Sports Mole

Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Rob Edwards is sweating over a couple of fitness doubts ahead of Saturday's Premier League fixture with Tottenham Hotspur at Molineux.

The Old Gold are poised to play their first game since their relegation to the Championship was confirmed, and Edwards could be missing both Angel Gomes and Ladislav Krejci following their blows against Leeds United.

Gomes was taken off in the first half of that 3-0 defeat with a toe problem, while defender Krejci suffered whiplash in the second half, and neither man is a guarantee for the visit of Spurs.

To make matters worse for Edwards defensively, Yerson Mosquera is serving the second of a two-game ban, while Matt Doherty is still a doubt after missing the Leeds loss with a knock.

As a result, and with the shackles off following confirmation of their demotion, Edwards could switch to a back four, with Toti Gomes and Santiago Bueno protecting third-choice goalkeeper Dan Bentley.

Jackson Tchatchoua and Hugo Bueno would be shifted into firm full-back roles if Edwards tinkers with his system, which would also allow for an intriguing midfield trio of Andre, Joao Gomes and the much-coveted Mateus Mane.

Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Adam Armstrong's spots up front should be safe, and Angel Gomes's concern could open up a spot for Hwang Hee-chan to join the attack.

Wolverhampton Wanderers possible starting lineup:

Bentley; Tchatchoua, Toti, S. Bueno, H. Bueno; J. Gomes, Andre, Mane; Bellegarde, Armstrong, Hwang

Tottenham Hotspur playmaker James Maddison could earn his first minutes of the Premier League campaign when the Lilywhites tackle Wolverhampton Wanderers in Saturday's crucial basement battle.

The Englishman made a matchday squad for the first time in last weekend's 2-2 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion, eight months on from tearing his ACL during Tottenham's pre-season campaign, but he was left on the bench during the 90 minutes.

Maddison is still in no place to start competitive games, but a late substitute cameo could await the former Leicester City man, who witnessed his old club drop down to League One while Spurs risk an equally disastrous drop down to the second tier.

While Maddison observes from the dugout from the beginning, Xavi Simons will pull the creative strings from left wing, after his delightful goal and assist in the heart-breaking stalemate with the Seagulls.

Not every member of the starting XI from that four-goal game is safe, though, as Randal Kolo Muani was ineffective again and could make way for Mathys Tel on the right-hand side.

Lucas Bergvall has also put his name in the hat for a starting role after setting up Simons last weekend, likely over Yves Bissouma as Rodrigo Bentancur and Conor Gallagher hold their spots in the centre.

Number one Guglielmo Vicario is not quite ready to return from his hernia surgery, so Antonin Kinsky will earn another shot in goal behind a largely unaltered backline, but Djed Spence is likely to replace Destiny Udogie following reports of an injury to the latter.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Kinsky; Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Spence; Bergvall, Bentancur, Gallagher; Tel, Solanke, Simons

Molineux is the place to be for Saturday's blockbuster basement battle in the Premier League, as already-relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers host increasingly-threatened Tottenham Hotspur.

The Old Gold's inevitable demotion to the second tier was confirmed on Monday night, although Roberto De Zerbi's Spurs are showing fleeting signs of an escape from the drop zone.

Match preview

A recurring theme in both halves of North London right now, delight turned to despair for Tottenham inside just 10 minutes against De Zerbi's old employers Brighton & Hove Albion, who were ostensibly about to succumb to Xavi Simons's superiority.

The Dutchman triggered Lilywhites pandemonium with his sumptuous curler after teeing up Pedro Porro's header, but Seagulls striker Georginio Rutter had other ideas, equalising for the Seagulls with minutes remaining to salvage a 2-2 stalemate.

A hitherto ecstatic Simons entered temper tantrum territory for a few seconds at full time, where the forlorn looks on the faces of his Spurs teammates spoke 1,000 words, as the Europa League winners were consigned to another week below the dotted line.

West Ham United's failure to overcome Crystal Palace at least means that Tottenham are just two points below the Irons in the Premier League table, but the torturous win for a first top-flight win of 2026 continues for the North London outfit, who are now without success in 15 league matches.

Failure to record three points on Saturday would not only see the visitors equal their longest-ever run without a league victory - 16 from 1934 to 1935 - but also cast further doubt on their Premier League status, which their hosts will soon wave goodbye to.

Whether any Wolves players tuned into Monday's match between West Ham United and Crystal Palace is unknown, but regardless, Rob Edwards's men should have been anticipating confirmation of their return to the second tier.

Only an Eagles triumph could have delayed Wolves' slide through the trapdoor, but a 0-0 draw ensured that the Premier League's worst team would be playing in the Championship for the first time since the Nuno Espirito Santo days of 2017-18.

The Old Gold had triggered fleeting hope of a monumental escape with a three-match unbeaten run, but as their hopes of safety dwindled, so did their spirit, as evidenced by back-to-back defeats to relegation rivals by an aggregate scoreline of 7-0.

Edwards oversaw a dismal 3-0 loss to Leeds United in gameweek 33, a result that marked the hosts' 22nd league defeat of the campaign and left them at risk of suffering yet another unwanted first in the Premier League era.

On Saturday, Wolves could lose three straight top-flight games by 3+ goals for the first time since 1983, but a stellar six-game unbeaten run against Spurs - and the visitors' season-long crisis - suggests that outcome is far-fetched.

Wolverhampton Wanderers Premier League form:

Wolverhampton Wanderers form (all competitions):

Tottenham Hotspur Premier League form:

Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions):

Team News

One of the few positives from Spurs' draw with Brighton was the presence of James Maddison in a matchday squad for the first time this season, but having been an unused substitute, the playmaker is still some way off starting competitive games again.

De Zerbi is not expected to welcome any of his other injury victims back in time for the weekend either, meaning no Guglielmo Vicario (hernia), Mohammed Kudus (thigh), Ben Davies (ankle), Dejan Kulusevski (knee), Cristian Romero (knee) or Wilson Odobert (knee), while Destiny Udogie is reportedly a fresh doubt with an unspecified issue.

The Italian could still make a handful of alterations after ineffective displays from Randal Kolo Muani and Yves Bissouma in particular last week; Lucas Bergvall is in the frame to replace the latter thanks to his assist for Simons.

In contrast, Wolves' reverse to Leeds came at a double cost on the injury front, as Angel Gomes suffered a first-half toe injury while Ladislav Krejci sustained a whiplash problem late on.

The duo are currently doubts for the weekend alongside Jose Sa (shoulder) and ex-Spurs full-back Matt Doherty (knock), while Enso Gonzalez (knee), Sam Johnstone (shoulder) and the suspended Yerson Mosquera are definitely out.

The up-and-coming Mateus Mane should be the first in line to replace Gomes if the latter is unavailable, but Krejci's issue could force Edwards to either switch to a back four or stick Pedro Lima or David Moller Wolfe in an unnatural centre-back spot.

Wolverhampton Wanderers possible starting lineup:

Bentley; Tchatchoua, Toti, S. Bueno, H. Bueno; J. Gomes, Andre, Mane; Bellegarde, Armstrong, Hwang

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Kinsky; Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Spence; Bergvall, Bentancur, Gallagher; Tel, Solanke, Simons

We say: Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-3 Tottenham Hotspur

With the prospect of a great revival now dead in the water, Wolves should play with the shackles off, especially if Edwards is forced into a more attacking formation given his defensive concerns.

The neutrals could be in for an exciting watch as a result, but as Spurs' injury crisis eases and the likes of Simons adapt to his methods, that long-awaited first Premier League win of 2026 could finally arrive.

Tottenham Hotspur have supposedly been handed a new injury concern before Saturday's crunch Premier League clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers, as Destiny Udogie is now a doubt for the contest.

The Lilywhites travel to Molineux still searching for a first Premier League win of 2026, having catastrophically failed to prevail in any of their opening 15 top-flight matches of the calendar year.

Spurs' painful plight has seen them plummet to 18th place in the Premier League table, two points adrift of West Ham United, who face Everton at the same time on Saturday afternoon.

Roberto De Zerbi's men will therefore only climb out of the relegation zone if they win and West Ham fail to - thanks to their superior goal difference - but the Italian will still be missing a number of key players.

Guglielmo Vicario, Wilson Odobert, Dejan Kulusevski, Cristian Romero, Mohammed Kudus and Ben Davies remain sidelined for Tottenham, and according to The Sun, Udogie is also at risk of missing the basement battle.

Tottenham's Destiny Udogie new 'injury doubt' for Wolves fixture

The exact nature of the left-back's injury is unclear, but the report states that he is doubtful for gameweek 34 as his rotten luck with fitness issues continues.

Udogie has been restricted to 24 appearances in all competitions this season due to two separate knee injuries and two hamstring issues, which have sidelined him for a total of 21 games, only returning from his most recent issue in mid-March.

Udogie played the full 90 in De Zerbi's debut game - a 1-0 loss to Sunderland - before completing 76 minutes of last weekend's 2-2 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion, in which his withdrawal appeared to be tactical.

However, the 23-year-old may have instead picked up a new problem in that stalemate with the Seagulls, in what was just his 10th Premier League start of the 2025-26 campaign.

Udogie has already sat out 46 matches for club and country due to injury since signing for Spurs, while recording two goals and five assists in 90 appearances when fully fit.

How can Tottenham replace Destiny Udogie against Wolves?

Tottenham are used to managing without Udogie, but that does not make the left-back's latest blow any more concerning for De Zerbi, who also cannot lean on Davies's experience for the relegation run-in.

Nevertheless, the Tottenham boss can still select from three possible replacements for the Italian, including Djed Spence, who should be the first port of call for this weekend's fixture.

The Englishman has regularly deputised for Udogie at left-back during the latter's periods in the treatment room, but he is also facing competition from January signing Souza, although the 19-year-old has not made either of Tottenham's last two matchday squads.

Tottenham Hotspur resume their fight for Premier League survival when they take on Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Molineux Stadium on Saturday.

The Whites remain winless in the league in 2026 and have fallen to 18th in the standings, two points adrift from West Ham United in safety, leaving Roberto De Zerbi's side in desperate need of a victory.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Tottenham’s latest injury and suspension news.

Ben Davies

© Imago

Status: Out

Type of injury: Ankle

Possible return date: May 3 (vs. Aston Villa)

Davies has been out with an ankle injury since January, and the defender is not expected to return until at least next month.

Mohammed Kudus

© Imago

Status: Out

Type of injury: Thigh

Possible return date: Unknown

Kudus was due to return earlier this month, but the forward now requires further specialist review and potentially surgery after a setback, meaning the forward is now unlikely to appear for the remainder of the season.

Wilson Odobert

© Imago / Sportimage

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Odobert ruptured his ACL against Newcastle in February, meaning the winger will not feature for Spurs until next season as he undergoes his lengthy rehab.

Dejan Kulusevski

© Imago / Bildbyran

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Kulusevski remains unavailable with a knee injury that he picked up last season, and it looks as though the forward will be sidelined for the remainder of this campaign.

Guglielmo Vicario

© Imago

Status: Doubt

Type of injury: Groin

Possible return date: May 3 (vs. Aston Villa)

Vicario has missed Tottenham's last two matches with a groin issue, and the goalkeeper is not expected to return in time for Saturday's game.

Cristian Romero

© Iconsport / PA Images

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Romero suffered a knee injury in the loss to Sunderland earlier this month, and it has now been reported that the defender will miss the rest of the season.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR’S SUSPENSION LIST

Tottenham Hotspur have no players unavailable due to suspension for their clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Tottenham Hotspur are preparing for life without captain Cristian Romero and a summer exit is looking increasingly likely, according to a report.

The 27-year-old centre-back has been heavily linked with a move away from Spurs at a time when the club are in serious danger of suffering an unimaginable relegation from the Premier League.

Roberto De Zerbi, who has failed to win his opening two games in charge of the North Londoners, sees his team sitting inside the bottom three and two points adrift of safety with five matches remaining.

Romero may have already played his final game for Tottenham after sustaining a season-ending knee injury in the 1-0 defeat at Sunderland earlier this month, making him a doubt for the 2026 World Cup with Argentina.

Since joining from Atalanta BC in 2021, Romero has played 164 times for Spurs in all competitions and played a key role in helping the club win the Europa League last season.

Although Romero still has more than three years remaining on his contract, CaughtOffside claims that the defender’s future in North London has suddenly become far less certain.

The report adds that Tottenham’s leadership are now open to offers for Romero this summer as part of a planned financial reset.

Considering his age, Premier League and international experience, and the time remaining on his contract, Spurs are said to value Romero between €60m (£52.3m) and €65m (£56.6m).

Tottenham’s ability to demand such a fee is tied directly to their top-flight survival and financial position, though, as a devastating drop down to the Championship could force the club to lower their asking price.

European trio could battle for £56m Romero this summer

Atletico Madrid are one club who have been credited with a long-standing interest in Romero, with head coach Diego Simeone said to view the defender as the ‘perfect’ leader for his system.

Spanish rivals Real Madrid have also been credited with an interest at a time when the club has concerns over the fitness of Eder Militao and David Alaba, the latter of whom is out of contract in the summer.

A 111-day wait for a Premier League win looked set to come to an end when a stunning strike from Xavi Simons put Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 ahead with 13 minutes remaining, only for a 95th-minute equaliser from Georginio Rutter to leave Roberto De Zerbi’s side heartbroken and stuck in the relegation zone.

Now sitting just one point adrift of safety, Spurs will be hoping results elsewhere go in their favour before their trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers next weekend, but unless they can quickly turn things around, the prospect of Championship football next season is becoming increasingly real.

With the unthinkable edging closer with each passing week, Sports Mole takes a look at what could lie ahead for Tottenham should the current Europa League holders suffer relegation from the top flight for the first time since the 1976-77 season.

Who could Spurs target in the summer if they get relegated?

If Tottenham are relegated, a major squad overhaul would be inevitable, with several high-profile departures expected to force a significant rebuild.

Players such as Antonin Kinsky, Djed Spence and Souza could remain to provide some familiarity in defence, while centre-back pairing Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero are likely to attract strong interest from top European clubs.

James Maddison, who recently returned to the matchday squad after nearly a year out, could be one big name who stays at the club and may play a central role in any potential Championship campaign.

In attack, Dominic Solanke, Mathys Tel and Richarlison are all likely to draw attention from elsewhere, meaning Tottenham may need to reinvest heavily in forward areas.

Zan Vipotnik is a potential candidate the Tottenham board could turn to, the Swansea striker is the current top scorer in the Championship with 21 goals from 41 and would be a great addition for any side in the second tier.

Mohammed Kudus has struggled with injuries this season but may still be deemed too good for the Championship, prompting Spurs to consider alternatives such as Leo Scienza.

The Brazilian winger, currently at Southampton, has registered seven goals and 10 assists in 34 Championship appearances and would offer a lot going forward to a potentially relegated Tottenham side.

Who could make an impact on their return from loan ?

Although they may be in for a busy window, Spurs currently have a lot of players out on loan who could into the fold next season.

Defender Ashley Phillips has impressed during his spell at Stoke City, making 33 starts in the Championship this season, and could return ready to stake a claim for a regular role in the heart of defence.

Luka Vuskovic, currently on loan at Hamburg, is another highly-rated prospect who could be integrated into the first team, although his performances in Germany have already attracted interest from elsewhere and could make him too good for the Championship.

Mikey Moore is another who is out on loan and impressed during his time away and could easily become a Tottenham regular for years to come.

The winger, on loan at Rangers, has scored six times in the Scottish Premiership but is another who could already be too good for Tottenham.

Elsewhere, Yang Min-hyeok, Jamie Donley, Alfie Devine and Will Lankshear have all been gaining valuable experience on loan in the Championship, while Manor Solomon, Kota Takai and Dane Scarlett are spending the season in various European leagues and will return at the end of June

How will they lineup ahead of next season?

Whatever happens from now until the end of the season, Tottenham Hotspur are in for a busy summer.

With such a high number of outgoings and incomings it is hard to predict exactly how Tottenham will shape up if they fail to maintain their Premier League status.

A mixture of retained players, returning loanees and new recruits could provide a solid foundation of a side capable of competing at the top end of the Championship.

Tottenham Possible lineup:

Kinsky; Spence, Phillips, Vuskovic, Souza; Devine, Gray; Scienza, Maddison, Moore; Vipotnik

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Conor Gallagher could be offered an escape route by Everton if the Lilywhites suffer Premier League relegation, according to a report.

The former Chelsea man has immediately cemented a place in Roberto De Zerbi's starting lineup since the Italian's arrival, making the first XI against both Sunderland and Brighton & Hove Albion.

Gallagher nearly registered a freak goal against the latter on Saturday, charging down Seagulls goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen but seeing his block fly away from the net.

However, Spurs were held to an agonising 2-2 draw by De Zerbi's former club, meaning that the Lilywhites could be five points adrift of safety in the Premier League table if West Ham United beat Crystal Palace on Monday.

A first-ever demotion from the Premier League would have catastrophic consequences for the Europa League holders, who would be forced into a firesale of top talents to help offset devastating financial losses.

Everton boss David Moyes 'big admirer' of Tottenham's Conor Gallagher

Gallagher is one of the many Tottenham players who would be expected to depart, as the England international would also have to take a mammoth 50% pay cut on his club-record £200,000-a-week contract, alongside most of his teammates.

According to Football Insider, Everton have identified Gallagher as a potential summer transfer target, although they are not planning to buy the midfielder outright in the upcoming window.

The Toffees would reportedly prefer a loan deal with an obligation to make Gallagher's stay permanent in 2027, meaning that Tottenham would not receive payment right away, but David Moyes is nevertheless a 'big admirer' of the 'proven' 26-year-old.

Gallagher is under contract with Tottenham until the summer of 2031, but Spurs would be largely powerless to let their biggest earners depart for cut-price fees if they find themselves playing Championship football next season.

Gallagher has registered just one assist and no goals in 13 appearances for the Lilywhites since joining from Atletico Madrid in a €40m (£34.8m) deal during the January transfer window.

Which other Tottenham players could leave if Spurs go down?

While Tottenham's overall performance against Brighton was arguably one of the best of their season so far, the outlook remains incredibly bleak for the 2018-19 Champions League finalists.

Xavi Simons at least did his value no harm whatsoever with a delightful assist for Pedro Porro and stunning second-half strike in North London, and the Netherlands international would be expected to lead a mass summer exodus if Spurs go down.

Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Guglielmo Vicario, Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray and Richarlison are also among the high-profile names who could depart, while Randal Kolo Muani and Joao Palhinha's loan arrivals would not be made permanent.

Twice in the space of two weeks Tottenham Hotspur players have been on the verge of waterworks - Cristian Romero at Sunderland after his season-ending knee injury, and multiple white-clad athletes on Saturday after another afternoon of heartbreak.

A Xavi Simons stunner at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium would ostensibly be enough to beat Brighton & Hove Albion and give Spurs their first Premier League win of 2026 at the 14th attempt, but Georginio Rutter found a soul-crushing equaliser late on to steal a 2-2 draw for Roberto De Zerbi's old employers.

And just like that, Spurs were cruelly dragged back below the dotted line, still lying 18th in the Premier League table and one point adrift of West Ham United, who play their game in hand against Crystal Palace on Monday night.

As the hitherto unthinkable threat of demotion becomes ever more realistic, Sports Mole explores what would happen to Tottenham if the Europa League holders drop down to the Championship for the first time in the Premier League era.

How much money will Tottenham lose if they get relegated?

Financial positives are few and far between for Tottenham right now, but the Lilywhites' progression to the last 16 of the Champions League has at least pushed their European prize money up by over an estimated 200%, even after their Europa League triumph last season.

However, the well-documented Premier League TV revenues would be no more for Tottenham in the second tier; from a £127m TV revenue package in 2024-25, Spurs' income from such streams in the Championship could drop by a staggering £80m.

Spurs' matchday revenue from attendances is likely to be spliced in half too - dropping to between £50m and £70m from £126.7m - given the inevitable fall in ticket prices for Championship football.

An inevitable firesale of players would boost the coffers somewhat, but Tottenham would be in their weakest position yet when it comes to negotiating deals, and rival clubs will know that they can lowball the Lilywhites even for star names on long contracts.

While relegation is not yet a guarantee, Spurs missing out on European football is, and that could have a serious knock-on effect for their commercial deals; sponsors have the power to reduce payments by as much as 20% or withdraw from agreements completely if the club are not competing in Europe.

One saving grace for the Lilywhites would be the stadium's hosting of NFL matches, concerts and other big money-spinning non-football events, but the club would also struggle to finally secure a lucrative naming rights deal for the ground, seeing them miss out on another yearly eight-figure agreement.

Overall, taking reduced TV revenues, ticket price decreases, commercial concerns and a lack of European football into account, Tottenham's revenues could suffer an estimated £250m hit overall.

Which Tottenham players could leave - and stay - if they get relegated?

Tottenham had consistently refused to break their wage structure before making Conor Gallagher their only £200,000-a-week player in January, but those mega deals will be no more in the second division.

Most Spurs players are understood to have mandatory 50% pay-cut clauses inserted into their contracts in the event of relegation - allowing the club to save around £128m for the year - but further cuts, via salary reductions or player sales, would inevitably be needed.

A team that drops down from the Premier League can arguably have no true 'superstars', but Simons - the jewel in the Lilywhites' crown - at least did his prospects of a top-flight return no harm with his stunning goal and assist against Brighton.

The Dutch playmaker has demonstrated raw passion during his mixed time at Tottenham, but he would almost certainly be one of the first out of the door, alongside coveted centre-back duo Romero and Micky van de Ven.

Number one goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is being lined up for a return to Italy too, Joao Palhinha's Bayern Munich loan move would almost certainly not be made permanent - the same goes for Paris Saint-Germain owned Randal Kolo Muani - while Richarlison would also likely complete a move away that has been tipped to happen for some time anyway.

However, the likes of Mohammed Kudus, Dejan Kulusevski, Wilson Odobert and James Maddison would find moves harder to come by given their lengthy spells out injured, and it is not impossible to envisage the latter two staying if the worst happens.

Fan favourites Archie Gray and Mathys Tel - both still at the beginning of their careers - could stick around to lead the Spurs promotion charge too, alongside fellow fledglings Souza, Lucas Bergvall and possibly Mikey Moore too.

Will Roberto De Zerbi leave Tottenham if they get relegated?

Before being offered a lucrative five-year contract by the increasingly desperate powers-that-be, De Zerbi reportedly had no interest in taking on the Tottenham job with no guarantees of a Premier League stay.

However, a long-term deal unsurprisingly turned the Italian's head, and shortly after he replaced the grieving Igor Tudor, he vowed to remain at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium no matter whether Spurs were travelling to the Etihad or Lincoln City's LNER Stadium next season.

De Zerbi would not be easily able to go back on that promise, as his contract is not thought to contain a break clause which would allow him to terminate the agreement in case of relegation, as Tottenham sought a long-term project with the former Brighton boss.

But the boss would not survive the unprecedented pay cuts either, as he is supposedly pocketing around £12m a year under his current terms, and a Championship club paying a manager that much would be unheard of; nevertheless, even a £6m-a-year packet after a 50% decrease would make other head coach's salaries in the division appear totally insignificant.

Tottenham could of course sack De Zerbi for failing to keep them up, but the eight-figure costs associated with offloading the manager - and maybe some of his staff too - would plunge Spurs into even deeper financial oblivion.

De Zerbi did leave Benevento in 2018 immediately after leading them to relegation from Serie A, although a repeat in the English capital is surely beyond the realm of possibility given the reasons outlined above.

Tottenham Hotspur's 2-2 stalemate with Brighton & Hove Albion means they are the only Premier League team without a victory in 2026.

The 2025-26 season has been one of regression for Spurs, with the club battling relegation from the top flight for a second consecutive season, though this time they do not have silverware to soften the blow.

Thomas Frank's dismissal in February was followed by the sacking of interim Igor Tudor, whose place was taken by Roberto De Zerbi in March.

The Italian has only been in charge for two games, but he oversaw a 1-0 loss against Sunderland last weekend, before overseeing a 2-2 stalemate with Brighton on Saturday, leaving the club in 18th place with 31 points.

That draw was their 15th Premier League game without victory in a row, a period in which they lost nine times, and they remain they only club in the top flight without a win in the league in 2026.

The problem with Roberto De Zerbi at Tottenham Hotspur

While De Zerbi has earned widespread praise for his style of play, it is hard to be positive about the future of the club given the real threat of relegation.

Many view the Italian as one of the best tactical coaches in Europe, but points on the board are all that matter at this stage, and his entire tenure would be overshadowed by demotion to the Championship.

The head coach has only taken one point from two games so far, and his side still look vulnerable at the back, which perhaps hints that he has not yet been able to raise the confidence levels in the squad.

Will Spurs achieve Premier League survival and avoid relegation?

Spurs could end matchweek 33 four points from safety, and there may not be enough time left in the season to overturn that deficit.

West Ham United would have to beat Crystal Palace on Monday, and Nottingham Forest would have to beat Burnley on Sunday for that situation to occur, but both rank in the top 13 in terms of form over the last five matchweeks.

Spurs rank second last in that regard, though they will face last-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers next Saturday, and it would be surprising if they failed to claim three points from that clash.

Tottenham's rivals will almost certainly drop enough points for them to be caught, but it remains to be seen if Spurs can unite and come together to escape the bottom three.