Sports Mole

As Tottenham Hotspur prepare to take on Everton with Premier League survival on the line, the Sports Mole team deliver their verdict on the battle.

Ben Knapton, Site Coordinator: '99.99% certain Tottenham safe with a point'

© Imago / Gonzales Photo

People are saying that if Spurs get a point they're safe, and almost certainly that's the case, but mathematically it's not guaranteed. West Ham would have to both win and make up a 12-goal difference. It's 99.99% certain, though, and I do think they will get a point in this game to secure their safety.

I don't think they're going to win. They haven't won any of their last 10 Premier League home games, the last two games under De Zerbi after those great away wins at Wolves and Villa have been very frustrating.

A very frustrating home draw with Leeds and an even more frustrating defeat away to Chelsea. I found James Maddison's post-match interview really interesting because you could just see the apathy and the dejection emanating off of him.

He was so emotionless and cold, and that really echoed what every Spurs fan and player must be feeling right now. They could have secured their survival in that game, and they probably went into it thinking they had a decent chance.

Chelsea came into it with very little rest off the back of the FA Cup final and very poor form in the Premier League, so that was a big opportunity missed for a Spurs side who were on a four-game unbeaten run before that.

But I do have faith in them to get that point.

Matt Law, Football Editor: 'James Maddison comments were out of order'

I can see West Ham beating Leeds, which would really put the pressure on Tottenham. Moyes could potentially help West Ham stay in the Premier League by getting a result against Tottenham.

I thought Tottenham had a lot of good moments in that game against Chelsea last time out. Chelsea aren't great, if we're being honest.

There was an interesting incident with the penalty late on, when Cucurella got the yellow card. The Tottenham fans wanted a penalty, but as the ball was not technically in play at the time, the referee couldn't point to the spot and could only issue a disciplinary measure, which was the yellow card.

I said all along that I thought Tottenham would be okay, and I do think they'll be okay. I think this will be a draw, which will keep them in the league bar West Ham putting up a 13 or 14-nil scoreline, which is incredibly unlikely.

I didn't love Maddison's post-match comments. Everyone knows it's been an embarrassing season for Tottenham, and Maddison's been injured for almost all of it.

It was almost a dig at his teammates, because he wouldn't have said he himself had been embarrassing as he's not been a part of it this season. I appreciate he's coming from a place of frustration, but it doesn't need to be said.

Everyone knows it's been a terrible season for Tottenham, so it was a little bit strange and maybe a little bit out of order. This is where the excitement is this weekend, the relegation battle, and all eyes are on this one and the West Ham game.

Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter: 'Missed opportunity for Everton'

© Iconsport

A missed opportunity is probably the best way to describe it for Everton. They looked on course to claim three points in that game against Sunderland, but then let that half-time lead slip to lose three-one last weekend.

They're now winless in the last six games, just one win in the last eight. The chances of securing European football are all but over, down in 12th place and three points behind Chelsea in eighth spot.

There's a difference of nine in goal difference as well, so it's unlikely we'll see a big swing there, and they'd need the results to go their way. I can't see them sneaking into the European spots now.

Their form at this crucial period in the season is what looks set to cost them a European spot. It's the first time they've endured a run of six Premier League games without a win since they went 13 games winless between 2023 and 2024 under Sean Dyche.

It's a surprising poor run of form at this time of the season. Moyes came after the Sunderland game and said they didn't look like a European team, and it looks like it could be a mid-table finish.

This has been a season away from the relegation battle, and they can take positives from it. A lot of first-team players have impressed, the likes of Illiman Ndiaye and Kieran Dewsbury-Hall.

James Garner has really come on in midfield this season. Beto has been scoring goals in the final few months of the season, so that's been a plus as well.

Over the course of the season they just haven't been consistent enough and haven't had enough quality to climb into the higher positions.

The aim for next season will be to improve, keep some of those key players, and build a squad that can maybe challenge properly for Europe.

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Roberto De Zerbi has addressed Cristian Romero's decision to be absent from relegation-threatened Tottenham Hotspur's final-day Premier League fixture against Everton.

Spurs are bracing themselves for a high-stakes final day as they look to secure their top-flight survival by avoiding defeat against David Moyes's Toffees.

The Lilywhites currently occupy 17th position in the table, sitting just two points clear of 18th-placed West Ham United ahead of the ultimate round of fixtures.

The build-up to the crucial encounter has been severely disrupted by the controversial actions of their club captain, who has opted to fly back to Argentina to watch his boyhood team Belgrano face River Plate in a league title playoff rather than support his teammates in London.

De Zerbi reacts to Romero skipping crucial Everton decider

© Iconsport / PA Images

Addressing the media ahead of the match, De Zerbi noted that not all leaders are the same while confirming that the medical department had formally sanctioned the player's rehabilitation trip.

"Sometimes, not all the leaders are the same," said the Spurs boss via Sky Sports News. "Ben Davies spoke with me and asked to stay today to work with us. Tomorrow, we sleep in the hotel.

"He wanted to stay with the team and teammates. Romero is preparing for the World Cup with an injury. For me, nothing changed.

"He spoke with the medical staff. Together, they decided to go to Argentina to complete rehab with Argentinian medical staff.

"We spoke last week. With me, he has shown he wants to stay with us. I want to be clear, I am not stupid. If I understand that there is a player who thinks for himself before the club, I cannot be the same Roberto.

"With Romero, I can't say nothing. With me, in my time, he has been correct at the beginning until now."

Romero has been sidelined since April with a knee injury sustained against Sunderland, meaning his domestic season was already prematurely brought to an end.

Will Romero play for Spurs again?

© Iconsport / PA Images

The intense backlash generated by Romero's untimely departure has thrown his long-term future at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium into serious doubt.

Despite committing his future to the club until 2029 by signing a new contract last August, the aggressive nature of recent transfer speculation may prompt senior officials to re-evaluate his position.

The centre-back has regularly been linked with various high-profile continental departures ever since his initial arrival from Atalanta in 2022.

"For the future, I don't know," admitted De Zerbi. "It is a crucial game for the fans and our club. I don't want answers on Romero."

A catastrophic relegation to the Championship would undoubtedly accelerate the exit of numerous star assets from the North London club.

Everton manager David Moyes is not overwhelmingly confident about Idrissa Gueye's chances of being available for Sunday's Premier League showdown with Tottenham Hotspur in gameweek 38.

The Senegal international has been absent for a month with a "slight" injury, and while he is rated as "50-50" to make the cut, he had not resumed team training by the time Moyes faced the press on Friday.

Gueye could therefore be one of three absent players for the Toffees this weekend alongside Jack Grealish and Jarrad Branthwaite, but Moyes has no fresh concerns from the 3-1 defeat to Sunderland last weekend.

Everton were on course for a point in that game until a collapse in the final 10 minutes, so Moyes should see no reason to alter the starting XI from that loss to his former club.

Merlin Rohl opened his Premier League account in that clash and has likely done enough to hold his spot over Dwight McNeil, joining Beto, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Iliman Ndiaye in a familiar attack.

Tim Iroegbunam's place will come under threat from Gueye if the latter is passed fit, but there are no such concerns for James Garner, who was left out of Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Jordan Pickford will be the Toffees' sole representative in the Three Lions camp, and the national number one should be shielded by an unchanged back four in North London.

Everton possible starting lineup:

Pickford; O'Brien, Tarkowski, Keane, Mykolenko; Garner, Iroegbunam; Rohl, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye; Beto

> Click here to see how Tottenham could line up against Everton

Check out Sports Mole's video preview for Tottenham vs. Everton:

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Tottenham Hotspur have received a timely boost over the fitness of Dominic Solanke ahead of Sunday's Premier League finale at home to Everton.

The England international has made a complete recovery from a hamstring injury, but he will likely be fighting an uphill battle to displace top scorer Richarlison at the tip of the attack.

The Brazil international moved onto 11 goals for the Premier League season with his consolation in the 2-1 defeat to Chelsea in midweek, and he also boasts five involvements from his last five top-flight games against old club Everton.

A fully-fit Richarlison should therefore lead the line at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where Roberto De Zerbi's men realistically only need a point to be sure of a place in the Premier League next season.

James Maddison came through a 25-minute run-out unscathed at Chelsea, but Conor Gallagher is the safer option in the number 10 role, while Randal Kolo Muani and Mathys Tel are more natural options out wide.

Joao Palhinha may play his final game for Tottenham on Sunday, joined by Rodrigo Bentancur in a familiar double pivot, helping to shield a largely unchanged defence.

Guglielmo Vicario was back on the bench at Stamford Bridge following a hernia, but Antonin Kinsky is expected to retain De Zerbi's trust here.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Kinsky; Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bentancur, Palhinha; Kolo Muani, Gallagher, Tel; Richarlison

> Click here to see how Everton could line up against Tottenham

Check out Sports Mole's video preview for Tottenham vs. Everton:

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Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence sustained a broken jaw during his side's defeat at Chelsea on Tuesday night.

The 25-year-old enjoyed some better news on Friday morning, though, with his selection in England's World Cup squad confirmed, admittedly to the dismay of a large portion of Three Lions supporters.

Despite not being first choice at Spurs, Spence has bagged a spot in Thomas Tuchel's 26-man cohort that will attempt to secure the country's first piece of major silverware since the 1966 World Cup.

England face a number of familiar foes in Group L of the North American tournament, drawn alongside 2018 nemesis Croatia, Panama and Ghana, who boast the likes of Mohamed Kudus and Antoine Semenyo.

Spence has started just one of the past six Premier League matches for Spurs, who are battling at the foot of the top-flight standings to avoid an unthinkable relegation to the Championship this summer.

© Iconsport / SUSA

Spence suffers broken jaw in Chelsea loss

According to The Athletic, Tottenham have picked another injury concern ahead of their season-defining fixture against Everton in North London on Sunday, when there could be tears in home end.

When jumping for a high ball at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night, Liam Delap's elbow struck the jaw of Spence, with the Tottenham man receiving treatment for the issue before continuing with the game.

It has now emerged that the 25-year-old has suffered a broken jaw, meaning that he will need to wear a protective mask should he feature over the weekend against the Toffees in the Premier League.

Spence has made 43 appearances for Spurs this season but continues to play second fiddle to Destiny Udogie, who has possessed the first-choice role at left-back since arriving at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

© Imago

Spence's busy summer

A rogue selection for the World Cup squad, Spence will be looking to help England make history in North America, however, he may struggle to get onto the pitch.

Manchester City's Nico O'Reilly is currently the top dog at left-back for the Three Lions, who are one of the pre-tournament favourites alongside Spain, France and current holders Argentina.

Spence is also capable of featuring at right-back, where Reece James is preparing to be a starter for England.

One of two colossal final-day Premier League clashes taking place in the capital, Tottenham Hotspur conclude their fight for survival at home to Everton on Sunday afternoon.

The Lilywhites missed the chance to stay up in midweek, but thanks to their two-point lead and superior goal difference over West Ham United, a draw here should suffice to retain their perpetual Premier League status.

Match preview

"Embarrassing" Tottenham - in the eyes of a downtrodden James Maddison - could still be making trips to Lincoln City in the 2026-27 season, having passed up a golden opportunity to secure Premier League survival with a game to spare in midweek.

Taking on a jaded Chelsea side reeling from their FA Cup final loss to Manchester City, Roberto De Zerbi's men were breached by Enzo Fernandez and Andrey Santos, before Richarlison's hope-sparking strike and a second dose of penalty controversy in two weeks.

Marc Cucurella fouled Micky van de Ven inside the area and was given a yellow card, but as the ball was not in play during the time of the offence, no penalty was given - triggering familiar fury from Spurs fans and players after the Maddison-Leeds United incident.

Tottenham can take some comfort knowing that their fate is entirely in their own hands this weekend, and the only circumstance that would see them go down would be a defeat coupled with a West Ham victory over Leeds United, unless the Lilywhites draw and the Hammers win by 12 goals or more - fanciful stuff.

De Zerbi's men may have preferred to end the season away from their haunted home, though, as the hosts have collected a meagre 12 points at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this term, the joint-lowest total in the league alongside Burnley.

Everton should have few complaints about a road trip to close out their mixed campaign, having collected 26 of their 49 points on rival territory in 2025-26; the same number as Spurs and only fewer than Arsenal and Manchester City.

In contrast, the Hill Dickinson Stadium is yet to develop a fear factor for visiting teams, as David Moyes's men suffered their eighth home loss of the Premier League season last weekend, letting a 1-0 lead slip in a 3-1 beating by Sunderland.

The 12th-placed Toffees can therefore no longer sneak into the European spots on the final matchday, but Moyes can at least do his bit to help former club West Ham survive the drop, after being slain by another erstwhile employee in gameweek 37.

Everton are floundering rather than flourishing at the end of the year, though, having now failed to win any of their last six Premier League matches while conceding at least two goals on each occasion - albeit while also netting at least once themselves each time.

The Toffees failed to fire in a 3-0 home loss to Spurs earlier this season, though, and they have been beaten in their last four away matches against Tottenham by an aggregate scoreline of 13-1, most recently being battered 4-0 in August 2024.

Tottenham Hotspur Premier League form:

Everton Premier League form:

Team News

© Imago

Tottenham's bid for survival could be boosted by the return of Dominic Solanke, as the striker has now made a full recovery from a hamstring injury, but a decision on his involvement has not yet been made.

Richarlison has a case to keep his spot up top after his 11th goal of the Premier League season last time out, though; the Brazilian also needs just one more goal involvement to equal his best return in one top-flight season (16).

Ben Davies (ankle), Mohammed Kudus (thigh) remain out alongside knee victims Dejan Kulusevski, Wilson Odobert, Xavi Simons and Cristian Romero, who has enraged Spurs fans by travelling back to his native Argentina rather than watching Sunday's crunch clash in person.

As for Everton, what was supposed to be a "minor" injury for Idrissa Gueye has sidelined the 36-year-old for nearly a month, and he remains doubtful for Sunday due to the fact that he is yet to resume team training.

Jarrad Branthwaite (hamstring) and Jack Grealish (foot) have already played for the final time this season, and it still remains to be seen whether Everton can strike an agreement with the latter's parent club Manchester City over a permanent deal.

Moyes has also stressed that he will not be fielding a second-string team on Sunday, and a similar XI to the Sunderland defeat can be expected after Everton only collapsed in the final 10 minutes of that match.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Kinsky; Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bentancur, Palhinha; Kolo Muani, Gallagher, Tel; Richarlison

Everton possible starting lineup:

Pickford; O'Brien, Tarkowski, Keane, Mykolenko; Garner, Iroegbunam; Rohl, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye; Beto

We say: Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 Everton

Tottenham should find some attacking success against an Everton team who have conceded at least two goals in each of their last five away games, and have nothing but a top-half finish at stake.

Backing Spurs to win any home game this season has been a tall order, but we have faith in De Zerbi's men to obtain the point required to prolong their Premier League stay.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly 'admirers' of Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Alfie Devine.

Rob Edwards is currently preparing his squad for Sunday's fixture at Burnley, Wolves aware that they will not finish bottom of the Premier League table if they can prevail at Turf Moor.

However, with big-money sales already agreed and the possibility of club legends returning to Molineux, work ahead of their return to the Championship is already well underway.

While Edwards will be targeting fresh additions throughout his squad, central-midfield will be viewed as a priority.

According to the Lancashire Post, Wolves are monitoring any developments with the future of Devine, who has been on loan at Preston North End.

© Imago / Focus Images

Wolves considering Devine approach

The 21-year-old has enjoyed a productive season at Deepdale, contributing eight goals and seven assists from 45 appearances in the second tier of English football.

Preston are said to have the option of signing Devine for £4.5m, something that they seemingly wish to do but it may be dependent on the structure of a deal.

As a result, other clubs are naturally keeping an eye on the situation of a player who has not made a first-team appearance for Spurs since 2022-23.

That could potentially change should Spurs be relegated to the Championship, with Devine boasting a career return of eight goals and nine assists from 60 outings in the division.

Furthermore, Spurs would need to add a number of domestic players to their squad if they find themselves in the Championship, a consequence of being required to meet the EFL's homegrown-quota regulations.

Having signed from Wigan Athletic during 2020-21, Devine would tick that particular box and be viewed as an asset.

© Imago / IMAGO / Pro Sports Images

Why Devine would represent ideal signing for Wolves

Wolves must also act to comply with EFL regulations. As well as requiring more academy-produced players, Rob Edwards needs domestic-based talent, too.

Devine would be the ideal signing for Wolves for many reasons, including his potential and the ability to play in a number of central positions.

When Edwards sometimes uses two central midfielders and two number 10s in a 3-4-2-1 formation, Devine's versatility would prove important.

He could have interest from the Premier League, particularly promoted clubs, and the former England Under-20 international may want to take the next step of his career having only made two outings in England's top flight.

At the same time, he would likely be viewed as a first-choice pick by Edwards at Molineux, and the platform would be there to showcase his talents on a bigger stage.

Tottenham Hotspur captain Cristian Romero will not attend the club's final Premier League game against Everton on Sunday, the latest report has revealed.

The top flight of English football may be concluding on Sunday, but there is still much to play for, especially at the bottom of the table.

Spurs are 17th with 38 points and they are two ahead of 18th-placed West Ham United, meaning the threat of relegation from the division has not yet been eliminated.

Roberto De Zerbi's side will need all the support they can muster ahead of their decisive clash with Everton on Sunday, though they will not be able to count on much from captain Romero.

The Argentine is currently injured, but South American football expert Tim Vickery has claimed on talkSPORT that the centre-back is set to attend the Argentine Championship match between Belgrano and River Plate instead.

Is Cristian Romero forcing a transfer away from Spurs?

It is important to stress that there is no confirmation that Romero is actively trying to force his way out of Spurs, but even his most ardent supporters cannot deny that missing Sunday's game would not be a good look.

Tottenham fans had already grown frustrated by the 28-year-old's persistent injury issues, which have only been compounded by his discipline problems.

The Argentine has collected 11 yellow cards this season in the league, as well as two reds, and his poor temperament has contributed to the club's disastrous campaign.

Some observers have speculated that he has himself grown frustrated by life at Tottenham, but while seeking a move away from the turmoil engulfing Spurs would be understandable, there are alternative ways of seeking an exit.

© Iconsport / PA Images

Tottenham Hotspur transfer news: Could Romero exit be positive?

The potential exit of Romero could in some ways offer clarity in defence for De Zerbi given both the captain and fellow centre-back Micky van de Ven have been linked with moves away.

Selling both defenders in one summer would be risky, but if Romero has opted to take the decision out of the manager's hands, then the head coach may be able to plan accordingly without worrying about which player he should sell.

If De Zerbi is to transform Spurs, he must be backed with significant levels of investment, and he must be allowed to replace the stars that no longer wish to play for the Londoners.

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Tottenham Hotspur's fight for survival has gone down to the final day after they were beaten 2-1 by Chelsea last Tuesday and Roberto De Zerbi's side should be okay if they avoid defeat against Everton due to their superior goal difference.

Spurs are currently 17th in the Premier League table, two points above 18th-placed West Ham United and with a goal difference of -10 to the Hammers's -22.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Tottenham’s latest injury and suspension news ahead of their clash with Everton

Xavi Simons

© Imago / Sebastian Frej

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Simons ruptured his ACL during the 1-0 win over Wolves in April and is facing a lengthy period on the sidelines, with the Netherlands international set to miss the 2026 World Cup as a result.

Dominic Solanke

© Imago

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: May 24 (vs. Everton)

Tottenham were hopeful Solanke could return from his hamstring injury against Chelsea, but the forward missed that game and is facing a race against time to be fit for the Everton clash.

Ben Davies

© Imago

Status: Out

Type of injury: Ankle

Possible return date: Unknown

Davies may have played his last game for the club after breaking his ankle in January, with the veteran defender out of contract in the summer.

Mohammed Kudus

© Imago

Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: Unknown

Kudus has been sidelined since January with a hamstring injury and will not play for Spurs again this season, although the forward is hopeful he will be able to feature for Ghana at the World Cup.

Wilson Odobert

© Imago / Sportimage

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Odobert's season was also ended early by a ruptured ACL, with the forward set to be sidelined until at least late 2026.

Dejan Kulusevski

© Imago / Bildbyran

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Kulusevski has not made a single appearance for Tottenham this season due to a serious knee injury and his hopes of playing for Sweden at the World Cup are over after he was left out of the squad by manager Graham Potter last week.

Cristian Romero

© Iconsport / PA Images

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Romero suffered a season-ending knee injury in De Zerbi's first game in charge, a 1-0 defeat to Sunderland last month, but he could still feature at the 2026 World Cup after being named in Argentian's provisional 55-man squad.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR’S SUSPENSION LIST

Tottenham Hotspur have no players unavailable due to suspension.