London Evening Standard

Another chance for Spurs to climb out of the relegation zone

Arthur Ferridge

COMMENTS

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

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Tottenham this week face another challenging test in their fight to stay in the Premier League with a trip to Aston Villa.

Roberto De Zerbi’s side remain in the relegation zone, two points adrift of safety, but could clamber out of the bottom three with victory at Villa Park.

Last weekend’s narrow defeat of Wolves, which ended a 15-match winless run, was not enough to quell relegation fears but De Zerbi will hope to at least build some momentum ahead of the run-in.

Villa, meanwhile, are at the business end of the Europa League, with this match coming between the two legs of their semi-final against Nottingham Forest. They are also within touching distance of a top-five finish in the Premier League.

The Villans fell to a surprise defeat at Craven Cottage last time out - their first league loss since March - but still sit fifth in the table and could finish the weekend as high as third, pending results elsewhere.

Date, kick-off time and venue

Aston Villa vs Tottenham is scheduled for a 7pm BST kick-off on Sunday, May 3, 2026.

The match will take place at Villa Park in Birmingham.

Where to watch Aston Villa vs Tottenham

TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage starting at 6pm BST ahead of a 7pm kick-off.

Live stream: TNT Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the HBO Max app and website.

Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog, with expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau.

Aston Villa vs Tottenham team news

Tottenham have not had a full complement at their disposal at any point of this campaign, and that fact will not change in Birmingham.

Xavi Simons is the latest man sidelined with an ACL rupture, and he joins Cristian Romero and Mohammed Kudus in being out until the end of the campaign.

Xavi Simons ruptured his ACL in the win over Wolves

Getty

Dominic Solanke is a doubt with a muscular injury, while Roberto De Zerbi is optimistic Destiny Udogie can feature.

Read More

Man Utd vs Liverpool: Prediction, kick-off time, team news, odds, h2h

Coventry chief sends Lampard message amid Chelsea expectation

'Really sad': Pochettino issues Tottenham relegation verdict

Sponsored

Choose the right education path for your child

Pape Matar Sarr is out indefinitely with a shoulder injury, while Guglielmo Vicario is yet to return to training after undergoing hernia surgery.

James Maddison has been named to a couple of matchday squads this season after recovering from an ACL surgery, but is not yet thought to be match fit. Dejan Kulusevski remains out with a long-term knee injury, with Wilson Odobert and Ben Davies completing the sidelined contingent.

Villa, meanwhile, may look to rest key players in this match ahead of Thursday’s Europa League semi-final second leg.

Three players will certainly play no part, though, with Alysson, Amadou Onana, and Boubacar Kamara all ruled out with injuries.

Aston Villa vs Tottenham prediction

Tottenham’s laborious win over Wolves at the weekend will have done little to inspire supporters.

De Zerbi’s men flattered to deceive against the already-relegated Midlanders, and will face much stiffer opposition here.

Villa, of course, will be tired from their first-leg against Forest and thinking primarily of the second, but should have no great issues dispatching the north London club.

Aston Villa to win, 2-0.

Head to head (h2h) history and results

The Villans have won each of their last four matches against Tottenham by an aggregate score of 8-3.

Aston Villa wins: 62

Tottenham wins: 78

Draws: 34

Aston Villa vs Tottenham match odds

Aston Villa to win: 1/1

Tottenham to win: 15/8

Draw: 2/1

Odds via Betfair (subject to change).

MORE ABOUT

Sport | Football

Three ways Tottenham should line up after Xavi Simons injury to fix major problem

Another creative force has been struck down, leaving Roberto De Zerbi with a problem to solve

Sam Tabuteau

COMMENTS

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

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Roberto De Zerbi is being forced to go back to the drawing board after Xavi Simons was ruled out for months with a serious knee injury.

The 23-year-old becomes the latest Spurs player to suffer a season-ending injury, after Mohammed Kudus and Cristian Romero, and will undergo surgery in the coming weeks.

Simons, who will also miss this summer’s World Cup, had positioned himself as a key part of De Zerbi’s side, having scored and assisted during Spurs’ 2-2 draw with Brighton.

His injury comes as another massive blow for De Zerbi in his attempts to keep Spurs in the Premier League.

With four games to go, Spurs are two points from safety after West Ham secured a stoppage-time victory at home to Everton.

Here, Standard Sport looked at three ways Spurs could line up without Simons…

Mathys Tel

Getty

Tel finally gets his chance

Mathys Tel has continued to find himself out of favour since De Zerbi took over from former interim manager Igor Tudor.

The 21-year-old has yet to start under the Italian after also struggling for minutes under Tudor and Thomas Frank.

De Zerbi admitted before last weekend’s win over Wolves that there was no more Tel could do to stake a claim for minutes.

But with Simons out for the remainder of the season, the Frenchman could be given the opportunity to impress after a series of productive cameos off the bench.

It was Tel’s intensity that forced the corner from which Joao Palhinha scored against Wolves, and his directness adds a different dimension for Spurs.

Read More

Unexpected Tottenham hero proves key to much-needed momentum

Tottenham outline Xavi Simons plan as ACL knee injury confirmed

Tottenham injury update: Simons, Solanke, Udogie latest return dates

Sponsored

Art After Dark is back with an exciting calendar of cultural events

De Zerbi remains a fan of Tel, having tried to sign him when he was Marseille manager, and hinted that he could be given more minutes as he looks for answers to Simons’ injury.

Tottenham XI (4-2-3-1): Vicario; Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Spence; Bissouma, Bentancur; Kolo Muani, Gallagher, Tel; Richarlison

Lucas Bergvall has only recently returned from injury

PA

Bergvall comes back into the side

In De Zerbi’s first game in charge, a 1-0 defeat to Sunderland, he opted to play Lucas Bergvall in the No10 role with Richarlison out wide on the left.

It was a decision that did not pay off, as Spurs lacked any authority in the centre of the park and struggled to create chances in the final third.

Now, though, with Simons out, De Zerbi may be minded to go give the young Swede another chance, having insisted he is not keen to make drastic selection decisions between now and the end of the season.

While Bergvall often struggles to dictate play, he remains an excellent presser of the ball, as he showed in turning over possession for Simons’ goal against Brighton.

De Zerbi could feasibly bring both Bergvall and Tel into his starting line-up, with Richarlison potentially spearheading the attack in place of Dominic Solanke, who came off injured against Wolves.

Tottenham XI (4-2-3-1): Vicario; Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Spence; Bissouma, Bentancur; Kolo Muani, Bergvall, Tel; Richarlison

James Maddison has made the bench in the last two games

PA

De Zerbi takes a risk on Maddison

De Zerbi has said that he does not want to push James Maddison too hard on his return from injury.

The Englishman, who suffered an ACL injury last August, has been named on the bench in each of Spurs’ last two games, but has yet to play a single minute.

With games running out for Spurs to save themselves, though, De Zerbi could take a risk by handing Maddison his first minutes in more than eight months.

Maddison is a potentially game-changing talent when fit. But as De Zerbi found out when Mohammed Kudus suffered a setback in his recovery from a serious quad injury, he has to be careful not to force players back.

Capable of playing off the left and drifting centrally or starting from the No10 position, Maddison is a versatile option who would solve Spurs’ creative issues.

The question is whether De Zerbi feels he is ready to come into a relegation battle.

Tottenham XI (4-2-3-1): Vicario; Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Spence; Bissouma, Bentancur; Kolo Muani, Gallagher, Maddison; Richarlison

MORE ABOUT

Tottenham have confirmed that midfielder Xavi Simons has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in his right knee, which has ruled him out for the rest of the season and the upcoming summer World Cup.

The midfielder took to social media on Sunday night to confirm that he would miss Spurs’ remaining four games of the season as well as the World Cup.

In a post on his official Instagram account, Simons said he was “heartbroken” and admitted “it’ll take time to find peace” after becoming the latest Spurs player to suffer a long-term injury this season.

“They say life can be cruel and today it feels that way,” Simons said. “My season has come to an abrupt end and I’m just trying to process it. Honestly, I’m heartbroken. None of it makes sense.

“All I’ve wanted to do is fight for my team and now the ability to do that has been snatched away from me … along with the World Cup. Representing my country this summer … just gone. It’ll take time to find peace with this, but I’ll continue to be the best teammate I can be. I have no doubt that together we’ll win this fight.”

Spurs subsequently confirmed on Monday morning, in a post to their official X account, that Simons had suffered an ACL injury in a major blow to Roberto De Zerbi’s plans to keep the club in the Premier League.

Simons is the third serious injury suffered in the Spurs squad following De Zerbi’s appointment just three weeks ago, with Mohammed Kudus suffering a setback and then Cristian Romero picking up a knee injury of his own.

Significant fears for attacking duo after Wolves win

Dominic Solanke, Xavi Simons and Destiny Udogie

London Standard

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

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Tottenham have lost Xavi Simons to a serious knee injury, and are sweating over the fitness of Dominic Solanke after Saturday’s huge win over Wolves.

Both incidents happened off the ball, with Solanke pulling up with a muscle injury and then Simons appearing to twist his knee in the turf.

The injuries marred an otherwise huge three points secure at Molineux, which kept Spurs’ survival hopes alive.

There are also concerns over Destiny Udogie and Pape Matar Sarr ahead of Sunday’s trip to Aston Villa.

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

Xavi Simons

PA

Xavi Simons

Xavi Simons suffered a very serious knee injury during Saturday’s vital win over Wolves.

The Dutch star appeared to jar his knee in the turf when trying to regain his balance, and promptly collapsed to the pitch in agony.

A lengthy spell of treatment followed pitchside before Simons tried and failed to walk, and was then stretchered off the pitch.

Read More

Xavi Simons makes Tottenham vow as injury nightmare confirmed

Tottenham relegation race twist as Chelsea fixture change confirmed

De Zerbi issues Simons and Solanke injury updates after Tottenham win

Sponsored

Choose the right education path for your child

Simons has now confirmed that his season is over, along with his World Cup in devastating news for player, club and country.

“They say life can be cruel and today it feels that way. My season has come to an abrupt end and I’m just trying to process it,” Simons wrote on Instagram.

“Honestly, I’m heartbroken. None of it makes sense. All I’ve wanted to do is fight for my team and now the ability to do that has been snatched away from me, along with the World Cup.”

Simons is expected to be sidelined for a lengthy period, potentially not returning before the end of 2026.

Potential return date: Unknown

Dominic Solanke

A blow for Spurs and Solanke during the first half at Wolves as the striker pulled up while challenging for the ball.

It looked innocuous at the time, but Solanke reached for a knee and required treatment on the pitch before being replaced by Richarlison.

Asked for an update after the game, Roberto De Zerbi said: “Solanke has suffered a muscular injury ... it's not a big problem, I don't know how many games will lose him.”

Potential return date: Unknown

Ruled out: Destiny Udogie will play no part for Tottenham against Wolves

Getty

Destiny Udogie

Destiny Udogie has picked up a new muscle injury.

The left-back, who only recently returned from a hamstring issue has struggled for fitness throughout his time at Spurs so far.

In an injury-hit campaign, Udogie has now missed 13 games this season with two separate hamstring injuries.

Udogie started both of De Zerbi’s first two games in charge, and hopes to return against Aston Villa.

“Destiny has a problem. I think he can't play tomorrow,” the Spurs head coach confirmed on Friday.

“I'm sorry because he played a great first half [against Brighton]. The second half as well, but the first one was great.

“But we have Spence, Souza is available to come with us, it's not a big problem. I hope Destiny can be available next week in Villa Park.”

Potential return date: Aston Villa (a) on May 3, 2026

Pape Matar Sarr

Pape Matar Sarr remains sidelined with a shoulder injury.

The midfielder picked up the issue during the international break, but was able to return against Sunderland to play around half an hour.

However, the issue remains troublesome and ruled him out of the draw with Brighton and trip to Wolves.

“He felt pain in the shoulder and this week he didn't work with the group,” De Zerbi confirmed.

It remains to be seen when Sarr will return.

Potential return date: Unknown

Cristian Romero

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

He collided with Antonin Kinsky following a push from Brian Brobbey, and was forced off, with De Zerbi later confirming he would not return this campaign and is in a race to be fit for the World Cup.

“I don’t know if there is a chance to play one game, two games, I don’t know. I hope so. But I don’t know,” De Zerbi said on Friday afternoon.

“But for him, I would like it if he can be available to play in the World Cup, especially for an Argentinian player. They feel the national team more than Italian players or other nations.”

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.

It has since been ruled that Brobbey should have been sent off for the challenge.

Potential return date: August 2026

Mohammed Kudus is out for the season

Getty

Mohammed Kudus

Mohammed Kudus, who has been out since January, will not play again for Spurs this season after suffering an injury setback.

Spurs confirmed in a statement at the start of April that they were assessing whether the Ghana international would need to undergo surgery.

But when pressed on whether the club had made a decision, Roberto De Zerbi said he had yet to speak to the doctors.

“I don’t know [if Kudus will require surgery],” he told reporters last week. “Not spoken with the doctor about the Kudus situation.”

Potential return date: Unknown

Guglielmo Vicario

Tottenham hope to welcome goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario back to training this week after hernia surgery.

The procedure was timed so as to disrupt the Italian’s campaign as little as possible, but he has now missed three 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 Aston Villa.

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

Potential return date: Aston Villa (a) on May 3, 2026

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

Getty Images

Dejan Kulusevski

Dejan Kulusevski is still aiming to be fit to play for Sweden at the World Cup.

Kulusevski has not played for Tottenham since undergoing surgery on a patella injury in May 2025, and last underwent further surgery on his knee in February this year.

He is yet to return to training, and Roberto De Zerbi hopes the play is soon able to get back on the pitch for club or country.

"I'm sorry for him because he was one of my perfect players. He's a very specific player for me, like Kudus, like Romero,” De Zerbi said in his pre-match press conference on Friday..

“I hope he can play in the World Cup because the World Cup for a player is a moment. It's the best period of his career. But I don't know the situation very well."

Potential return date: June 2026

James Maddison

James Maddison has now featured in back-to-back matchday squad without getting on the pitch.

De Zerbi confirmed ahead of the trip to Wolves that the midfielder is still not ready to play, as his rehabilitation from a serious knee injury continues, but will continue to be named on the bench to has a boost for his team-mates.

"He felt pain [last week], but it's not such an important problem,” the Spurs head coach said of Maddison.

“It's important if he plays or not. It doesn't matter, it's better if he plays for sure, but also as a guy, as a leader, as a positive guy.

Potential return date: May 2026

Wilson Odobert

Potential return date: Autumn 2026

Ben Davies

Ben Davies broke his ankle during the January defeat to West Ham.

As he is out of contract in the summer, it is likely he has played his final game for the club.

Potential return date: Unknown

MORE ABOUT

Joao Palhinha scored an 82nd-minute winner as Tottenham secured their first league win of the calendar year with a 1-0 win away to Wolves.

Spurs laboured for large periods at Molineux before stealing the lead with just under 10 minutes to play as Palhinha stabbed home following a corner.

West Ham’s stoppage-time victory at home to Everton ensures Spurs stay in the relegation zone, but they will take great hope from getting over the line to secure a priceless three points.

Did not have much to do as Tottenham dominated possession, with Wolves dropping deep in the first-half. Came off his line sharply to deny Armstrong following a mix-up between Van de Ven and Danso. Then made a match-winning save to keep out a late Wolves free-kick.

A mix-up between him and Van de Ven nearly gifted Wolves the lead in the second-half. Struggled to inject tempo into Spurs’ game with his passing. Recovered well after a difficult week.

Had a lot of success against Brighton when taking the ball on the front foot and driving forward, but lacked that aggressiveness even as Spurs dominated possession against Wolves. Marshalled the defence well as Spurs held on amidst some late Wolves pressure.

Coming in for the injured Destiny Udogie, he made some encouraging runs down the left flank but was unable to really influence the game with the ball at his feet. A solid performance from the Englishman.

On the end of a heavy tackle from Andre at the end of the first-half, he was composed under pressure and was eager to turn the ball over and get Spurs playing forward. Replaced by Joao Palhinha just past the hour mark.

Provided some calm and balance at the base of midfield without really getting on the ball and drifting forward as he typically likes to. Struggled for the same control after the break, picking up a booking for a foul on Mane. Forced an excellent save from Sa with a header from a corner.

De Zerbi admitted pre-match that Kolo Muani’s best position was not on the right wing, and while he made a promising start, the French forward drifted badly as Spurs became lax in possession. Replaced at half-time after another frustrating performance.

Could not get into the game and was guilty of giving away a number of cheap fouls. Replaced in the 38th minute after going down off the ball, clutching his leg.

The Dutchman’s season looks at risk of being over after he was stretchered off just past the hour mark with what looks like a serious knee injury. Had struggled to stamp his mark on the game before that.

Fired over wildly at the start of the second-half before coming agonisingly close to reaching Porro’s cross. Scrapped away well as his blocked shot fell kindly for Palhinha to score.

Injected some energy and incisiveness early in the second-half. His intensity forced the corner from which Spurs took the lead.

Has come up with some huge late goals this season, two of which have come against Wolves. Reacted superbly to stab home the loose ball and give Spurs a priceless late lead.

Late show saves Spurs to keep pace with West Ham but injury marrs huge win

Winning moment: Joao Palhinha celebrates a huge goal

Nick Potts/PA Wire

George Sessions

COMMENTS

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

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Joao Palhinha’s 82nd-minute tap-in earned Tottenham a first Premier League win of 2026 with a 1-0 victory at Wolves but they remain in the relegation zone.

Spurs looked set for a painful afternoon at Molineux after Dominic Solanke and Xavi Simons were forced off due to injury until Roberto De Zerbi watched Palhinha slide in at the back post from a scuffed Richarlison shot to secure a first league success in 16 matches.

It momentarily took Tottenham out of the bottom three, but a late winner for West Ham has kept the gap to two points with only four games left.

Wolves’ relegation was confirmed on Monday night and a Spurs team desperate not to join them started strongly before Solanke had half-hearted penalty appeals waved away after a slight push by Hugo Bueno.

Randal Kolo Muani was preferred again by De Zerbi despite one league goal all season, but fired well wide in the 12th minute after a mistake by Andre.

Pedro Porro sent an effort wayward soon after which halted Tottenham’s momentum and Wolves forced two corners in quick succession to lift the Molineux crowd.

Read More

Tottenham ratings vs Wolves: Palhinha to the rescue, shot-shy strikers

Wolves vs Tottenham LIVE: Latest score and updates from Premier League

Isak on target as Liverpool rise to fourth with Crystal Palace win

Sponsored

Winter escapes and activities to end the year in style

Solanke blocked a volley by Rodrigo Gomes’ soon after and it sparked the visitors back into life, with Xavi Simons firing wide after good work by Rodrigo Bentancur.

However, the north London club’s injury curse struck again with eight minutes of a drab first half left when Solanke went down and held the back of his left leg.

Solanke was forced off and Yves Bissouma looked set to endure the same fate when he was caught by a strong tackle from Andre, but was able to start the second half.

The same could not be said for Kolo Muani, who was hooked by De Zerbi, and the Italian should have watched Spurs go ahead in the 51st minute.

Porro brilliantly spread play out wide to Xavi, who cut inside but Matt Doherty got back enough to force the Tottenham attacker to blaze over from eight yards.

Minutes later and Xavi was the next away player to suffer an injury at Molineux after a collision with Hugo Bueno.

Xavi immediately dropped to the floor and even though he returned to his feet, he collapsed after a run down the touchline off the pitch and a stretcher was subsequently required.

With West Ham ahead at home to Everton, Spurs were now four points from safety and Antonin Kinsky had to be alert to beat Adam Armstrong to a loose ball before the visitors found a second wind.

A snapshot by Tel was deflected wide and Porro’s resulting corner found Rodrigo Bentancur, but Jose Sa made a flying save with 21 minutes left.

Armstrong headed over next for Wolves and then, as Tottenham’s away support tried to rally their team, the breakthrough followed in the 82nd minute.

Tel won a corner after he chased down a lost cause and Porro’s delivery dropped for Richarlison, who watched his scuffed effort turned in by Palhinha at the back post.

Palhinha charged off into the Spurs fans and news soon filtered through that Everton had equalised at West Ham.

Tottenham were briefly set to go out of the bottom three but celebrations by Wolves fans signalled a late winner at London Stadium and De Zerbi was indebted to Kinsky for a stunning one-handed save from a Joao Gomes free-kick in stoppage time to secure a much-needed three points.

MORE ABOUT

Tottenham are without both Destiny Udogie and Guglielmo Vicario for today’s must-win clash with Wolves in the Premier League.

Left-back Udogie, who only recently returned from a hamstring issue, has picked up a new muscle injury.

First-choice goalkeeper Vicario, meanwhile, has missed Spurs’ last two games after undergoing hernia surgery during the March international break.

Udogie has struggled for fitness throughout his time at Spurs so far, and has already missed 12 games this season with two separate hamstring injuries.

The Italian has started both of De Zerbi’s first two games in charge, but will now miss out against Wolves, with Djed Spence likely to deputise in his absence.

De Zerbi said he expected to have Vicario back in training at the start of this week, but the player will not travel to Molineux. It is hoped now that he can resume training at the start of next week.

Xavi Simons, who scored and assisted on a frustrating afternoon against Brighton, starts despite being seen hobbling through the mixed zone at full-time.

The Dutch midfielder, who was visibly struggling with cramp towards the end of the Brighton game, will surely reprise his role in the starting lineup after an impressive display last weekend.

Rodrigo Bentancur also starts for the second successive game following his return from a hamstring injury.

The Uruguayan provided energy and dynamism to Spurs’ midfield against Brighton, and De Zerbi is likely to opt for the same combination for the trip to Wolves.

Another week, another simply must-win game for Spurs in their ever-worsening fight against relegation from the Premier League. A last-gasp equaliser for Brighton last time out saw Spurs miss the chance of moving out of the relegation zone, and since then have seen West Ham pick up a point at Crystal Palace, Leeds snatch a draw against Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest put five goals past Sunderland.

The battle appears now to be down to the final two, between London rivals Tottenham and West Ham. Both are in action today at the same time, with Spurs at rock-bottom Wolves while the Hammers host Everton. It’s been almost five years since Spurs won at Molineux, thanks to an early Dele Alli penalty, but anything less than three points today will surely be the death knell in their long Premier League stay.

Roberto De Zerbi will be forced to make changes after Destiny Udogie picked up a fresh injury, but there is finally hope in the ranks after a much-improved performance last time out. It’s do or die for Spurs as they look to climb out of the bottom three. Follow the game LIVE below with our dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis from Sam Tabuteau.

Spurs face must-win trip to Molineux in desperate relegation fight

Oli Gent

COMMENTS

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

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Tottenham are desperate for victory as they face relegated Wolves in the Premier League today.

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 today 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 players 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.

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.

Read More

Arsenal vs Newcastle: Prediction, kick-off time, team news, h2h, odds

Tottenham XI vs Wolves: Predicted lineup and confirmed team news

Arteta plots Arsenal mental reset as 'new league' gets underway

Sponsored

Rediscover your adventurous side on an exotic getaway

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 and won’t be risked here either.

Destiny Udogie is also now injured, as is Pape Matar Sarr.

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: 7/2

Tottenham to win: 8/11

Draw: 16/5

Odds via Betfair (subject to change).

MORE ABOUT

Relegation-threatened Spurs dealt double blow as Roberto De Zerbi desperately seeks first win

Sam Tabuteau

COMMENTS

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

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Tottenham will be without both Destiny Udogie and Guglielmo Vicario for today’s must-win clash with Wolves in the Premier League.

Left-back Udogie, who only recently returned from a hamstring issue, has picked up a new muscle injury.

First-choice goalkeeper Vicario, meanwhile, has missed Spurs’ last two games after undergoing hernia surgery during the March international break.

Udogie has struggled for fitness throughout his time at Spurs so far, and has already missed 12 games this season with two separate hamstring injuries.

The Italian has started both of De Zerbi’s first two games in charge, but will now miss out against Wolves, with Djed Spence likely to deputise in his absence.

“Destiny has a problem. I think he can't play tomorrow,” the Spurs head coach confirmed on Friday.

“I'm sorry because he played a great first half [against Brighton]. The second half as well, but the first one was great.

Ruled out: Destiny Udogie will play no part for Tottenham against Wolves

Getty

“But we have Spence, Souza is available to come with us, it's not a big problem. I hope Destiny can be available next week in Villa Park.”

De Zerbi said he expected to have Vicario back in training at the start of this week, but the player will not travel to Molineux. It is hoped now that he can resume training at the start of next week.

“No, Vicario is not available for tomorrow,” De Zerbi said on Friday. “I hope I can work with him from Monday.”

James Maddison was named in a matchday squad for the first time this season as Spurs were held to a last-gasp 2-2 draw at home by Brighton last weekend.

The Englishman notably did not warm up with the other substitutes at half-time, though, and headed straight down the tunnel before the full-time whistle as Spurs conceded a 95th-minute equaliser from Georginio Rutter.

Read More

Spurs destiny in their hands as opportunity knocks in relegation scrap

Pereira lays down gauntlet for Spurs as Forest trounce Sunderland

De Zerbi sends Romero message amid Spurs star's World Cup injury fears

Sponsored

Art After Dark is back with an exciting calendar of cultural events

Maddison was back out on the pitch to console his team-mates after the game, but with De Zerbi noting that he was keen not to push the 29-year-old too hard after more than eight months out with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, he added that while he will travel with the squad, he will not play any part against Wolves.

“No, he's not available yet, especially this week, he felt pain, but it's not such an important problem,” De Zerbi said of Maddison.

“Tomorrow, he'll come with us on the bench because it's important if he plays or not. It doesn't matter, it's better if he plays for sure, but also as a guy, as a leader, as a positive guy.

“Inside my dressing room I want to see nice people, positive people, and it's important also for his team-mates.”

Leadership role: James Maddison will travel to Molineux with Spurs but won’t play

Getty

Pape Matar Sarr missed out against Brighton, and De Zerbi confirmed he would also be unavailable for selection against Wolves as he continues to battle with a shoulder injury first picked up during the international break.

Xavi Simons, who scored and assisted on a frustrating afternoon against Brighton, is expected to be fit despite being seen hobbling through the mixed zone at full-time.

The Dutch midfielder, who was visibly struggling with cramp towards the end of the Brighton game, will surely reprise his role in the starting lineup after an impressive display last weekend.

Rodrigo Bentancur is also likely to start for the second successive game following his return from a hamstring injury.

The Uruguayan provided energy and dynamism to Spurs’ midfield against Brighton, and De Zerbi is likely to opt for the same combination for the trip to Wolves.

Spurs are in desperate need of three points as they look to move out of the relegation zone following a winless start to De Zerbi’s reign.

Two points from safety with five games to play, Spurs have not won a league game since December 28.

De Zerbi, though, maintains confidence in his side and believes Spurs can win all their remaining matches as they look to avoid dropping into the second division for the first time since 1977.

Predicted Tottenham XI (4-2-3-1): Kinsky; Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Spence; Bissouma, Bentancur; Kolo Muani, Gallagher, Simons; Solanke

Doubt: Maddison

Injured: Davies, Kulusevski, Odobert, Kudus, Romero, Udogie, Vicario, Sarr

Time and date: 3pm BST on Saturday April 25, 2026

Venue: Molineux, Wolverhampton

MORE ABOUT