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The Premier League relegation battle has been something of a damp squib in the past two seasons.

In both 2023/24 and 2024/25, the three clubs promoted from the Championship have gone straight back down without ever really looking like they would survive.

That was illustrated by the points tally needed to secure Premier League safety, with the two teams to finish 18th in the past two seasons - Luton Town and Leicester City - ending on just 26 and 25 points respectively.

What is the highest points total for a relegated side in Premier League history?

This term has been a welcome change, though, with four teams in a battle to avoid the final relegation spot.

Six points separate 15th-place Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur, in 18th, with the North London club on 30 points with six games of the season remaining.

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It means that the team who finishes 18th is set to be relegated with a relatively high points tally, but it is unlikely to top the Premier League record.

That dubious 'honour' goes to West Ham United, who went down in 2002/03 with 42 points - the highest total for a relegated side in Premier League history.

The Hammers looked certainties for relegation until a late-season surge saw them gain 22 points from their last 11 games and they went into the final day of the campaign level on points with 17th-place Bolton Wanderers.

With club legend Sir Trevor Brooking in the dugout after Glenn Roeder temporarily stepped down for health reasons, West Ham drew 2-2 with Birmingham City at St Andrews, but Bolton's 2-1 win over Middlesbrough sent them down.

Although 40 points is often cited as the number that will guarantee safety, two other teams have been relegated despite reaching that tally.

Sunderland went down with exactly 40 points in 1996/97 after a final-day defeat by Wimbledon, in what was their last season at their historic Roker Park home.

And Bolton were relegated with the same points total the following campaign, with Everton surviving on goal difference.

According to Opta, 38 points could be enough to secure safety this season, which would mean Spurs gaining another eight points from their final six games - having taken that number from the previous 15.

Roberto De Zerbi has said that his long-term ambition is to guide Tottenham to the top of the Premier League table despite having just seven games to save them from relegation.

De Zerbi took charge of Spurs last week, replacing interim manager Igor Tudor, with the club just one point above the relegation zone.

The Italian head coach’s immediate priority is to prevent Tottenham slipping into the second division for the first time in nearly 50 years, but in signing a five-year deal, he appears to have underlined his commitment to the club and said he would stay “no matter what” next season in his first interview since his appointment.

The length of De Zerbi’s contract, which does not have a relegation clause, was considered surprising, given his longest managerial stint came at Sassuolo between 2018 and 2021.

But asked whether he was committed to the challenge at Spurs, De Zerbi said he planned to stay for a long time and wanted to help the club challenge for the Premier League title in the future.

“I stayed three years in Sassuolo and then I left from Ukraine when the war started. In Brighton I left for different problems and in Marseille maybe the same,” De Zerbi said in his first pre-match press conference as Spurs boss.

“I would like to stay four or five, for a long time. I don't know how many years but in Marseille like this because in Marseille my idea was to stay for a long time,

“Then you have to speak with the club and when you have a different view of football or other things you have to leave money and you have to leave.

“But in my plan for sure there is the idea to stay for a long time, to try to put Tottenham, I'm not speaking about the titles because it's not the right moment now, but to put Tottenham to stay in the first position in the Premier League because there are all parts to reach that level.”

For now, De Zerbi’s only aim is to steer a Spurs side yet to win a league game this calendar year away from the relegation zone.

The brief is simple, and De Zerbi says his messaging since taking his first training session this week has been not to overcomplicate things.

A revered tactician, De Zerbi admits the intricacies of his style will take a backseat as he seeks to get his team playing with courage and character again after a brutal run of results.

“Listen, my style is one part, about the style of play and one part about the character, the personality. I have no time enough to work in the principle or in build-up so much, or in the last 20 metres” De Zerbi continued.

“I want to give organisation with the ball and without the ball. Two principles without the ball, three principles, four more. Something more in possession, in offensive phase and that's it,

“What I want to do, what I want to achieve immediately is the character, is the right spirit, the right courage to play, to attack. Because the DNA of this club, of this squad is to find the goal, to score.

“In this part I can be able to transfer, not in too much time, my principle.”

Viral video sparks muscle mass debate

Maddison, who has been sidelined for 247 days, was seen in the clips performing strength exercises aimed at rebuilding the power in his legs following a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

Sharp-eyed supporters quickly pointed out what appeared to be a significant discrepancy in muscle mass between his legs. Some fans suggested that his right leg looked noticeably thinner than his left, leading to fears that his recovery might be stalling as Spurs battle against a shock relegation threat in the Premier League.

Maddison hits back at camera angles

Not one to let speculation linger, Maddison responded by sharing a front-on view of his legs to prove that his muscle development is symmetrical, placing the blame for the confusion squarely on the shoulders of the club's media department.

He captioned the post with a playful dig at the person behind the lens, stating: "Admin needs to work on the angles of videoing... @spursofficial."

How is Maddison progressing?

Before his recent departure, former Spurs interim manager Igor Tudor provided a glass-half-full assessment of Maddison's condition. The Croatian coach had witnessed Maddison’s transition from the treatment room back onto the grass at Hotspur Way, noting that the player was beginning to rediscover his touch.

Speaking to football.london last month, Tudor said: "Maddison is already doing interesting things as well with the ball. Sprinting as well. I saw him. He is positive. He is positive."

De Zerbi era set to begin

The arrival of Roberto De Zerbi as the new permanent manager has brought a fresh wave of optimism to Spurs, and Maddison appears eager to work under the Italian. The midfielder was notably quick to react to the technician's appointment, "liking" the official announcement video on social media within minutes of it going live.

While De Zerbi has yet to confirm whether Maddison will feature in the final games of the current campaign, his presence would be a massive boost for a side sitting just one point above the drop zone. Tottenham will play their first game under the new coach away at Sunderland this weekend.

Inter lead chase for Vicario

Vicario's time in north London appears to be coming to an end after just two seasons. Reports suggest that the 27-year-old has already reached an agreement to facilitate his departure during the upcoming transfer window. Italian giants Inter are leading the race to bring the Azzurri star back to Serie A, as Spurs brace for a significant squad overhaul.

The goalkeeper is currently sidelined following hernia surgery and remains a major doubt for new manager Roberto De Zerbi’s first game in charge against Sunderland this weekend.

With Tottenham mired in a shocking relegation battle, Vicario is thought to be seeking a project that offers stability and the guaranteed prospect of Champions League football, something Spurs look unlikely to provide in the near future.

James Trafford emerges as top target

According to The Sun, Tottenham are monitoring Trafford at Manchester City, To fill the impending void between the sticks.

The 22-year-old England international returned to the Etihad Stadium in a £27 million move last summer following Burnley's relegation, but he has struggled for regular game time behind summer signing Gianluigi Donnarumma.

While he started in City's recent 4-0 FA Cup win over Liverpool, Trafford has not featured in the Premier League since the Italian's arrival.

Spurs lead race for Trafford

Spurs face stiff competition for the youngster's signature, with Newcastle United and Aston Villa also keeping tabs on his situation. Newcastle were close to signing Trafford last year and are still considered to be in a strong position if City decide to cash in.

However, the lure of becoming the undisputed No.1 in the English capital could tempt Trafford to join De Zerbi's revolution.

De Zerbi's goalkeeping dilemma

The appointment of De Zerbi has brought immediate questions regarding the club's long-term tactical direction, particularly in goal. The Italian manager worked with Bart Verbruggen at Brighton, and the Dutchman is another name reportedly high on the club's shortlist. If Vicario is unable to feature against Sunderland, De Zerbi may have to turn to Antonin Kinsky, who is desperate for redemption after being substituted just 17 minutes into a recent Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid.

HIGHLIGHTS

A former heavyweight champion returns after 15 months away at a familiar London venue.

The streaming platform behind this event is making a serious push into combat sports.

One fighter on the card signed a massive deal that has the boxing world talking.

Tyson Fury's comeback fight is nearly here. On April 11 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, the former heavyweight champion will take on Arslanbek Makhmudov in the main event of the latest Netflix live sports event. Here's all the information you need about the event.

How Can You Watch Fury vs. Makhmudov?

A week after DAZN tries to convince fight fans to spend $49.99 to watch Deontay Wilder vs. Dereck Chisora, Netflix drops another high-profile event on their streaming service. Something tells me the viewership for Fury-Makhmudov will dwarf most other fight events this year.

The entire main card streams globally on Netflix at no extra cost to subscribers. Prelims stream free on Tudum and Ring Magazine's social channels.

What Time Does the Fight Start?

American fight fans will need to tune in a little earlier to watch this one. The main card is expected to begin at 2 PM ET / 1 PM CT with main event ring walks at approximately 5 PM ET / 4 PM CT.

The prelims start at 11 AM ET / 10 AM CT on Tudum and Ring Magazine socials.

What's the Full Card?

This card is very top heavy. Fury and Makhmudov in the main event and Conor Benn vs. Regis Prograis in the co-main event is the only other high-profile fight. That could hurt viewership, especially early in the show.

Main Card (Netflix)

Tyson Fury (34-2-1, 24 KOs) vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov (21-2, 19 KOs) - Heavyweight

Conor Benn (24-1, 14 KOs) vs. Regis Prograis (30-3, 24 KOs) - Catchweight (150 lbs)

Jeamie Tshikeva vs. Richard Riakporhe - British Heavyweight Title

Frazer Clarke vs. Justis Huni - Heavyweight

Prelims (Tudum / Ring Magazine socials)

Troy Williamson vs. Simon Zachenhuber - Super Middleweight

Breyon Gorham vs. Eduard Georgiev - Super Lightweight

Mikie Tallon vs. Cristopher Rios - Lightweight

Felix Cash vs. Liam O'Hare - Middleweight

Hector Lozano vs. Sultan Almohammed - Lightweight

Elliot Whale vs. Tom Hill - Heavyweight

What Should People Know About Makhmudov?

Makhmudov is a big man. The 6-foot-5-inch Russian has a strong pro record, but he has only won three of his last five fights. He has stoppage losses to Agit Kabayel in December 2023 and another to Guido Vianello in August 2024.

If Fury is in form anywhere close to what we've come to expect from him, he could turn this into a boxing lesson. Fury is a massive favorite at 1/7 odds with Makhmudov listed at 15/1.

A race against time for North America

Despite failing to win a single one of their matches during their European qualifiers campaign, Sweden defied the odds to secure their place in the upcoming World Cup, defeating Poland 3-2 in a dramatic play-off encounter. While the national team celebrated, Kulusevski watched from the sidelines, having not played a single minute of football for almost a year. The Spurs man has been recovering from patella surgery and recently underwent a minor follow-up procedure to clean up his knee.

The road to recovery has been arduous, and the forward was visibly emotional as his teammates booked their spot in Group F alongside Tunisia, Netherlands and Japan. While Liverpool's Alexander Isak is expected to return in time for the tournament, Kulusevski's participation remains shrouded in doubt given the length of his absence.

Defying the odds through self-belief

Speaking to Viaplay, the Swedish international did not shy away from the reality of his situation. "I haven't played in a year. I know what the chances are," Kulusevski admitted. "But if there is one person on the planet who can do this, I would bet on myself. And we are not just going there to participate. Sweden will aim to be one of the best."

His ambition extends far beyond merely making the squad list. The former Juventus man is determined to ensure Sweden are respected on the global stage. "As long as I live, I will do everything I can so that Sweden, when we go out and play, will not be afraid of anyone. Brazil, France, whoever they are. That's why I'm on this planet. To give faith and love to my people," he said.

Addressing recent surgical setbacks

The 25-year-old recently clarified his medical status following reports of a second operation. He explained that the latest intervention was a positive step toward long-term health rather than a sign of a failing recovery. He remains optimistic that the underlying issues have finally been resolved.

"I understand that people were worried, but it was actually for the wrong reason," Kulusevski said. "It was really positive to undergo this small operation and be able to identify the problem. Now everything should be sorted out. Maybe because of things that won't be known because, at the end of the day, it's only God who decides and no one else."

Sweden prepare for the world stage

As he watched his side punch their ticket for their second World Cup of the last 16 years, he was clearly holding back the tears. While Kulusevski focuses on his rehabilitation, the Swedish squad are preparing for a difficult opening fixture against Tunisia on June 15. In his absence, players like Anthony Elanga and Viktor Lindelof have carried the burden of expectation, but there is no doubt that a fit Kulusevski would transform the side's attacking prospects as they head to the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters' Trust believe the club appointing Roberto De Zerbi as their new head coach raises serious and far-reaching concerns.

The appointment of De Zerbi will not be universally popular among the Spurs fanbase after three supporter groups on Friday urged the north London club to not appoint De Zerbi due to his past association with Mason Greenwood at Marseille.

Proud Lilywhites, Women of the Lane and Spurs Reach all expressed their concerns with ‘No to De Zerbi’ statements and PA understands Tottenham carefully considered and discussed the comments and sentiments around Greenwood with De Zerbi during negotiations.

Roberto De Zerbi makes immediate Tottenham promise after signing eye-watering contract

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Former Manchester United forward Greenwood was charged in October 2022 with one count of attempted rape, one count of controlling and coercive behaviour and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm over allegations relating to a woman after images and videos were posted online.

The Crown Prosecution Service dropped the charges in February 2023 owing to “a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light”, which meant there was “no realistic prospect of conviction”. Greenwood has since resumed his career and joined Marseille in 2024.

De Zerbi described Greenwood as a "good guy" who had paid a "heavy price" in November. The then-Marseille coach said: "It saddens me what happened in his life, because I know a totally different person than the one who was described."

The Trust responded to Spurs' announcement of the appointment by issuing its own statement soon after. It began: "We note the Club’s announcement of the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi to the Manager role.

"While we recognise the limited pool of managers with recent Premier League experience, and the need to act with urgency as Spurs face the prospect of relegation, this appointment raises serious and far-reaching concerns, and many fans have been in touch with us to urge us to communicate the strength of feeling. We raised these concerns directly with the Club prior to its announcement."

The statement added: "The Club must reassert its commitment to the values that fans hold dear—chief among them equality, respect, and integrity."

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Spurs are said to have carefully considered and discussed the comments and sentiments around Greenwood with De Zerbi during talks. Proud Lilywhites, Spurs Reach and Women of the Lane are three supporter groups who expressed concern before the appointment.

THST's statement continues: "We believe these statements, left unchecked, will create a divide among supporters at a time when we all need to be pulling together to back the team. It is concerning that the Club would put us in this position right when the team needs fans the most.

"Fans are rallying behind the 'All Together, Always' initiative, and this appointment places heavy strain on that unity. If those remarks reflect his genuine views, they cast a troubling shadow over the values of the Club we love.

"The Club must reassert its commitment to the values that fans hold dear—chief among them equality, respect, and integrity. With this appointment, communications from the Club and from Mr De Zerbi must clearly and unequivocally reaffirm these values.

"Our preference would have been for a short-term appointment of an individual or individuals who understand the Club and can lead the players in the seven battles to come. There would then have been an opportunity in the summer to attract a wide range of potential applicants with a track record of success in inspiring fans and players: candidates who could lead and develop sustained success for the team, for seasons to come.

"The Club has chosen otherwise. We will continue to support efforts to get behind the team and play our part in preserving the Club’s Premier League status, but it is understandable that many fans will do so with a heavy heart.

"Our Five Principles for Spurs ownership include Leading with Integrity and Championing Ethical Standards. At present, supporters rate performance in this area at just 2.2 out of 10. This decision risks further eroding confidence unless addressed with clarity, humility, and decisive action.

"We fully understand that the immediate priority is to avoid relegation. However, this situation is the result of prolonged strategic failings. THST have warned for years that the Club was heading in this direction, and the lack of timely, sound decision-making has now left options severely compromised.

"It will take significant effort for many fans to restore their faith in the Club’s leadership. That process must begin with transparency, accountability and a renewed commitment to the principles that define Tottenham Hotspur."

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Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has reportedly already agreed an exit from north London for this summer.

Spurs are in a difficult spot as things stand, just one point outside the relegation zone and without a Premier League win this calendar year.

They dispensed with the services of Thomas Frank in a matter of months, and his replacement, Igor Tudor, was out of the door even faster.

Destination club named as Guglielmo Vicario eyes Tottenham Hotspur exit

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Former Brighton man Roberto De Zerbi is on his way to try to salvage things, but his high-profile status will be one of numerous issues to sort out should the worst happen.

Plenty of the current crop would look to leave if Spurs faced a season in the Championship, and in Vicario’s case, he already has a pretty good idea where he could be heading next.

According to Italian website L’Interista, the goalkeeper has already agreed personal terms with Serie A outfit Inter Milan.

The current league leaders have tabled the offer of a four-year contract to Vicario, on a handsome €3.5m per season, thought to be an after-tax figure.

That figure is believed to be higher than what the 29-year-old currently earns at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

It’s reported that the club has spoken to Vicario and he’s given his approval for the deal, but he isn’t yet pushing for an exit from his current club.

The gloveman is a known quantity in his home country, having played for the national team and having remained in Italy for his entire career before his move to Spurs.

In FourFourTwo’s opinion, should Inter come to Spurs to negotiate, it may be wise for the north London club to consider it. Vicario is not responsible for the last two Tottenham seasons, but he has been an ever-present in a difficult period, and a full reset may be necessary.

The Italian is at the top-end of the age you can expect a top fee for a goalkeeper, so although it’s been a difficult spell, they could be cashing out at the best time, and it’d be an exciting homecoming for Vicario.

Vicario reaches agreement for North London departure

According to Sport Witness, Vicario has reached an agreement to facilitate his departure from Tottenham during the upcoming summer transfer window.

The goalkeeper, who joined Spurs from Empoli in 2023, has quickly established himself as a top-tier Premier League presence, but the club’s recent struggles appear to have accelerated his desire for a fresh start.

The details of the agreement suggest that the 27-year-old is looking for a project that offers more stability and the regular prospect of Champions League football. While Tottenham’s hierarchy would ideally like to keep hold of their number one, the reality of their current league position and internal concerns has forced their hand in allowing the player to explore his options elsewhere.

Struggles on the pitch fuel exit talk

The timing of these reports coincides with a difficult run of form for Spurs, who have found themselves caught in an unexpectedly low position in the Premier League table. With the threat of a genuine relegation battle or at least a bottom-half finish looming, key figures in the dressing room have begun to consider their long-term futures away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Vicario has often been the man keeping the scorelines respectable this season, producing a string of highlight-reel saves even as the defense in front of him crumbled. His individual performances have not gone unnoticed by Europe's elite, making a summer move almost inevitable if the club fails to match his ambitions regarding silverware and European competition.

Serie A clubs eye Vicario return

As the summer window approaches, several high-profile clubs in Serie A and potentially the Bundesliga are thought to be monitoring Vicario's situation closely.

A return to Italy has been frequently mooted, with top clubs looking for a reliable and modern goalkeeper to lead their domestic and European campaigns next year. His status as a rising star for the Azzurri only increases his market value and desirability.

Spurs aim to maximise fee

For Tottenham, the focus must now shift to securing the best possible transfer fee to reinvest in the squad. Despite the disappointment of losing such a talented individual, the agreement ensures that both parties can move forward without the saga dragging on into the pre-season. Supporters will now be looking to the board for reassurance that a plan is in place to rebuild after what has been a season to forget.

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Tottenham Hotspur's summer transfer business will hinge on whether they are in the Premier League or the Championship.

Spurs are just one point above the drop zone and, with seven games of the season remaining, the prospect of an embarrassing relegation to the second tier for the first time since the late 1970s is all too real.

If Tottenham do suffer relegation from the Premier League, the financial impact will be huge - with some reports suggesting their revenue could fall by up to £261m if they are in the Championship next term.

Real Madrid 'like the qualities' of Tottenham Hotspur star

Spurs' most recent wage bill was reportedly £254m - way above the Championship average of £38m.

As a result, it is highly likely that Tottenham would have to sell many of their high-earners if they drop into the second tier, although one of their stars looks set to depart this summer regardless.

Cristian Romero joined Spurs for £42m from Juventus in summer 2021 and was named club captain last August, days after signing a new four-year contract.

But transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano says the centre-back has a "gentlemen pact" with Tottenham that would allow him to join a Spanish club "in case of good proposals", which was supposedly agreed during the tenure of former chairman Daniel Levy, who stepped down last September.

Romano was responding to a report in Spanish newspaper Marca that Romero, 27, had a €60m release clause (about £52m) inserted into the contract he signed last summer, which would allow him to leave for Real Madrid, Barcelona or Atletico Madrid.

Marca claimed that Real "like his qualities and are aware of this clause", but Romano suggested there is no written clause in the deal and the fee has not been fixed, while also maintaining that he expects the Argentina defender to leave Spurs in the close season.

With three years left on his contract and Romero still in his peak years, Tottenham would hope to sell the 2022 World Cup winner for more than the €60m/£52m fee reported.

The skipper has twice criticised the Tottenham hierarchy on social media since the turn of the year, first after a 3-2 defeat at Bournemouth in January and again in February, within hours of the transfer window closing.

He is part of a Spurs side who are yet to win a Premier League game in 2026, a run of form that cost former boss Thomas Frank his job last month.