The Independent

Tottenham Hotspur’s unpredictable season will feature knockout football in the Europa League after Spurs claimed a top-eight place.

Ange Postecoglou’s side sit 15th in the Premier League but the Europa League offers them the chance to end their long trophy drought, and Spurs should stand as one of the favourites when their injury crisis clears.

After winning their first three Europa League fixtures this season, Spurs wobbled and suffered defeat to Galatasaray before dropping points against Roma and Rangers. But a win over Hoffenheim, followed by three points again Elfsborg got Tottenham over the line.

What has been a difficult season for Tottenham could still end with a trophy but their fate now rests on Friday’s knockout draw.

After finishing as the fourth seeds in the league phase, Spurs are paired with third seeds Manchester United in the knockout bracket.

The knockout play-off ties were drawn on Friday with the 13th, 14th, 19th and 20th seeds now facing off for a right to make it into next month’s draw. The winners will they face United or Spurs.

Those ties are Real Sociedad vs Midtjylland and Galatasaray vs AZ Alkmaar.

The Europa League play-offs take place across 13 and 20 February. As the seeded teams in the play-off draw, Real Sociedad and Galatasaray will play the second legs at home.

The draw for the last-16 then takes place on February 21.

The Europa League last-16 takes place across 6 and 13 March. As the seeded team, Tottenham will be home in the second leg.

Ferencváros vs Viktoria Plzen - to play Lazio or Athletic Club in last-16

Twente vs Bodo/Glimt - to play Olympiacos or Rangers in last-16

Union Saint-Gilloise vs Ajax - to play Eintracht Frankfurt or Lyon in last-16

AZ vs Galatasaray - to play Man Utd or Tottenham in last-16

Midtjylland vs Real Sociedad - to play Man Utd or Tottenham in last-16

PAOK vs FSCB - to play Eintracht Frankfurt or Lyon in last-16

Fenerbahce vs Anderlecht - to play Olympiacos or Rangers in last-16

Porto vs Roma - to play Lazio or Athletic Club in last-16

The draw for the Europa League play-offs takes place today as the match-ups for the new format’s first knockout round are decided.

The three British sides in this season’s Europa League – Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Rangers FC – are already through to the last-16 after claiming one of the top-eight spots in the inaugural league phase, and they will have to wait for next month’s last-16 draw to find out their possible path to May’s final in Bilbao.

United and Spurs finished third and fourth in the league standings respectively, and will face one of either Real Sociedad, Galatasaray, AZ Alkmaar or Midtjylland in the last-16, while Rangers, who came eighth in the league standings, will play one of Bodo/Glimt, Anderlecht, Twente or Fenerbahce.

Tottenham Hotspur’s unpredictable season will feature knockout football in the Europa League after Spurs claimed a top-eight place.

Ange Postecoglou’s side sit 15th in the Premier League but the Europa League offers them the chance to end their long trophy drought, and Spurs should stand as one of the favourites when their injury crisis clears.

After winning their first three Europa League fixtures this season, Spurs wobbled and suffered defeat to Galatasaray before dropping points against Roma and Rangers. But a win over Hoffenheim, followed by three points again Elfsborg got Tottenham over the line.

What has been a difficult season for Tottenham could still end with a trophy but their fate now rests on Friday’s knockout draw.

The four clubs Tottenham United could face in Europa League last-16

After finishing the league phase as the fourth seed, Tottenham progress directly through to the last-16.

While Friday’s draw will determine the exact position of the teams in the bracket, Tottenham know they will face one of the following teams in the last-16:

In the play-off rounds, 13th or 14th will play one of 19th or 20th, and vice versa. Tottenham will play the winner of one of those ties, to be revealed in Friday’s draw.

Here’s the full list of the potential last-16 matches:

When will Tottenham’s opponents play their Europa League play-off?

The Europa League play-offs take place across 13 and 20 February. As the seeded teams in the play-off draw, Real Sociedad and Galatasaray will play the second legs at home.

Here’s the full list of potential play-off ties, to be drawn on Friday:

When will Tottenham play their last-16 Europa League tie?

The Europa League last-16 takes place across 6 and 13 March. As the seeded team, Tottenham will be home in the second leg.

First Tottenham goals for academy graduates Dane Scarlett, Damola Ajayi and Mikey Moore clinched a 3-0 win over Elfsborg and secured the club’s passage into the last 16 of the Europa League.

Spurs knew a point would likely secure a top-eight berth and help them avoid next month’s play-off phase, but Ange Postecoglou watched two unlikely figures come off the bench and earn a precious three points.

Scarlett only returned to the club earlier this month from a mixed loan spell at Oxford but scored four minutes after his second-half introduction with a superb header for his first Tottenham goal on his 18th appearance.

Ajayi, a regular for the Under-21s, followed it up with a superb second six minutes from time before Moore grabbed a brilliant third in stoppage time to help Spurs claim fourth spot in the league phase.

It was not a completely positive night for Postecoglou, however, as while Micky van de Ven’s comeback passed by without note, fellow centre-back Radu Dragusin was forced off in the second half.

Postecoglou made three changes from Sunday’s dismal 2-1 loss to Leicester, with Van de Ven handed a start on his eagerly-awaited return.

Moore was also drafted into the line-up and tried to make an instant impression with an exciting run down the right, but Son Heung-min failed to apply the finish at the back post.

Son had some joy himself shortly afterwards when he whizzed past Simon Hedlund and was brought down outside the penalty area.

The resulting free-kick came to nothing and Lucas Bergvall was soon the centre of attention after Postecoglou told him to calm down following a couple of sloppy passes.

While Bergvall was overeager to impress against a team from his native Sweden, Son continued to look sharp and set up Pedro Porro, who had a header saved before the Spurs captain got the better of Niklas Hult but Pape Sarr’s low effort was blocked by Isak Pettersson.

Pettersson was required again before the break to deny Moore from another Son dribble to ensure the game remained goalless at half-time.

A triple substitution followed from Postecoglou with Van de Ven, Rodrigo Bentancur and Son brought off with Sunday’s trip to Brentford in mind.

Elfsborg created the first opportunity of the second period when Besfort Zeneli’s shot deflected into the path of Jalal Abdullai, but he hooked over.

Bergvall had a diving header saved by Pettersson soon after before Tottenham’s injury curse struck again when Dragusin landed awkwardly on his knee 16 minutes after he had replaced Van de Ven.

Dragusin tried to continue but was forced off and Scarlett was introduced in the 66th minute for his first appearance for the club since last May.

Four minutes later and Scarlett made the breakthrough when he powered home a header from Dejan Kulusevski’s sumptuous cross.

It was a special moment for Scarlett and another followed for 18-year-old Ajayi, who marked his debut with an excellent individual goal.

Ajayi cut inside and exchanged passes with Scarlett before drilling the ball into the bottom corner.

There was still time for Moore, arguably the most talented of Spurs’ young crop, to open his account in the second minute of stoppage time when he burst away from his marker and fired home.

It made Moore Tottenham’s fourth youngest ever scorer and capped a great night for the club’s academy.

Tottenham face Swedish side Elfsborg tonight as Ange Postecoglou’s side aim to secure a spot in the last 16 of the Europa League.

Spurs come into the final night of the group phase in sixth position, and victory here would guarantee them a top-eight finish and automatic qualification to the knockout rounds. But a draw or defeat could see them knocked down from one of the top eight spots and sent into the play-offs, meaning an extra two fixtures for an injury-ravaged squad to navigate in order to reach the last 16.

Elfsborg are currently in their off-season after finishing seventh in the 2024 Swedish top flight. They have plenty to play for too, lying 20th as they aim to finish in the top 24 and qualify for the play-offs.

Ange Postecoglou’s position as Tottenham manager is under increasing scrutiny after his side slumped to a 2-1 defeat at home to struggling Leicester.

Lisandro Martinez’s deflected shot gave Manchester United a 1-0 win at Fulham, with Ruben Amorim appearing to question Marcus Rashford’s commitment to the cause afterwards.

“Abhorrent attacks” aimed at Michael Oliver following his decision to send off Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly were condemned by the body responsible for refereeing professional games in England.

Foxes fight back to pile pressure on Postecoglou

Two goals in four second-half minutes helped Leicester earn a first Premier League win since December, 3 with a 2-1 victory at Tottenham piling more pressure on Ange Postecoglou.

Spurs took the lead after 33 minutes through Richarlison but the Foxes, who had lost their previous seven matches, levelled at the start of the second half through captain Jamie Vardy.

Bilal El Khannouss made it 2-1 four minutes later with a fine 25-yard effort and with limited options on the bench due to the unavailability of 10 players, Postecoglou watched his team suffer another defeat.

It is six losses from their last seven matches in the Premier League for Spurs, but it was a day to savour for Leicester manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, whose team are out of the relegation zone for the first time in 2025.

The life of Bryan: Mbeumo makes most of second chance

Bryan Mbeumo’s retaken penalty helped lift Brentford to a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace at soggy Selhurst Park.

Mbeumo clipped the post with an initial attempt but was given another chance after VAR determined Eagles captain Marc Guehi had encroached.

Mbeumo was on target with his second attempt, breaking the deadlock in the 66th minute, before Kevin Schade nodded in a second 10 minutes from time.

Although Premier League debutant Romain Esse scored with his first touch in the 85th minute, moments after his introduction, the visitors held on.

Martinez enjoys major slice of luck as United edge out wasteful Fulham

Lisandro Martinez’s deflected 78th-minute strike earned Manchester United a hard-fought and much-needed 1-0 victory at Fulham.

Martinez let fly from the edge of the box with a shot which struck Sasa Lukic and looped over Bernd Leno.

United needed a crucial late intervention from Toby Collyer to seal the victory as he denied Joachim Andersen with a superb goal-line clearance.

Afterwards, boss Ruben Amorim said he would rather start Manchester United’s 63-year-old goalkeeper coach Jorge Vital ahead of Marcus Rashford and appeared to question the 27-year-old’s commitment to the cause.

Referees’ body condemns abuse aimed at Oliver

“Abhorrent attacks” aimed at Michael Oliver following his decision to send off Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly have been condemned by the body responsible for refereeing professional games in England.

Lewis-Skelly, 18, became the third youngest player to be dismissed in Premier League history when he was shown a straight red card by Oliver in the first half of Arsenal’s 1-0 win at Wolves for taking down Matt Doherty in his own half.

In a statement, the Professional Game Match Officials Limited said: “We are appalled by the threats and abuse directed at Michael Oliver following the Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal fixture.

“No official should be subject to any form of abuse, let alone the abhorrent attacks aimed at Michael and his family over the past 24 hours.

“The police are aware, and a number of investigations have commenced. We are supporting Michael, and all those affected, and are determined to tackle this unacceptable behaviour.”

What’s on today?

With no Premier League fixtures, all eyes will be on a mouth-watering clash between promotion rivals Burnley and Leeds in the Sky Bet Championship.

Leeds make the trip to Turf Moor with a one-point lead over Sheffield United at the top of the table after the Blades suffered a shock 3-0 home defeat to struggling Hull on Friday.

Tottenham Hotspur face Leicester City in the Premier League with the hosts looking to climb from 15th in the table after a terrible run of form.

Ange Postecoglou’s side have lost four of their last five matches in the league, leaving the Australian facing questions over his future at the club.

But today brings a great opportunity to ease the pressure and climb up the table as they face a Leicester side sitting in 19th.

The Foxes’ results have not improved since Ruud van Nistelrooy took charge, with seven losses and one draw from nine games meaning they sit two points adrift of safety.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the match.

When is Tottenham vs Leicester?

The match is due to kick-off at 2pm on Sunday 26 January at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The match will not be shown live on TV in the United Kingdom having not been selected for coverage, with Sky Sports showing Crystal Palace vs Brentford in the 2pm timeslot. Extended highlights will be shown on Match of the Day 2, which airs at 10.30pm GMT on BBC One.

Confirmed line-ups

Tottenham XI: Kinsky; Porro, Dragusin, Gray, Davies; Bergvall, Bentancur, Sarr; Kulusevski, Richarlison, Son.

Leicester XI: Stolarczyk; Justin, Faes, Vestergaard, Kristiansen; Winks, Soumare; Ayew, El Khannouss, De Cordova-Reid; Vardy.

Odds

Tottenham win 9/20

Draw 17/4

Leicester win 17/4

The Independent vets betting sites for useability, security and responsible gambling tools. You can claim free bets here to use across a range of sports. Please read the terms.

Prediction

Even with their recent struggles and injuries, Spurs should have enough to win comfortably at home.

Tottenham 3-0 Leicester.

We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

Tottenham Hotspur hosts Leicester in the Premier League with the result vital to both sides’ hopes at both ends of the table.

Son Heung Min inspired Spurs midweek in a 3-2 win in the Europa League, with Ange Postecoglou now desperate for a result in the league to ease pressure on the Australian boss.

"It's about the players,” Postecoglou said, while also praising his Korean talisman. “It is getting increasingly difficult for them to maintain performance for sure as they're giving everything and it's a small group.

“We should have some light at the end of the tunnel the next couple of weeks. The resilience and determination of players to get out there and perform is a fantastic thing for me to witness and I couldn't be prouder of them."

The new Women's Super League marks the start of a new era for reigning champions Chelsea, with long-serving boss Emma Hayes having departed in summer to start a new adventure with the USA Women's team.

Last year they just about did enough to claim the title on goal difference ahead of Manchester City, while Arsenal will again hope to make it a three-horse race for the WSL title. Meanwhile Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham will hope to progress after further rebuilding this summer.

Crystal Palace were promoted to replace Bristol City in the top flight, while on a wider note, the league is now under the management and operation of a new organisation set up to lead women's football towards further growth and progression, with Nikki Doucet overseeing both the WSL and Championship in a new phase for the game.

Follow the live action below as Crystal Palace face Tottenham Hotspur today in the WSL:

Follow live coverage as Tottenham Hotspur face Leicester City today in the Premier League. Another top-flight season will be covered in full right here with The Independent, as reigning champions Manchester City look to make it an unprecedented five titles in a row come the end of 2024/25.

The likes of Arsenal and Liverpool will be chasing Pep Guardiola's side, but just as fascinating will be the race for Champions League places, with more teams than ever before having designs on top-four finishes. Chelsea remain big-spending, Manchester United's latest rebuild continues and both Tottenham and Newcastle will expect improvements this year - yet it was Aston Villa who snared fourth last term.

Meanwhile, it's Southampton, Leicester City and Ipswich Town who made it back to the elite after promotion last year and each will have hope they can make it more than a one-year stay. Follow the latest live action from the Premier League below: