Tottenham handed boost as huge suspension confirmed with Man United impact clear
by Kieran Horn · football.londonTottenham face their biggest game of the last six years on Wednesday, May 21 when they take on Manchester United in the Europa League final.
Goals from Pedro Porro and Dominic Solanke out in Norway sealed an impressive 5-1 aggregate victory for Ange Postecoglou's side over Bodo/Glimt. United meanwhile, beat Athletic Club 4-1 at Old Trafford earlier this week having won the first leg 3-0 inside San Mames Stadium, which will host the final.
Though the Lilywhites have beaten United on three separate occasions this season, it could be argued the advantage is with United given the two clubs' differing injury fortunes.
Postecoglou has lost both James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall to big injuries while club captain Son Heung-min is currently missing with a foot issue, though he is expected to be back available by the time the showpiece clash arrives.
As for United, head coach Ruben Amorim has rested Bruno Fernandes in recent weeks all while Amad has gradually been increasing his minutes since returning from a long-term ankle injury. Joshua Zirkzee and Diogo Dalot are also pushing tirelessly to get back fit.
While a number of players are set to miss out because of muscular issues, no one will be absent through suspension due to an accumulation of yellow cards. UEFA rules state that all bookings from the tournament are wiped at the start of the semi-finals with a yellow in each leg not resulting in a ban for the final.
Being sent off in the second leg would be the only way to miss the game due to suspension and as such, Cristian Romero, Brennan Johnson and Guglielmo Vicario, who were all booked across the tie, will be available.
As for United, Noussair Mazraoui, Casemiro, Mason Mount, Patrick Dorgu, Leny Yoro, Alejandro Garnacho were all cautioned but will not serve any ban.
In other suspension news, Aston Villa will be without Jacob Ramsey for their Premier League clash against Tottenham, moved forward to the Friday, after he was sent off against Bournemouth. The 23-year-old was shown two yellow cards in the 1-0 win and thus will be banned for the visit of Postecoglou and his players to Villa Park.
Ramsey has hurt Spurs on many occasions and as an expert in transition, not having him available is a blow for Villa but a clear boost for what will likely be a hugely-rotated Spurs side.
However, Postecoglou has hinted some key stars will feature as he does not want a lack of match practice to impact his squad with 13 days between the second leg win over Bodo/Glimt and the final against United.
Speaking of Amorim's side, Villa face them at Old Trafford on the final day with Ramsey back available for that game.
Regardless of what happens in the final, Unai Emery could face a hugely rotated United team with that also potentially being the case the previous week against Spurs.
Europa League final
We have an all-English Europa League final and focus now will be on how fans can get their hands on tickets, but also get out to Bilbao for the match on Wednesday, May 21.
The best way to get to Bilbao will be to fly, although most direct flights are now fully booked.
There are other way sto go though, with different airports an option.
Check out SkyScanner here to sort out your travel arrangements.