Hotspur HQ

This weekend, Spurs will partake in the deadest of dead rubbers, as they host Southampton on Sunday, in one of the non UK televised 14:00 BST slots. It really is one of those games that feel ike a serious chore. The atmosphere around the place has not been this bad since the last few games of Antonio Conte. Â

During their game in midweek, Southampton conceded a late equaliser at home to Crystal Palace – which denied them overtaking Derby County’s unwanted record of being the worst ever Premier League team, with 11 points. They would have gone up to 12, but they had to make do with being stuck on 10.Â

We are all thinking it, aren’t we? Be serious, who actually read that and did not think “Dr Tottenham” or something similar. That said, we did say this about the reverse fixture, where Spurs scored after 30 seconds and were 5-0 up at half time. Things do feel worse than then admittedly. Â

On Thursday evening, Ange’s side will host Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt in the first leg of their Europa League quarter final. Everybody knows that game is infinitely more important than this game against Southampton on Sunday afternoon. Â

It’s a huge hypothetical, but every Spurs fan would accept the humiliation of losing to Southampton and allowing them to beat that points record, if it meant progressing against Frankfurt. As pathetic as it would be, the priorities. Again, very hypothetical – a team losing to Southampton wouldn’t beat the third best side in Germany.Â

Owing to the lack of importance of the game on Sunday, it has been reported by Dan Kilpatrick that Ange is set to rest Heung-Min Son, James Maddison and Micky van de Ven are set to be rested for the game. Â

Spurs trio set to be given rest for visit of Southampton on Sunday

You’d hope that is just three players he is aware of, rather than everyone – it would not be ideal to have Cristian Romero out there. A central defensive partnership of Ben Davies and Archie Gray would be fine. Yes, we have wanted Gray to play in midfield. This is an irrelevant game we are talking about here. Â

One thing that could, maybe, enthuse the fans on Sunday is a start for Mikey Moore. We know he won’t start against Frankfurt – why not give him a go against Southampton – it would be a great opportunity for him to grab his first goal for the club. Â

We have really approached the ‘business end of the season’ for 24/25. Over the next six weeks or so, many promotions/and or league titles and relegations will be confirmed, as well as European spots and play off campaigns. It is all about to get very exciting. Â

This weekend will be no different – and with it, there are a number of games for Tottenham Hotspur loanees, with the season getting particularly exciting for a couple of players. Let’s take a look at how this weekend’s action looks for them. Â

In the Championship, Will Lankshear and his West Bromwich Albion side will host Sunderland at 12:30 BST on Saturday. The game will be live on Sky Sports red button for those of you in the UK. Meanwhile, Yang Min-hyeok and his QPR side will travel to Wales to face Cardiff. Meanwhile, Ashley Phillips and Stoke City will face Preston North End away from home. Both of the latter two games kick off at 15:00 BST on Saturday. Â

Meanwhile, in League One, Josh Keeley and Jamie Donley’s Leyton Orient side will host Wigan Athletic. Elsewhere, Matthew Craig and Mansfield Town will face Charlton Athletic away from home – the Spurs loanee marked his return to the team with a goal in midweek. Both games kick off at 15:00 BST on Saturday.Â

Down in League Two, George Abbott and his Notts County side will face Colchester United away from home. In midweek, Notts gave their hopes of pushing for an automatic promotion spot absolutely no harm as they beat MK Dons 3-0. Kick off here is 15:00 BST. Â

In the National League, Luca Gunter’s Wealdstone will host Forest Green Rovers. The Spurs loanee was dropped in midweek, with his side pulling off a huge 1-0 win against relegation rivals Boston United in his absence. Kick off here is 15:00 BST. Â

North of the border, Alfie Dorrington and his Aberdeen side will face Ross County away from home. Last time out, the defender scored his first goal in professional football, as the Dons beat Motherwell 4-1. Another 15:00 BST kick off for this one. Â

On the continent, Alejo Veliz’s RCD Espanyol side will play Rayo Vallecano on Friday night, for a 20:00 BST kick off. Meanwhile, Bryan Gil’s Girona are set to face Alaves on Saturday at 13:00 BST, although he is set to miss this one through injury.Â

Finally, over in Belgium – Luka Vuskovic, Alfie Devine and KVC Westerlo will host OH Leuven in the Belgian Pro League. That game will kick off at 17:15 GMT on Saturday.Â

On Thursday evening, Spurs returned to action as they faced Chelsea away from home for match day 30 of the Premier League season, as they played their second game in West London in a row.

For the task at hand, Ange Postecoglou opted for a line up of; Vicario; Spence, Romero, van de Ven, Udogie; Bergvall, Bentancur, Maddison; Odobert, Solanke, Son.

How things played out at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday evening

Within the first minute of the game, Nicolas Jackson was allowed to run clean through on goal for the hosts, but his effort was well saved by Vicario. From the loose ball, van de Ven's clearance deflected off of Jackson onto the post. Insane let off. Already.

After 18 minutes, Cole Palmer was allowed way too much time and space in the box, as he tried to square the ball for Enzo Fernandes, who seemed ready to tap it in, but there was Udogie to make a crucial intervention. Very good defending.

Around a minute before the break, the ball fell to Jadon Sancho - whose curling effort was tipped over the bar by Vicario, fortunately the shot was central enough for the keeper to get there. A good stop nonetheless. Soon after, Romero and Trevoh Chalobah were both booked after an argument.

Half-time, 0-0. That half most certainly happened. It was definitely a half of football, for sure.

Five minutes into the second half, a Palmer cross was headed home by Fernandez. Brilliant defending from Spurs, as always.

Five or so minutes later, it seemed as if Moises Caicedo had doubled the lead for the hosts, but after a VAR check of four minutes, the goal was disallowed. Semi automated technoglogy really cannot come soon enough.

Twenty minutes into the second half, Ange looked to his bench - as Johnson and Sarr replaced Odobert and Bergvall. Thought the latter was one of the very, very few respectable (not amazing, but better than the low bar set by everyone else) performances from a Spurs player. That sub gives the vibes of Steven Bergwijn replacing Lucas Moura in Nuno's final game in charge.

Not long after, van de Ven had a somewhat presentable opportunity from a corner, but could not make his effort hard enough for Robert Sanchez in the Chelsea goal. It was just a third effort of the game for Ange's side.

Almost straight after Sarr actually had the ball in the back of the net after a strike from range, but after a VAR check, the goal was disallowed for a foul on Caicedo. Ultimately, the correct decision, and the game remained 1-0.

With a few minutes remaining, Tel and Porro replaced van de Ven and Morrison. With less than a minute of normal time left, Johnson burst past Marc Cucurella down the right before squaring to Son - whom sliding in, could not get the ball past Sanchez from a few yards out. The ball was a little bit strong, but still. Big opporunity.

Later on this evening, Spurs return to action, 18 days after their last game, as they face London rivals Chelsea. For many fans it feels like when you’d go back to school after two ½ weeks off for Easter or Christmas. Furthermore, it is the only game of the Premier League gameweek that is on at the same time as the Darts. Now that really is a shame.

Nevertheless, back to the football. It is hard to be enthused by a game that means a little as tonight. It feels like a serious chore. You could argue Ange needs a win for his future – but does he? He will be sacked if Spurs do not win the Europa League. He won’t be sacked if they do. It feels as simple as that. Really.Â

Should Spurs win every single league game but not win the Europa League, he will go. If they lose every single league game but win the Europa League, he will stay (if he wants to). That said, a win would certainly go a way to trying to help the atmosphere around the club.Â

How both teams are lining up at Stamford Bridge in the game this evening

The XI he has tasked with doing so is as follows; Vicario; Spence, Romero, van de Ven, Udogie; Bergvall, Bentancur, Maddison, Odobert, Solanke, Son. Meanwhile, the substitutes bench consists of

Kinsky; Porro, Davies, Gray, Bissouma, Sarr, Moore, Johnson, Tel.Â

For the first time since the reverse fixture, van de Ven and Romero start a Premier League game together. Let’s pray they can participate longer than that game, especially Romero. It is a very attack minded midfield, certainly one with plenty of creativity in it. A little surprised to see Udogie in over Porro.Â

Meanwhile, Enzo Maresca has opted for a line up of; Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Sancho, Jackson. Â

Typically, having previously had a knock, Cole Palmer is fit to start this game. Although he has not been in the best form in 2025, you would still much rather he was not playing. Similarly, Nicolas Jackson is in for his first game since the second of February. Â

With three points here, Ange’s side have the opportunity to rise to the dizzy heights of 13th in the league. Exciting. If that doesn’t motivate the players, it is hard to know what will. Â

So far this season, there has been a lot of debate about Ange Postecoglou – both within the Tottenham Hotspur fanbase, and from the wider footballing world. There are not many managers that split opinion more than the 59-year old. Â

That said, within the fanbase, it feels like there has been a more unanimous opinion of him of late, with a lot of fans now in agreement that he is not the man that Spurs should continue with. Some fans want him to go now, whilst others would like him to go at the end of the season – or at the end of the Europa League campaign. Â

The feeling of many is that, if not for the adventure in Europe, Ange would already be out of a job by now. Regardless of any context, the league campaign has been completely unacceptable, and Spurs were knocked out of both domestic cups within a three day period back in early February. Â

So, many have decided that although they do not think this season has been good enough, they are willing to see how the Europa League campaigns. Perhaps not the most impressive season in that time, but it would objectively be Spurs’ best season in 17 years if they are lifting a trophy in Bilbao in May. Â

According to high level journalist Fabrizio Romano, the club feel the same way – with the manager’s hopes of keeping his job “now strictly linked” to Spurs’ performances in Europe, according to Romano. Â

Ange Postecoglou seemingly must win Europa League to save his job

We can probably assume that by performances he means how far they go in Europe. They aren’t sacking him for a hard fought aggregate win over Frankfurt – yet they may sack him for an exit that comes with two good performances. Wouldn’t take “performances” as literally as it may sound. Â

Nevertheless, this report checks out with what many have thought, and hoped for. It all comes down to Europe. Five games, essentially, to save his job. They will not be easy – not by any means. Â

Although Frankfurt lost talisman Omar Marmoush in January, they are still a very good team – with striker Hugo Ekitike wanted by some of Europe’s elite this summer. Despite losing Marmoush, they remain in third place in the Bundesliga, and have won only three fewer games than Bayer Leverkusen. Â

In League One, as we truly enter the business end of the season, there was a full slate of fixtures in midweek. With it, there was action for Tottenham Hotspur loanees. Josh Keeley, Jamie Donley, and their Leyton Orient side faced Burton Albion on the road, whilst Matthew Craig’s Mansfield Town hosted Charlton Athletic. Â

How things went for Tottenham Hotspur loanees down in League One

As usual, both Keeley and Donley were named in the starting XI by Orient manager Richie Wellens. This was Keeley’s 29th start of the League One season, whilst it was start number 25 in the league for Donley (and 32nd overall league appearance). Â

After 10 minutes, Orient made a great start to the game as they took the lead – a goal that was good enough to have them ahead at half time – in a very end to end affair with plenty of chances for both sides – one of those being for Donley five minutes from time, but he could not convert from around eight yards out.Â

In the second half, the O’s had a lot more of the ball, but it was their hosts creating the chances. Their early pressure at the beginning of the half paid off when they equalised on the hour mark following a rebound. Â

Then, just four minutes after, Burton completely flipped the game on its head, as they took the lead for the first time in the game. From there, they were able to see the game out with relative comfort, condemning Orient to a tough 2-1 defeat away from home. Â

During the game, Keeley made three saves, whilst Donley was replaced by former Spurs academy player Dilan Markanday after 81 minutes. Although he missed a good chance, he also created an opta defined big chance that was not taken, so could have had an assist on another day.Â

This defeat leaves Orient in 10th place in League One, with 59 points from their 39 games so far. Â

Next up, Matthew Craig reappeared from the wilderness to start for Mansfield in their game at home to Charlton. It was only his third appearance for the Stags since joining in January, and first start in the league. Â

After 22 minutes, the visitors took the lead – a goal that looked like it was going to be enough to give them the lead going into the break, but out of nowhere – Craig marked his return to the side with his first goal of the season with a superb strike. After a cross into the box was headed away, the Spurs loanee ran onto the ball to strike the ball fiercely into the back of the net. Â

Unfortunately, Charlton retook the lead after 74 minutes and saw the game out to win 2-1, meaning Craig’s sublime strike counted for nothing in the end. Still, great to see him back playing, and scoring a goal to go with it. He played 65 minutes in this one. Â

This defeat leaves Mansfield in 17th place in League One, with 47 points from their 39 games to date. Â

Next up for Orient is a home game against Wigan on Saturday at 15:00 GMT, whilst Mansfield face Huddersfield Town on the road at the same time. Â

The injuries that Spurs have had this season have been very well documented – such has been the sheer magnitude of them. Several crucial players have missed a number of games this season, and a lot all at the same time. Â

Although things have somewhat improved on that front recently, with the return of the likes of Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Dominic Solanke and co, there were fresh injuries to Kevin Danso and Dejan Kulusevski not long before the international break. Â

Ange Postecoglou provides fans with an update on injured players

On Wednesday – the second of April – Ange Postecoglou has provided the fans with an update on how the two are progressing, saying: “Kevin and Deki are working hard still, they’re probably a couple of weeks away, but both are progressing well.” Â

Well, imagine how badly they’d be doing if they weren’t progressing well. “A couple of weeks” certainly implies they will be missing for the first leg of the Europa League quarter final tie against Eintracht Frankfurt, and quite possibly for the second leg too.Â

Ideally, Romero and van de Ven, would be the partnership for the games against Frankfurt, but this means that 1) should either get injured, the first choice back up is also out, and 2) they are more likely to now be played in the Premier League games in the meantime, increasing the chances of an injury. Â

Although we have been some of the main advocates for Archie Gray playing in midfield, he may have to do a few more shifts at centre back. As unacceptable as the Premier League season has been, it objectively does not matter. If need be, go with the partnership of Gray and Ben Davies. Spurs need Romero and van de Ven in cotton wool for the Frankfurt showdowns. Â

Meanwhile, Kulusevski will undoutedbly be a miss too. There is now an expectation on James Maddison for the first leg – and potentially second – to be the creative hub of the team. They are going to need him to make something of nothing during the games to try and get Spurs through to the semi finals. With Kulusevski not playing, he will be the one with the keys to the side. Â

The hope could be to get through the home tie in the first leg, get a good result, and then potentially have Kulsevski back for the second leg in Frankfurt the week after, but let’s see how it goes. Â

Although it has been a while since Spurs played, there has still been plenty for us to talk about. From Heung-Min Son and Yang Min-hyeok cleaning up the KSA player and young player of the year awards, loan watches, transfer rumours, and everything else in between.Â

For better, and often worse – there is never a dull moment with this football club. It is pretty exhausting to cover, but also fun and exciting in equal measure. Although admittedly some fans will not think that way. Â

The latest thing to update you on is the alleged interest in Lazio winger Gustav Isaksen. As per Italian media outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport, Tottenham Hotspur are considering a move for the Danish attacker. Â

Tottenham Hotspur looking at 23-year old Lazio and Denmark winger

Got to admit, not the most exciting name to be linked with a move to Spurs. So far in Serie A this season, the winger has scored three goals and provided two assists in 30 games, with 24 of those appearances being from the start, totalling around 1841 minutes of action.Â

In the Europa League his numbers look more impressive – where, although he has scored two goals and provided two assists in the competition, they have come in eight games – three starts – and just 370 minutes of action, meaning he has scored or assisted every 90 minutes on average. Â

The Italian side are seen as one of the strongest competitors to Spurs for Europa League glory, although many of the fans have given up on the chances of Ange’s side even getting close to the final this year. A lot think Frankfurt will be too tough of a test. Â

Later on this month, Isaksen will turn 24 – so it’s not like he is really young either. The numbers he put up would sound more appealing if he was 20 or so. As someone who would be 24 by the time of any potential transfer, it does feel pretty underwhelming. Â

Many fans currently feel disillusioned at the state of the club. A 24 year old with very ordinary – at best – numbers in Italy is not going to get the fans on board again. Nothing against the player himself, it is just pretty dull. Â

This season is the first since the 2012/13 season that Spurs have had no Danish players at the club. Perhaps Daniel Levy wants to improve the viewing figures in Denmark. He would be joining fellow Scandinavians Lucas Bergvall and Dejan Kulusevski – whom have a Danish national team manager – in North London.

You would be hard pressed to find a player that divides opinion within the Tottenham Hotspur fanbase as much as Cristian Romero does. There is strong competition for that crown, with the likes of Brennan Johnson - but Romero may well be number one.

There are fans who see him as a world class defender, one of the best in the world - who deserves to play with better players. Others, meanwhile, see him as reckless, unreliable, and someone who only cares about the Argentina national team.

For what our tuppence is worth, he is a very, very talented player, who is just extremely passionate about his national team - like most South Americans - and he does care about Spurs. However, the old age cliche about availability being the best ability is something that is certainly relevant when it comes to Romero.

Last week, we aggregated the news that La Liga side Atletico Madrid were interested in the player - to join an Argentine contingent of manager Diego Simeone - and five first team players this coming summer.

Well, according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri - Romero has already spoken to Simeone over the phone, and is excited by the idea of joining Atletico. He also reports that Daniel Levy could demand 80 million Euros - which is around £67 million pounds.

Cristian Romero said to have spoken to Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone

As it stands, the 26-year old - whom will turn 27 next month - has two years remaining on his current contract in North London, so in truth a fee of £67 million, for an injury prone player who seemingly wants out - would be fairly difficult for the club to turn down.

There is little wonder that the Spanish side are in for a central defender. Former Spurs loanee Clement Lenglet has been a regular in their backline this season. Indeed, you did read that correctly. At the weekend, he gave a penalty away to cost them a win and evaporate their small title hopes.

Some have suggested that Luka Vuskovic will be the successor to Romero, which would in turn allow Spurs to use the money in other positions. That said, you feel like they would need to bring in a centre back anyway.

Ange - or whoever is in charge next season - would be left with an injury prone Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso, an 18-year old Vuskovic, Radu Dragusin who will miss the first few months of the season, and is probably not up to the level regardless, and Ben Davies. Is that enough, quality wise? The last thing anyone wants is another season of having to stunt Archie Gray's development by playing him in defence.

This midweek, as we enter April – the beginning of the best part of the year – there are plenty of games for Tottenham Hotspur loanees. Let’s take a look at how things are shaping up for each and every player. Â

How the midweek slate looks for each Tottenham Hotspur loanee

In League One, there is action for Josh Keeley, Jamie Donley, and their Leyton Orient side, as they face Burton Albion away from home. After five defeats in a row, the O’s have now won both of their last two games. Should they get another three points here, they could re enter the play offs, as they currently sit three points behind sixth placed Reading – with better goal difference. Kick off here is 19:45 BST, and can be watched on the Sky Sports red button, for those of you in the UK. Â

Meanwhile, Matthew Craig’s Mansfield Town host Charlton Athletic – though he continues to be MIA, so probably not much to report on that one, though we will update you if there is. It really has been a tough season for him after such a positive start at Barnsley – hard to believe that was the same season as his current situation. Â

In League Two, George Abbott and his Notts County side face MK Dons at home on Wednesday evening. Last weekend, the Magpies pulled off a huge win to give themselves some breathing space in the play offs, with a seven point buffer – whilst being just two points off the automatic promotion spots, so they could enter them by the end of the gameweek. This game is on Wednesday, will kick off at 19:45 BST, and is also live on Sky Sports red button for those in the UK. Â

Meanwhile, down in the National League – Luca Gunter and his Wealdstone side have an absolutely huge game, as they host Boston United. Coming into the game, Wealdstone are 21st in the League – the final relegation spot – whilst Boston sit just one place above in 20th. As you would expect, Gunter’s side can leapfrog their visitors with all three points in this one. 19:45 BST kick off on Tuesday here.Â

That is that for this midweek. There is no Championship midweek action here, despite there often being so and having had an international break just last week, so they will continue at the weekend. Go well everyone, and don’t get injured.Â