The State of Play
Ange Postecoglou has done a good job this season in charge of Tottenham Hotspur but there is perhaps a danger that the former Celtic boss becomes something of a case of ‘what if…’ if Spurs finish the season in a bit of a slump. They do begin the weekend’s round of fixtures with a nine-point gap between themselves and sixth place Manchester United with UEFA Champions League qualification likely to be the top five teams this season.
Nuno Espirito Santo is in charge of a Nottingham Forest side that were coming under serious pressure ahead of the midweek clash with Fulham, especially after dropping points to Crystal Palace at the weekend with a four-point deduction during the March international break. They produced an excellent first-half display, though, and eventually defeated Fulham by three goals to one at the City Ground on Tuesday evening.
Read our other football stories here:
Tuchel updates on Bayern injuries
Manchester United vs Liverpool Preview
Rangers vs Celtic Preview
Team News
Ange Postecoglou has said that Richarlison will ‘probably’ be missing for this weekend, whilst Brennan Johnson is also a doubt. The likes of Fraser Forster, Ryan Sessegnon and Manor Solomon are set to be out for the season.
Nuno Espirito Santo will remain without key defensive absentees such as Gonzalo Montiel and Nuno Tavares, whilst key forward Taiwo Awoniyi also remains unavailable for this weekend.
Expected Line-ups
Tottenham Hotspur: Vicario; Pedro Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Sarr, Bissouma; Kulusevski, Maddison, Werner; Son
Nottingham Forest: Sels; Williams, Omobamidele, Murillo, Aina; Yates, Danilo; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood
What they Said
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has dismissed suggestions of getting distracted by limitations, saying that a top four finish ‘isn’t in the forefront’ of his mind.
Nuno Espirito Santo remains gutted and frustrated about the absence of Nigeria international Taiwo Awoniyi, saying it is a ‘big blow’ for the club.
When and How to Watch
This match will be played at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London and will kick off at 18:00 on Sunday April 7th and will be televised live on Sky Sports in the UK. It will also be streamed live via the Sky Go app in the UK.
Prediction
In their last 11 matches across all competitions, Tottenham Hotspur have managed just five wins with four of those victories requiring dramatic and late comebacks and turnarounds. Nottingham Forest, coached by former Spurs boss Nuno, will be looking to build on a very good performance against Fulham and the likes of Elanga, Gibbs-White, Wood and Hudson-Odoi will pose a real threat to a susceptible Spurs defence. Tottenham remain favourites but both teams scoring looks a good bet for this one.
