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The battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League took another twist at the weekend, with results this time going in Tottenham Hotspur's favour.

After picking up their first win of 2026 last week with a narrow 1-0 victory away at already relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers, Spurs made it back-to-back wins for the first time since the first two games of the season with a priceless 2-1 triumph away at Aston Villa.

Tottenham had been handed a major boost having seen their closest relegation rivals West Ham get beaten 3-0 by Brentford on Saturday afternoon, opening the door to the Lilywhites.

Their win over Villa means Spurs are now outside the bottom three, leading the Hammers by one point in the battle to avoid the drop to the Championship.

It has also brought Nottingham Forest back into the equation slightly, with Vitor Pereira's side now just three points above the drop zone, albeit with a game in hand. That game in hand comes at Stamford Bridge on Monday afternoon.

With just a few fixtures left in the 2025/26 season, GIVEMESPORT analyses the run-ins of the three teams who are in danger of demotion to the Championship.

Nottingham Forest Target Six Points From Four Games

As we mentioned above, Forest have four games to play, having not played their weekend fixture just yet.

First up, as we've said, it's Chelsea away on Monday afternoon. The Blues are winless in their last five matches and Forest could be targeting three points, albeit with one eye on their UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg against Villa to come on Thursday.

After that, Forest host Newcastle United on Sunday, May 10, before a trip to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United on Sunday, May 17.

Forest's final game of the season is at home to Bournemouth, who may be chasing a European spot.

Six points keeps Forest up, given their superior goal difference to West Ham, and they will be targeting the home games against the Magpies and the Cherries to get the job done.

May 4 - Chelsea vs Forest

May 10 - Forest vs Newcastle

May 17 - Man Utd vs Forest

May 24 - Forest vs Bournemouth

Tottenham Have Key Home Games

Spurs have put themselves in the driving seat - at least when it comes to the battle between them and West Ham - by beating Aston Villa away and moving out of the drop zone.

A home game with Leeds United comes next week - on Monday night - and they know they could move further out of trouble with a win because of the fixture the Hammers have on the Sunday afternoon - more on that shortly.

Then it's a midweek fixture away at Chelsea, which looks tough on paper because Spurs never win at Stamford Bridge, but in the mess the Blues find themselves in, Spurs will fancy a result.

Then, on the final day, it's Everton at home. The Tofffees are one of the teams Spurs have a very strong record against in the Premier League and if they need a win, they will go into it with confidence.

May 11 - Tottenham vs Leeds

May 19 - Chelsea vs Tottenham

May 24 - Tottenham vs Everton

West Ham Have The Toughest Looking Run-In

The Hammers are now in the bottom three and looking up at those above them and wondering if they will be able to fight their way out of trouble.

Next weekend they are at home, but face probably the toughest home match of all against league leaders Arsenal, who are gunning for the title.

After that, the Hammers make the long trip to St James' Park to take on a Newcastle side who were in the mire but picked up a much-needed three points against Brighton on Saturday.

Then, if it comes dow to it, West Ham play host to Leeds United on the final day of the season. That looks to be their easiest route to points between now and the end of the campaign, but will it be enough?

May 10 - West Ham vs Arsenal

May 17 - Newcastle vs West Ham

May 24 - West Ham vs Leeds

Tottenham Hotspur moved out of the Premier League relegation zone and boosted their chances of staving off relegation to the Championship as they beat Aston Villa 2-1 at Villa Park on Sunday.

Tottenham made the trip to the Midlands knowing that a win would take them out of the drop zone and above West Ham United, after the Irons were beaten 3-0 by Brentford on Saturday.

Spurs are now one point above their London neighbours going into the final three games, and they have put the pressure on Nottingham Forest ahead of their trip to Chelsea on Monday night.

Vitor Pereira's men are now just three points above the bottom three with three games to go, with it looking like it could be a genuine possibility that more than 40 points could be needed to guarantee survival.

Tottenham's next game is a huge one at home to Leeds United that could see them reach 40 points with two games to go, and they will be hoping for a rare favour from Arsenal, who face West Ham at the London Stadium prior to their kick-off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Monday night.

Leeds are in 14th on 43 points and will feel that they are safe ahead of the trip to north London.

Gallagher 'Amazing' in Tottenham Win Against Villa

Tottenham fans will have been unsure about whether Gallagher was the right signing for the club after his first few months in a white shirt, where he underwhelmed as the club's long winless run of 2026 went on and on.

The £200,000-a-week midfielder began to see his starts limited under Igor Tudor, but he has looked a different player since Roberto De Zerbi took charge.

The Italian clearly likes the Englishman and has put his arm around him to try and engineer some better performances out of him, and it's worked.

Not only was the 26-year-old everywhere and like a man possessed at Villa Park, but he also scored his first goal for the club to give them lead against Unai Emery's side.

Post-match, De Zerbi called him 'amazing' and said when he is starting it is like having 12 players, which is quite the compliment.

De Zerbi Must Build Around Bentancur

While Gallagher was pivotal to Tottenham's win in the Midlands, it is his midfield partner Rodrigo Bentancur that De Zerbi must build his Spurs team around to lift them back up the Premier League table.

Tottenham's winless run extended from December 28 until April 25 and of those 15 matches, Bentancur was only available for four of them.

Since his return from a hamstring injury, Spurs have taken seven points from a possible nine, and it was almost nine from nine before Georginio Rutter's late equaliser for Brighton and Hove Albion.

Unsurprisingly, the Uruguay international, who cost an initial £16m in 2022, came off in the second half against Villa because of tiredness, after an insane display in the Midlands.

It was another tireless performance that showed he must be one of the first names on the team-sheet in the new De Zerbi era.

The door has been left ajar for Tottenham Hotspur in the battle to avoid relegation to the Championship.

Spurs sit 18th in the Premier League table, two points adrift of safefty with only four games of the season to play.

However, it could have been much worse than that heading into their game with Aston Villa on Sunday night.

West Ham had the chance to increase the gap between the two London rivals to five points on Saturday afternoon, but failed to do so, slipping to a demoralising 3-0 defeat at the hands of Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Aston Villa's Focus May Not Be On Tottenham

That will have handed Roberto De Zerbi and the Spurs players a boost as they prepare to take on Unai Emery's side at Villa Park. Villa may have one eye on their midweek fixture with Nottingham Forest in the UEFA Europa League semi-final, having lost the first leg 1-0 at the City Ground on Thursday.

They need to turn the tie around if they are to make it to the final and with UEFA Champions League football via the Premier League almost guaranteed, Spurs will be hoping the Villans focus is slightly awry and that they can take full advantage.

They will have to do so without a couple more key players, with Xavi Simons and Dominic Solanke added to the injury list in N17 and not part of the squad that has made the trip to the Midlands.

Tottenham are desperate for all three points that would take them out of the bottom three and put them back in the driving seat of their own destiny come the end of the campaign.

Betfair ambassador Alan Shearer is not convinced they will get them though.

Doing his weekly predictions for the round of Premier League matches, the former Newcastle United man said: "Spurs have to somehow find a way to go again and win the game. Aston Villa are in Europe on Thursday and had a really tough game but Spurs have injuries to Xavi Simons, and it looks as if Solanke is out so I'm going to go for an Aston Villa home win taking all things into account.

Alan Shearer Has Already Got One Prediction Wrong

"The injuries are to two key players. I mean, Simons scored a wonderful goal a couple of weeks ago. It’s horrible to see he’s injured his ACL and I have huge sympathy for him. Spurs haven’t exactly been flying and sticking in goals left, right, and centre, but nevertheless, it's still a blow for Spurs.

"I think Villa will have too much for them on Sunday especially at home."

Tottenham fans will be hoping the Premier League's all-time top goalscorer is off with another prediction, having backed West Ham to get a draw at Brentford.

Tottenham were handed a huge relegation boost on Saturday after biggest rivals for the drop West Ham failed to pick up any points from their encounter with Brentford.

The Bees ran out comfortable 3-0 winners at the Gtech Community Stadium, leaving the Hammers two points clear of Spurs at the bottom of the Premier League table having played a game more.

That means Tottenham can move out of the bottom three with victory in their game against Aston Villa on Sunday evening - no mean feat of course since Spurs' win over Wolves last weekend was their first of 2026.

Two More Spurs Players Join Injury List

Tottenham would even close the gap to Nottingham Forest to just two points, with Vitor Pereira's side not in action until Monday afternoon, when they take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Spurs head coach will have some difficult decisions to make in his starting lineup, with a dearth of options available to him given the horrific injury list in N17.

Xavi Simons and Dominic Solanke joined their teammates on the sidelines following the win over Wolves last weekend, meaning that eight players will miss the trip to Villa Park.

At the back, Antonin Kinsky will start in goal, with De Zerbi confirming in his press conference that Guglielmo Vicario was not ready to return to the squad just yet.

Ahead of him there are not too many decisions to make. Pedro Porro starts at right-back, with Kevin Danso and Micky van de Ven in the centre. The main decision comes at left-back.

De Zerbi said on Destiny Udogie: "Udogie can be available, yes. I don't know if at the beginning of the game or in the second half, but he's available, yes."

The fact he even brought up the beginning of the game suggests he will be on the bench, meaning Djed Spence starts.

Then ahead of them in the two in midfield, Rodrigo Bentancur has to start. He has made a huge difference to the side since returning from injury and is an outlet for the defenders, getting the ball on the half turn.

Alongside him it could be Conor Gallagher or Yves Bissouma and we're going to go for the energy and more forward-thinking Bissouma.

Is James Maddison Fit To Play Against Aston Villa?

Tottenham's biggest problem will be their creativity. James Maddison has returned to the squad, but is not likely to be ready to start games. De Zerbi said on Friday: "I would like to play with him, because he's a special player, he's a different player, but we have to consider the physical condition, a lot of things. But I think he can be important in the next three games."

Spurs have four games left, so perhaps De Zerbi referencing the "next three games" was more looking at the final three fixtures of the season.

Lucas Bergvall is not a 10, nor is Gallagher, nor Archie Gray. It may well be squre pegs in round holes here. Pape Matar Sarr should return from injury and we're going to go with him in there, with Mathys Tel off the left and Randal Kolo Muani off the right, supporting Richarlison through the middle.

The UEFA Europa League triumph apart, it has felt like Tottenham have been sleepwalking into a major crisis for some time now.

And that crisis is happening right before our eyes with the battle to avoid relegation to the Championship.

With this season now coming to an end, one of the so-called big six in the Premier League have only finished in the top six in three of the seven seasons since Mauricio Pochettino was sacked.

The Argentine had led Spurs to five consecutive top-six finishes in his five seasons in charge, with four straight top-four finishes.

Finishing 17th last year and likely to finish either 17th or 18th this year, the cracks that have been emerging since Pochettino left the club are widening.

Tottenham Have Tried Everything To Secure Success

Roberto De Zerbi - Spurs' third manager this season - has been tasked with not only papering over the cracks, but re-affirming the foundations of the club and getting things back on an even keel in north London.

The Italian will want to do that from the comfort of the Premier League, rather than having to rebuild in the Championship next season, but that requires four big results between now and the end of the season to get themselves out of trouble.

If Tottenham do go down, however, it would give credence to a long-held belief of Pochettino's that has not been heeded.

The now USA manager told Spurs chiefs that a "painful rebuild" was required after the UEFA Champions League final defeat to Liverpool in 2019. That rebuild was not forthcoming and Pochettino was sacked months later.

Spurs have struggled to recover ever since, trying various different methods to try to get back on track - born winners in Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte, pragmatic coaches in Nuno Espirito Santo and Thomas Frank, Tottenham style managers in Ange Postecoglou and now De Zerbi. But while the playing squad has changed it has never truly evolved into anything better.

The likes of Hugo Lloris, Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and others were replaced by lesser players over the years and it has shown on the pitch.

The Pochettino era will finally come to an end this summer, however, as the last remaining member of the playing squad from the Argentine's time at the club will say goodbye.

Ben Davies has been a Spurs stalwart, giving 12 years of his career to the Lilywhites, but with his contract ending, so too is his time in north London, with no extension to be awarded.

It will be back-to-back seasons in which Tottenham have struggled at the wrong end of the Premier League table and De Zerbi must be given time and funds to make the requisite changes at the club - the ones he can influence at least - in order to get Spurs back where they belong.

De Zerbi needs to completely hit the reset button and be ruthless with the owners and with the playing squad, stripping back and starting again afresh.

Pochettino Explains Transfer Strategy Is Not Just About Buying Players

Speaking on the Overlap this week, Pochettino said: "When you see the first game when Jurgen Klopp arrived was against us and then a few years after when we played the final of the Champions League, you see it was a completely new team, while we kept the same structure.

"It's not only about money, sometimes players that are good don't belong anymore in certain clubs. If you don't remove, these players maybe are impossible to improve or increase their level and that for me is key for all projects. Make the decision to be right not only in players that you want, but also when is the moment when players don't belong anymore? That's when things are maybe not in line."

Pochettino knew in 2019 and maybe before that he needed to change things, not just slightly, but hugely, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. He was not able to and was given the boot. De Zerbi now must make sure wholesale changes that are required, are made.

That may, however, depend on which division Tottenham find themselves in...

Tottenham Hotspur are facing a battle to stay in the Premier League next season, but they are already making plans for the upcoming summer window in case they are able to do it.

Spurs sit two points adrift of safety in the relegation zone with four games remaining, but have a chance to move out of 18th with a win over Aston Villa on Sunday following West Ham's 3-0 defeat to Brentford on Saturday afternoon.

Manager Roberto De Zerbi is looking ahead to next season already and how he will be able to shape his squad should they stay in the top-flight, and he has already identified one midfield star he wants to bring to the club ahead of rivals Arsenal and Chelsea.

Tottenham Eyeing Noah Sadiki Deal

According to a report by Caught Offside, Spurs are among a number of clubs paying close attention to the situation surrounding Sunderland star Noah Sadiki this summer.

The DR Congo international joined the Black Cats last summer and has been a standout performer as they have enjoyed a fantastic campaign, which has seen him attract the attention of a number of top clubs in the division.

Described as 'incredible', Tottenham are keen to make their long-standing interest more concrete, but must first find out what league they will be playing in next season before making a play to convince him to make the switch to north London.

Sunderland have no interest in selling the 21-year-old and have put a £50m price tag on his head as a result, less than 12 months after signing him for just £14.6m, and he has a contract that runs at the Stadium of Light until 2030.

But Tottenham, and other clubs, are ready to offer him a significant pay increase to convince him to make the move, which makes the situation one to watch in the coming months.

Sadiki Could Be Perfect for New Tottenham Era

Tottenham are set to see the beginning of a brand new era at the club next season, regardless of what division they will be playing in, but especially if they stay in the top flight.

The club need strengthening in a number of areas already, but several top stars are expected to be on the move too, which will open up spots for players to come in and make the shirt their own.

Sadiki has proven he is more than ready to play in the Premier League, and at the highest level, and Spurs would be the perfect platform for him to go in and shine, with De Zerbi always keen on energetic midfielders who have quality. He'd be a key player and the face of the new era in north London, and at £50m, that's a bargain in today's market.

Manchester United are planning a big-money move to sign Tottenham Hotspur star Micky Van de Ven this summer, with a meeting already planned over his future, according to Caught Offside.

The Red Devils are expected to be busy in the summer window to strengthen their squad, while Spurs are likely to lose a number of stars after another horrific season, which could yet end in relegation to the Championship, as they sit two points adrift of safety with just four games remaining.

One position they are looking to strengthen is centre-back, and the Netherlands international has emerged as a target, with his situation in north London increasingly unsteady.

Man Utd Ready to Move for Van de Ven

Van de Ven, who has been described as 'world-class', is understood to be unhappy at Tottenham after another season battling at the bottom of the league, and is said to be pushing for a move away at the end of the campaign.

Man Utd are one of the clubs showing a strong interest in the 25-year-old, although Spurs are fighting to keep him, and have slapped an £80m asking price on his head as a result. However, that price could drop significantly if they are relegated, which has kept United on alert.

Speaking to Caught Offside, one source revealed that the player has already scheduled a meeting to talks to club chiefs at Spurs over his future once the season comes to an end.

“Van de Ven will meet with Tottenham at the end of the season, whether they stay up or not,” one source said. “For now his full focus is on keeping them in the Premier League, but he’ll be aware that clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United are interested, and that could put pressure on Tottenham.”

Alongside the £80m asking price, it's also reported that Van de Ven would likely demand a contract worth around £200,000-a-week at his new club.

Van De Ven Not Worth The Gamble

While Van de Ven has got some outstanding attributes, there are also some glaring flaws in his game that should make a club like Man Utd take note before splashing the cash to bring him in.

His electric pace and aerial threat are always a big help, but he often loses concentration when defending, and his mentality can also be questioned when you consider how Tottenham have performed as a whole this season.

With so much business expected to happen at Old Trafford this summer, it's highly unlikely that it would be worthwhile to them to spend a huge chunk of their budget on him when they already have the options they have, and it's a deal they should probably think twice about.

Everton are seriously interested in re-signing Tottenham Hotspur striker Richarlison this summer, according to reports.

The Toffees are believed to be assessing attacking options ahead of the transfer window reopening, and Richarlison remains firmly on their radar.

The Brazilian is viewed internally as a strong fit for David Moyes’ system and could be available on a low-cost deal, given he has just over 12 months remaining on his Tottenham contract.

Richarlison joined Spurs from Everton in the summer of 2022 and has since scored 30 goals in 129 appearances for the north London club.

Everton Keen on Re-Signing Richarlison

According to TEAMtalk, Everton are closely monitoring developments over Richarlison’s future at Tottenham and are fully aware of his contract situation.

Spurs could face a major decision on the Brazilian in the coming weeks, particularly if they suffer relegation from the Premier League.

The north London side would struggle to retain the 'outstanding' forward should they drop to the Championship, and the scenario would significantly increase Everton’s chances of securing a summer move.

Richarlison is believed to be open to a return to Merseyside, viewing a move back to Everton as a ‘dream’ this summer.

However, any advanced negotiations between the clubs are unlikely to take place before the season concludes, with Tottenham focused on their survival battle.

Richarlison has been Spurs’ top scorer this Premier League campaign, netting nine times and providing four assists in 28 league appearances.

The Brazilian spent four seasons at Everton after joining from Watford in the summer of 2018, scoring 53 goals and providing 15 assists in 152 appearances in all competitions.

Everton Eyeing Nestory Irankunda

Everton appear to be considering attacking reinforcements ahead of the summer, with Watford winger Nestory Irankunda on their radar.

According to reports, the Toffees are one of the sides showing interest in the Australia international, along with Premier League rivals Crystal Palace.

Irankunda only joined Watford from Bayern Munich last summer, making 42 appearances in his first season at Vicarage Road, scoring four goals.

Bayern are believed to have inserted a buy-back clause into the deal, as well as a 50% sell-on fee, which could be key in any potential transfer negotiations.

Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed that his side have received a major injury boost ahead of their game against Aston Villa.

Spurs are preparing to face Aston Villa as they battle to remain in the Premier League with just four games remaining.

Tottenham have a host of injury troubles heading into this one, as they have done all campaign, and their situation was worsened when it was confirmed that Xavi Simons has been ruled out for the season.

Dominic Solanke also suffered an injury last time out against Wolves, and he's been ruled out of the game against Villa.

De Zerbi won't be able to believe how unfortunate Tottenham have been when it comes to injuries, but he has received a boost ahead of this clash.

De Zerbi: Big Tottenham Injury Boost

Speaking to the media ahead of Tottenham's crucial clash against Aston Villa in the Premier League, manager De Zerbi confirmed that Pape Matar Sarr will be available.

The Spurs midfielder returned to training on Friday and is in contention to be in the squad against Villa.

"Today was the first day with the group, but he worked very well. He’s available, yes. I have not decided yet the starting XI."

It's a major boost for Tottenham as they prepare to face Unai Emery's side, especially considering the injury troubles they are already having to contend with.

Aston Villa also have some injury issues with Amadou Onana, a confirmed absentee after picking up a problem against Nottingham Forest.

Sarr Could Replace Xavi Simons

De Zerbi now has a decision to make as to whether to play Sarr from the start, given his recent injury troubles.

There's a chance he comes straight in to replace Simons, but it could depend on whether James Maddison is fit enough to play.

Maddison has been involved in the last few Tottenham squads, but he has yet to come off the bench to make his return from a serious knee injury.

If the former Leicester City midfielder is available, it certainly wouldn't be a surprise to see him named in the starting 11, which would be another boost for the North London club.

Tottenham Hotspur will be putting together two plans for the summer transfer window as Roberto De Zerbi and his players continue their quest to keep the club in the Premier League.

With four matches left to play, Tottenham find themselves in the unthinkable position of being two points from safety, with it looking like it's either them or London rivals West Ham United who will be heading down to the Championship.

Spurs will take some confidence from picking up their first league win of 2026 against Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend, but it was a blow to see West Ham and Nottingham Forest also win on the same matchday.

Forest are five points clear of the drop zone and will surely feel that another win should be enough to guarantee their safety, with the pressure on the two London clubs to pick up wins.

De Zerbi's side travel to Champions League chasing Aston Villa on Sunday, with their injury problems continuing to mount up.

The Italian manager lost Xavi Simons and Dominic Solanke at Molineux, with the former suffering a ruptured ACL that will keep him on the sidelines for months, while the latter's grade two hamstring tear could rule him out for the remainder of the campaign.

Tottenham 'Make Offer' to AC Milan Midfielder Youssouf Fofana

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Tottenham are one of two Premier League clubs to make an offer to the entourage of AC Milan midfielder Youssouf Fofana ahead of the summer transfer window.

Presumably, the France international would be on their shortlist should De Zerbi keep the club in the top flight, rather than if they suffer relegation to the Championship.

Of course, Tottenham have already lined up two more signings dependent on their survival, in Liverpool's Andy Robertson and Bournemouth's Marcos Senesi, who would be on course to join on free transfers with their contracts expiring at the end of the season.

AC Milan are said to be willing to consider suitable offers for the 27-year-old, who they believe has lost no value following his €25m (£21.5m) move from Monaco in 2024.

De Zerbi Would Love Fofana at Tottenham

When Fofana moved to the San Siro from Monaco, he was known as a defensive midfielder who sat in front of the defence.

While the Frenchman has played the same role for AC Milan at times, under Max Allegri he has found himself often used as a right-sided central midfielder in the Italian's preferred 3-5-2 system.

Fofana would likely revert to a deeper role in De Zerbi's 4-2-3-1 system if he did move to the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, but there is no doubt that the 46-year-old will love his traits.

Not only has he been labelled as 'incredible' by teammate Malick Thiaw for the work he goes through without the ball, he has also confirmed that he relishes taking risks when he is on the ball, which is something De Zerbi will admire.

Tottenham need a big rebuild if they do manage to stay up, and signing a player of Fofana's experience and calibre for around £20m is a bit of a no-brainer. No wonder they are already reaching out to his representatives over a deal.