, and whether he should start at Anfield this weekend or play for the club again at all, and also what kind of reception he will get if he does.

No-one can tell Liverpool fans, or fans of any club, what to think – myself included – but we can all have an opinion on this whether we support them or not, and I think some of the reaction to this whole saga has been completely over the top.

Fair-minded people will look at Alexander-Arnold as someone who has given over 20 years service to his boyhood club after rising through the ranks, but just wants a different challenge at Real Madrid, the biggest club in the world, and the most successful one in terms of winning European Cups and Champions Leagues.

If they were in the same position, what would they do? You have always got your die-hards who are not going to change or see things anyone else’s way, but Alexander-Arnold does not deserve the ridiculous abuse he is getting.

In terms of the game itself, I really don’t know what to expect. Liverpool were way below their best against Chelsea last week, but Arne Slot could go strong here and they may feel they have a point to prove against their nearest rivals.

Similarly, Arsenal could be flat after their disappointment in Paris, or they could come out firing. Hopefully that’s the case, and both teams will be up for it.

Sutton’s prediction: 1-1

Footsie’s prediction: It will be close but Liverpool will win. 2-1

How did Sutton do last week?

Last week was huge for Chris and his hopes of defending his BBC predictions title.

After the first nine games of week 34, he had five correct results with no exact score, putting him on 50 points.

His guest, singer Sasha Keable, had only managed one correct results so had 10 points, but the BBC readers led the way thanks to three correct results and one exact score, giving them 70 points.

That meant it all came down to Monday’s game between Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest and, while Sasha and the BBC readers backed Palace to win, Sutton went for a 1-1 draw.

That earned him 40 points for an exact score, which gave him his 10th outright weekly win of the season and put him back on top of the table.

Weekly wins, ties & total scores after week 35

WinsTiesPoints
Chris1053,000
Guests1042,630
You862,740

Source: BBC

Weekly wins, ties & total scores after week 35. .  .

Guest leaderboard 2024-25

Points
Liam Fray150
Dave Fishwick, Adam F
& Emma-Jean Thackray130
Jordan Stephens120
Dan Haggis, James Smith110
Paige Cavell, Mychelle
& Tigerblind90
Chris Sutton *86
Clara Amfo, Coldplay,
Felix from Divorce, Brad Kella
& Dave McCabe80
You *78
Jamie Demetriou, Rory Kinnear,
Kellie Maloney, Jon McClure,
Dougie Payne, Anton Pearson,
Sherelle & Paul Smith70
Peter Hooton, Nemzzz,
Finn Russell, James Ryan
& Yizzy60
Ife Ogunjobi50
Eats Everything, Ed Patrick,
Mylee from JJFC,
Bradley Simpson & Lee Westwod40
Sunny Edwards, Femi Koleoso,
Stephen Bunting & Tate from JJFC30
Sasha Keable20

Average after 35 weeks

Source: BBC

Guest leaderboard 2024-25. .  Average after 35 weeks.

Related topics

  • Premier League
  • Football