Tottenham head to Stamford Bridge needing a result to aid their survival fight and, despite their dreadful record against Chelsea, recent events may finally hand Spurs a reason for optimism.
Tottenham Hotspur’s 1-1 draw with Leeds United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was a missed opportunity for the Lilywhites in the race for survival.
Coming into that clash, Tottenham knew exactly what was required after West Ham United fell to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Arsenal.
Spurs needed to beat Leeds United to open up a four-point lead over the 18th-placed side and give themselves some breathing room heading into the final two games.
However, that draw now means Tottenham are just two points clear of the drop zone, although they do hold a superior goal difference.
Tottenham handed Chelsea hope ahead of Stamford Bridge clash
There is still so much to play for at the bottom of the table, with the relegation scrap now set to go right down to the wire.
MORE SPURS STORIES
Spurs face Chelsea next at Stamford Bridge and, given their record at the ground, where they have won just once in Premier League history, there is every reason for concern.
Still, Tottenham can draw some encouragement from Chelsea’s recent results this season, with the Blues themselves enduring a poor run of form heading into the encounter.
As things stand, Chelsea are one of the worst-performing sides in the division, having failed to win a league match since March and going seven Premier League games without victory.
However, while that could serve as a positive for Tottenham, many Spurs fans will remember how the struggling Blues secured a 2-2 draw in the famous Battle of the Bridge back in 2016, effectively ending Tottenham’s title hopes that season.
Spurs may only need a point at Chelsea
Interestingly, though, a draw could well be enough for Spurs when they face Chelsea next week.
Should Tottenham manage a point and West Ham United beat Newcastle United in their own game, Spurs would remain 17th, although they would be level on points with the Hammers.
That would effectively make the final-day clash against Everton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium a must-win encounter, as failure to do so, combined with a West Ham victory over Leeds United on matchday 38, could send the Lilywhites down to the Championship.