Daily Express

Amad has taken to social media in what could be interpreted as a signal regarding his Manchester United future, following the weekend's Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace. Having featured from the start in every league match under interim boss Michael Carrick thus far, Amad found himself relegated to the substitutes' bench for Sunday's encounter.

Forward Benjamin Sesko took his place in the starting line-up. The Slovenian netted what proved to be the decisive goal for the second consecutive match as United emerged 2-1 victors. Amad has since shared an image of himself celebrating in a United kit on his Snapchat profile, accompanied by text which reads: "What is meant to grow does not stay in the same place forever."

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

The message could suggest he is contemplating his future, although not necessarily in the short term. Alternatively, it might relate to personal growth and act as inspiration to reclaim his starting berth.

Nevertheless, the timing of the post, which arrived immediately after his demotion to the bench, may spark concerns about his current mindset within the squad.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Amad has been a consistent starter for United throughout this campaign. Across his 23 outings in all competitions, he has found the net twice whilst contributing three further assists.

His most recent goal contribution came when he scored in the 4-4 draw with Bournemouth in December. That fixture preceded his departure to represent the Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations, resulting in his absence from five Premier League fixtures.

Carrick's choice to bring on Sesko in place of Amad during the Palace match followed suggestions from pundits, including United icon Gary Neville. "I think now on Sunday Michael Carrick starts him (Sesko)," he said on Sky Sports following United's victory over Everton.

"Just feeling how Michael would look at that, I think it would kill the lad if he didn't start. I think what you'll see on Sunday is Cunha to the left, Mbeumo to the right, Sesko up top and Bruno in behind. I think Amad will just slip out for a game, he has been really good but I think Sesko starts."

Amad will be eager to make his mark, whether from the first whistle or as a substitute, when United resume their campaign on Wednesday evening.

Carrick's squad head to St James' Park to face Newcastle (8.15pm kick-off). A brief respite from fixtures follows due to the FA Cup fifth round before they welcome Aston Villa to Old Trafford in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, March 15 (2pm).

Manchester United FC news, fixtures, results and transfer gossip plus selected offers and competitions Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Get More of Our News on Google

Set Daily Express as a 'Preferred Source' to get quicker access to the news you value.

EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page

Tottenham have safeguarded themselves financially in the event of relegation, with clauses included in contracts that would trigger a reduction in salaries. As reported by The Athletic, former chairman Daniel Levy incorporated a provision into most players' contracts that would result in their wages being halved should Spurs find themselves in the Championship next season.

The report indicated that this was an agreement reached in most contracts by Levy prior to his exit, providing some financial relief should Spurs face the unfortunate fate of relegation. Sunday's loss to Fulham means that Spurs are yet to secure a Premier League victory in 2025 and are deeply embroiled in the battle against relegation alongside West Ham and Nottingham Forest.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Both of these teams suffered defeats this past weekend, leaving Tottenham still four points clear of the relegation zone. Igor Tudor has been appointed as interim head coach at the club, tasked solely with ensuring their Premier League survival. His temporary tenure has not begun well, with Spurs suffering defeats to Arsenal and Fulham in the past week.

EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Both of these teams suffered defeats this past weekend, leaving Tottenham still four points clear of the relegation zone. Igor Tudor has been appointed as interim head coach at the club, tasked solely with ensuring their Premier League survival.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

His temporary tenure has not begun well, with Spurs suffering defeats to Arsenal and Fulham in the past week. Their next match is scheduled for this coming Thursday, another London derby, with Crystal Palace visiting the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

In other fixtures, West Ham will face Fulham whilst Forest have another away game against Manchester City. Tottenham make the journey to Liverpool the subsequent week with FA Cup fifth round fixtures taking priority beforehand. During that weekend, the Hammers face Man City whilst Vitor Pereira's team welcome Fulham.

Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings

Tudor offered a damning assessment following Spurs' most recent loss but declined to discuss the prospect of relegation in his post-match media briefing. He said: "Not enough, not enough. They were better, they deserved to win, nothing is smart to tell you in this moment.

"We need to forget this game and focus on training tomorrow. Difficult moment, difficult situation, but only way is to come tomorrow on the training and try to do better, better things. I don't want to speak about relegation, but all the time I comment this and I always give the same answer, so I will not respond to the answer. My answer is always the same."

Football transfer news and rumours plus selected offers and competitions Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Get More of Our News on Google

Set Daily Express as a 'Preferred Source' to get quicker access to the news you value.

Regrettably, it is a subject that can no longer be sidestepped with one of Spurs, Forest or West Ham almost certain to accompany Burnley and Wolves in the relegation zone. A pivotal encounter in determining who ultimately descends to the Championship will undoubtedly be Tottenham's forthcoming fixture against Forest ahead of the March international break.

Liverpool might privately be hoping Tottenham are relegated from the Premier League this season. Spurs' fourth successive defeat, a 2-1 reverse away at Fulham, leaves them four points above the relegation zone with 10 games to play - including a trip to Anfield on March 15. They remain winless in the league in 2026 and have lost six of their 10 matches this year.

If Spurs are demoted to the Championship, there is sure to be serious upheaval at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Already, they are looking for a new long-term manager. Igor Tudor was installed only as a temporary boss and has since been heavily critical of the squad and the club. On top of the playing staff, the squad will be heavily restructured too - with many international players unlikely to want to play in the Championship.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Among those who could leave is Liverpool-linked centre-back Micky van de Ven. Despite Spurs' disastrous season, Van de Ven's personal stock remains high. The Netherlands international has scored seven goals this term and captained the team during Cristian Romero's recent suspension.

Van de Ven is said to be on Liverpool's shortlist as they seek to strengthen their defence. Ibrahima Konate is out of contract at the end of the season, while Virgil van Dijk is 35 this July and his deal expires in 18 months. Giovanni Leoni will not be fit until the summer after an ACL tear and Joe Gomez has also been dogged by injuries again. Jeremy Jacquet is joining from Rennes but the 20-year-old also recently suffered a season-ending problem.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

That should make signing one more centre-back a priority for the Reds this summer. Turning 25 next month and with an extraordinary physical profile, as one of the fastest defenders in Europe and an excellent ball-player, Van Dijk's international team-mate Van de Ven ticks plenty of boxes for the Merseyside club.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

He now has 84 appearances for Spurs and 179 at club level in his career. Liverpool became known under Jurgen Klopp for signing talented players in their early-to-mid-20s, with a solid bank of senior appearances under their belt (ideally 150-200), and crucially the potential to go to new heights in a better team.

Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

Van de Ven fits that mould. And prising him away from Tottenham would become a lot easier and cheaper if Tudor's team were relegated. Transfrmarkt estimates the Dutchman's value at £57million. If Spurs remain a top-flight team, Liverpool would do well to get him out of north London for less than £70m. Spurs paid Wolfsburg an initial £34.5m, rising to £43m, for him in 2023.

If Spurs were bumped into the second tier, clearly Van de Ven is far too good to play in the Championship. And Liverpool might feel they can bring their big six rivals down to £50m or less, given the player would presumably be keen on the move.

Liverpool signing the defender is not entirely reliant on Spurs' relegation but a move may ultimately hinge on Konate's future. Should the Frenchman leave Anfield as a free agent, they will need a suitably experienced replacement if they are to challenge for the Premier League title again next year. Van de Ven could be that replacement.

Liverpool FC news, fixtures, results and transfer gossip plus selected offers and competitions Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Get More of Our News on Google

Set Daily Express as a 'Preferred Source' to get quicker access to the news you value.

But if Konate opts to sign a new deal, Liverpool may decide that, with Van Dijk, Konate, Jacquet, Leoni and Gomez (if he stays), they have enough options in the position. The Reds will keep a keen eye on Spurs in the meantime, knowing they can contribute to their potential relegation at Anfield this month.

The Premier League have faced backlash from supporters after sharing a video that openly ridicules Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario. Spurs' woeful run persisted with a 2-1 loss to Fulham on Sunday - and their followers were far from pleased to witness the league's official account delivering further blows. Igor Tudor's team found themselves trailing 2-0 within 34 minutes at Craven Cottage thanks to strikes from Harry Wilson and Alex Iwobi. They clawed one back via Richarlison's second-half header but were unable to secure a leveller.

Their fourth consecutive Premier League defeat means they have now gone 10 league matches without victory and sit only four points clear of the drop zone. Tudor was incensed that a shove by Raul Jimenez on Radu Dragusin in the build-up to Wilson's opening goal went unpunished by the match officials - and supporters' frustrations intensified when they logged onto social media on Sunday evening.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

The official Premier League account, which boasts 44.9m followers on X, uploaded a 13-second segment from the match, displaying Vicario launching a long free-kick directly out for a Fulham goal kick.

The accompanying text stated: "Just how the play was drawn up..." It then added: "An interesting free-kick from Vicario" with a grinning emoji, followed by "Whoops" with another grinning emoji. Posted at 10.55pm on Sunday, the clip had amassed nearly 400,000 views by Monday morning.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Whilst some relished the chance to revel in the unfortunate moment, others were far from impressed. One reply read: "I'm not even a Spurs fan but this just seems ...mean? Like an opposing team account taking the p*** I can 100 per cent understand and appreciate but the official PL account? Yikes."

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

"Official PL account... good job lads," another replied. "Being made fun of by official PL account is wild," a second wrote. "Aren't you supposed to be neutral and unbiased?" a third asked.

Another concluded: "I don't think its proper for the premier league to try to be a banter account. It should be above that."

Numerous others were quick to highlight that the Premier League has no shortage of its own blunders to answer for, with many incensed over the failure to disallow Wilson's goal.

Tudor was seething during his post-match press conference. "Of course it's a foul, I think - 99 out of 100 people will say it's a foul, I believe, because it's so obvious, you know," he said, before drawing comparisons with the decision to disallow Spurs' goal against Arsenal the previous weekend for Randal Kolo Muani's push on Gabriel.

"Sometimes the criteria don't have consistency, last week what happened in our game against Arsenal, same thing, also one situation before, we conceded a goal, they didn't get a foul after they give, so, incredible.

Football transfer news and rumours plus selected offers and competitions Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Get More of Our News on Google

Set Daily Express as a 'Preferred Source' to get quicker access to the news you value.

"Sometimes they don't understand it's enough, even small contact, you know, if it gives you advantage to score the goal, you need to cancel this, finish it. It's not about normal duel when he's soft, no, when he pushes with the hands and don't watch the ball, no. Sometimes it's just easy to get advantage.

"So, this is ridiculous to not give the foul, because the consequence is too big. It's not a small foul in the middle of the pitch, it's a goal after."

Kick-off time and venue: The match is scheduled for Sunday, March 1, 2026 at Fulham’s home ground, Craven Cottage. Kick-off is set for 2:00pm GMT. This fixture follows a difficult period for Tottenham and a boost for Fulham, who recently ended a three-match losing streak with a victory over Sunderland.

How to watch: Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the game live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Ultra HDR. Live coverage is expected to begin an hour before kick-off, at 1:00pm GMT. The match can also be streamed live via Sky Go or the Sky Sports app. International fans should check their local Premier League broadcast partners for regional availability.

Tottenham team news: Interim boss Igor Tudor receives a major defensive boost with the return of Pedro Porro and Kevin Danso to training. However, captain Cristian Romero is still out, serving the third of a four-game suspension. Key players like Destiny Udogie, Mohammed Kudus, and Dejan Kulusevski remain unavailable due to injury.

Fulham team news: Marco Silva may welcome back Samuel Chukwueze (calf) and Sasa Lukic (thigh), both of whom are nearing returns. The Cottagers are also monitoring "Kevin" (likely referring to Kevin Mbabu or a similar squad member mentioned in previews) after he picked up a minor knock in their previous match against Sunderland.

Recent form: Tottenham are desperate for their first Premier League win of 2026 following a heavy 4-1 loss to Arsenal. Currently sitting just four points above the relegation zone, they face a confident Fulham side that already beat them in north London earlier this season and are eyeing a top-seven finish.

The six Premier League teams who have qualified for the Champions League knockout rounds have learned their last-16 fate and potential paths to the final in Budapest in May. Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester City all sailed straight into the round of 16 by finishing in the top eight of the league phase. Newcastle joined them after cruising past Qarabag in the knockout play-offs, winning their tie 9-3 on aggregate. They are the only unseeded English side which means they will play their first leg at home in the next phase.

All five English sides now know what awaits them to contest the final in Hungary on May 30. And the next round, which takes place over two legs on 10/11 and 17/18 March, pits Manchester City against 14-time winners Real Madrid for a fourth successive season in this competition. Chelsea have been paired with holders PSG while Newcastle take on Barcelona, who they lost to at St James' Park in their opening league phase match.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Liverpool also face a rematch with familiar foes, Galatasaray, whom they lost 1-0 to away from home in September. With Tottenham paired against Atletico Madrid, Arsenal are tasked with beating German outfit Bayer Leverkusen.

The Gunners topped the table in the last round and know that if they beat Leverkusen, face a favourable tie against either Bodo/Glimt - who stunned Inter Milan in the play-offs - or Sporting. Should they reach the semi-finals, they could face Premier League rivals Newcastle or Tottenham. Likelier, though, is a showdown with one of two La Liga heavyweights - Barcelona or Atletico Madrid.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

On the other half of the draw, there could be an all-English quarter-final between Chelsea and Liverpool. Either of those sides could then meet Man City in the semis, if Pep Guardiola's side can see off Real Madrid and then likely Bayern Munich. The exact schedule for the round of 16 fixtures will be released by UEFA later tonight.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle are looking to win the Champions League for the first time ever while their Premier League rivals are looking to add to their tallies - Liverpool (six), Chelsea (two), Man City (one).

Champions League round of 16 draw in full

PSG vs Chelsea

Galatasaray vs Liverpool

Real Madrid vs Man City

Atalanta vs Bayern Munich

Newcastle vs Barcelona

Atletico Madrid vs Tottenham

Bodo/Glimt vs Sporting

Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal

Champions League quarter-final draw

PSG or Chelsea vs Galatasaray or Liverpool (1)

Real Madrid or Man City vs Atalanta or Bayern Munich (2)

Newcastle or Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid or Tottenham (3)

Bodo/Glimt or Sporting vs Bayer Leverkusen or Arsenal (4)

Football transfer news and rumours plus selected offers and competitions Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Get More of Our News on Google

Set Daily Express as a 'Preferred Source' to get quicker access to the news you value.

Champions League semi-final draw

Winners of quarter-final 1 vs winners of quarter-final 2

Arsenal legend Ian Wright has accused Tottenham players of already 'checking out' on new manager Igor Tudor following their performance in the north London derby at the weekend. The 47-year-old Croatian has overseen just a single match, yet his team suffered a comprehensive 4-1 defeat to fierce rivals Arsenal on their own turf.

Spurs currently sit 16th in the Premier League and are merely four points above the relegation zone following the departure of former Brentford manager Thomas Frank. The Dane was subsequently replaced by ex-Lazio and Juventus boss Tudor, who has been appointed interim manager until the end of the season.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page

Wright is unconvinced that Spurs' players are fully behind Tudor, highlighting an incident involving Micky van de Ven during the north London derby that caught his attention. Speaking on The Overlap's Stick To Football podcast, Wright said: "Against Arsenal I saw Igor Tudor try to speak to Van de Ven, he blanked him, totally blanked him. That says to me they have checked out already."

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Yet fellow pundits Gary Neville and Roy Keane disagreed, with the former United duo suggesting it was 'harsh' while Keane claimed Spurs' players behaved similarly under Frank. Wright refused to back down and said: "This guy is new, he wants him to come up and Van de Ven just looks at him and stays there. You think to yourself, that doesn't look good. That does not look good."

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Tudor would reject any suggestion of conflict between himself and Van de Ven at a press conference on Thursday afternoon, insisting he was addressing the whole squad. He said: "If you watch carefully, I don't speak to him (in that moment). Afterwards, I said to him to come closer, and he comes closer.

"We didn't talk about it because nothing happened. He's a fantastic professional and a fantastic guy, he would not do something like (ignoring me)." Belgium manager Roberto Martinez was also on the podcast and made it clear that Tudor must do everything possible to ensure Spurs avoid relegation to the Championship.

Martinez said: "When I was at Wigan you almost prepared for that last third of the season because that is your opportunity. The last third for us was that we are going to get out of trouble.

"The problem is when you are going into the last third hoping you are not going to get dragged down into a relegation battle because your club wasn't ready for that. This is where it becomes very, very dangerous. What happens now is that you should forget about these general terms that "we shouldn't get dragged down", what does this mean to a player (looking to hear) "do I need to run more, less."

"It is basic language (you use to a player) about everything you can control, "you have to do 12km, six sprints into the box and run to the near post". Everything has to be so measurable. It is about winning the next game."

The former Everton and Wigan manager cautioned Spurs against banking on injured stars returning to save their season, urging a shift in mentality. He added: "I think Spurs will get one or two players back from injury, you win a game and then you have got too much (of a gap).

"The problem is there are no easy games in the Premier League. As a player at Spurs you might think there are easy games we can win, no - there are no easy games. It is about reducing that to, it is the next game and you have an opportunity to get points rather than if you don't win and you are out.

Football transfer news and rumours plus selected offers and competitions Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Get More of Our News on Google

Set Daily Express as a 'Preferred Source' to get quicker access to the news you value.

"The moment that the club see it as "wow, if we don't win..." - the mindset is so negative and it drags you down. We have seen teams that are "too good to go down" go down because they weren't prepared for that final third of the season."

**Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. **Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

Tottenham are one of six English clubs waiting to discover who they will face in the Champions League knockout stages. The draw, which is scheduled for Friday, will lay out each club's potential path to the final in Budapest. Tottenham managed to qualify through the league phase, finishing fourth after winning five and losing just one of their eight fixtures.

As a result, the north Londoners already have a good idea of who they could face in the round of 16. If they are placed on the blue path, they will go up against Atletico Madrid following their victory over Club Brugge in the play-offs. Meanwhile, if Spurs are drawn into the silver pathway, they will face the winner of the play-off tie between Galatasaray and Juventus.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Express Sport have simulated the Champions League draw, which makes for grim reading for Tottenham fans...

In our simulation, Galatasaray will await Tottenham in the round of 16. They secured a thumping 5-2 victory over Juventus in the first leg of their play-off tie, before a 3-2 second leg loss in Turin saw them progress 7-5 on aggregate.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Tottenham will be the favourites to get through that tie and if they win, our simulation predicts they will go up against either Chelsea or Paris Saint-Germain.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

A meeting with the current European champions may spell the end of Tottenham's dreams of Champions League glory, as they would undoubtedly head into the fixture as clear underdogs.

However, should they prevail against the odds, our simulation suggests that Real Madrid, Manchester City, Arsenal or Atalanta would await in the semi-finals.

A showdown with their north London rivals in the last four of the Champions League would be something to behold, but the Gunners would have to get through all of their own fixtures to make that a possibility.

In the event Tottenham manage to reach the final by some miracle, they would likely go up against one of Bayern Munich, Barcelona or Liverpool.

Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

Tottenham's potential Champions League route

R16: Galatasaray

QF: Chelsea/PSG

SF: Real Madrid/Man City/Arsenal/Atalanta

F: Bayern Munich/Barcelona/Liverpool

Express Sport's simulated round of 16 in full

PSG vs Chelsea

Galatasaray vs Tottenham

Real Madrid vs Man City

Atalanta vs Arsenal

Newcastle vs Barcelona

Atletico Madrid vs Liverpool

Bodo/Glimt vs Sporting

Football transfer news and rumours plus selected offers and competitions Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Get More of Our News on Google

Set Daily Express as a 'Preferred Source' to get quicker access to the news you value.

Bayer Leverkusen vs Bayern Munich

The Champions League last-16 line-up has finally been completed after a dramatic week of play-off action. Eight teams - including five from the Premier League - had earned automatic qualification to the last-16 via their league phase performance, with a further eight having navigated the play-offs.

Newcastle were among those to have come through the play-offs unscathed, having put Qarabag to the sword across two legs. It’s the first time the Magpies have ever reached the last-16 of the Champions League, but their path to potential glory looks like being one of the most difficult for the remaining teams.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Meanwhile, the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool have all enjoyed a rare couple of weeks off, having taken care of their business in the league phase. And ahead of the draw later this week, Express Sport have detailed each and every last-16 side’s potential opponents.

Qualified teams for the Champions League last-16:

Arsenal

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Bayern Munich

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Liverpool

Tottenham Hotspur

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Chelsea

Barcelona

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Sporting

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Manchester City

Newcastle United

Paris Saint-Germain

Atletico Madrid

Real Madrid

Atalanta

Bayer Leverkusen

Galatasaray

Bodo/Glimt

Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

However, since the introduction of the revised format in 2024, the draw for the last-16 will be partially seeded based on league phase positions. Previously, it would be a semi-open draw, with a group winner partnered with a group runner-up.

That isn’t the case anymore, as each top-eight opponent is set to be paired up with one of two play-off winners. That will also be the case for the quarter-finals and the semi-finals, with the brackets having already been partially decided.

Champions League last-16 draw as it stands:

Arsenal or Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen or Atalanta

Liverpool or Tottenham vs Atletico Madrid or Galatasaray

Chelsea or Barcelona vs Newcastle or PSG

Man City or Sporting vs Bodo/Glimt or Real Madrid

Football transfer news and rumours plus selected offers and competitions Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Get More of Our News on Google

Set Daily Express as a 'Preferred Source' to get quicker access to the news you value.

All last-16 ties will be confirmed during the Champions League draw on Friday.

A new manager, but the same old story for Tottenham. Local rivals Arsenal even beat them by the same result as earlier in the season, as a second 4-1 defeat was inflicted, but this time Igor Tudor watched on in concern. The Croatian interim boss has a simple job for the remainder of the season: keep Spurs in the Premier League at all costs.

They are looking perilously over their shoulder in 16th place, four points above the relegation zone with only 11 games remaining. Wolves and Burnley are edging closer and closer to the drop, but Spurs, Nottingham Forest, and current 18th-placed team West Ham are all in danger of falling to the Championship, despite each of them tasting European football in recent seasons.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Football is littered with famous sayings, but 'too good to go down' is often applied to similar situations and for the most part, it has been proven true. But Tudor and Spurs know that they cannot rely on such expressions alone, and our Express Sport writers have given our verdicts on whether or not disaster can be avoided.

Charlie Malam

Can Tottenham go down? Absolutely. Will they go down? No. They should have the quality to, just about, get over the line. Make no mistake, they are a really poor football team. Fortunately for Spurs, they would need an all-time-terrible final 10 games to go down.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

No Premier League side has ever been relegated on 43 points in a 38-game season. Spurs are on 29 with 10 games to go - so that means they need four wins and a draw from their last 10. Realistically, it shouldn't even take that. Of their last 10, away games at Liverpool, Aston Villa and Chelsea are likely to end in defeat. Maybe they can snag a draw at Sunderland. But their other six are Fulham (A), Crystal Palace (H), Nottingham Forest (H), Brighton (H), Wolves (A) and Everton (H).

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Those two matches against Forest and Wolves are absolute MUST wins and two victories would leave Tottenham on 35 points. Another win on top of that should be enough for safety. But if they lose to Forest on March 22, palms will get very, very sweaty.

Spurs won't get a lot of their injured players back before that Forest match but Igor Tudor desperately needs to find a way to fix Spurs' home form. Starting against Crystal Palace next week. The Eagles are engulfed in chaos themselves so it's a great chance for Spurs. To help themselves, Dominic Solanke needs to be restored to the starting XI and Joao Palhinha moved back into midfield.

Jack McEachen

Tottenham getting relegated would be the biggest disaster any Premier League team has ever had on the pitch.

They haven't won a league game in 2026, have no identity on the pitch and a manager whose only taste of English football is the 4-1 defeat to Arsenal he oversaw on Sunday. Make no mistake, Spurs are not too big to fail.

You can point to a somewhat favourable fixture run until the end of the season, but they have failed to beat Burnley, West Ham, Bournemouth and Southampton in recent weeks.

Tudor is an enigma and the club has been without two of their most influential players, James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, for the entire season. But that is no excuse. Spurs' starting XI against Arsenal cost a combined £262million, excluding loans for Joao Palhinha and Randal Kolo Muani. A 'threadbare' squad has been forgiven by many but such a huge outlay justifies expectations, only they are nowhere near being met.

Only Manchester United getting relegated in 1974 comes close to the utter mess going down would be for Spurs.

Fortunately, they are just a few tweaks away from turning things around.

Pedro Porro returning to the team is one of them, as the most progressive passer in the team outside of Maddison and Kulusevski. Tudor is hopeful he can be fit to face Fulham next.

With a team unable to convince in possession, through a lack of variety in midfield, Tudor must utilise the next best option to create attacking opportunities - a well-drilled press.

Jurgen Klopp took Liverpool to new heights with a midfield of Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Gini Wijnaldum. None are renowned for their playmaking, but they terrified opponents with wave after wave of pressure.

Spurs have exceptional pressing midfielders in Conor Gallagher and Pape Matar Sarr, while Dominic Solanke and Richarlison proved some of the most adept forwards at Bournemouth and Everton at leading the charge from the front. This is by far Spurs' best option to pick up points until the end of the season.

Archie Griggs

Tottenham have been horrendous in the Premier League all season but they won't be relegated. It simply isn't going to happen. Their fixture list between now and the end of the season is favourable, with games against Nottingham Forest, Brighton, Leeds United and Wolves still to come.

The north Londoners should be too strong for all of those sides, even in their current state. Igor Tudor wasn't the most convincing appointment but he should be able to lead Spurs to safety by taking enough points from those crucial games. Yes, they are rubbish, but at least three Premier League teams are still worse than them. They'll find a way to stay up.

Football transfer news and rumours plus selected offers and competitions Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Get More of Our News on Google

Set Daily Express as a 'Preferred Source' to get quicker access to the news you value.

The real question is: how long will their terrible form continue? There's a real threat of it carrying on into next season if they fail to make the right appointment in the summer. A productive transfer window will also be important, though it will be difficult for Spurs to sign quality players since they likely won't be in Europe at all.

It's a problem for those in the boardroom to solve, with strong leadership more important than ever as they look to return to the upper reaches of the Premier League table in 2026/27.