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Leeds United would survive the Premier League relegation battle on 41 points if reverse fixture results repeated, with West Ham relegated on 33 points whilst Spurs and Forest also escape the drop

Leeds United find themselves among several clubs grappling with the genuine prospect of relegation, with just eight Premier League matches remaining. A repeat of the reverse fixtures from earlier in the campaign would secure their survival as they battle alongside Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham and Nottingham Forest.

Sunday afternoon brings a pivotal relegation showdown as Tottenham face Forest, with West Ham currently inside the bottom three. When these sides previously met, Forest ran out convincing 3-0 victors.

Should that outcome be repeated, Tottenham would plunge further into the mire, but what would the final standings look like if every remaining match mirrored its reverse fixture?

Assuming both bottom-placed Wolves and second-bottom Burnley are already beyond rescue this campaign, it would appear that four clubs are currently battling to avoid the final relegation spot. Leeds, Tottenham, Nottingham Forest and West Ham all find themselves flirting with the drop zone, but analysing the reverse fixtures and assuming identical results suggests Leeds would stay up.

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In this speculative exercise, Leeds would claim wins against Wolves and West Ham whilst earning points from stalemates with Brentford, Manchester United and Bournemouth. This would see them safe from the drop on 41 points.

Tottenham would collect a point against Sunderland and Brighton after their loss to Forest. Next comes Wolves, who they shared the spoils with last time. Spurs defeated Leeds 2-1 when these two teams last met and they conclude the season against Everton, whom they thrashed 3-0 back in October. This would see Tottenham finish the campaign on 39 points.

Forest's fortunes would be mixed, claiming three points against Spurs but drawing with both Burnley and Manchester United, leaving them on 34 points. Despite this, they would still manage to stay up in this hypothetical scenario, with West Ham facing the drop to the Championship.

The Hammers would also pick up four extra points, thanks to a win over Newcastle and a draw with Everton. However, this would still leave them marooned on 33 points and relegated by just a single point, though clearly these clubs could alter their destiny should they overturn these results when the fixtures are reversed.

This weekend's results could be crucial to the season outcome it has been claimed

There are so often pivotal weekends in a football season that significantly change the outlook of a campaign or alter the title race or relegation picture in a major way. Without wanting to sound hyperbolic, there's a chance this could be one of those weekends.

An international break awaits and whatever the results of this weekend, teams will have to sit and stew or enjoy the fruits of their labour for the next two weeks before the next opportunity arises. While seven matches will still remain after this weekend's latest round of games, the mood music around some clubs could be significant depending on results.

At this stage it is ifs and buts, as we await to see what happens but with two relegation-threatened teams meeting tomorrow, it's hard to escape a defeat for either Tottenham Hotspur or Nottingham Forest isn't going to have a significant effect on their morale and belief for the run-in. It's a point Alan Shearer agrees with, with the former Premier League winner going as far as to say whichever of those teams loses the meeting between the pair on Sunday afternoon, they will be relegated.

Certainly a victory for Leeds United this evening over Brighton at Elland Road would put Daniel Farke's side back in a commanding position with a six-point advantage over Forest and five over Spurs, not to mention six over West Ham who travel to Aston Villa on Sunday.

For Shearer, it's the game at the Tottenham Stadium which will determine the outcome of the relegation battle.

"Spurs got a really good result at Liverpool last week and deservedly got a point. Out of small crumbs you get a little bit of confidence," he told Betfair.

"The result last week and the result on Wednesday, albeit they went out of the Champions League, and it wasn't enough to get them through, I think the bigger picture for Spurs is just surviving this season.

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"They'll take great confidence from that, and it should set them up nicely for their home game against Nottingham Forest. But in those games, I guess they had no real pressure because most people thought they were going to go out. But the pressure intensifies at the weekend against Nottingham Forest.

"Having said that, the confidence and the belief they should take from the last two games should set them up nicely and it’ll be really interesting to see what happens at the weekend.

"It’s highly likely whoever loses between Tottenham and Nottingham Forest on Sunday will be relegated this season. That's what's at stake for the loser. Whoever loses at the weekend, there's a massive chance that they're going to be relegated."

Leeds United are currently one place ahead of Tottenham in the battle to beat the drop - but Jamie Carragher thinks that might change

Jamie Carragher admits Tottenham’s decision to appoint Igor Tudor is a risk but believes it could give them the filip they need as they try to win a Premier League derby with Arsenal for the first time in four years.

The pundit also reckons Spurs are now less likely to be relegated than they were under Thomas Frank and that they could pull clear of the bottom three.

He adds that Leeds United could find themselves sucked into deeper trouble after managerial changes at West Ham and Nottingham Forest.

Writing in The Telegraph, the former Liverpool defender gave his take on the battle to beat the drop, with Leeds currently above Spurs and three places and six points clear of 18th.

“The managerial change was necessary and gives Spurs a better chance of staying up because, at the very least, the mood in and around the club will improve,” Carragher wrote.

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“Arsenal’s visit could be more help than hindrance for Tudor in one aspect. It may be the most difficult of fixtures, but it can also be the most unifying.

“Such was the clamour for a new coach, the Spurs fans are relieved Frank is gone and the desperation for points is allied with trying to stop Arsenal winning the title and pray on the fears of their fans following the Wolves result.

“The supporters will recognise that the time for a thorough overview of how and why it has come to this is best delayed until the summer. They need to make their stadium intimidating for opponents rather than their own players for the next three months.

“Spurs must save themselves rather than rely on the failings of others, as they did a year ago.

"Leeds United and Brighton might yet get dragged further into the fight, but West Ham and Nottingham Forest are now under the management of two coaches who have survived Premier League relegation scraps before, Nuno saving Forest two years ago, and Vítor Pereira keeping Wolverhampton Wanderers up in 2025.”

Farke is one of the longest-serving managers of their respective clubs across the whole Premier League

Daniel Farke says it is never a good sign when clubs have a high turnover rate of managers, amid the dismissal of Thomas Frank by Tottenham Hotspur and the axing of Sean Dyche by Nottingham Forest - their third sacking of the season.

Farke has been at Leeds United since his appointment in July 2023, making him the seventh-longest serving manager in the Premier League. The Whites boss refused to comment on the sackings of his peers this week but was clear that frequent changes at the helm is hardly ever a good omen.

Ahead of Sunday's FA Cup clash with Birmingham City, he said: “I've rarely seen a club being successful - when you have four or five times per season changing your manager, it's never healthy. We've also had this little bit in the past.

“For the players, it’s not that easy because everyone has different ideas about football and different processes. Normally it never works when you change too much and you are a bit like a flag in the wind.”

Farke added: “For me, it's always important, especially for such a big club and such a passionate club, you have the best times when the group of key people is not too big, and the key people are on the same page.

“You can go through the whole history of Leeds United, when there are clear responsibilities, when there are the key people on the same page, when the group is the club is united, then this club was always there with a most successful time.

“Once you lead such a passionate club you have to make sure that you're all on the same page and you go in the same direction. This is crucial.

"You just have to be convinced that you have the right people in the right position. If you do so, then you also stick together when just one or 2% are missing and you're working together on it.

"This is the relationship that we have, and when you have this consistency, you go in the same direction."

Leeds United currently sit a point higher than Tottenham in the Premier League table

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly sacked manager Thomas Frank, with Tuesday evening’s 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United leaving Spurs in a relegation battle against Leeds United.

Leeds sit above Tottenham in the Premier League table following their 2-2 draw at Chelsea, having played the same number of games. Frank, who left Brentford to take up the Spurs job last summer, has won just two of his last 17 matches with the club five points above the drop zone.

Frank has seemingly become the seventh permanent Premier League manager to be dismissed this season. Tottenham face Arsenal in the North London Derby on Sunday before fixtures against Fulham, Crystal Palace and Liverpool.

The Athletic says Spurs have decided that now is the time to part company with Frank and that managerial contingency plans are being drafted. Leeds are not scheduled to travel to Tottenham until May 9, the third-to-last Premier League game of the season.

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United lost 2-1 at home to Spurs back in October, which marked their first home defeat in league action for more than a year. Since that day, Leeds have won five Premier League games and lost just twice since the start of December.

In comparison, Spurs have won just three matches since their victory at Elland Road, and have lost six matches since the start of December. They have failed to win a league game in 2026 so far.

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Former Leeds United loanee Manor Solomon is set for another move after Tottenham agreed to cut short his Villarreal spell

Manor Solomon is set to leave his season-long loan at Villarreal early after Tottenham Hotspur agreed a new loan deal with Italian side Fiorentina.

The 26-year-old winger found himself in transfer limbo over the summer. After returning from a successful loan spell with Leeds United, Solomon’s place in the Spurs squad under new head coach Thomas Frank was unclear.

Despite Frank stating that he ‘liked what he saw’ in the Israeli international, the Tottenham boss did not mention Solomon when listing potential replacements for the departing Heung-min Son on the left wing.

Solomon was eventually sent out to Villarreal on a season-long loan, but that spell now appears set to be cut short, with Spurs finding a new destination for the winger.

It won't be Elland Road this month, though, as Fabrizio Romano reports Fiorentina have reached a verbal agreement to sign Solomon. His loan in Spain will be interrupted, with a new deal agreed with the Serie A side as of December 31.

The former Leeds United loanee is now due to undergo his medical today (Friday), with Fiorentina believed to have included a buy-option clause worth around £8.7m in the agreement.

Solomon played a key role in Leeds’ Championship-winning campaign last season, scoring 10 league goals and providing a further 12 assists. The 26-year-old also netted a dramatic injury-time winner on the final day to secure the title for The Whites.

Following his return to Tottenham, there were strong links suggesting Solomon could make a swift return to Elland Road after his standout season in West Yorkshire. However, a move back to Leeds failed to materialise.

Speaking ahead of the Premier League season, Daniel Farke admitted his side had lost a key attacking outlet. He said: “Offensive-wise, if we are really honest, we have lost one of our main threats of the offence with Manor Solomon.

“Didn’t have many additions so far from then, if I am really honest. Then, you don’t have players like Dan James who’s important for us. Jack Harrison is not available due to injury.

“When they are not available, then of course, it’s a bit thin the offence. We know what we have to do and what we need.”

In Spain, Solomon has struggled for regular minutes, starting just one league match for Villarreal. Across all competitions, he has scored once and registered four assists.

Now, Solomon is set to join a Fiorentina side rooted to the bottom of the Serie A table. The Italian outfit have won just one game all season and sit on nine points - 12 fewer than Leeds United.

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Joe Hart and Peter Crouch have both suggested that Leeds United can survive in the Premier League this season following their return to the top flight

Daniel Farke's side fell to a 2-1 defeat to Tottenham at Elland Road on Saturday afternoon, but there were plenty of positives to take away from the game. "Leeds looked solid, I thought they made it difficult," the former England goalkeeper Hart told TNT Sports.

"They were pushing until the end, I think Tottenham had to change their formation and use more defenders towards the back end. I think that’s the biggest compliment you can pay Leeds in a defeat. They made it, so, so difficult for Tottenham.

"But if they can keep building on that, they seem like they’re very united and they can push forward."

Meanwhile, Crouch added: "I think Leeds will be fine - certainly at home. The players they’ve bought and sold, I think they will be alright, actually."

Noah Okafor scored the only goal for the hosts, and the result means that Leeds have got four points from their last four games. This was the third match they played against a Champions League team.

Meanwhile, Leeds boss Farke expressed his satisfaction with his side's performance. "Until 80th minute I was happy. We looked very solid defensively and gave the goal away," he said post-match.

"Leeds concede very little in xG [expected goals]. Leeds were good today and defended very well on the ball. We were unfortunate. We are disappointed and we are playing for results.

"We were the better side today. We had most shots and expected goals. More corners. Each aspect we were the better side today but it's all about goals. Unnecessary loss of the ball in the first half. We were punished by the deflection or otherwise the balls would not have gone in.

"We should have scored three or four. If you dominate games and not win points it will be difficult But I cannot just pray for results, we need performances. I'm proud of how we've come as a team. Many compliments to the team."

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Archie Gray completed a lap of Elland Road, applauding Leeds supporters after making his return to the club with Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs prevailed 2-1 on their trip to Yorkshire with Noah Okafor's equaliser proving to be in vain after Mohammd Kudus' strike proved the difference in the second period.

But the clash acted as a homecoming of sorts for Gray, who departed Leeds for north London little over a year ago.

The Whites earned a fee between £25million and £30m as Joe Rodon also moved in the opposite direction following his successful loan spell.

It was Spurs that won the race for the teenager's signature after a transfer to Brentford collapsed at the eleventh hour.

And, having moved in the summer, Gray never got to say goodbye to supporters after coming through the ranks at the club over eight years.

The versatile youngster did not make it off the bench on Saturday afternoon, but Leeds' vocal support was sure to make their affection for the academy product clear.

"You're Leeds and you know you are," came the calls from the home crowd as he warmed up. Gray could not help but smile.

The England under-21 international jogged off before meeting teammate Ben Davies, who appeared to suggest that he should have acknowledged it.

Gray's interaction with the crowd did not end there however, as he took the time to show his appreciation following the full-time whistle, and offered a dedicated goodbye.

Speaking before the game, Gray could not help but cover his excitement to return to Leeds.

“I can’t wait. That’s my home, that’s where I’ve been raised and I’ve got so much love for Leeds but I’m playing for Tottenham now, we’ve obviously got a job to do at the weekend and we’re looking forward to that.

“Already it feels a little bit weird that we’re going to be playing against a team where I’ve spent virtually my whole life.

“I’m so grateful for everything that they’ve done for me and I’m so proud to be from Leeds and be one of their own.

"Of course, it’s going to be unusual going back there this weekend, but we’ve got a job to do.”

You can see in the last games that his confidence is growing. Today he was there with what was more or less an assist. It was another decent from hi, not perfect, some things can always be a bit less complicated. His orkrate is never in doubt.

Good performance, he played a major part in the first goal. Good owrk load. First half probs should hit the target then a a good save from the goalkeeper.

If he thinks too much and force it it'll never work. He needs to keep brining himelf into good positions

We were unfortunate. We are disppointed and we are playing for results. We were the better side today. We had most shots and expected goals. More corners. Each aspect we were the better side today but it's all about goals.

Unnecessary loss of the ball in the first half. We were punished by the deflection or otherwise the balls would not have gone in.

We should have scored three or four. If you dominate games and not win points it will be difficult But I cannot just pray for results, we need performances. I'm proud of how we've come as a team. Many compliments to the team.

Here are how the Leeds United payers rated after this afternoon's 2-1 Premier League defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, Noah Okafor getting the only goal for the hosts.

Karl Darlow - Was deceived by the deflection for both goals and made some good saves otherwise. 7

Jayden Bogle - His positioning was given the biggest test today with Destiny Udogie, which in turn prevented him going forward that much. 7

Joe Rodon - Looked like he wanted to prove a point against his former club with good defensive work and coming close to scoring with a header. 8

Pascal Strujik - Desperately unlucky with the two deflections off of him for Tottenham's goals having tried to do the right thing each time. He felt it. 6

Gabriel Gudmundsson - Didn't do much wrong but, like Bogle, was throttled from going forward by the pace and intentions of Mohammed Kudus. 7

Anton Stach - Pretty anonymous, certain in the main flow of the game. Being taken off as part of the first round of substitutes was telling of his shift. 6

Ethan Ampadu - Put his leg or shoulder into the tackle, sometimes cleanly, sometimes not. Always the leader. 7

Sean Longstaff - Numerous well-timed tackles and wasn't afraid to shoot when given chance. The midfield engine today. 8

Brenden Aaronson - Best performance yet, with turnovers, dribbles and shots. His effort led to United's equalsier. 8

Dominic Calvert-Lewin - Blazed over a first-half effort he should have kept down before going close with a low saved effort and a sliding attempt at a cross. Held the ball well once more. 7

Noah Okafor - Cool as you like when tapping home for 1-1. Played some really incisive balls too but also lost possession on occasion. 7

SUBS

James Justin (89' for Bogle) - Came on too late for a rating. N/A

Ao Tanaka (66' for Stach) - His presence prevented so may breakaways by holding position fine. 7

Jack Harrison (66' for Aaronson) - Tried to stay busy and put in a cross or two. 7

Joel Piroe (79' for Okafor) - Forced a late save from Vicario. 6

Lukas Nmecha - (79' for Gudmundsson) Didn't see much of the ball despite adding height. 5

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