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Tottenham Hotspur's defeat against Fulham on Sunday saw the club equal their longest winless streak in Premier League history.

Spurs fans hoped that they would win the London derby at Craven Cottage and distance themselves from the relegation zone after West Ham United's defeat against Liverpool on Saturday.

However, Igor Tudor's side suffered a 2-1 loss at the stadium, with goals from Harry Wilson and Alex Iwobi in the first half proving too much to overcome.

That was the team's 10th league game with victory, a period in which Tottenham were beaten on six occasions.

Spurs had only once failed to win 10 consecutive Premier League games, with that stretch coming between Janaury and March 1994 under Ossie Ardiles.

Will Spurs be relegated from the Premier League?

Tottenham are currently 16th in the Premier League with 29 points, two more than 17th-placed Nottingham Forest and four more than 18th-placed West Ham.

Perhaps Tudor's saving grace is the fact that his side will host Forest on March 22, though they could enter that clash behind the visitors given their next two league games come against Crystal Palace and Liverpool.

Spurs must improve in the coming weeks considering their final four league fixtures come against Aston Villa, Leeds United, Chelsea and Everton.

Villa and Chelsea will be battling to secure Champions League football, while Leeds and Everton rarely make life easy for their opponents, so it would not be surprising if Tottenham dropped numerous points in that period.

Will Tottenham improve once their injured players return?

Spurs were unable to select 10 players due to either injury or suspension against Fulham, with key stars like Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Lucas Bergvall and Mohammed Kudus all missing.

No team in the Premier League would be able to cope with the absences that Tottenham have been forced to deal with, though they should still not be this close to the relegation zone.

Many of the team's key players are not scheduled to return until April, and if the team are in the bottom three in the closing weeks of the season, then it is hard to see the club fighting their way back to safety.

Nottingham Forest and West Ham both understand what it takes to survive, whereas Spurs have not contested a genuine relegation fight for decades, and their inexperience could cost them.

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a huge early boost for their Premier League clash with Crystal Palace on Thursday, which Maxence Lacroix will be suspended for.

The Frenchman and his Eagles side got off to the dream start in Sunday's showdown with Manchester United, as Lacroix opened the scoring after just four minutes with a deft header from a corner.

Oliver Glasner's men then received a further fillip, as Luke Shaw sustained a foot injury following a challenge from Daniel Munoz, one that has the potential to jeopardise the defender's World Cup hopes.

Nevertheless, Michael Carrick's Man Utd fought back against the FA Cup holders, thanks in no small part to Lacroix pulling Matheus Cunha back inside the box and conceding a penalty.

Referee Chris Kavanagh pointed to the spot following some brief deliberation, and while the awarding of the penalty was confirmed, the official was then sent to the screen to check whether Lacroix had denied a clear goalscoring opportunity.

Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix banned for Tottenham clash after Man United red card

Replays showed Lacroix initiating the contact outside of the box, but his pull on Cunha continued into the penalty area, and Kavanagh saw fit to dismiss the former Wolfsburg man.

Explaining his decision to the Old Trafford crowd, Kavanagh said: "After review, Crystal Palace number 5 commits a clear holding offence which denies a clear, obvious, goal scoring opportunity. Final decision is penalty and red card."

Lacroix's sending-off for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity carries a one-game suspension, which he will serve in the London derby with Igor Tudor's side at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this week.

The 25-year-old's dismissal on Sunday marked his seventh red card since the start of the 2020-21 season, having also been sent off three times in the 2021-22 Bundesliga and three times in the 2023-24 German top flight.

Only one player has received more red cards in Europe's big five leagues since the beginning of the 2020-21 campaign - Montpellier HSC legend Teji Savanier with eight.

Lacroix will return for Palace's Conference League last-16 first leg with AEK Larnaca in two Thursdays' time, and he will also be eligible to feature in the Eagles' home match with Leeds United on March 15.

How can Crystal Palace replace Maxence Lacroix against Tottenham?

Lacroix may only be missing for one game, but Palace could have done without losing another defender - even just for 90 minutes - following Marc Guehi's January exit to Manchester City.

If Glasner wishes to stick with his three-man backline, the only other centre-back in the squad alongside Chris Richards and Jaydee Canvot is Chadi Riad, who was sidelined with an ACL injury until just a few weeks ago.

Alternatively, Glasner could start either Borna Sosa or Nathaniel Clyne as an emergency centre-back, but Jefferson Lerma - another possible alternative - is expected to miss out with a hamstring injury.

Tottenham Hotspur full-back Djed Spence is reportedly missing from Sunday's Premier League clash with Fulham due to a small calf injury.

The Englishman was expected to start at left wing-back against the Cottagers, as Destiny Udogie is still nursing a hamstring issue and new signing Souza is yet to be trusted from the first whistle.

However, Spence was an unexpected absentee from the visitors' matchday squad, and Igor Tudor did not explain his absence in his pre-game interview with Sky Sports.

A fresh update has now emerged, though, as journalist Michael Bridge claims that the 25-year-old has picked up a calf injury, although his latest issue is a 'very minor one'.

Nevertheless, Spence is now a slight doubt for Tottenham's home fixture against Crystal Palace on Thursday night, and it remains to be seen if he is fit to face Atletico Madrid in the first leg of Spurs' Champions League last-16 clash on March 10.

The defender has made 34 appearances for the Europa League winners across all competitions, but he also sat out both matches against Manchester City and Manchester United in February due to another calf concern.

Tudor was at least able to bring Pedro Porro back into the XI in Spence's place, although there was widespread confusion as to where the Spaniard would play, and if the Spurs boss would put out a back three or back four.

Tudor started Porro, Joao Palhinha, Micky van de Ven, Radu Dragusin and Archie Gray together, and in a bizarre twist, Porro, Van de Ven and Dragusin were seen warming up in a back three.

When will Tottenham's other injury victims return?

It was a case of two in, one out for Spurs on the injury front on Sunday, as Tudor also welcomed Kevin Danso back to the substitutes' bench following the Austrian defender's recent foot problem.

However, Spence's latest concern means that Tottenham are now back to a double-figure absentee list, including Cristian Romero, who is serving the third game of his four-match suspension on Sunday.

The Argentine will be eligible for selection against Atletico in the Champions League, though, and fellow defender Udogie may also be fine to return from a thigh problem in time for the first leg too.

Lucas Bergvall, Ben Davies (both ankle) and Mohammed Kudus (thigh) are expected to remain out until mid-April, though, while Rodrigo Bentancur (thigh) and Dejan Kulusevski (knee) may be sidelined until May.

Neither James Maddison nor Wilson Odobert - both recovering from ACL injuries - are expected to play again before the end of the season, so Tudor will be forced to navigate a fitness crisis for much of his time in North London.

Tottenham Hotspur are allegedly contemplating whether to make an approach for Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson.

Ahead of Sunday's fixture with Fulham, Spurs are currently focused on trying to avoid a Premier League relegation scrap.

There is just a four-point gap between the North Londoners and 18th-placed West Ham United in the Premier League table.

Nevertheless, Spurs officials will be making plans for the summer transfer window behind the scenes, despite current head coach Ivan Tudor only being on a contract until the end of the season.

According to Football Insider, Henderson is one name that has been mentioned ahead of the summer market.

Why may Spurs move for Henderson?

Current number one Guglielmo Vicario has been heavily linked with a transfer away from the Tottenham Hotspur in recent weeks.

With Antonin Kinsky seemingly not viewed as a long-term alternative to the Italian, Spurs are likely to look elsewhere for a replacement.

As per former scout Mick Brown, a regular contributor to the outlet, a decision could be made to pursue their interest in Henderson.

Since his arrival in 2023, Henderson has racked up 100 appearances for the Eagles and he helped the club to FA Cup glory and a Community Shield in 2025.

Henderson has also made 150 outings in the Premier League, experience that will not be overlooked by Spurs or any of his suitors.

How would Crystal Palace handle Henderson interest?

The report alleges that Palace have no interest in cashing in on Henderson during the summer market.

That is seemingly a direct consequence of the upheaval that has been brought by Eberechi Eze's and Marc Guehi's exits, as well as head coach Oliver Glasner also departing Selhurst Park at the end of the season.

With Henderson having a contract until 2028, Palace can afford to retain his services on his current terms for at least another season, should they so wish.

Fulham will be looking to achieve a league double over Tottenham Hotspur for the first time since the 2003-04 season in Sunday's Premier League fixture at Craven Cottage.

Marco Silva's side ended a run of three consecutive Premier League defeats with a 3-1 away success against Sunderland last weekend.

That result took Fulham to 37 points from 27 matches, leaving them in 10th spot ahead of Sunday's meeting with Spurs.

Fulham have already got the better of Tottenham this season, claiming a 2-1 victory in November's reverse fixture thanks to goals from Kenny Tete and Harry Wilson.

Fulham eyeing long-awaited league double over Spurs

As a result of that narrow win, the Cottagers now have the chance to complete just their second league double over Spurs after previously achieving the feat in the 2003-04 Premier League season.

That campaign saw Chris Coleman's side follow a 3-0 away win with a 2-1 home victory over Tottenham.

With Fulham eyeing a league double, they will take confidence from the fact that they have won their previous two home matches against Spurs.

They recorded a commanding 3-0 victory at Craven Cottage in March 2024 and a 2-0 success in last season's home encounter.

Fulham's disappointing March record

The Cottagers may be slightly concerned that the game is taking place on the first day of the month, considering they have lost 13 of their last 18 Premier League matches in March.

That said, two of their four victories in that period have taken place against Sunday's opponents.

Raul Jimenez could be key to Fulham's hopes of picking up maximum points, having scored eight goals in 26 Premier League games this season, including a brace in the recent win over Sunderland.

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Tottenham Hotspur head coach Igor Tudor could set a new unwanted Premier League managerial record in Sunday's top-flight derby with Fulham at Craven Cottage.

The former Marseille and Juventus head coach experienced the worst possible start to life in the hotseat last weekend, overseeing a comprehensive 4-1 defeat to leaders Arsenal in the North London derby.

Tudor's injury-hit Spurs were never expected to take anything from their clash with the table-toppers, although they did go into half time level pegging at 1-1 before being blown away in the second period.

The Lilywhites continue to face the real threat of relegation from the top tier for the first time in the Premier League era, and Tudor is expected to depart at the end of the season no matter what transpires between now and May.

However, the Croatian could now make unwanted history just two games into his tenure, as no Premier League manager has ever conceded at four or more goals in their first two matches in the tournament.

Tottenham could equal worst-ever Premier League run in Fulham clash

Furthermore, only one other Spurs head coach has been beaten in both of their opening Premier League matches - Martin Jol, whose side lost 5-4 to Arsenal and 1-0 to Aston Villa in his inaugural battles.

If Tottenham do suffer that humiliating fate this weekend, not only would Tudor write the worst kind of history, but the Lilywhites would also equal an unwanted club record in the top flight.

Spurs are the only Premier League team still searching for their first win of 2026, having drawn four and lost five of their last nine first-tier games since getting the better of Crystal Palace in their final game of 2025.

Should the visitors also fall short on Sunday, they would match their longest winless run in Premier League history, set under Ossie Ardiles in 1994.

That year, Tottenham endured a miserable 10-match sequence without victory, suffering seven defeats and three draws before ending their rut with a 1-0 win at Everton.

Why Igor Tudor should not fear unwanted 4+ goal record in Fulham vs. Tottenham

While Spurs may head to Craven Cottage as the underdogs, it would be a shock to see Fulham put four past Tudor's men, especially after the Europa League winners received a crucial double defensive boost.

Pedro Porro and Kevin Danso are both in contention to make their returns from injury in Sunday's London derby, and the pair are ostensibly perfect fits for Tudor's trademark three-at-the-back system.

Danso is primed to join Micky van de Ven and Radu Dragusin at the back - Cristian Romero is still suspended - in a move that would allow Joao Palhinha to return to his preferred midfield slot.

Meanwhile, Porro is a shoo-in at right-wing back over Archie Gray, and the former Manchester City man made a name for himself in that role at Sporting Lisbon before being coaxed back to the Premier League.

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Mauricio Pochettino has suggested that he remains "open to everything", amid speculation of an eventual return to Tottenham Hotspur.

Pochettino is currently preparing to take charge of USA when the 2026 World Cup takes place this summer.

However, with the Argentine's contract due to expire after the tournament, he has inevitably been linked with another stint at Spurs.

Igor Tudor was recently appointed as Thomas Frank's short-term replacement, the Croatian tasked with ensuring that Spurs avoid a Premier League relegation scrap and go as deep as possible in the Champions League.

Given the length of Tudor's contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Pochettino faces the prospect of having to answer questions on his former club on a regular basis.

Pochettino provides fresh response to Spurs talk

Speaking to Spanish radio programme Radiogaceta de los Deportes, Pochettino reaffirmed his commitment to his role with USA.

Nevertheless, he hinted that he would not rule anything out at this stage, seemingly giving hope to those who would welcome him back in North London.

He said: "There are always rumours, I'm always linked (to clubs). To Tottenham, just like at one time I was linked to Espanyol, or to other clubs.

'In the end, especially because of my past at those clubs, when things aren't going well, people tend to fall back on emotions and say, "Well, with Mauricio we played good football," or whatever it may be.

"But no. We're focused on the World Cup, on the United States. My contract runs until after the World Cup, so after that we'll see what might happen. Open to everything, right?"

Any chance of a quick decision?

Even if Pochettino is tempted by a return to Spurs, he will be in charge of USA until at least June 26, the date of their third group game at the World Cup.

With potential to go further, Pochettino could still be in the Stars and Stripes dugout heading into July, a scenario that would not suit Spurs if they want a reunion.

If Pochettino is to return to Spurs, they are highly likely to want an agreement in place before the World Cup.

However, such a scenario would likely see Pochettino receive criticism from some quarters and the topic become a distraction from the end game of a project that started in September 2024.

Fulham boss Marco Silva has revealed that Kevin will "probably" have to undergo surgery after he sustained a foot injury in last weekend's win over Sunderland.

The Brazilian winger was forced off in first half stoppage time of Fulham's 3-1 success at the Stadium of Light.

Silva admitted the injury did not look good when he spoke to reporters directly after the Premier League encounter.

In a fresh update, the Fulham manager has confirmed that Kevin will be out for several weeks with a fifth metatarsal injury.

Fulham's Kevin set to undergo surgery

“Kevin is the only player who will not be in contention for the game,” Fulham told reporters ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur.

“We’re are waiting (to find out more), but he's probably going to have surgery and will be out for some weeks. It’s a big blow for us and for him personally. We’re here to support him.”

While he has not always been a starter, Kevin has featured in all but one of the 23 Premier League games he has been available for since completing a £35m move from Shakhtar Donetsk last summer.

Fulham's club-record signing scored his first Premier League goal in a 3-2 defeat to Manchester United at the start of February.

Trio pushing to return for Spurs clash

With Kevin sidelined, the door could be open for Oscar Bobb to make his first Premier League start since arriving from Manchester City in January.

Silva could have another wide option available, with Samuel Chukwueze hoping to be in contention following a two-game injury absence.

The Fulham boss said that a final decision on Chukwueze's availability and that of Sasa Lukic and Antonee Robinson will be made after the last training session ahead of Sunday's meeting with a struggling Tottenham side.

Fulham will be targeting a third consecutive home win over Spurs, having won 3-0 in March 2024 and 2-0 in March 2025.