West Ham have been written off by all and sundry in the relegation shootout with Tottenham Hotspur – but there is still a faint hope of survival.
The Hammers have suffered back-to-back London derby defeats to Brentford and Arsenal to leave them staring at relegation to the Championship, much to the delight of Spurs.
Just a couple of weeks ago West Ham had closed a 13-point gap on Tottenham to climb above them and out of the drop zone.
Spurs were favourites for the drop having not won a game all year.
Spurs miracle West Ham need to stay up is improbable but not impossible
The arrival of Roberto De Zerbi and no shortage of good fortune has seen Tottenham turn the survival battle with the Hammers on its head.
The Italian has won two and drawn one of his first four games in charge, putting Spurs one point ahead of West Ham with a game in hand.
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While highly improbable, it is not impossible for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side to stay up at Tottenham’s expense.
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But results mean West Ham now need a minor Spurs miracle to stay in the Premier League.
Here’s what needs to happen for the Hammers to stay up.
Tottenham welcome Leeds to north London on Monday night.
West Ham may have put one of the final nails in their own coffin ahead of that game because their defeat to Arsenal has officially made Leeds safe.
The Hammers will be hoping Leeds aren’t on the beach for the trip to Spurs because they need the Elland Road outfit to hold the hosts to at least a draw.
How Hammers can still survive with a win and a draw in final two
A defeat for Tottenham is obviously the ideal scenario for West Ham.
But a draw would still give the Hammers hope heading into the last two games.
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Should Spurs fail to beat Leeds, West Ham would then know that a win at Newcastle next Sunday would lift them out of the relegation zone above De Zerbi’s side.
That would pile pressure on Tottenham ahead of their own difficult trip to face fierce rivals Chelsea, where they have a woeful record, on the Tuesday.
If Spurs lose to Leeds, then even a draw at Chelsea would not be enough to lift them back above the Hammers should they emerge victorious at St James’ Park.
Two draws for Spurs would give them the advantage as they have a vastly superior goal difference.
If Spurs only pick up one point from Leeds and Chelsea and West Ham beat the Magpies, it will be Nuno’s side in control of their own destiny heading into the final day.
The Hammers host a Leeds side with little but pride to play for at the London Stadium while Tottenham welcome European-chasing Everton to north London.
It is not unthinkable that David Moyes’ Toffees could turn Tottenham over or at least hold them to a draw.
So if West Ham can beat Leeds to reach 42 points then that could make them safe.
If Spurs draw two and lose one of their last three matches and West Ham pick up at least one win and one draw from their final two then the Hammers would survive.
It may look all but done but so much rides on Tottenham’s clash with Leeds.
There is of course a flip side to all of this that could see West Ham relegated at Newcastle.
If Spurs beat Leeds and West Ham lose to Eddie Howe’s side then it is done.
Now all eyes turn to Leeds and whether they can do the Hammers the biggest of favours.