GiveMeSport

The Monday Night Football clash is a huge one in the context of the Premier League relegation battle.

Tottenham play host to Leeds at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with Spurs one point outside of the relegation zone in 17th place.

Following results on Saturday and Sunday, this is Spurs' game in hand and they know they can move four points clear of the drop zone with only two games left to play with victory over a Whites side who learned on Sunday that their survival in the top flight has now been guaranteed.

Roberto De Zerbi does not have any fresh injury concerns going into the match - which in itself is an achievement for a Tottenham team that has been stung hard by injury problems throughout the entirety of the 2025/26 campaign.

Vicario not yet ready to return to action

When asked if there were any injury concerns, he said: "No. I'm happy because we are working well with all players. Another very important week. We have no problems."

He also gave an update on goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, saying he was not available, while also talking about Solanke and James Maddison.

He added: "I'm thinking about James Madison because I'm watching a top, top player. Maybe he's not ready yet to play, but as a physical condition, not for the rhythm, for the intensity of the game. We are playing in the Premier League, the most difficult league in terms of intensity and rhythm.

"About Solanke, he's improving very quickly. I don't know, for this game, I don't know if he can be available. We hope for the next game in Stamford Bridge."

If Solanke is, as expected, not avialable for the squad, he and Vicario will join six others on the injury list - Wilson Odobert, Xavi Simons, Cristian Romero, Ben Davies, Mohammed Kudus and Dejan Kulusevski.

De Zerbi should be overseeing a Spurs side in full confidence for one of the only times this season, having guided them to back-to-back wins and looking for a third victory in a row for the first time this season.

Will De Zerbi make any changes to the Spurs team?

So what will the Italian's side look like in N17 on Monday night?

De Zerbi made four changes from the team that beat Wolves 1-0 for the 2-1 win over Aston Villa, although two of those were enforced, with Simons and Solanke both injured. Destiny Udogie returned from injury to replace Djed Spence at left-back, while Joao Palhinha came in for Yves Bissouma.

Given the performance against Villa it is unlikely that we see any changes to the starying lineup, with the only potential change coming in if he feels Maddison is ready to start.

Given how long he has been out, the England man is unlikely to be risked, perhaps instead given a few minutes in the second half to test himself.

With everyone else fit, it should be the same lineup that started at Villa Park.

Tottenham know what they have to do following West Ham's defeat to Arsenal at the London Stadium.

To be fair, Spurs knew exactly what they needed to do before that result, with the focus solely on their own results in the Premier League, but that 1-0 win for bitter rivals Arsenal in east London will have sharpened minds, somewhat.

The Hammers now only have two games left to play this season and if Tottenham pick up all three points against a Leeds side who know they are safe from relegation now, because of that defeat for West Ham, they will give themselves a massive chance of survival come the end of the campaign.

Tottenham can put immense pressure on West Ham

Victory over the Whites on Monday night leaves West Ham having to win both of their final two matches to have any chance of overhauling Spurs, because of the Lilywhites' superior goal difference.

Monday night's match is hugely significant to Spurs' Premier League survival hopes.

They go into the match in good form, having won back-to-back games for the first time since the first two games of the season, and can make it three in a row for the first time in 2025/26.

Speaking about the relegatiopn battle on the Rest Is Football podcast, former Spurs striker Gary Lineker said: "Massive game, if they could somehow get three points out of that, they would be four points clear of West Ham."

Alan Shearer, who does the podcast with Lineker and Micah Richards, already predicted that Spurs would win and he replied to Lineker by saying: "The relief that Spurs would have had as well when Arsenal are winning that game that would, you would think, after how they played last week and getting the points last week, that would give them the belief and confidence to go again.

"It wouldn't surprise me if Spurs would win."

Tottenham and West Ham fixtures remaining

Following tonight's game, West Ham travel to St James' Park to take on Newcastle on Sunday evening, with Tottenham not playing until Tuesday night, when they fact Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, because the Blues are in FA Cup action on Saturday.

Then, oni the final day of the season, West Ham host Leeds United, with Spurs hosting Everton. Tottenham will be hoping it is all over by then and that the results they have accumulated have already relegated West Ham. But to have any chance of doing that, they have to beat Leeds on Monday night.

Tottenham Hotspur know they can take a huge step towards Premier League safety when they host Leeds United on Monday night.

Tottenham would have been keen viewers of West Ham United's match against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon, with the Premier League relegation battle now a straight fight between themselves and the Irons.

Nuno Espirito Santo's men looked to have secured a last-gasp point against the title-chasing Gunners, but Callum Wilson's goal was disallowed by VAR following a foul on David Raya.

Spurs would have been breathing a huge sigh of relief after that, with Nottingham Forest and Leeds United now guaranteed survival.

The north Londoners now welcome Daniel Farke's side to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium knowing three points would take them to the 40-point mark, and leave West Ham needing to win their last two matches given their superior goal difference over their rivals.

Roberto De Zerbi's side come into the clash in good form too having won their last two away from home against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa, drawing the previous game to those against Brighton and Hove Albion in the capital.

De Zerbi Likely to Pick Unchanged Tottenham Team

Following such an impressive 2-1 win against Villa last time out and with many key players still unavailable through injury, it's difficult to see why De Zerbi would change his line-up against Leeds unless he has lost any of his players to illness or injury in recent days.

The back five picks itself right now with few other options and Guglielmo Vicario still yet to make his return to training.

It's a similar story in the frontline where the Italian has little to choose from beyond Randal Kolo Muani, Mathys Tel and Richarlison at the top end of the pitch.

Midfield is where De Zerbi does have more options, but it looks set to be more disappointment for one of the club's best players this season against Leeds.

Archie Gray Set for Leeds Heartbreak

Should De Zerbi choose to go unchanged in midfield, it will be more heartbreak for youngster Archie Gray.

It was only a few weeks ago that Gray was one of the first names on the Tottenham team-sheet, as he outperformed all of his senior teammates.

However, since starting De Zerbi's first match in charge against Sunderland, the 20-year-old has only played 33 minutes since and was an unused substitute against Wolves and Aston Villa.

Against the latter, not only did Gray see Conor Gallagher, Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur start ahead of him, but he also saw Yves Bissouma, Pape Matar Sarr and Lucas Bergvall come on as substitutes before him at Villa Park.

De Zerbi hasn't been shy in his praise for his midfield starters last time out, labelling Gallagher as being 'like a 12th man', saying he '100%' wants to sign Palhinha on a permanent deal, and waxing lyrical over Bentancur's importance.

The former Brighton boss confirmed prior to the game against Leeds that he believes Gray needs to nail down one position to progress, having played a few for Tottenham already.

While De Zerbi clearly rates him for the future and said he believes he will be a 'future Spurs captain', he is clearly favouring experience right now and that means Gray is set for heartbreak if he hoped to start against his former club on Monday night.

Journalist Alastair Gold has confirmed that Tottenham youngster Alfie Devine has a 'dirt-cheap' clause in his loan deal from Preston, suggesting he is worth triple that.

Spurs sent a host of youngsters out on loan last summer, and a number of them are performing at a strong level, just as Tottenham would have planned.

The likes of Luka Vuskovic, Mikey Moore, and Will Lankshear, alongside Devine, have all gained valuable experience at a strong level, meaning there's a chance they come back and make an impact for Tottenham.

Devine has been a key player for Preston this season, and it's no surprise that they are hoping to secure his signature on a permanent basis.

Gold has now revealed his release clause, his option to buy clause, and it could be concerningly low.

Alfie Devine Option-to-Buy Clause Revealed

Speaking on his YouTube channel, reliable journalist Gold has confirmed that Preston have the option to buy Devine in the summer transfer window for a fee of £4.5 million.

Gold believes that the fee is dirt cheap, and he's a player who will instantly be worth triple that.

"Preston have got an option to buy him, thought to be around 4.5 million, which a lot of people are saying is quite steep. Look, if I'm Preston, I don't want Devine to go because I do genuinely think he's got so much talent. I'd love Roberto De Zerbi to have a look at him before he makes any decision. If I'm Preston, I'm probably thinking, can we stretch to £4.5 million, because he's instantly probably worth more than that? It's quite low for him. I think he will go for triple that."

Although the option to buy clause is relatively cheap in the grand scheme of things, it might not be cheap for a club like Preston.

However, the championship club might feel that if he's worth significantly more than that, then they could secure his signature before selling him on.

Either way, it's perhaps a worryingly low figure for a player of his talent.

Devine Clause a Poor Move in Hindsight

Although it is always difficult to tell how a player is going to kick on and develop, it was a poor move from Tottenham in hindsight to include an option to buy clause.

There is little benefit for Tottenham in including this clause, as £4.5 million isn't going to hugely benefit them from a financial perspective.

If Devine kicks on as he has done, then they could lose a top young talent for under £5 million.

When sending youngsters out on loan, Tottenham should just be focusing on their development, hoping for them to become key players in the future, rather than making a quick bit of cash.

Tottenham are reportedly interested in making a move to sign a Newcastle star in the summer transfer window, and he's a player that Roberto De Zerbi would love.

It could be a busy market for Spurs if they manage to stay in the Premier League, as they need to build a squad capable of climbing away from the relegation zone.

It's been a dismal few years for the North London club, and we could see a huge overhaul of the squad in the summer.

Spurs will already be planning for the summer transfer window on the assumption that they will be remaining in the top flight.

After showing signs of improvement under De Zerbi in recent weeks, Tottenham now have a strong chance of staying in the division.

Tottenham Eye Newcastle Star, De Zerbi Will Love Him

According to a report from Calcio Mercato, Tottenham are one of the sides showing an interest in signing Newcastle defender Tino Livramento in the summer transfer window.

Spurs are likely to face competition from both Arsenal and Manchester City, while the Magpies will likely want to keep hold of him this summer.

Livramento, who has been described as 'phenomenal', is the type of player that De Zerbi will love. He was a technically gifted full-back who was also incredibly hard-working.

The England international would suit De Zerbi's style perfectly, capable of defending while also contributing in the opposition half.

The Newcastle man will be an upgrade on the current options, and there's no doubt it will be a smart decision to sign him as long as he stays fit.

A New Era for Tottenham

Tottenham are about to enter a new era with a manager committed to the long-term project, regardless of their relegation situation.

Signings like Livramento could shape the new era as they looked ahead in a different direction following a dismal few years.

It's incredibly important that Tottenham get their recruitment right, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see a huge transfer window approaching.

Whether Livramento will be keen on a move to Spurs remains to be seen, especially with Champions League clubs like Arsenal and Manchester City also in the race.

Either way, the English defender could be one of the hottest topics in the upcoming window.

Tottenham Hotspur star Mathys Tel is being lined up by Ligue 1 side Paris FC as their next 'star player' this summer, according to Le10Sport.

The north London club are currently battling against relegation from the Premier League and sit one point above the drop zone with three games remaining, but could be back in the bottom three by the next time they play against Leeds on Monday night, depending on West Ham's result against Arsenal on Sunday.

The uncertainty around which league they will be playing in next season has seen a number of regular first-team stars linked with moves away from the club, and now another club has entered the race to take a forward.

Paris FC Want Mathys Tel

Tel, who has been described as 'unbelievable', joined the club permanently last summer from Bayern Munich following a loan spell in the second half of last season, but he has struggled to make a big impact in the Premier League so far.

The Frenchman has notched three goals and two assists in all competitions this season, and was close to a move away from the club in January before it was blocked, with Paris FC showing a strong interest then, too.

Paris FC have since confirmed their place in Ligue 1 for next season, and the club's owners are ready to invest heavily in the squad once again this summer to ensure they can stay there.

The club want to bring in a new 'star player' and they still hold an interest in Spurs star Tel, although they are also looking at other alternative options including Marseille star Mason Greenwood. A deal for the Englishman looks too expensive currently, however, and that could see them go back in for Tel, especially if Tottenham are relegated to the Championship.

Tottenham May Have to Let Tel Go

Tottenham have been crying out for a hero this season, and despite their struggles and injuries in attack, the three managers they've had this season simply haven't trusted Tel fully, for whatever reason.

The 21-year-old has made it very clear that he values regular game time above all else, and if he can't get in the team when the team is struggling at the bottom of the table and battling for points, then it seems unlikely that he'll be playing more regularly next season when De Zerbi has had a chance to bring his own players in.

If that is the case then a move away makes sense for all parties, and Paris FC may finally be able to get their man.

Tottenham Hotspur are likely to be one of the busier teams when the summer transfer window opens, with new head coach Roberto De Zerbi ready to transform his playing squad.

And it will not just be incomings where there is big change, but outgoings too.

Much will depend on which division Spurs find themselves in, with the Lilywhites in a battle to avoid relegation to the Championship with West Ham United. Spurs sit one point outside the bottom three, with three games of the 2025/26 campaign to play.

Three players are definitely leaving the club

A few players are likely to depart, however, regardless of which division the club are in.

Ben Davies and Yves Bissouma see their contract in N17 expire this summer and they will be leaving the club, with no sign of a contract extension for either of them.

Loan players Randal Kolo Muani and Joao Palhinha will return to parent clubs Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich respectively, but there was a major update in the case of Palhinha this week, when De Zerbi was asked about triggering an option to buy the Portuguese midfielder.

"100%," he said when asked if he would like to keep Palhinha at the club next season. "We have to start from this type of people. More than players, we need reliable people, reliable players. Palhinha is one of the best, as a player for sure, but as a guy. I want to see the player with the same passion, the same attitude, the same spirit, the same personality, and we are lucky to have with us Palhinha."

That is a slight change from previous reported plans for the shake-up.

GIVEMESPORT reported on two other players - Radu Dragusin and Pape Matar Sarr - that were named in a report by Romania Journal as being on the transfer list too.

But there are a number of others that are likely to be on the selling list too.

There is a feeling around the club that captain Cristian Romero has played his last game for Spurs and that he will be allowed to leave this summer.

Spurs ready to listen to offers for four players

GMS senior football correspondent Ben Jacobs said this week: "My information on Cristian Romero is he will depart even if Tottenham stay in the Premier League, or at least there's a high likelihood of that. It would be a begrudging exit for Tottenham."

Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is another who has been linked with an exit, with Inter Milan heavily tipped to make a move to sign him in the summer transfer window.

Jacobs added on the Italian: "I think Tottenham are resigned and almost prepared to endorse as well, certain exits, whether they go down or stay up and Vicario probably falls into a category of a mutual parting of ways, because I can foresee a situation where Tottenham go out in the market and try and sign a new No.1 goalkeeper, and Inter Milan and Vicario is the plot line to keep an eye on there."

Jacobs also revealed that two other Spurs players could be up for grabs in the transfer market.

"You have older players, for example, Richarlison, or even Dom Solanke, that Tottenham might be open to offers for," he revealed.

Tottenham could convince Luka Vuskovic to stay at the club with a significant salary increase amid interest in the 19-year-old defender from Barcelona.

The teenager has had a fantastic loan spell in the Bundesliga with Hamburg this campaign, making 26 appearances in the German top-flight and scoring five goals. Additionally, he has only received five yellow cards all season.

The Croatian joined Spurs from Hajduk Split last summer but joined Hamburg on loan for the season before the last summer transfer window closed. He is yet to make a competitive appearance for the Lilywhites.

Vuskovic in line for ‘massive’ pay rise

According to Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, Tottenham are “desperate” to keep hold of Vuskovic, who “is in line for a massive salary increase”.

The 19-year-old is attracting the interest of “top clubs” with Plettenberg adding that the defender’s agent Pini Zahavi is holding talks with Barcelona about the teenager.

It appears as though Hamburg will struggle to bring the Croatian back next season on either a permanent or loan deal, even after safety was confirmed in their first Bundesliga campaign for seven years.

Tottenham will have to stay up to keep Vuskovic

With the young defender subject to major speculation, it appears as though Tottenham will have to ensure they maintain their Premier League status if they are to have any hope of keeping hold of Vuskovic.

Roberto De Zerbi has overseen an upturn in results lately with back-to-back wins against Aston Villa and Wolves, which have seen the Lilywhites leapfrog West Ham United out of the relegation zone. Spurs are currently just one point above the Hammers with three games to go, while Nottingham Forest are five points ahead in 16th.

Conceding goals has been a major issue for the north London outfit this campaign, with just West Ham (61), Burnley (71) and Wolves (63) conceding more goals in the Premier League than their 54.

Therefore, regardless of the outcome of this season, defensive reinforcement will be a necessity and De Zerbi could inherit the ideal solution without having to pay a penny when Vuskovic returns from his loan spell.

Spurs have built a reputation for using youth in recent years with Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, Souza, Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert amongst the young talents who have been frequent contributors over the past two seasons.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has made a U-turn on the future of Joao Palhinha and now wants him to stay beyond this season, according to The Times.

The Portugal international joined Spurs on an initial season-long loan deal from Bayern Munich last summer, and has been a regular in the team that is now battling against relegation, sitting just one point above the drop zone with three games remaining of the campaign.

Plans are already beginning to be made for next season, despite the club not being sure of what division they will be in, and the manager has now made a decision on the future of Palhinha beyond this summer.

De Zerbi Wants Palhinha to Stay

De Zerbi was speaking before Spurs' clash with Leeds United on Monday night, when he was asked about the future of Palhinha and whether he wants the 30-year-old to stay.

“One hundred per cent," he said.

"We have to start from this type of people. More than players, we need reliable people, reliable players. Palhinha is one of the best, as a player for sure, but as a guy. I want to see the players with the same passion, the same attitude, the same spirit, the same personality, and we are lucky to have Palhinha with us.”

Spurs hold the option to make Palhinha's move from Bayern permanent for around £26m, but they could try to renegotiate the clause to a lower fee, knowing that the Bundesliga champions have no interest in keeping him.

Palhinha is also one of the club's highest-earning players, which could leave the club with a major decision to make if they are unable to avoid relegation and end up in the Championship. It's also noted that they could push for another loan deal.

De Zerbi Makes Palhinha U-Turn

Tottenham are expecting some major changes within their playing squad this summer, and getting some experience through the door would be a big coup, especially with his performances in recent times.

Palhinha has some clear deficiencies in his game with his poor passing, but he makes up for it with his reading of the game, his aggression, his determination, and his ability to break up the game of the opponents.

After starting on the bench in De Zerbi's first three games, Palhinha got the winner against Wolves and then shone against Aston Villa, making him a key player, and now seeing his future look set to remain in north London.

Another weekend has gone past and while not mathematic it is now between two for that last Premier League relegation spot.

Nottingham Forest's impressive win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, despite having made eight changes to their team as they had one eye on the Europa League semi-final second leg against Aston Villa - that did not go to plan - move Vitor Pereira's men away from the tussle between West Ham and Tottenham and all-but to safety.

One point separates 17th-placed Spurs and 18th-placed West Ham, with one of the two to join Burnley and Wolverhampton Wanderers in slipping through the trap door to the Championship come the end of the season.

Tottenham are in the driving seat now

Spurs gained the upper hand last weekend, picking up a huge morale-boosting win over Aston Villa, having seen the Hammers slump to a 3-0 defeat to Brentford the day before.

And it is the Lilywhites who have the more favourable-looking fixtures in the last three matches, albeit that can have little impact at this stage of the campaign.

Betfair ambassador Alan Shearer deivers his predictions for the full week's action every week and he has had his say on what he thinks is going to happen in the relegation battle this weekend.

West Ham play first once again, with a Sunday afternoon clash with title-chasing Arsenal at the London Stadium.

Shearer said: "I think West Ham were really poor defensively at Brentford last weekend. They gave too many chances away, too many goals.

"I think Arsenal will win this weekend having that belief and confidence that they've got at the club now, knowing that it's such a tough game, but I'm just going to edge on the side of Arsenal taking the three points, which would put West Ham in a difficult position in terms of relegation."

De Zerbi is getting results at just the right time

Such a result would give Tottenham a huge boost as they take on Leeds United on Monday Night Football, with the Whites knowing they will be safe from relegation if West Ham fail to beat Arsenal.

Shearer added: "Leeds are going to play a huge part in who gets relegated, because they play both Spurs and West Ham. It’s fascinating, but I think with what I saw from Spurs last week, they may just have enough now to stay up.

"And I guess with the energy that they showed the other day, I think they'll have enough to beat Leeds at home.

"Roberto De Zerbi has got a shift out of those players, and you didn't see any of that six or seven weeks ago. It looks a brilliant move now to bring De Zerbi in when they did."