Sports Mole

Tottenham Hotspur have suffered an all-too familiar injury blow in their Premier League clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers, as Dominic Solanke had to be withdrawn with an apparent leg problem.

The 28-year-old started in an unchanged attack for the Lilywhites at Molineux, joining Randal Kolo Muani and Xavi Simons in the final third against the already-relegated Old Gold.

Roberto De Zerbi's men sought to build on their positive display from last weekend's 2-2 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion, and claim the victory that could have potentially taken them out of the Premier League relegation zone.

However, Spurs experienced 45 minutes of frustration in the first half, and things took a turn for the worse for the visitors when Solanke picked up yet another injury shortly before half time.

The England international appeared to have hurt his hamstring, having needed treatment on the back of his leg, and he was taken off to be replaced by Richarlison in the 40th minute.

Which Tottenham games could Dominic Solanke miss through injury?

Tottenham remaining fixtures 2025-26

May 3: vs. Aston Villa (A)

May 11: vs. Leeds United (H)

May 17: vs. Chelsea (A)

May 24: vs. Everton (H)

If Solanke has indeed suffered a hamstring problem as suspected, the striker would likely miss a minimum of two weeks, as even minor Grade 1 strains can take a fortnight to heal.

As a result, Tottenham are likely to be without Solanke for their upcoming trip to Aston Villa on May 3, as well as the crunch bottom-half battle against Leeds United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 11.

A more serious Grade 2 or Grade 3 issue for Solanke - the former being a partial tear and the latter being a complete muscular rupture - would likely rule the attacker out for the rest of the campaign.

Solanke would therefore sit out Tottenham's final two games of the campaign; the London derby away to Chelsea on May 17, and the home battle against Everton on May 24.

Tottenham have major Dominic Solanke problem Roberto De Zerbi cannot ignore

Tottenham paid a club-record fee to bring Solanke to the club from Bournemouth in 2024, and the striker's continental impact in particular last year was crucial to Spurs' Europa League success.

Solanke registered nine goal involvements in 13 Europa League games en route to glory - including strikes in both semi-final legs against Bodo/Glimt - but he has experienced a personal fall from grace alongside his Tottenham teammates this term.

Solanke has been restricted to six goals from 20 games due to his ankle operation, and he has already missed 48 matches for club and country through injury since joining Spurs two years ago.

That number will certainly increase following his issue today, and De Zerbi could do worse than scope out an alternative to the £65m attacker, whose fitness issues are now becoming a major problem.

Tottenham cannot firm up transfer plans until they know what division they will be playing in next season, though, and there is every chance that Solanke will stick around in the Championship if the worst should happen.

Today's Premier League predictions include Arsenal's intriguing showdown with Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur's crucial basement battle with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Fulham vs. Aston Villa (Saturday, 12.30pm)

Saturday lunchtime’s Premier League offering comes from Craven Cottage, as European hopefuls Fulham play host to fourth-placed Aston Villa.

The Lions are looking to complete their third successive league double over the Cottagers, after claiming a 3-1 victory in the reverse fixture at Villa Park in September last year.

We say: Fulham 1-2 Aston Villa

Considering the recent form of both teams and Aston Villa’s dominant head-to-head record over Fulham in the last few years, the visitors will be regarded as favourites to climb maximum points this weekend.

The Cottagers have lost their clinical touch in the final third and we are backing a Watkins-inspired Villa outfit to strengthen their position in the top five with a victory in West London.

> Click here to read our full preview for Fulham vs. Aston Villa, including team news and predicted lineups

Wolves vs. Tottenham (Saturday, 3pm)

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.

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.

> Click here to read our full preview for Wolves vs. Tottenham, including team news and predicted lineups

West Ham vs. Everton (Saturday, 3pm)

David Moyes will come up against his former club when he takes his European-chasing Everton side to the London Stadium to face survival hopefuls West Ham United in the Premier League on Saturday.

Neither team could be separated in the reverse fixture at the Hill Dickinson Stadium seven months ago, with Jarrod Bowen cancelling out a Michael Keane opener in a 1-1 draw.

We say: West Ham United 1-1 Everton

Each of the last three Premier League meetings between West Ham and Everton have ended as a draw, and another closely-contested battle could in store in the capital.

The Hammers have made themselves difficult to beat on home soil in recent weeks and they may frustrate a Toffees outfit, boasting a strong away record, en route to claiming a valuable point in their bid to avoid the drop.

> Click here to read our full preview for West Ham vs. Everton, including team news and predicted lineups

Liverpool vs. Crystal Palace (Saturday, 3pm)

Firmly in the driving seat for Champions League football in 2026-27, Arne Slot's rejuvenated Liverpool host an increasingly resilient Crystal Palace at Anfield on Saturday.

The reigning Premier League champions claimed the Merseyside derby bragging rights last weekend, while the Eagles prolonged their steady unbeaten run in a 0-0 draw with West Ham United.

We say: Liverpool 2-1 Crystal Palace

If a last-minute derby winner does not do wonders for Liverpool's morale, nothing will, and the Reds have been looking a bit more like themselves in the Premier League of late despite their UCL disappointments.

As such, Palace's recent stronghold over Slot's side should count for nothing on Saturday, where Liverpool should maintain their iron grip on a Champions League spot with a gritty victory.

> Click here to read our full preview for Liverpool vs. Crystal Palace, including team news and predicted lineups

Arsenal vs. Newcastle (Saturday, 5.30pm)

Back in the all-too familiar silver-medal position in the Premier League table, Arsenal can swiftly regain top spot when they host Newcastle United at the Emirates on Saturday evening.

The Gunners are at risk of losing three straight top-flight games for the first time in four years, a fate that befell the Magpies in last weekend's home horror show.

We say: Arsenal 2-1 Newcastle United

Amid all of Newcastle's problems, attacking success has been a constant; the visitors have scored in 18 consecutive games in all tournaments and each of their last 10 away from home.

An increasingly shaky Arsenal side should therefore not emerge unscathed, but with Newcastle's defending also leaving much to be desired, we have faith in the Gunners to stop the rot and climb back to the summit.

Wolverhampton Wanderers take on Tottenham Hotspur in a fascinating Premier League basement battle on Saturday, and here, Sports Mole experts deliver their take on the game.

Ben Knapton, Site Coordinator: "Xavi Simons could be absolutely huge"

I don't think you could have had a more heartbreaking way to lose two points than what happened [against Brighton & Hove Albion], but I don't think the negatives fully override the positives in that one. I don't think I'm going out on a limb here saying that was one of Spurs' best overall displays of the entire season in the Premier League.

"They've had semi-success in the Champions League, but in terms of the Premier League, that was a really, promising display from them. And in particular, Xavi Simons. He had a really tough adaptation to English football and when you look at number 10s, the likes of De Bruyne, Odegaard, a bit more physical than Xavi Simons.

Maybe he's not cut out to be that lone number 10, but drifting inside from the left and curling in a shot or a cross, he's proven that he's brilliant at that. If Roberto De Zerbi profiles him correctly, he could be absolutely huge.

And you saw the passion from him as well, both in the delight and devastation sense. He scored that brilliant curler, ran to the crowd, having the time of his life it seemed. And then at full time he was in a strop, as were all the Spurs players.

West Ham play at the same time this weekend, so Spurs will go out of the relegation zone with a win if West Ham drop points against Everton. There were promising signs at Brighton overall, but of promising signs don't put the points on the board, what's the point of them?

Matt Law, Football Editor: "The Tottenham players do care"

This is a game they would be expected to win against the team already relegated. If there is any game Tottenham would expect to win at the moment.

I saw more in that Brighton draw than I have for a long time. And for the first time, I saw the signs that they might be able to get themselves out of this. The players showed passion, the players showed that they really care about this. The celebrations, the devastation, they actually did show that they do really care about the fate of this team, which has been called into question for a lot of this calendar year so far.

We're all real football fans here and we've all been through that. There is nothing like football in the world that can do that to you. Those emotions that you go through when you've scored and you think you're going to pick up a big three points, and then you just get that sucker punch at the last minute.

You're so deflated, but you have to reset and you have to go again. I think the fact this is away for Tottenham is a big thing - their away record this season isn't actually that bad. The fact that they're now coming away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, I think will help them.

I'm still wrestling with the idea about whether Tottenham go down or not, and I keep saying no. But then you're thinking Forest have pulled a little bit clear - I think it's going to be between Tottenham and West Ham, and I just have a feeling that Tottenham will stay up.

They have to win. Whatever happens in terms of performance, they just have to get over the line in this game. Wolves, nothing to lose, but they'll be keen to finish on a relative high.

Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter: "Can you call it an upset against Tottenham?"

For Spurs, it is a must win. Wolves could just play without pressure, but they should aim to try and at least finish off the bottom of the table, try and climb above Burnley.

Rob Edwards has done reasonably well in charge since he's come in, and I assume he'll stay in charge, try and rebuild the squad capable of challenging for promotion from the Championship.

Goals have been hard to come by for Wolves. They've failed to score in 17 Premier League games this season for the first time since the 2009-10 season, so they could do with getting some goals if they are to win any games.

Spurs have got a lot to fight for, but Wolves are unbeaten in their last six Premier League games against Spurs. I don't know if it could be called an upset against Spurs at the moment - they are below them in the table, but Wolves have maybe got a chance of getting something from this game now that they've got no pressure on them.

Already relegated hosts possibly soon-to-be relegated at Molineux on Saturday, where Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur collide in Premier League gameweek 34.

The Old Gold's demotion to the second tier was confirmed when West Ham United drew with Crystal Palace on Monday night, two days after Spurs' gut-wrenching 2-2 stalemate with Brighton & Hove Albion, and here Sports Mole rounds up the team news for both clubs.

WOLVES vs. TOTTENHAM

WOLVES

Out: Enso Gonzalez (knee), Sam Johnstone (shoulder), Yerson Mosquera (suspended)

Doubtful: Angel Gomes (toe), Ladislav Krejci (neck), Jose Sa (shoulder), Matt Doherty (knock)

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Bentley; Tchatchoua, Toti, S. Bueno, H. Bueno; J. Gomes, Andre, Mane; Bellegarde, Armstrong, Hwang

TOTTENHAM

Out: Guglielmo Vicario (hernia), Mohammed Kudus (thigh), Ben Davies (ankle), Dejan Kulusevski (knee), Cristian Romero (knee), Wilson Odobert (knee)

Doubtful: Destiny Udogie (unspecified)

Wolverhampton Wanderers will be bidding to extend a 43-year streak when they play host to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday afternoon.

Earlier this week, it was confirmed that Wolves, who have been bottom of the Premier League table since the third weekend of the season, would be playing Championship football in 2026-27.

Rob Edwards and the club's recruitment team are now putting plans in place for the summer transfer market, with two Championship players said to be on their radar.

However, sitting three points adrift of 19th-placed Burnley and having a game in hand, Wolves' target is to avoid ending the campaign in last spot.

That will remain a realistic possibility if they can avoid ending a 43-year streak at home to relegation-threatened Spurs at Molineux.

Wolves looking to avoid club-first since 1983

After more than three weeks without a game, Wolves have returned to action with heavy defeats to West Ham United and Leeds United.

Wolves lost 4-0 to the Hammers at the London Stadium, before going down by a 3-0 scoreline at Elland Road last week.

As such, Wolves are bidding to avoid losing by 3+ goals in three successive top-flight fixtures for the first time since 1983.

When taking EFL matches into account, Wolves last achieved that unwanted feat when losing three times in the Championship in November 2014.

Edwards and his side will be encouraged by the fact that Spurs have failed to win a Premier League game on the last five occasions where they have taken a one-goal lead.

Furthermore, Edwards' biggest-ever win in the Premier League came against De Zerbi's Brighton side, with Luton Town winning 4-0 on that occasion.

Wolves vs. Tottenham Premier League match preview | The Spurs player do care

Tottenham Hotspur could be bracing themselves for a major summer clear-out as their season hangs in the balance.

Several key players are attracting interest, with Europe’s top clubs monitoring developments closely.

And one of their biggest defensive assets already appears to have a clear preference if he moves.

Man Utd and Liverpool keen on signing Micky van de Ven this summer

Both Manchester United and Liverpool are keeping a close eye on Micky van de Ven ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Tottenham Hotspur centre-back is widely viewed as one of the Premier League’s most promising defenders, and interest is growing as uncertainty surrounds Spurs’ future.

A potential relegation would almost certainly trigger a mass exodus, with Van de Ven and defensive partner Cristian Romero among those expected to attract significant bids.

Tottenham signed the Dutchman for £43 million in 2023, but his value has since skyrocketed, with a potential sale now likely to command close to £100 million.

Micky van de Ven summer transfer preference revealed

Despite strong interest from multiple clubs, Van de Ven is believed to favour a move to Liverpool over Manchester United if given the choice, according to transfer expert Ben Jacobs on The United Stand.

That stance is seen as a major boost for the Reds and a blow to any rival suitors.

The appeal is clear as a switch to Anfield would offer the chance to link up with compatriot Virgil van Dijk, while also joining a club that aligns closely with both the player and his family’s preferences.

Liverpool are actively exploring defensive reinforcements, and if they formally enter the race, they would be expected to move into a strong position quickly.

For United, meanwhile, interest remains at the monitoring stage, with no formal approach made to either Tottenham or the player’s camp.

Will Micky van de Ven leave Spurs?

Much will depend on Tottenham’s fate this season.

If Roberto De Zerbi is unable to steer Spurs to safety, then Van de Ven’s departure looks almost inevitable as top clubs circle.

Even if relegation is avoided, the situation remains uncertain.

Romero is still widely expected to leave, and while De Zerbi’s arrival may improve Spurs' chances of keeping Van de Ven, a major offer could still test their resolve.

Given his rising reputation and the level of interest, this feels like a situation that is heading towards a decisive moment, especially if Liverpool choose to turn their interest into concrete action.

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.