London Evening Standard

Tottenham chances of Premier League relegation revealed after Leeds draw

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Tottenham are now favourites to be relegated from the Premier League, according to Opta.

West Ham’s 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace on Monday has kept Spurs within touching distance of the Hammers, but Opta has still given them a 56.93 percent chance of being relegated, while 17th-placed West Ham have been given a 38.58 percent chance of dropping into the Championship.

Following Leeds’ stoppage-time draw with Bournemouth on Wednesday evening, Daniel Farke’s side are now nine points clear of the bottom three, albeit having played a game more than the clubs around them.

Leeds are all but safe and have been given a 0.21 percent chance of being relegated, while Nottingham Forest have similarly favourable odds of 4.27 percent, following their 4-1 win over Burnley last Sunday.

Heading into this weekend’s fixtures, Spurs know they have to pick up a win, their first of the calendar year, away to bottom-of-the-table Wolves on Saturday.

Failure to do so and West Ham could put daylight between themselves and the bottom three with a win at home to Everton.

Roberto De Zerbi remains optimistic about Spurs’ chances of staying up, but knows that he has a difficult task on his hands as he looks to pick up his side after they conceded a 95th-minute equaliser against Brighton.

Wolves vs Tottenham: Prediction, kick-off time, TV, live stream, team news, h2h results, odds

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Spurs are staring down the barrel of a stunning relegation

Oli Gent

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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau

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It is do or die for Tottenham in their battle to stay in the Premier League, and they have another must-win game on their hands this weekend when they take on Wolves.

Roberto De Zerbi still has not won a game since taking over from Igor Tudor in north London, and the Italian sees his side occupy the final place in the relegation zone with five matches to play.

Burnley were the second side to have their relegation confirmed after their midweek defeat by Manchester City, which saw Pep Guardiola’s side leapfrog Arsenal into top spot.

Rob Edwards’ Wolves were condemned to the drop after West Ham drew 0-0 with Crystal Palace last week.

Now, the Black Country club could help drag Spurs into the second tier with them, with the north Londoners two points adrift of safety.

Date, kick-off time and venue

Wolves vs Tottenhan is scheduled for a 3pm BST kick-off on Saturday, April 25 2026.

The match will take place at Molineux.

Where to watch Wolves vs Tottenham

TV channel: In the UK, the game will not be televised live as it lands during the 3pm Saturday blackout.

Free highlights: The Sky Sports app and YouTube channel will show highlights from 5.15pm with Match of the Day broadcasting on BBC One at 10.30pm BST.

Wolves vs Tottenham team news

Wolves have seven men out for this game.

Sam Johnstone, who had established himself as first-choice goalkeeper, is likely out for the season with a shoulder injury, while Jose Sa is also struggling with a shoulder problem of his own.

Should both be ruled out, it could mean that third-choice shot-stopper Daniel Bentley keeps his place after starting in the 3-0 loss at Leeds.

Matt Doherty could return after he missed the last two matches with a niggle, while midfielder Angel Gomes is touch and go with a toe injury.

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Ladislav Krejci suffered whiplash at Leeds, and Enso Gonzalez is out for the remainder of the campaign with a knee problem.

Yerson Mosquera is suspended.

For Spurs, it is a case of same old, same old.

Cristian Romero is the biggest casualty, ruled out for the season with a knee injury that he suffered against Sunderland.

Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario remains sidelined with a hernia problem, while Wilson Odobert, Dejan Kulusevski, Mohammed Kudus and Ben Davies are all longer-term absentees.

James Maddison, who has recovered from an ACL injury that he suffered during pre-season, was on the substitutes’ bench for the 2-2 draw with Brighton, but he didn’t make it onto the pitch to complete his comeback.

Wolves vs Tottenham prediction

Spurs simply must win this game. There is no two ways about it.

They have not won in the Premier League since December, but they have to snap that rotten record if they are serious about staying in the top flight.

Wolves are wounded after their own relegation was confirmed, and they could be motivated knowing that Spurs could provide them with a huge away day in the second tier next term.

Tottenham to win, 2-1

Head to head (h2h) history and results

Wolves wins: 34

Spurs wins: 52

Draws: 23

Wolves vs Tottenham match odds

Wolves to win: 10/3

Spurs to win: 8/13

Draw: 12/5

Odds via Betfair (subject to change).

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Forget West Ham, new Tottenham relegation rival revealed as run-in predicted

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Spurs are deep in relegation trouble as run-in goes to wire

New rival: Roberto De Zerbi

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Oli Gent

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Tottenham could have another rival in their bid to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

Things are looking bleak for Spurs, who are sat in the drop zone with five games remaining this term.

Roberto De Zerbi has recently arrived at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to try and turn the club’s fortunes around, but the Italian is still waiting for his first win as head coach after watching his side draw 2-2 with Brighton and Hove Albion at the weekend.

Spurs led 2-1 going into the final knockings in north London, but conceded a gutting late equaliser when Georginio Rutter popped up to break his former boss’ heart.

The draw kept Spurs in the bottom three, and they were dealt a further blow on Monday night when West Ham drew with Crystal Palace to move two points clear of Tottenham.

Now, however, Jamie Carragher and former Irons striker Dean Ashton believe there is another team that should be looking nervously over their shoulders as the season reaches its business end.

That team is Newcastle United, who slumped to a fifth defeat in their last seven in all competitions after their 2-1 loss at home to Bournemouth over the weekend.

Eddie Howe suffered defeat against his former employers, with left-back Adrien Truffert netting the decisive goal at St James’ Park.

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The result leaves the Magpies 14th in the table, on 42 points.

In trouble: Newcastle and Tottenham

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They still sit above Nottingham Forest and Leeds United, but their recent run of torrid form has made Carragher and Ashton predict them a far lower finish come May.

On Monday Night Football, the pair issued their respective game-by-game predictions for the relegation candidates, from Forest to Spurs.

The pair’s predictions showed that, on those results, Newcastle would be projected to finish 17th, one place above the dreaded dotted line.

Both pundits predicted Spurs to finish 18th, which would see De Zerbi’s men drop into the Championship.

Next up, the north London club travel to already-relegated Wolves on Saturday.

“It feels like a game that Tottenham have to win by any means - by hook, or by crook,” Carragher said.

“I’ve seen Wolves enough where they’ve played against the top sides at home and got points. They put in a really poor performance against Leeds and they’re relegated now. I don’t know whether that will affect them.

“They’ve not won a Premier League game since December. It’s unbelievable,

“To think you can go to an away game and just win. I can’t see them losing the game - of course they could - but teams do go there and find it difficult.”

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'Preferably they stay up': Arsenal FC legend makes Tottenham relegation admission

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Former Arsenal legend Lauren has admitted that he wants Tottenham to stay in the Premier League next term.

Spurs are in serious danger of a shock relegation from the top flight, and currently sit in the drop zone.

Roberto De Zerbi has recently taken over at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with the principle aim of the campaign to keep the north Londoners afloat.

That could prove a tricky task, with Spurs winless in the league since December last year. Last time out, they surrendered a 2-1 lead late on as Brighton salvaged a 2-2 draw.

“As an Arsenal fan there is a game we want to see every single season, and that is the north London derby against Tottenham,” Lauren said.

“I don’t think Tottenham going down would be good news for Arsenal fans or the Premier League in general.

“It’s good to play them and beat them and I want that to continue. Tottenham relegation would be a big shock to the Premier League but preferably, I would see them stay up and we take some points off them again next season.”

Arsenal may have bigger fish to fry than worrying about what their north London rivals are doing, with the Gunners almost reeled in by Manchester City at the other end of the Premier League table.

Mikel Arteta’s men are three points clear of Pep Guardiola’s side, but City have a game in hand on the Gunners and sliced their rivals’ lead on Sunday with a 2-1 win at the Etihad Stadium.

While pressure will build on Arteta should Arsenal not win the title, Lauren believes that it would be ludicrous to get rid of the Spaniard.

“All the talk of Arteta being at risk and Arsenal winning no trophies needs to stop,” the ex-defender said.

“I don’t think that way, because I think Arsenal are going to win the Premier League. I’m positive, I am confident. Losing against Manchester City has not ended the race for the title.

Tottenham injury update: Cristian Romero, Guglielmo Vicario, Mohammed Kudus latest news and return dates

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Clouds beginning to part as Spurs welcome fresh faces back into contention

Sidelined: Guglielmo Vicario, Cristian Romero, Mohammed Kudus

Getty / London Standard

Arthur Ferridge

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Tottenham fell narrowly short of a crucial win over Brighton on Saturday, but had some positive injury news to brighten the mood.

Roberto De Zerbi’s side remain in the relegation zone after sharing the points with the Seagulls, but the Italian will surely take comfort in a vastly improved performance.

That was down in no small part to an assured midfield display from Rodrigo Bentancur, who played for the first time since suffering a serious hamstring injury in January.

There was also room in the matchday squad for James Maddison, who was named to the bench for the first time this season after suffering a ruptured ACL last summer.

His presence will be a huge boost for Spurs as they face another relegation six-pointer this weekend, visiting Wolves.

With that in mind, here is all the latest Tottenham injury news and potential return dates...

Cristian Romero

Cristian Romero is out for the season after suffering a serious knee injury against Sunderland last weekend.

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He collided with Antonin Kinsky and was forced off, with De Zerbi later confirming he would not return this campaign.

“Romero, I’m really sorry for him, for his injury. Romero, first of all, loves Tottenham, and the people have to know he is suffering for this injury,” De Zerbi said on Friday.

“He is suffering because he can’t play anymore for us this season, but he is a great captain for us, for Tottenham.”

As rumours claiming Romero may leave the club this summer gather pace, there is every chance he has already played his last match in a Tottenham shirt.

Potential return date: August 2026

Mohammed Kudus

Mohammed Kudus was closing in on a return to Premier League action but suffered a cruel setback earlier this month which could require a further surgery.

The Ghanaian was first injured while facing Sunderland in January and had returned to training ahead of the reverse fixture, but is now facing a much longer spell out.

A club statement read: “We can confirm that Mohammed Kudus has suffered a setback in his return from injury.

“The Ghana international forward suffered a significant quad injury during our Premier League fixture against Sunderland in January.

“He had returned to team training during the past week, however will now require further specialist review and, potentially, surgery.

“We’re all with you, Mo.”

Potential return date: Unknown

Mohammed Kudus is out for the season

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Guglielmo Vicario

Tottenham confirmed plans for Guglielmo Vicario to undergo hernia surgery ahead of the March international break, and he will soon be back in the side.

The procedure was timed so as to disrupt the Italian’s campaign as little as possible, but he has now missed two Premier League matches.

De Zerbi has described him as an ‘important character’ and will hope to welcome him back into contention next week’s trip to Wolverhampton.

Antonin Kinsky has been starting between the sticks in his absence.

Potential return date: April 25 vs Wolves (A)

Dejan Kulusevski

Dejan Kulusevski is slowly approaching match fitness and hopes to return to the pitch this season.

He is yet to play a competitive minute in this campaign after undergoing surgery on a patella injury last season. Ange Postecoglou described the injury as “just a knock” at the time.

But his recovery has not gone at all to plan and he has suffered a variety of setbacks.

He underwent a fresh surgery in February, which he himself dubbed a “small intervention.”

Dejan Kulusevski hopes to be fit in time for the World Cup despite not playing a minute of competitive football this season

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But he has set his sights on representing Sweden at this summer’s World Cup, insisting he has ‘never felt better’.

“I understand that people were worried [by the limping], but it was really for the wrong reason," he said. "It was really positive that I did this little procedure and that we were able to find the problem.

"Now everything should be good. It’s just a matter of slowly and surely coming back. I can see the light. It feels better now.

"I really have a positive feeling about [the] World Cup in two or three months. This is how the book and the chapter will end. I’m convinced of that … I'm very confident with where I am today."

Potential return date: May

James Maddison

James Maddison’s chances of playing again for Tottenham this season have been boosted significantly after he made the matchday squad to face Brighton, but did not feature.

He tore his ACL during a pre-season friendly against Newcastle and has been pictured in training, but still seems to be a while away from match fitness.

Speaking last week, De Zerbi said he was unsure whether Maddisson would play again this season. I don't want to push too much, because we lost Kudus in this way.”

He seems very likely to play a role in the run-in, though, after being named on the team-sheet for the first time this season.

Potential return date: April 25 vs Wolves (A)

James Maddison was all smiles after being named to the matchday squad as Spurs faced Brighton

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Wilson Odobert

Wilson Odobert saw his campaign cut short when he suffered an ACL rupture in while facing Newcastle in February.

He underwent surgery and is now undergoing rehabilitation at Hotspur Way.

Potential return date: Autumn 2026

Ben Davies

Ben Davies is out of contract this summer and it seems he has already played his last match for Tottenham.

Potential return date: Unknown

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Three things we learned from Tottenham draw as Roberto De Zerbi impact clear

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Sport | Football

Three things we learned from Tottenham draw as Roberto De Zerbi makes clear impact

Italian’s improvements immeasurable despite sharing points with Brighton

Sam Tabuteau

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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau

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Tottenham were left crestfallen after Georginio Rutter’s stoppage-time equaliser denied them a crucial three points in their bid for Premier League survival.

Xavi Simons looked to have struck the decisive goal to earn Spurs’ first league win of the calendar year and steer them out of the relegation zone.

Instead, it was Rutter and Brighton who had the last laugh as Spurs’ winless run in the league stretched to 15 games.

Spurs show huge improvement in galling draw

Spurs looked to be on their way to a crucial three points when Simons struck with just over 10 minutes to play to deliver a cathartic moment in a season so short of inspiration.

Nothing is ever straightforward with this club, though, and Rutter’s equaliser was a sucker punch that Spurs simply had no answers to as they sank to the ground in despair.

A draw is not a particularly useful result for Spurs, who remain in the relegation zone, but regardless, they can take great encouragement from a performance that had all the hallmarks of their spirited manager.

Georginio Rutter broke Tottenham hearts with his last-gasp equaliser

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De Zerbi has made a point of getting around his players on the training ground, holding one-to-one conversations in a bid to restore belief.

While Spurs will continue waiting for their first league win of the year, De Zerbi’s energy and confidence streamed through his side’s performance.

Heading into the final five games of the season, Spurs must take the positives from tonight’s performance, which was agressive and decisive in vital moments.

While their concentration let them down, they will know how close they came to getting three points.

James Maddison makes long-awaited return

De Zerbi downplayed James Maddison’s chances of returning to the pitch this season in his pre-match press conference.

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But in a matchday squad full of surprises, Maddison’s inclusion on the bench for the first time this season was easily the biggest shock of them all on an afternoon where his replacement took centre stage.

The English midfielder has been out since August, after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury during Spurs’ pre-season friendly with Newcastle United in South Korea.

All smiles: James Maddison is back in the fold for Tottenham

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It has been a long road to recovery for Maddison, but he has been training with the first team for a while and heading into the final five games of the season, it seems he will have a role to play.

Maddison’s return is not only a major boost for a Spurs side that has lacked a creative outlet this term, but his influence in and around the dressing room is invaluable as De Zerbi looks for leaders in the final weeks of the season.

He may not have got on the pitch, instead heading down the tunnel to watch the closing stages, but he was back on the field after the full-time whistle to console his team-mates.

His return is the sort of pick-me-up Spurs need as they try to regroup after another difficult result.

Xavi Simons denied magic moment

It seems remarkable that it has taken this long for a Tottenham manager to trust Xavi Simons.

Spurs’ lack of a creative identity has been perhaps the most glaring issue in a side riddled with problems, so to bring in Simons for his first start since the beginning of March felt like a no-brainer.

Xavi Simons made little attempt to hide his frustration at full-time

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The Dutchman was quiet in the opening stages, but exploded into the game right before the half-time, crafting the opening goal with a deft cross for the onrushing Porro before striking the post minutes later.

Playing off the left rather than through the middle, Simons relished the responsibility, and his strike with just over 10 minutes looked to have helped guide Spurs to their first league win in 111 days.

A strike of that quality, under such pressure, ought to have been the winning moment, but alas, Spurs remain in the bottom three, even if they can take great encouragement from their performance.

De Zerbi has always operated with a No10 at the heart of his system, and Simons stepped up to prove he could be the man to help steer Spurs to safety.

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Roberto De Zerbi reveals Tottenham relegation battle belief after Brighton draw

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Roberto De Zerbi believes Tottenham are capable of winning each of their five remaining Premier League games despite falling to a stoppage-time equaliser at home to Brighton.

Spurs remain without a league win this calendar year after Georginio Rutter struck in the 95th minute to secure Brighton a dramatic 2-2 draw at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

De Zerbi has taken one point from his first two games in charge to leave Spurs floundering in the relegation zone, but the Italian insisted there were positives to take on a difficult evening.

“Brighton is a very good team. In this moment, they are playing very well. But I think we deserve to win the game, especially if you consider we conceded a goal in extra time when losing one ball in our possession,” said De Zerbi post-match.

“But anyway, I'm very proud for the performance of my players. I'm very proud because they gave all of them their best, with the right mentality, with the right blood, with the right character.

“We played well with the ball. We played maybe better in the first half without the ball because in the second half we suffered too much with the ball possession.”

Spurs have five games left to save their season, with 17th-place West Ham able to move four points clear of the drop with a win over Crystal Palace on Monday evening.

De Zerbi, though, is convinced that Spurs can win all of their remaining games after a spirited performance.

“We have another five games. It is tough. Every one of us knows it is a tough moment, it is a difficult situation, but we have another five games and 15 points,” De Zerbi continued.

“This team is able to win five games in a row. Now it is difficult to hear my words, but if you watch the players and analyse the level of the players, I think we can win five games in a row.

“Not to be arrogant because I am not arrogant, especially now, but we have the quality enough to fight and win games in a row.”

Tottenham player ratings vs Brighton: Xavi Simons stars as Kevin Danso makes huge error

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Sport | Football

Tottenham player ratings vs Brighton: Xavi Simons stars as Kevin Danso makes fatal error

Dutchman’s wonderstrike would have delivered win if not for defensive calamity

Sam Tabuteau

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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau

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Georginio Rutter’s stoppage-time equaliser denied Tottenham a precious three points in their bid for Premier League survival as the Seagulls twice came from behind to snatch a 2-2 draw at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Pedro Porro opened the scoring in the 39th minute as he headed home from a deft Xavi Simons cross before Kaoru Mitoma equalised on the stroke of half-time with a side-footed volley into the roof of the net.

Xavi Simons thought he had won it for Spurs with a glorious right-footed effort from outside the box, but Rutter smashed home in the 95th minute to leave Roberto De Zerbi’s side in the relegation zone.

Sam Tabuteau was at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to rate the Spurs players…

Antonin Kinsky 7

Starting successive games for the first time this season, he looked comfortable with the ball at his feet and commanded his area well. Saved himself from gifting Brighton the lead as he cleared under pressure late in the second-half.

Pedro Porro 7

Opened the scoring with a brave header before he was denied by Verbruggen moments later. A constant threat down the right-hand side and covered in behind well. Let his concentration slip for Brighton’s equaliser.

Micky van de Ven 7

Made a vital interception to deflect Hinshelwood’s knockdown onto the post and captained the side well on the whole. Will be incredibly frustrated not to have held on for three points.

Kevin Danso 5

Looked assured in place of Romero, making a brave tackle to deny Welbeck and putting his body on the line. Looked distraught after losing the ball in his own box before Rutter’s late leveller.

Destiny Udogie 7

Helped stretch the play down the left flank, and Minteh was lucky not to bring him down inside the area after he got goalside of the Brighton winger.

Rodrigo Bentancur 7

Did not hold back on his first appearance back after a serious hamstring injury. Roamed around the pitch, pinching possession and driving Spurs forward. Provided the energy they desperately lacked against Sunderland last weekend before being replaced by Palhinha in the 67th minute.

Conor Gallagher 5

Starting higher up the pitch, he led the press well at times and nearly forced Verbruggen into a mistake by closing him down near his goal line. Always felt like he was stretching to keep hold of the ball, especially in the final third.

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Yves Bissouma 5

Struggled with the ball under pressure, squandering possession on a number of occasions before being replaced by Gray just before the hour mark.

Xavi Simons 9

Did not deserve to have his moment cruelly taken away from him. Exploded into the game right before half-time, assisting Porro’s opener before striking what he thought was the winner with a wonderful right-footed effort. Constantly calling for the ball, he relished the responsibility in arguably the biggest game in Spurs’ recent history.

Dominic Solanke 5

Marshalled well by Van Hecke as he struggled to compete aerially with the Brighton defender. Fared slightly better when the ball was played into feet, but overall a quiet game from the England striker.

Randal Kolo Muani 5

Another ineffectual display from the Frenchman, who was a peripheral figure despite taking the most touches in the opposition box before his substitution. Pressed well early on, but quickly drifted.

Subs:

Mathys Tel 6

Positive as always, off the bench, as he looked to take his man on at every opportunity.

Archie Gray 6

Came into a pressurised atmosphere and took things in his stride as De Zerbi’s subs changed the impetus for Spurs. Had a late chance saved by Verbruggen.

Joao Palhinha 6

Saw his deflected effort almost wrong-foot Verbruggen. Battled well, but for little reward in the end.

Djed Spence 6

Could not help Spurs hold on as Rutter’s stoppage-time equaliser stole a point for Brighton.

Lucas Bergvall 7

Nicked the ball in the lead-up to Simons’ winner. Provided energy and bite to give Spurs a second wind late on.

Unused subs: Austin, Dragusin, Richarlison, Maddison

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Tottenham XI vs Brighton: Starting lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for Premier League today

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James Maddison is in Tottenham’s matchday squad today for the first time this season.

The Englishman tore his ACL in a pre-season friendly against Newcastle and was expected to miss most if not all of this campaign, but has been named to the bench as Brighton visit north London.

It had been hoped that Vicario would return to fitness this week, but he was absent from training as De Zerbi confirmed that he would not be available for the visit of Brighton.

"Vicario, no (he is not fit). Vicario is another top guy. I'm looking forward to working with him. Anyway, [Antonin] Kinsky played very well in Sunderland,” De Zerbi said at his pre-match press conference on Friday.

“But Vicario is another important player for us. Big experience, big character, personality. And we are waiting for him.”

De Zerbi has quickly had to get to grips with Spurs’ spiralling injury list, but he has been boosted by the return of Rodrigo Bentancur from a hamstring injury.

Bentancur has been out since January after undergoing surgery, but starts this afternoon less than a week after returning to training.

The new Spurs boss deployed Conor Gallagher, Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall to little effect at the Stadium of Light as Sunderland dominated before taking the lead in the 61st minute through Nordi Mukiele’s deflected strike.

With De Zerbi’s midfield combination failing to have the desired impact, Bentancur could be thrust straight back into the starting lineup, while calls for Xavi Simons to start have only grown this week.

Randal Kolo Muani is back in the side after a tricky trip to Sunderland, with Simons also restored.

Spurs are in must-win territory now, with just six games to go and two points separating them from 17th-place West Ham.

They face an in-form Brighton side looking for their first league win of the calendar year as they look to move out of the relegation zone.

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