Tottenham will be up against Everton at home as they seek top-flight security on the final day of the season.
It has been nothing short of a disastrous season for Tottenham Hotspur, who still have not secured their Premier League status heading into the final game.
The Lilywhites needed just a point against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge to confirm their top-flight status for next season. Instead, they suffered a 2-1 defeat in midweek, meaning their survival battle now goes down to the final day of the campaign.
Spurs currently sit two points above 18th-placed West Ham and know that avoiding defeat against Everton on Sunday would secure safety thanks to their superior goal difference. As it stands, Roberto De Zerbi and Co. have their fate in their own hands heading into the judgement day. West Ham will be hoping Everton beat Tottenham and they emerge victorious against Leeds United at the London Stadium, as that is the only combo that would ensure the Irons’ survival in the top flight.
Chris Sutton makes Tottenham vs. Everton score prediction
The responsibility now falls on Roberto de Zerbi and his players to bounce back immediately from the Chelsea defeat. It is a must-win encounter for the North London outfit, and they simply cannot afford to make any kind of mistakes or lose focus.
BBC Sports pundit Chris Sutton has now delivered his prediction that would not have gone down well within the Tottenham fanbase. He thinks it is going to be a nervy afternoon for De Zerbi’s side, and after their flat performance against Chelsea, the former Norwich City striker has backed Everton to win the contest 2-1.
“Can former West Ham manager David Moyes help to save his old club by getting a win with Everton here?” Chris Sutton wrote in his BBC Sport column.
“Going on form, the answer is probably no. The Toffees have not won any of their past six matches. But this is going to be a nervy old afternoon for Tottenham and their fans. Spurs were flat against Chelsea, based on that performance, Everton will get at least a point.
“Thinking about it, I am actually going to say they will take all three. Tottenham have been wretched at home all season – only Burnley have picked up fewer points on home turf – while Everton had a strong record away until their recent run.”
Danny Murphy urges Tottenham players to approach the Everton game with the right mentality
In the aftermath of the Chelsea defeat, De Zerbi declared that Sunday’s match against Everton carries more weight than last year’s Europa League final. And the 46-year-old’s words are 100 per cent correct.
Later, Danny Murphy tipped the Spurs players to approach the relegation-deciding contest on the judgement day with the right attitude and mindset. He also warned them against complacency and playing for a draw against the Toffees.
Rightly so, playing for a draw would be catastrophic, even though a point would be enough. De Zerbi would want his boys to make a fast, aggressive start and take the game to David Moyes’ side. An early goal for Spurs would come down the nerves around the stadium.