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Tottenham Hotspur face a defining weekend in their fight for survival, with results elsewhere set to shape just how far a win could take them up the table.

There are no simple games for Tottenham Hotspur at this stage of the season as they fight to retain their Premier League status.

With six games left in the league, every match is simply a cup final, making it crucial for Tottenham to get wins on the board.

But Spurs have failed to do so since the turn of the year, with their dismal run of 14 games without a win now leaving them in the bottom three.

Tottenham fixtures compared with West Ham, Leeds and Forest as table stakes rise

Once again, this weekend provides Tottenham with a golden opportunity to turn their league fortunes around.

Last week, Spurs failed to secure any points, while two of their relegation rivals, West Ham United and Leeds United, won their respective games, with Nottingham Forest earning a draw in theirs.

That run has now seen them pull further away from Tottenham, who sit in 18th after West Ham leapfrogged them into 17th following their 4-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

In matchweek 33, Spurs face Brighton and Hove Albion, and, on paper, they are the side with the tougher game, as no team in the league is in better form than the Seagulls.

But Tottenham cannot afford to lose this encounter, as they risk losing more ground to their relegation rivals – Nottingham Forest, Leeds United and West Ham United.

Should Spurs manage a win at the weekend, they could end the week as high as 16th, but that will mean results elsewhere must go their way.

Spurs survival hopes hinge on rivals’ fixtures this weekend

Looking at the games of their relegation rivals, it is difficult to see them dropping many points this matchweek.

West Ham United are up against Crystal Palace in 15th, Nottingham Forest face 19th-placed Burnley, while Leeds United play twice this gameweek, taking on 20th-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers and an in-form AFC Bournemouth.

The Hammers could easily secure a draw or a win against Palace, while it would not be a surprise to see Forest beat Burnley.

Leeds, on the other hand, could beat Wolves, and should they manage to do the same against Bournemouth, they could well guarantee their own safety.

Ultimately, this gameweek is absolutely crucial for Tottenham, who take to the pitch before Forest and West Ham United and could pile some pressure on them with a victory.

But should Spurs not secure a win this gameweek and their relegation rivals all win their respective games, Tottenham could finish the matchweek five points adrift of safety.

Tottenham Hotspur have taken a big stride towards landing Marcos Senesi on a free transfer from Bournemouth.

Over the past week, several outlets have reported that Tottenham are in close contact with Senesi’s representatives regarding a switch to N17 this summer.

Spurs are looking to get ahead of the competition for the Argentine’s signature, with the 28-year-old’s free agency making him an attractive target for several Premier League clubs.

It appears that the Lilywhites are now advancing on a deal for the Bournemouth star, even though their place in the Premier League next season is not yet guaranteed.

This comes after Tottenham also reached a verbal agreement with Andy Robertson over a summer transfer, if Spurs remain in the Premier League.

Tottenham are in advanced talks to land Marcos Senesi

The Athletic’s David Ornstein has now revealed that Spurs are now holding ‘advanced talks’ with Senesi over a switch to North London.

Ornstein clarifies that any deal would be subject to Tottenham avoiding relegation to the Championship this season. However, as things stand, it is the Lilywhites who are ‘the leading contenders’ to land the defender.

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The journalist warns that no deal has been finalised between Spurs and Senesi just yet. The centre-back’s situation remains ‘open’ as other clubs continue to eye the player.

When Senesi is expected to make a final decision on his destination

The experienced defender has already told the Cherries that he is departing this summer, and it was initially reported that Senesi wants his future resolved before the World Cup.

However, earlier this week, talSPORT claimed that the Tottenham target wants to agree a deal with a new club before the end of the season.

One would thus expect these talks to accelerate over the coming weeks, and they may be greatly influenced by whether Spurs show signs that they can get out of their current relegation mess.

The unthinkable finally became reality for Tottenham Hotspur last week. A 1-0 defeat at the Stadium of Light, combined with West Ham’s emphatic 4-0 win over Wolves, dragged Spurs into the relegation zone for the first time since 2009. They could have climbed as high as 15th with a win, but instead sit 18th, two points adrift of safety.

It gets worse. Tottenham remain the only side in the division without a win since the turn of the calendar year, and there has been very little to suggest a team ready for a proper relegation scrap. That said, the Sunderland defeat was not without controversy. On another day, the hosts might have been reduced to ten men, and Spurs may well have taken all three points.

Brighton arrive in North London in a very different mood. Fabian Hurzeler’s side are on a three game winning run, most recently beating Burnley 2-0. Their only defeat in the last six came against league leaders Arsenal, with the other five ending in victory. Sitting 11th and just a point off the European places, their objective is clear in what has become a fiercely competitive middle pack.

What time does Tottenham vs Brighton kick off?

Location: London, England

Stadium: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Date: Saturday, 18th April 2026

Kick-off Time: 2 pm BST

Referee: Stuart Atwell

VAR: Jarred Gillett

Tottenham vs Brighton: Head to head record

Tottenham are winless in their last three meetings against Brighton, drawing one, which came in the reverse fixture, and losing the other two.

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However, over a wider sample of 20 matches, Spurs still hold the advantage with 12 wins and two draws. Their home record is even stronger, with eight wins from the last ten meetings in all competitions.

Tottenham team news

Spurs were dealt a major blow against Sunderland as captain Cristian Romero suffered a knee injury following a collision with Antonin Kinsky, ruling him out for the remainder of the season.

Other absentees include Ben Davies, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Guglielmo Vicario, Mohammed Kudus and Wilson Odobert.

There is some positive news, though. Rodrigo Bentancur has returned to training after his hamstring injury sustained in January, and Roberto De Zerbi is expected to provide clarity on his availability in his pre-match press conference.

Brighton team news

Brighton’s only absentees are Adam Webster and Stefanos Tzimas, leaving Fabian Hurzeler with an otherwise fully fit squad to choose from.

Predicted line-ups

Tottenham: Kinsky; Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Udogie; Palhinha, Bergvall, Gray; Tel, Richarlison, Simons

Brighton: Verbruggen; Wieffer, Van Hecke, Boscagli, Kadioglu; Ayari, Gross, Baleba; Hinshelwood, Minteh, Welbeck

Our prediction

There are no more hiding places for Tottenham now. Relegation is no longer a distant threat, it is a very real possibility.

Keep an eye on Xavi Simons. Interestingly, he has started in 11 of Tottenham’s 12 wins in all competitions since arriving, yet continues to be rotated far more than expected, especially with players like Conor Gallagher and Joao Palhinha struggling for consistency.

For Brighton, Danny Welbeck remains a key figure. He is pushing for a place in England’s World Cup squad, and his work rate, pressing, and movement will test Tottenham’s back line.

Spurs are going to insist on playing out from the back, that is just how De Zerbi sets up, but against a Brighton side that loves to press and force mistakes, that could either look brave or completely backfire if they are not sharp on the ball.

De Zerbi fairly knows this Brighton side inside out, and that familiarity might just give Spurs the edge in what feels like a must-win fixture.

Tottenham are running out of leaders at the worst possible time, and with injuries stripping the squad bare, Roberto De Zerbi may now be forced into bold decisions as he looks for a new voice to guide Spurs through their final six games. We have now identified five players he could turn to as Tottenham captain.

A lot has been said about what Tottenham Hotspur need to do if they are to avoid the drop this season. There have been calls for the players to show more fight, while questions have been asked about the leaders in this group, who have often failed to step up to the challenge.

Cristian Romero, Guglielmo Vicario, Micky van de Ven, Ben Davies and James Maddison are members of the Spurs leadership group, but they have barely done anything to prevent this season’s slump.

In the defence of a few, however, like Maddison and Davies, injuries have hindered their ability to help on the pitch, but for the rest, they simply have not been good enough.

Romero, the club captain, is now sidelined for the rest of the season, joining Vicario, Davies and Maddison, leaving Spurs to turn to other players in the final stretch of the campaign.

We have now identified five players Roberto De Zerbi could turn to as Tottenham captain for the final six games of the Premier League season.

Micky van de Ven can naturally step into Spurs captain role

With van de Ven, it is the natural move to turn to him to lead the group in the absence of many other leaders.

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He is currently part of the leadership group, which has been decimated by injuries, making him the next to pull on the armband for the remainder of the season.

It is not unfamiliar territory for the Dutchman, who has captained this Tottenham side several times already this campaign in the absence of Romero.

In fact, in the last game against Sunderland, he took the armband when the Argentine went off injured, so it makes sense for Roberto De Zerbi to turn to him for the final stretch of the season.

Pedro Porro offers leadership through example for Spurs

While not part of the leadership team, Pedro Porro is one of the few others who count as a leader within this Tottenham side.

In the game against Sunderland, he showed a desire to lead by example as he looked to force the issue in the final third when nothing was working for Spurs.

He is also one of the few who has spoken in these trying times for the club. Porro revealed that he knows how it feels to be a fan of Tottenham and expressed a desire to improve things on the pitch.

This season, the Spaniard has pulled on the armband once, and if De Zerbi is looking for a fresh voice, he remains an option.

Archie Gray could emerge as a surprise Tottenham captain choice

Archie Gray is another player De Zerbi could turn to, even if he is one of the youngest in this Tottenham side.

The Englishman represents a player who leads by example, as he remains one of the more consistent performers for Spurs this season.

He has stepped up in midfield, showing a willingness to take responsibility in his play, never shy to demand the ball.

At times this season, Gray has even spoken like a leader, calling on his teammates to step up as they look to beat the drop.

Making him captain – or giving him a leadership role – will be welcomed by many fans who have praised Gray’s performances and see him as a future Spurs captain.

Solanke even stated that Archie has become one of the leaders in the Tottenham dressing room, highlighting how much of an influence he is becoming.

We do believe Gray’s performances this season could see him reach the same feat Lucas Bergvall managed last term.

Conor Gallagher brings the captaincy experience Tottenham need

The signing of Conor Gallagher was seen as one where Tottenham brought in a player with a wealth of experience.

When you look at his CV, it is hard to argue against that, given the amount of football he has played at the top level for sides fighting at different levels, including teams gunning for Champions League places and sides battling relegation.

Gallagher also has experience as a captain, having worn the armband for Chelsea at times when former Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino was in charge.

That exposure to leadership makes him a good fit for Spurs in this difficult moment. He was also at West Brom at one point in his career, where they fought to stay in the division, and such experience could come in handy as a leader at Tottenham.

Rodrigo Bentancur’s return could boost Tottenham’s leadership

Rodrigo Bentancur has only just returned to first-team training after three months out with injury and is set to be a big part of the final run of games.

Many Spurs fans believe Bentancur could be crucial, as he brings calmness and composure in midfield, particularly with his press resistance – something that has been lacking in his absence.

Not only are his on-field qualities needed, but his return could also bring leadership to this squad, given his experience at both club and international level.

Tottenham Hotspur supporters are once again preparing to play their part ahead of a crucial home clash, with plans in place to create a powerful atmosphere in the Brighton game despite a recent pre-match coach meet setback.

Tottenham Hotspur fans are doing all they can to back their side during what is a difficult period for the club, who have now slipped into the Premier League’s bottom three for the first time this season following a dismal winless run in 2026.

In Spurs’ last home game against Nottingham Forest, thousands of Lilywhites supporters came out to greet their team in a pre-match coach meet, to spur them on in their relegation six-pointer.

Sadly, however, those efforts did not bring about the desired results, as Tottenham fell to a 3-0 defeat against Forest – a match that ultimately led to the parting of ways with interim boss Igor Tudor.

Tottenham fans plan atmosphere boost vs Brighton despite coach meet setback

Following their 1-0 defeat to Sunderland last weekend, Tottenham are now set to return to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this gameweek, where they will host Brighton and Hove Albion, with Spurs supporters once again planning to offer unwavering backing to their side.

A pre-match coach meet was again planned, but Roberto De Zerbi’s plans ahead of the Brighton game have seen those arrangements scuppered.

However, that in itself is not going to deter a committed group of fans who are looking to play their part in their club’s relegation battle.

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Taking to the social media platform X, THFC Flags announced plans to create a rocking atmosphere at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

In their post, they outlined their intention to organise a visual show of support inside the ground and urged fans to play their part.

Their tweet read: “This Saturday against Brighton we will have a sea of flags – with one on every fan’s seat. The players need our support more than ever and we wanted to create a visual show of support. We also urge all fans to wear white.

“We will have the larger flags out too. If you would like one, please let us know and we will place the flag under your seat – you will also keep it under your chair during game play and can wave it at half time as the players emerge from the tunnel again.”

Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi praises Tottenham fans’ support

Roberto De Zerbi has had nothing but kind words for the Tottenham supporters since he joined the club, appreciating their backing during a difficult period.

However, his players must now match the energy of the fans by getting points on the board with six games left to play this season.

Speaking about the impact of the fans and their continued support, De Zerbi highlighted how they have consistently backed the team and stressed the need for the players to respond.

He said: “The Tottenham Hotspur fans have helped the players every time, every game. I know what they did before the last Tottenham game. Now is a different moment and we have to give something more for them because they deserve it and we want to play in Premier League next season.”

Tottenham Hotspur’s clash with Brighton and Hove Albion is fast approaching, and all eyes will now turn to Roberto De Zerbi’s pre-match press conference, where several key questions are expected to be addressed.

Tottenham Hotspur’s encounter with Brighton and Hove Albion is now only a few hours away, with the two sides set to lock horns at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in what will be Roberto De Zerbi’s home debut as Spurs boss.

Tottenham simply need to secure a victory if they are to keep their hopes of survival alive, but doing so against the most in-form side in the league at the moment is a big ask.

Regardless, preparation for the crucial encounter has since begun, with first-team training already having taken place at Hotspur Way.

Next on the agenda is a pre-match press conference where De Zerbi will face the media and answer several questions regarding his side, and we have now identified three that many Spurs fans will be eager to get an answer to.

Will Tottenham welcome Rodrigo Bentancur back to the squad?

No doubt, one question that will be on the minds of many Tottenham fans is whether Rodrigo Bentancur will make the matchday squad on Saturday.

The Uruguayan has missed the last three months because of a hamstring injury but returned to first-team training this week ahead of the Brighton encounter.

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Many Spurs fans have reacted positively to Bentancur’s return, seeing it as a boost for the Lilywhites, who could do with some composure in midfield.

However, what Tottenham fans will not want is another setback, with the Uruguayan so close to a return. We expect to learn more from De Zerbi about the midfielder’s chances of featuring on Saturday.

Spurs goalkeeper situation: Guglielmo Vicario or Antonin Kinsky to start?

While the likes of James Maddison and Rodrigo Bentancur were spotted in training in the last couple of days, Guglielmo Vicario was nowhere to be seen.

We do know that Vicario – who has played through pain for most of the season – is recovering from hernia surgery, which is why he was absent from last week’s game.

In the Italian’s absence, Kinsky was in goal and did put in a solid display against Sunderland, not putting a foot wrong, but it remains to be seen if he continues this weekend.

If Vicario has returned to training, we will expect De Zerbi to provide an update on that and whether he is likely to start in goal for Spurs.

When could James Maddison actually return for Tottenham?

As mentioned earlier, James Maddison remains among those to have returned to first-team training with the Tottenham squad this week.

Of course, this is not the first time Maddison has been involved in training outdoors, as the midfielder shared an update on his return a few weeks back.

However, with more appearances alongside the first-team squad, there is a feeling that a return is not too far away.

We already revealed that, despite several first-team training appearances, Maddison still remains a long way away from featuring.

But that may not be the case, which makes it important for De Zerbi to provide more clarity on the Englishman’s return.

A familiar name could be set for a Premier League return, with former Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho now emerging as a leading contender for a high-profile job.

Given Tottenham Hotspur’s knack for hiring and firing managers, it is no surprise that a few of their former bosses have gone on to manage other clubs in the Premier League.

Ange Postecoglou’s departure after his Europa League triumph last season made him the 15th to be axed by the famously ruthless Daniel Levy in his 20-plus years as Spurs chairman.

Unsurprisingly, in less than a year, two more managers have been added to that list, with Thomas Frank, Postecoglou’s successor, axed earlier this season, while Frank’s successor, Igor Tudor, followed suit after both failed to make an impact in N17.

Ex-Tottenham Jose Mourinho emerges for Newcastle job after Eddie Howe struggles

TalkSport is now reporting that yet another former Tottenham manager could become a Premier League boss at a different club next season.

It is claimed that Jose Mourinho has emerged as a “genuine contender” for a sensational return to the Premier League, with the former Spurs manager reportedly identified as the leading candidate to replace Eddie Howe at Newcastle United.

Howe has had an impressive spell at Tyneside, but a poor run of form this season, which has left the Magpies in 14th, has led the club’s hierarchy to consider a change ahead of next season, with Mourinho earmarked as their preferred target.

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However, nothing is certain, as Mourinho is also a contender for the Portugal job should Roberto Martinez step down from the role following the World Cup.

Should Mourinho return to the Premier League, he will become the seventh manager to have been sacked by Spurs and then gone on to manage another team in the Premier League.

Spurs exits continue to shape Premier League managerial landscape

That number could increase further by next season, as it is understood that Thomas Frank could also return to management following his departure from Spurs.

The former Brentford manager is understood to be on the radar of Crystal Palace, who see him as the ideal replacement for Oliver Glasner, who is set to depart this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur are plotting a move for an exciting Serie A star, but the Lilywhites could face competition from Arsenal and Man City.

There are expected to be big changes to the Tottenham squad even if the club stay in the Premier League, with Spurs plotting an ambitious rebuilding of their squad this summer.

Several senior Tottenham stars are expected to exit Hotspur Way this summer ahead of Roberto De Zerbi’s first full season in charge.

The Lilywhites have reportedly set their sights on an Italy international, who has come on leaps and bounds this season, but two other Premier League giants have now also entered the race.

Arsenal and Manchester City keen on landing Tottenham target Marco Palestra

It has been claimed by some sources previously that Spurs view Marco Palestra as a long-term replacement for Pedro Porro, and it was revealed just last week that Tottenham have scouted the Atalanta man extensively this season.

The Lilywhites have allegedly been won over by the 21-year-old’s performances on loan at Cagliari this season, but Gazzetta dello Sport have now claimed that they are not the only Premier League side eyeing the youngster.

The report reveals that Manchester City and Arsenal have both entered the race for Palestra, with the two Premier League rivals ready to battle it out for the Italy international.

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It is said that the player is expected to leave the New Balance Arena this summer, and that intermediaries have long been at work to find a new club for the defender.

Atalanta set Palestra price but send message to Serie A clubs

Gazzetta reveal that Juventus were the first to make a move for the right-back, and they were followed by both Inter Milan and AC Milan.

However, Atlanta have not entertained approaches from their domestic rivals for Palestra, who is said to be valued at €40m (£34.7m), which is seen as an affordable fee for Premier League clubs.

The outlet claims that the Serie A trio are now regretting not moving for the Italy international sooner, with the executive of one club even telling the publication: “We should have made a move in January, like in the good old days. Now it’s too late.”

Tottenham Hotspur will not like the latest transfer updates regarding James Trafford after the Lilywhites stepped up their interest in the Manchester City goalkeeper.

Guglielmo Vicario’s three-year spell at Tottenham is expected to come to an end this summer, with the Spurs number one having held talks with Inter Milan regarding a summer transfer.

Spurs Web has relayed a number of reports over recent weeks suggesting that the Lilywhites have identified Trafford as their next number one.

It has widely been reported that Spurs face competition from Newcastle and Aston Villa for Trafford, but the race for the Englishman may be about to get a lot harder for Roberto De Zerbi’s men.

Chelsea ready to challenge Tottenham for James Trafford

Fichajes have now backed up Tottenham’s interest in the Man City goalkeeper, but they reveal that the club may also have to see off competition from their London rivals to land their target.

The outlet claims that Chelsea are keen on making a change in goal, with Robert Sanchez’s time at Stamford Bridge about to come to an end this summer.

It is claimed that the Blues hierarchy has identified Trafford as ‘the ideal candidate’ to take over as their new number one from the Spaniard.

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The West Loindon club view the England international as a ‘very strategic investment’ as they look to make big changes to their squad ahead of next season.

Spurs have been warned about Trafford pursuit amidst relegation battle

It has been claimed over recent weeks that Trafford is willing to move to Spurs if they guarantee him the number one role, even though the Lilywhites find themselves in a relegation battle at the moment.

However, journalist Pete O’Rourke warned a few days ago that Tottenham would struggle to land the Man City man if they go down.

Tottenham Hotspur are plotting a move to sign Maxi Araujo this summer, and a new update has revealed what Sporting Lisbon’s stance is on the left-back.

The summer transfer window is drawing closer, but Tottenham’s primary focus for the moment is on ensuring their Premier League survival.

However, the club have started making tentative plans for the upcoming transfer window, which will be Roberto De Zerbi’s first in charge of the club.

It has been widely reported over the last week that Tottenham are eyeing a summer move for Sporting Lisbon star Maxi Araujo, as they look to strengthen at left-back.

In fact, Spurs have regularly made scouting trips to Portugal to watch the Sporting left-back, but their pursuit of the 26-year-old may be about to get a lot harder.

Sporting Lisbon working on new contract for Tottenham target Maxi Araujo

According to a report in Record (as relayed by Sport Witness), amidst the growing interest in the Uruguay international, Sporting have started working on renewing the player’s contract.

Even though Araujo’s current deal runs until 2029, the Portuguese club want to extend it and are prepared to offer the defender a pay rise.

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They are doing this in an attempt to stay one step ahead of the left-back’s suitors, as they look to ward off interest in the player.

The outlet backs up what other sources have said over recent weeks by naming Spurs and Chelsea as the two Premier League clubs showing the keenest interest in the Sporting star.

Araujo’s asking price revealed after left-back hinted at next destination

Record say that the interest in the 26-year-old is not restricted to the Premier League, with Juventus, AC Milan and Atletico Madrid also tracking the player.

The outlet claims that while Araujo has a release clause of €80m (£69m) in his contract, the expectation is that offers above €40m (£34.5m) would need to be made to open the door to the negotiations.