BBC

None of Tottenham’s last 15 Premier League home games against Southampton has finished level (W12 L3). Spurs have scored in all 15 of those games, while Saints have also found the net in each of the last eight.

Southampton have won just one of their last seven Premier League games against Spurs (D2 L4), beating them 3-2 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in February 2022.

Tottenham won the reverse fixture against Southampton 5-0 in December, with all five goals coming in the first half. It was the fifth time Spurs have scored 5+ goals in a Premier League match against Saints, with no side doing so against a specific opponent more often.

Spurs have won one of their last 10 home Premier League matches (D3 L6), picking up just six points. Across their 10 games at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium beforehand, they won seven games and 21 points.

Across their last 18 away Premier League matches, Southampton have collected just five points (W1 D2 L15), and their one win was at fellow promoted club Ipswich in February.

Tottenham Hotspur have shipped 26 home Premier League goals this season, only ever conceding more in five campaigns on home soil. Their current average of 1.73 goals conceded per game is their second worst in a Premier League season, however, shipping 34 in 19 games in 2007-08 (1.79).

Southampton have lost 10 of their last 13 Premier League games in London (W1 D2) and among the 13 teams to play 100+ away games in the capital, the Saints have lost the highest percentage (59.4%, 85/143).

Spurs have won 11 of their last 14 Premier League matches against sides starting the day bottom (D3). Each of Spurs’ last five defeats against sides in 20th have been against teams starting with W (3x West Brom, 1x Wigan, 1x West Ham); they are unbeaten in 34 against non-W teams (W28 D6) since a 2-1 defeat to Leicester on the final day of the 2001-02 season.

Son Heung-Min has had a hand in 18 goals in 16 Premier League appearances against Southampton for Spurs (11 goals, 7 assists). The only current Premier League player with more goals and assists against an opponent is Mohamed Salah versus Man Utd (13 goals, 6 assists).

James Maddison – who netted a brace against Southampton in Spurs’ 5-0 win in December – has scored seven Premier League goals in 11 games against the Saints, more than he has against any other club.

Fabio Paratici is in talks with AC Milan over becoming their new sporting director, in a move that would end his ties with Tottenham.

The Italian administrator, who left his role as Spurs' managing director of football in April 2023 after being banned by world governing body Fifa - following an investigation into financial irregularities during his time at Juventus - is free to return to work in the summer when his suspension ends.

Sources close to Paratici have told BBC Sport the 52-year-old is in contact with AC Milan over becoming their new sporting director.

Tottenham manager Ange Postecolgou hopes Mauricio Pochettino returns to the club one day and said he did not "feel disrespected" by recent comments from the Argentine.

Pochettino, who managed Tottenham from 2014 to 2019, said last month that he wants to reunite with Spurs in the future.

He has had spells with Paris St-Germain and Chelsea since leaving north London and was appointed head coach of the United States in September 2024.

Postecoglou became Spurs boss in June 2023, making him the club's fourth full-time appointment since Pochettino departed, after Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espirito Santo and Antonio Conte.

"If he wants to come back one day then I hope it happens for him," Postecoglou said when asked about Pochettino's comments.

"We all have dreams and aspirations. You're suggesting that he's trying to put pressure on me?"

Postecoglou was asked if the timing of Pochettino's comments was disrespectful as the Australian's future at Spurs remains uncertain, with the club sitting 14th in the Premier League.

"I don't feel disrespected," Postecoglou said. "If you asked Mauricio that question directly, I think you'd get a pretty clear answer about what his intent was."

Pochettino remains a hero among some of the Tottenham fanbase after leading them to a second-place finish in the 2016-17 Premier League season, the 2015 EFL Cup final and the 2019 Champions League final.

He has overseen eight matches with the United States but is already under pressure after losing three times, including successive defeats against Panama and Canada last month.

The 53-year-old was drafted in by the United States Soccer Federation to build momentum ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which they will co-host with Canada and Mexico.

Postecoglou is under contract at Tottenham until 2027, but they are in danger of their lowest finish in the Premier League since 2003–04, when they finished 14th, and may yet end up even lower.

They make the short journey to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.

Should Tottenham soon part ways with Postecoglou, they would be required to pay "one of the biggest financial compensation fees in football history" if they wanted to prise Pochettino away from his US job, according to a well-placed source.

Pochettino signed a two-year contract in September, with multiple reports stating he earns £4.6m a year.

'We know how important this game is'

Chelsea v Tottenham (Thu, 20:00 BST)

Chelsea

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca on facing Tottenham: "It's a huge game. We know how important it is for the fans and the club. It is also important for us to try and finish where we are now.

"Tottenham have a lot of good players, but no matter who is playing, it's going to be a derby and it's a Premier League and you can struggle against any team.

"We want to be direct and quick when they press higher. We cannot be direct and quick if they sit back. In our last three home games, they have all been games with every player behind the ball. When you have players who love to run in behind, it is easier.

"If we win, you can build momentum for the end. They are all important games and are all three points. We need to win as many games as we can and we will see where we finish."

On Spurs' struggles this season: "For part of the season, they had many injuries. It's not easy to deal with that. They had important players out. I'm not able to give you more reason because you need more details, but injuries have been an important part [of their struggles]."

'We need to manage James'

Chelsea v Tottenham (Thu, 20:00 BST)

Chelsea

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca on Reece James: "We still need to manage Reece. The reason why is because you know his history probably better than me. He is a player you need to be careful with him in this moment.

"We want him fit until the end so the idea is to manage him until the end and then we will see in the future if we can go every day. But in this moment, we need him until the end, so we are managing him.

"Reece in another team is very, very young. In our team, probably a bit old but he is still very, very young. He's 25 or 26, it's a top age."

'Sancho can do better'

Chelsea v Tottenham (Thu, 20:00 BST)

Chelsea

More from Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca on Jadon Sancho: "You probably have more news than me in terms of Jadon. For me, his situation does not change, it is exactly the same.

"For sure, he can do better in terms of numbers, no doubt, but it is not only about Jadon. We have more players in the same situation.

"I do not need to give Jadon a message, I speak with him every day. I had a conversation with him yesterday. He needs to continue to give his best until the end. That is what we want from Jadon."

'It's good to finish the season with all players'

Chelsea v Tottenham (Thu, 20:00 BST)

Chelsea

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca speaking ahead of facing Tottenham: "We've said many times, it is a game for players and when they are not there, you struggle.

"This has happened with us this season, where we had five or six unbelievable months and then had six or seven injuries in a row and we lost something. Now it is good to finish with all of them.

"Since day one, [the players] are giving everything. The attitude has always been top, every day, and even in the last week because they know how important it is from now on. Every game becomes important. We have nine games to go and hopefully we can finish well."

Bielefeld's remarkable cup run

Arminia Bielefeld 2-1 Bayer Leverkusen

Arminia Bielefeld, who are fourth in Germany's third division, have reached their national cup final after beating reigning Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal champions Bayer Leverkusen last night.

Bielefeld had already beaten three top-flight sides - Union Berlin, Freiburg and Werder Bremen - before their victory over Xabi Alonso's men.

They have played all those games at their own ground, thanks to a German rule that the lower league side in any cup tie plays the match at home.

Arminia are the fourth team from the third division to reach the German Cup final, following Union Berlin in 2001, Energie Cottbus in 1997 and Hertha Berlin's reserve team in 1993.

They will take on another Bundesliga side in the final, with Stuttgart or RB Leipzig facing each other in the other semi tonight.

Elsewhere in football

There was more than only the Premier League last night - across Europe we saw three quite remarkable cup semi-finals. Here's the round-up:

Real Madrid kept their Treble hopes alive in extraordinary fashion after Antonio Rudiger headed home an extra-time winner against Real Sociedad to book their place in the Copa del Rey final.

Substitute Rudiger climbed highest to meet Arda Guler's 115th-minute corner to flick a header beyond visiting keeper Alex Remiro, sparking wild celebrations from the home fans.

In a terrific end-to-end second half, five goals were scored in 21 minutes as both sides looked to confirm their spot in the Seville showpiece. You can read more here.

Third-tier Arminia Bielefeld stunned defending champions Bayer Leverkusen to reach the final of the German Cup.

Bielefeld fought back from a goal down to triumph 2-1 and become the first team outside the top two divisions to knock four Bundesliga sides out of the German Cup in one season. You can find our report here.

And Paris St-Germain battled from two goals down to beat second-tier Dunkerque 4-2 and book their place in the French Cup final.

Ousmane Dembele scored twice to spare PSG blushes, after the holders had fallen two goals behind inside just 27 minutes as Vincent Sasso and Muhannad Al Saad struck for the side currently fifth in Ligue 2. Read more here.

Wolves go 12 points clear of drop

Wolves 1-0 West Ham

Alex Brotherton

BBC Sport journalist

Jorgen Strand Larsen made it three goals in two games as Wolverhampton Wanderers beat West Ham United to move further away from the relegation zone.

The Norway striker sat out the international break with a fractured hand, but returned to record a 10th Premier League strike this season.

With Wolves talisman Matheus Cunha still suspended, the 25-year-old Strand Larsen converted just inside the penalty area in the 21st minute following a mazy run from Joao Gomes, albeit with the help of a slight deflection off West Ham's former Wolves defender Max Kilman.

Hammers boss Graham Potter made three changes at half-time with Carlos Soler, Niclas Fullkrug and Edson Alvarez all introduced, and the visitors immediately offered more of an attacking threat.

But a fourth home victory of the season moved Vitor Pereira's side 12 points clear of the relegation zone, although they remain 17th in the table and five points behind West Ham.

Man Utd's torrid season

Nottingham Forest 1-0 Man Utd

Simon Stone

BBC Sport's chief football news reporter

Manchester United are still to win successive Premier League games this season.

It is now looking increasingly likely they will finish no higher than 13th this season.

Just to put that into context, since the English league restarted in 1946-47, so nearly 80 years, United have only finished 13th or lower five times, one of which was when they were in what is now the Championship following relegation in 1973-74.

They last finished 13th under Sir Alex Ferguson in the 1989-90 campaign that ended with an FA Cup victory that propelled them into two decades of glory.

It feels like clutching at straws to think that will happen this season but winning the Europa League is of massive importance.

Arsenal and Tottenham will contest the first north London derby to be held outside the UK when the two teams face each other in a pre-season friendly in Hong Kong this summer.

The London rivals will play in the newly-opened Kai Tak Stadium on July 31 as part of their preparations for the 2025-26 season.

The match, scheduled for 7:30pm local time (11:30am BST), will be the first time that the two teams have met outside the UK.

The fixture is part of the Hong Kong Football Festival, which will see Premier League rivals Liverpool take on AC Milan on 26 July.

Arsenal last toured Hong Kong in 2012, while Spurs visited Japan and South Korea in 2024.

Manchester United are set to play two post-season friendlies in Hong Kong and Malaysia, but they are one of a number of Premier League clubs set to tour the United States as part of their pre-season preparations.

Chelsea and Manchester City are yet to make decisions on their pre-season, given both clubs are involved in the Club World Cup that begins on 15 June.

Chelsea have lost just one of their last 12 Premier League games against Spurs (W9 D2), winning the last three in a row by an aggregate score of 10-4.

Tottenham have lost each of their last three Premier League games against Chelsea, last losing more consecutively against the Blues between January 2000 and March 2002 (6).

Chelsea have won more Premier League games (36) and scored more Premier League goals (120) against Tottenham than they have vs any other opponent. Indeed, only three teams have scored more goals against a side in the competition than their 120 vs Spurs (Arsenal vs Everton, Manchester United vs Everton, Liverpool vs Newcastle, all 124).

No side has earned fewer points in Premier League London derbies this season than Tottenham (10, level with Brentford), who have lost five of nine such games this season (W3 D1). Only in 1987-88 (6), 1989-90 (6), 2003-04 (6), and 2004-05 (7) have Spurs ever suffered more London derby defeats in a league campaign.

Chelsea have won each of their last four Premier League games at Stamford Bridge, the last two of which while also keeping a clean sheet. Only once in the last five seasons (from 2020-21) have the Blues won three successive home league games without conceding, doing so from April to May 2024 in a run that included a 2-0 win over Tottenham.

Coming into this matchday, only Leicester (10) and Southampton (12) have lost more Premier League away games this season than Tottenham Hotspur (8). Not since 2008-09 have Spurs suffered more away defeats in a single league campaign (11).

Heading into this matchday, only Liverpool have had more shots following fast breaks (56) in the Premier League this season than Chelsea (42), while only Liverpool have scored more goals from fast breaks (13) than Tottenham (10) in the division this term.

Ange Postecoglou has lost all three of his Premier League meetings with Chelsea – the only side he has faced without yet picking up a point in the competition. He could become the first ever Tottenham manager to lose each of his first four league games against Chelsea in charge of the club.

Against no other side does Nicolas Jackson have more Premier League goals than his four against Tottenham (also 4 v West Ham). Indeed, 47.8% of the Chelsea striker’s goals in the competition overall have been scored in London derbies (11/23); among players with 20+ Premier League goals, only Manuel Lanzini has netted a higher proportion in all-London clashes (48.1% - 13/27).

Son Heung-min has nine Premier League assists this season, making him one away from recording 10+ assists in four separate seasons in the competition (10 in each of 2019-20, 2020-21, and 2023-24), which would equal Christian Eriksen’s Premier League record for Tottenham. However, Son has faced Chelsea in the league 17 times without providing a single assist – the most he’s faced a side in the Premier League without setting up a goal.

Tottenham came from behind to end their five-match losing streak in the Women's Super League with a 1-1 draw at Leicester City.

Robert Vilahamn's side had not picked up a point in the league since 26 January, slipping to ninth in the table, but rescued a draw with Drew Spence's close-range effort cancelling out Josefine Rybrink's own goal.

Tottenham dominated proceedings at the King Power Stadium, with the best chance of the first half falling to Martha Thomas, who found herself one on one with Janina Leitzig and brought a sharp reaction save out of the goalkeeper.

Olivia Holdt, Ella Morris, and Jessica Naz also went close for the visitors before the break.

They were nearly left to rue those missed opportunities when Leicester took the lead in the 55th minute, Hannah Cain driving a vicious shot at Lize Kop, who could only parry the ball towards defender Rybrink who put it into her own net.

However, they were only behind for seven minutes, with Spence side-footing beyond Leitzig after a cutback from Naz.

Tottenham and Leicester remain ninth and 10th in the division, with the Foxes now seven points clear of bottom side Crystal Palace.

"We got a point which is better than the last games we've had," Vilahamn told Sky Sports.

"Good football, created so many chances, had most of the possession. In one way we're doing a good game but we're not really there yet to manage to actually win."

The reaction from both sides at the final whistle on Sunday spoke volumes.

Leicester keeper Leitzig had a beaming smile on her face. Several Tottenham players slumped to the floor. The visitors had ended their losing streak, but this felt like two points dropped rather than one gained.

Before this match, Tottenham had scored just once in five league matches, conceding 11 in the process, and all season have been over-reliant on Bethany England, who is currently absent with a quad injury.

The England forward is Spurs' top-scorer this campaign with eight goals, with Eveliina Summanen the next best on two.

Reflecting on Tottenham's goal-scoring struggles before the game, Vilahamn said: "It's a mixture of how we play, create chances, and the self-confidence of the attacking players. We need to keep working on those moments."

And that lack of self-confidence and, in the words of Ella Morris, "clinical edge" was on display against Leicester.

Tottenham dominated possession (66.2%) and out-shot Leicester 23 to 10 (and 11 to two in terms of attempts on target) but could not make their attacking dominance pay against a spirited Leitzig in the hosts' goal.

"If you look at the team they don't have the best self-confidence in the world. But where we are in the table you can see that it's actually a really good team playing good football," Vilahamn said afterwards.

Holdt, Morris, Naz, and Maite Oroz all had chances to open the scoring in the first half, Summanen saw a second half free-kick ping off the crossbar, and Leitzig pulled off a leaping stop in the final minute to deny Matilda Vinberg.

However, no one better epitomised Tottenham's struggles in front of goal than Thomas, who fluffed a one-on-one opportunity midway through the first period, attempting to shoot straight past Leitzig.

Thomas is yet to score in the WSL this season while Tottenham have only managed 21 goals in 18 matches.

"We need to be better to finish the set-pieces and in our finishing. Today was better [than last time out losing to West Ham] so I hope we can go to Aston Villa in a few weeks and actually win that game by scoring a few goals," said Vilahamn.

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Post

Man City v Chelsea (14:30 GMT)

Emily Salley

BBC Sport at Etihad Stadium

A warm welcome from the Etihad crowd as the players arrive. The sun has even made an appearance in Manchester!

There was also a nice moment between Sarina Bompastor and Nick Cushing, with the pair having a quick chat and a joke before kick-off.

'Miedema belongs in these big games'

Man City v Chelsea (14:00 GMT)

Steph Houghton

Former Manchester City and England captain on BBC One

I think Vivianne Miedema is one of the best finishers in the league, alongside Bunny Shaw.

She belongs in these big games against Chelsea.

She has to take on a bit of a leadership role for this young City team and they need someone to create some intensity, and when you give her the ball she's going to create chances.

'Chelsea have to up their levels'

Man City v Chelsea (14:00 GMT)

Fara Williams

Former England midfielder on BBC One

I think it'll be difficult for Chelsea, they have to up their levels.

If you saw how they suffered in the cup final and how well they did with that, that's the Chelsea we're used to seeing.

In the Champions League they didn't show that. Manchester City were the better team.

They have to bounce back.

Post

Man City v Chelsea (14:30 GMT)

Emily Salley

BBC Sport at Etihad Stadium

This is the sign that sits above the player's entrance at the Etihad.

Four Premier League titles in a row is obviously a very impressive feat, but I can imagine a few of the Chelsea lot were smiling at that as they walked in, with a sixth successive WSL trophy potentially only a matter of weeks away.

Back at the Etihad

Man City v Chelsea (14:30 GMT)

Manchester City are back at Etihad Stadium this afternoon and will be hoping they don't have to endure the same as last time.

They were beaten 4-2 by neighbours Manchester United in the Manchester derby back in January as Ella Toone scored a hat-trick for the Reds.

Before that, they had never lost a game at the stadium before, winning three and drawing one.

'Hamano will be crucial today'

Man City v Chelsea (14:00 GMT)

Steph Houghton

Former Manchester City and England captain on BBC One

I think the expectation at Chelsea is you're playing at an intensity no matter who you're playing against.

I look at Maika Hamano and I've been really impressed with her this season. For her to come back into the team and set that intensity will be crucial for Chelsea today.

City ready for 'better version' of Chelsea

Man City v Chelsea (14:30 GMT)

Manchester City

Manchester City interim boss Nick Cushing said his side are preparing to face a "better version" of Chelsea in the Women's Super League on Sunday.

After losing the League Cup final to the Blues on Saturday, City ended Chelsea's 31-game unbeaten run with a 2-0 victory in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday.

"We saw that on Wednesday night that the most difficult part of the game is to be consistent against a top team," said Cushing. "That's why the best are the best.

"We're in fourth because our league form hasn't been consistent enough."

Cushing, who took interim charge last week, added: "For me, if you don't believe in that performance then you're never going to believe.

"Chelsea are a top team and they played really well but I expect Chelsea to come hugely motivated.

"I saw their manager and Lucy's [Bronze] press conference that they didn't believe the performance was at their level so we have to prepare to play a better version of Chelsea."

Chelsea still confident despite losing to City

Man City v Chelsea (14:30 GMT)

Chelsea

Chelsea's midweek defeat means they have a lot of work to do if they are to turn around their Champions League tie against Manchester City, but manager Sonia Bompastor doesn't think the loss will be too significant a blow.

She is still confident about her side's abilities given their performances so far this season.

"The facts at the minute, we lost an important game, but we're still alive for the next round," said the former Lyon boss.

"And in this situation, what is really positive? We still have one leg to play. We are not dead in the Champions League.

"When you look at the bigger picture, we are top of the table in the league, we already won one trophy, and we are qualified [for the semi-finals] in the FA Cup. So all these elements bring us some confidence as well."

'It's about bouncing back today'

Man City v Chelsea (14:30 GMT)

Chelsea

Chelsea captain Millie Bright, speaking to BBC Sport: "We were extremely disappointed [to lose on Wednesday] but for us it's about bouncing back and being prepared today. I'm excited to see the reaction from the girls. Most importantly, it's about getting the job done and showing what we're about.

On what changes are made with four games in a row against City: "We've never been in this position. It's just about turning up, you make little tweaks here and there but most importantly it's about executing the game plan you set out to do."

On how Sonia Bompastor has improved things at Chelsea: "It's been so nice. It's been a lovely fresh journey and I think it's just given that confidence to go to that next level. It's just about that excitement of playing and confidence, it's given everyone that to try things and be braver on the ball. The DNA of the club - finding a way to win - is still very much within us. She's given us confidence to show who we are and express ourselves as footballers."

'Let's give it to them'

Newcastle v Sunderland (14:00 GMT)

Joe Nelson

BBC Sport at St. James' Park

These images were taken moments before kick-off at St. James' Park, where Newcastle and Sunderland are doing battle in the Barclays Women's Championship.

Flag display specialists, 'Wor Flags' unfurled the following message, which I think is clear.

Over 28,000 tickets sold for today's match and I am hearing there could be even more inside the stadium than that this afternoon for the Tyne-Wear derby.

It looks set to be a club and league record attendance.

'City have been fantastic in the last two games'

Man City v Chelsea (14:00 GMT)

Steph Houghton

Former Manchester City and England captain on BBC One

When you're going into a run of games, four times against Chelsea, with the squad Manchester City have, you'd say Chelsea are the favourites, especially with the run they're on.

The last two games the girls have been fantastic. The performance on Wednesday was special in front of the home fans.

They showed a different side of the game. They showed their ugly side and certainly showed that in the last 20 minutes.

Can Chelsea stay unbeaten in the league?

Man City v Chelsea (14:30 GMT)

Chelsea has not lost in any competition until Manchester City beat them in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

That put an end to a 31-game unbeaten run, with Sonia Bompastor being dealt her first defeat since she took charge as manager.

Chelsea are still let to lose in the league, having won 14 and drawn two of their games.

Will they bounce back from their midweek defeat and keep up that record today?

Ready for round three?

Man City v Chelsea (14:30 GMT)

Emily Salley

BBC Sport at Etihad Stadium

Round up, round up. It’s time for round three.

We’re on day eight of this intriguing 12-day battle between Manchester City and Chelsea and so far, it’s all square.

Chelsea took the League Cup trophy, but City have given themselves the best chance of reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League thanks to a 2-0 win over the Blues on Wednesday.

We're just a stone's throw (and a foot bridge) away from the Joie Stadium - the site of that win - at the Etihad today for a WSL encounter.