Sports Mole

Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson has opened up on interest from Tottenham Hotspur during the January transfer window, confirming that discussions were held with the Europa League holders.

The long-serving Reds left-back has been a staple of the successful Liverpool teams under Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot, but he is now in the final six months of his contract at Anfield.

With the Premier League champions at risk of losing him for nothing in the summer, Tottenham tried to take advantage in January and were said to have been in discussions with Liverpool over a £5m move for the Scotsman.

However, owing to injuries to Jeremie Frimpong, Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley, Liverpool could not fathom losing another defender for a meagre fee and decided to keep hold of Robertson.

Liverpool are now running the risk of losing the former Hull City man on a free transfer this summer, but in quotes attributed to The Athletic, Robertson affirmed that it was an easy decision for him to stay put.

Liverpool's Andy Robertson confirms Tottenham transfer discussions

"There was obviously interest there - there were discussions had with both sets of clubs," Robertson said. "But the decision was that I wanted to stay.

"I was never not committed. I’ve been committed to Liverpool for the last eight and a half or nine years now and I’ll be committed until I’m no longer needed. That’s always been my mindset. This club has given me everything and I’ve given this club everything.

“It’s been a fantastic relationship so hopefully that continues and obviously January happened, but it is now gone. Now we move forward. My focus never came off trying to help the lads on the pitch and in training."

When quizzed on his future for the 2026-27 season and beyond, the defender replied: "I’ve always said that will stay between me and the club. I don’t think it will get played out in public. It is not one of them.

“I have got an amazing relationship with Richard (Hughes), Mike Gordon and Michael Edwards. These people brought me to the football club. They have helped make me who I am.

“I think out of respect to them, and they have respected me, then the conversations will be in-house. When a decision is made, and we’re getting to the point where I only have three months left on my contract, it will be announced to you guys."

Does Andy Robertson deserve a new Liverpool contract?

While the vast majority of Liverpool players were celebrated for their contributions in 2024-25, Robertson was one of the few singled out for a perceived decline in performance - a consequence of the player entering his 30s.

The Scotland international - who turns 32 on Wednesday - has unsurprisingly dropped below Milos Kerkez in the pecking order, but his presence has been handy during the Hungarian's adaptation period.

Furthermore, Robertson still has plenty of attacking prowess to offer, as demonstrated by his goal and assist in Friday's 3-1 FA Cup victory at Wolverhampton Wanderers and his strike against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

If the left-back is happy to continue in a backup role for another year, then a short-term extension must come into the equation, but he also could not be blamed for wanting to join a club where regular minutes are a guarantee.

Whatever happens this summer, with 13 goals, 69 assists, 369 appearances and nine trophies to his name, Robertson has etched his name into Liverpool folklore.

Tottenham Hotspur will welcome Cristian Romero back to the starting lineup with open arms for Tuesday's Champions League last-16 first leg away to Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano.

The Argentina international has been serving a four-game domestic ban for his red card against Manchester United a few weeks ago, but he will almost certainly be brought straight back in for his first appearance in just over a month.

Romero will be reunited with usual partner Micky van de Ven, who was coincidentally also dismissed in Thursday's 3-1 Premier League loss to Crystal Palace but will instead serve his suspension against Liverpool next weekend.

Fellow defender Radu Dragusin is touch-and-go after missing the Eagles defeat with a knock, but thanks to Kevin Danso's presence, Igor Tudor can still put out his favoured 3-4-2-1 shape in front of Guglielmo Vicario.

Conor Gallagher makes a swift return to the Spanish capital after his January exit from Atletico, but the Englishman has not cut the mustard so far and could be benched once again in favour of Joao Palhinha and Pape Sarr.

Romero's return gives Tudor licence to field Pedro Porro in his favoured right wing-back slot, and if Djed Spence is not back from a calf injury, Archie Gray - one of the few Spurs players still in fans' good books - could start on the left.

Mathys Tel also fits the Gray description and is in line to hold his spot alongside Dominic Solanke, but Randal Kolo Muani could make way for Xavi Simons as Tudor desperately seeks some attacking ingenuity.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Danso, Romero, Van de Ven; Porro, Palhinha, Sarr, Gray; Simons; Tel, Solanke

Taking a break from their Premier League relegation battle, crisis club Tottenham Hotspur venture to the Wanda Metropolitano for Tuesday's Champions League last-16 first leg with Atletico Madrid.

The Europa League holders achieved an impressive fourth-placed league-phase finish despite their domestic disasters, while Diego Simeone's crop got the better of Club Brugge in the playoff rounds.

Match preview

As was the case during the iconic Ange Postecoglou second season, continental competition has provided Tottenham with safe haven while their Premier League campaign continues to unravel - at least up to this point.

A side that cannot buy a win in the top flight earned no fewer than five in the league phase, including statement 2-0 victories over Bundesliga outfits Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt to finish above all of Liverpool, Barcelona, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Chelsea in the 36-team table.

In the eyes of many, Tottenham's stellar European displays and pitiful domestic performances said a great deal about the quality of football in England compared to other Big Five leagues, as did the fact that five Premier League clubs earned a direct ticket to the last 16 of the competition.

That theory will be put to the test again on Tuesday, when Tottenham will go in search of a fourth straight UCL victory and a sixth clean sheet from their last seven in the tournament, but travelling supporters will not be holding their breath.

Little more can be said about Spurs' atrocious top-flight fortunes that has not already been said; Thursday's 3-1 loss to Crystal Palace - in which Igor Tudor's men took the lead before imploding - saw them set a new unwanted club record of 11 consecutive Premier League games without a win as they lie just one point above the dreaded drop zone.

Now reeling from a fifth straight loss in all tournaments - and third on the spin under Tudor - Tottenham have already been tipped to hand the Croatian his P45, but not before he oversees Tuesday's taxing first-leg test.

Finishing three points and 10 places worse off than Tottenham in the league-phase table, former runners-up Atletico Madrid survived a Club Brugge-sized scare to earn a date with the Lilywhites, triumphing 7-4 in a chaotic playoff tie.

Simeone's side shared the spoils in a six-goal Belgian thriller during the inaugural encounter, before an Alexander Sorloth-inspired 4-1 success on their own turf - in which the Scandinavian struck a hat-trick - sent them through.

Hitherto heralded for their staunch defensive nature, Atletico ended the league phase with the worst rearguard record of all top-16 clubs - 15 goals conceded - and have shown little to suggest that their backline issues will be fixed anytime soon.

Indeed, Simeone's men have shipped five goals in their last two games, albeit inconsequentially; a 3-0 Copa del Rey loss to Barcelona meant nothing thanks to their 4-0 first-leg battering of the Blaugrana, and Saturday's La Liga visit of Real Sociedad ended in a 3-2 success.

The latter result also marked Atletico's fourth straight home win - during which time they have scored at least three goals in all of those victories - but the hosts' only previous competitive match with Spurs ended embarrassingly.

The two clubs are reuniting almost 63 years on from their maiden meeting in the 1963 Cup Winners' Cup final, where Jimmy Greaves netted twice in a 5-1 win for Tottenham, but a repeat of that resounding triumph on Tuesday is surely just a pipe dream.

Atletico Madrid Champions League form:

Atletico Madrid form (all competitions):

Tottenham Hotspur Champions League form:

Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions):

Team News

Tottenham's Crystal Palace collapse was triggered by Micky van de Ven's sending-off for a last-man foul, but the Dutchman will serve his impending suspension in league action and is fine to feature on Tuesday night, as is Cristian Romero following his domestic ban.

The visitors have just had the luxury of a weekend off thanks to their premature FA Cup exit, and Tudor is hopeful of having Djed Spence back in action following a calf injury, while Destiny Udogie (thigh) is not too far away from a return either.

However, Wilson Odobert (ACL), James Maddison (ACL), Dejan Kulusevski (knee), Ben Davies (ankle), Lucas Bergvall (ankle), Mohammed Kudus (thigh) and Rodrigo Bentancur (thigh) are still out, while Radu Dragusin missed Thursday's loss due to a knock and will need a once-over too.

As for Atletico Madrid, January signing Rodrigo Mendoza came off at half time against Real Sociedad due to an ankle problem, one that has made the 20-year-old a serious doubt for the first leg.

Mendoza is just one of two fitness concerns for Simeone at present, though, and the other - hamstring victim Pablo Barrios - could even make himself available for the visit of Tudor's side.

Confirmed to be staying in Spain despite rumours of an MLS move, Antoine Griezmann made a crucial impact off the bench against Real Sociedad, as did two-goal hero Nico Gonzalez - both have put themselves in the frame for starts here.

Atletico Madrid possible starting lineup:

Oblak; Llorente, Le Normand, Hancko, Ruggeri; Simeone, Koke, Cardoso, Gonzalez; Sorloth, Alvarez

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Danso, Romero, Van de Ven; Porro, Palhinha, Sarr, Gray; Simons; Tel, Solanke

We say: Atletico Madrid 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur

With Romero and Van de Ven back together, Tottenham should not be such a horror show at the back, but the Lilywhites are still lacking in attacking ideas and a clear identity under Tudor.

The visitors' domestic troubles meant nothing against Dortmund or Frankfurt, but an Atletico team with a taste for goals at home should put one foot firmly in the quarter-finals.

The agent of Tottenham Hotspur defender Luka Vuskovic has spoken out about his client's future amid reported transfer interest from Barcelona.

While the centre-back's parent club are in disarray near the bottom of the Premier League table, Vuskovic has continued his rapid development during a successful loan stint with Bundesliga returnees Hamburger SV.

The 19-year-old had forged a reputation as a major goal threat before moving to North London, and he has already netted five times in the German top flight in the current campaign.

Vuskovic was the star of the show during Saturday's 2-1 win over Wolfsburg, providing a goal and assist and also equalling a 55-year-old record - becoming just the second teenager to score a Bundesliga penalty for Hamburg after Manfred Kaltz in 1971.

In addition, the 2007-born phenom won a staggering 13 of 13 duels on Saturday, and he is the only player to contest 10+ battles in a 2025-26 Bundesliga game and win all of them.

Luka Vuskovic agent speaks out amid Barcelona transfer rumours

Those two stunning statistics further explain why Barcelona are reportedly keen on signing the Croatian youngster, who is yet to make a senior competitive appearance for Tottenham but is under contract until 2030.

However, if the Lilywhites suffer an unthinkable relegation to the Championship, Vuskovic is one of a plethora of highly-rated players who could be tempted away from North London during the summer transfer window.

Barcelona have reportedly held initial talks over a deal for Vuskovic in 2026, but the defender's agent Pini Zahavi - who is close with president Joan Laporta - has downplayed the speculation.

"I can't comment on anything at this time," Zahavi told 365scores, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo. "The player still belongs to Hamburg and is completely focused there. "I can give an update in exactly two months, that is, after his loan ends and he officially returns to Tottenham."

Hamburg are apparently keen to keep Vuskovic on loan for another season, but Tottenham are 'unwilling' and are insisting that the Croatian will return to North London when his current temporary spell ends.

Bayern Munich are also said to be keeping a close eye on Vuskovic's future, though, and Tottenham's purported asking price for the 19-year-old has also been revealed.

How much do Tottenham want for Barcelona-linked Luka Vuskovic?

Vuskovic's Tottenham deal is not believed to contain a release clause, but the Spanish outlet adds that a fee of around €60m (£52m) could be enough to prise him away from the English capital.

Such a fee would see Tottenham make a huge profit on the €11m (£9.5m) they paid to sign Vuskovic from Hajduk Split in 2025, and it would also make the defender their third-most expensive sale of all time.

Tottenham's record departure is unsurprisingly Gareth Bale, who joined Real Madrid for £87.5m in 2013, while Harry Kane's switch to Bayern Munich in 2023 was an £82.3m transaction.

Igor Tudor has refused to be drawn on speculation regarding his future at Tottenham Hotspur after starting his tenure with two losses.

The Londoners were hopeful of a more successful season after appointing Thomas Frank, but the club have found themselves in the midst of a relegation battle.

Frank's dismissal has not improved matters, with interim boss Tudor having lost both of his games in charge, the latest of which came against Crystal Palace on Thursday in the Premier League.

The head coach refused to be drawn on speculation about his position after his side's 3-1 loss against Palace, saying: "No comment on that question."

Tottenham's next Premier League game comes against Liverpool on March 15, but they will first face Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie on Tuesday.

Should Tottenham Hotspur sack Tudor?

Though the sample size is small, Tudor has not impressed in his two matches as manager, with his Tottenham side looking vulnerable against Arsenal and Crystal Palace.

Perhaps more damning was that his players struggled to remain level-headed in both clashes, highlighted by Micky van de Ven's red card on Thursday.

The club already had discipline problems prior to Tudor's arrival, especially with centre-back Cristian Romero, and failing to remain calm could cost them their status as a Premier League club.

Though it may seem harsh considering he has not had a fair chance at the job, the Spurs hierarchy must do everything they can to ensure survival, especially if a new manager is better able to rally the squad.

Should Spurs give up Champions League ambitions?

Spurs are in 16th place with just 29 points, and they are only one point above 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, as well as 18th-placed West Ham United.

With nine games remaining in the Premier League, Tottenham must take the threat of demotion seriously, and they cannot afford to throw away any match.

The squad is littered with absences, and risking the team's health against Atletico Madrid would be risky, so there is a strong case for Tudor to rotate heavily in both legs.

After finishing fourth in the UEFA Champions League group stage table, Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to continue their promising performances on the continent away to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday evening.

Since winning their previous Champions League game against Frankfurt, Spurs have won just one match and have lost each of their previous five which has seen them slump to 17th in the Premier League table.

As the possibility of relegation looms over them, Igor Tudor’s side will be looking at their tie against Atletico Madrid for inspiration, with the chance to reach the quarter-final stage of the competition for the first time since the 2018-19 campaign.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Tottenham’s latest injury and suspension news ahead of their showdown with Atletico Madrid, who come off the back of a 3-2 win against Real Sociedad on Saturday evening.

Radu Dragusin

© Imago / Sportimage

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Knock

Possible return date: March 10 (vs. Atletico Madrid)

In Cristian Romero’s absence, Radu Dragusin has featured heavily for Tottenham alongside Micky van de Ven in defence. However, after missing the game against Crystal Palace with a minor knock, it remains to be seen whether the Romanian international will return for Spurs’ Champions League fixture.

Djed Spence

© Iconsport / SUSA

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Calf

Possible return date: March 10 (vs. Atletico Madrid)

Djed Spence has not appeared for Tottenham since their 4-1 defeat to Arsenal a fortnight ago. Although he missed the game against Palace, there is a chance he returns on Tuesday.

Ben Davies

© Imago

Status: Out

Type of injury: Ankle

Possible return date: April 11 (vs. Sunderland)

Ben Davies is expected to be sidelined for at least another month after picking up an ankle injury against West Ham United in January.

Destiny Udogie

© Imago / Sportimage

Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: March 15 (vs. Liverpool)

Destiny Udogie is nearing a return from a hamstring injury sustained against Manchester United in February. Although he will certainly miss Tuesday's match, there is a chance he returns before the international break.

Lucas Bergvall

© Imago / Mark Pain

Status: Out

Type of injury: Ankle/Foot

Possible return date: April 11 (vs. Sunderland)

After being forced off with an ankle injury against Borussia Dortmund in January, Lucas Bergvall is expected to be back following the international break.

Mohammed Kudus

© Imago / Every Second Media

Status: Out

Type of injury: Thigh

Possible return date: April 11 (vs. Sunderland)

Although it was originally seen as a minor injury, Mohamed Kudus is expected to return after the March international break due to a thigh injury picked up against Sunderland in early January.

Rodrigo Bentancur

© Imago / News Images

Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: May 2 (vs. Aston Villa)

Rodrigo Bentancur is hoping to make himself available before the end of the season after suffering a major hamstring injury in January.

Wilson Odobert

© Imago / News Images

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

After rupturing his ACL against Newcastle last month, Wilson Odobert will not feature for Spurs until next season as he begins his lengthy rehab.

James Maddison

© Imago

Status: Out

Type of injury: ACL

Possible return date: Unknown

James Maddison sustained an ACL injury in August and has subsequently missed the entire season. The English midfielder looks set to be back in the summer.

Dejan Kulusevski

© Imago

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: May 2 (vs. Aston Villa)

Dejan Kulusevski remains unavailable with a knee injury that he picked up last season. There is hope that he features before the end of the campaign but it is not certain.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR’S SUSPENSION LIST

While they will not miss any players through suspension on Tuesday evening, Spurs will be without Micky van de Ven for their game against Liverpool on March 15.

Manchester United could reportedly move for Dejan Kulusevski during this summer's transfer window if Tottenham Hotspur are relegated from the Premier League.

Spurs are in the last-16 stage of the Champions League, but they have had a disastrous domestic campaign to date, sitting down in 16th spot in the Premier League table.

Tottenham are only one point outside of the relegation zone and are in real danger of dropping down to the Championship for the 2026-27 campaign.

Spurs have lost each of their last five Premier League matches, while they have not been victorious in England's top flight since the end of December.

Tottenham are next in league action away to Liverpool on March 15, with that match coming between their Champions League last-16 contests with Atletico Madrid.

Man United 'weighing up' summer move for Kulusevski

There will be a number of first-team departures this summer if Spurs are relegated, with Kulusevski likely to be among them.

The Sweden international has not made a single appearance for Tottenham this season due to a knee injury, and he has been a major miss for the North London club.

Last term, the 25-year-old scored 10 goals and registered 11 assists in 50 appearances at club level, while his overall record for Spurs is 25 goals and 30 assists in 146 matches.

It is unclear when Kulusevski will return to the field, but according to The Mirror, Man United are considering making a move for the attacker this summer.

The Red Devils want to add a left-sided attacker to their squad at the end of the season and are said to be admirers of Kulusevski, who can play in a number of different forward areas.

Van de Ven, Romero, Maddison could leave Spurs this summer

The fact that James Maddison has spent so long on the sidelines could actually work in Tottenham's favour this summer, with the playmaker potentially deciding to stay even if Spurs are relegated, but there will certainly be interest.

There are also clubs keeping a close eye on Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, with the defensive pair expected to have plenty of suitors.

Relegation for Tottenham this summer would be utterly disastrous, and it remains to be seen whether there are enough characters in the squad to pull themselves out of trouble.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly battling two European giants to sign Brentford winger Kevin Schade in the summer transfer window.

The 24-year-old joined Brentford from SC Freiburg in a club-record deal in 2023 and has emerged as one of their standout performers this season.

The German attacker has registered seven goals and three assists in the Premier League so far this campaign, significantly boosting his reputation across Europe.

Brentford are aware of the growing interest in their versatile forward and are keen to retain his services beyond the current season, with Schade under contract at the club until 2028.

Tottenham among clubs keen to sign Kevin Schade

According to a report from TeamTalk, Spurs retain a long-standing interest in the winger, who could command a transfer fee in the region of £43m to £61m.

However, the north London club are expected to face strong competition from German champions Bayern Munich and Serie A leaders Inter Milan, while Napoli have also been long-term admirers of the player.

Tottenham have struggled with depth in attacking areas this season following injuries to Mohammed Kudus, Wilson Odobert, Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison, while Richarlison and Dominic Solanke have also endured lengthy spells on the sidelines.

Their attacking depth was further weakened after former boss Thomas Frank sanctioned the sale of Brennan Johnson, who joined Crystal Palace during the January transfer window.

Brentford more likely to keep hold of Kevin Schade

Tottenham have endured a difficult campaign and currently sit 16th in the Premier League table with 29 points from 29 matches.

Unless Spurs secure Champions League qualification, they are unlikely to offer European football next season, which could make it difficult to lure Schade away from Brentford.

Bayern Munich could consider strengthening their wide options, although younger and potentially cheaper alternatives such as Said El Mala remain on their radar. Emerging academy talents, including Lennart Karl and Maycon Cardozo, could also influence the club’s transfer strategy.

Inter Milan are expected to refresh their squad next summer, but Brentford’s high valuation of Schade could prove a stumbling block for the Nerazzurri.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly giving consideration to appointing Roberto De Zerbi as a successor to Igor Tudor as head coach.

While the North Londoners only appointed the Croatian on a deal until the end of the season last month, it has become apparent that he is far from safe in the dugout after a disastrous start to life at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Following defeats to Arsenal and Fulham, the 3-1 loss at home to Crystal Palace on Thursday has led to suggestions that the 47-year-old could be removed from his position if the club's poor form continues against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Tudor has insisted that he saw enough improvement in the performance against Palace to indicate that a corner can be turned.

However, as per The Telegraph, Spurs officials are already weighing up whether to make an immediate change.

De Zerbi back on Spurs radar

The report alleges that discussions have already been held with De Zerbi, who has previously been on the club's radar.

De Zerbi recently departed his role at Marseille after a stint where he recorded 39 wins and 20 defeats from 69 matches in charge.

Talks are said to have been specifically held regarding an arrival in North London during the summer, presumably if Spurs avoid relegation from the Premier League.

Nevertheless, there appears to be the possibility of De Zerbi being drafted into the role within days, rather than months, if nothing improves under Tudor.

Despite his only notable silverware won during his managerial career being a Ukrainian Cup with Shakhtar Donetsk, De Zerbi has credit in the bank from his two-year stint at Brighton & Hove Albion.

Do Spurs have an easy decision to make?

The main reason why Tudor was appointed as Spurs boss was his track record when it comes to making immediate short-term impacts at clubs who required it.

However, from the outside at least, it seems like Spurs are performing worse. When their short-term schedule reads Liverpool away sandwiched between two Atletico Madrid fixtures, it is far from ideal.

While Tudor will likely be given the first leg against Atletico in Spain, it is plausible that Spurs make another managerial change if they suffer defeat to the La Liga giants.

That said, there would also be question marks over whether De Zerbi would want to come into a role at Spurs at this stage of the season.

Glenn Hoddle has publicly offered his services to help rescue Tottenham Hotspur from the threat of the Championship.

Spurs' descent into a historic competitive crisis has reached a fever pitch following a devastating 3-1 home defeat to Crystal Palace on Thursday night, leaving the capital club 16th in the Premier League table.

The loss to Palace marked a third consecutive defeat for interim head coach Igor Tudor, who has struggled to find a tactical foothold since arriving in North London just three games ago.

With the Lilywhites now one point above the Premier League relegation zone and winless in 11 league matches, the atmosphere at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has become increasingly desperate.

Hoddle offers to help Spurs avoid Premier League relegation

Speaking on the Could It Be Magic podcast via The Daily Mail, the 68-year-old expressed a deep desire to return to the dugout at a club he has supported since childhood.

"I think it would actually," he said when asked if returning to management was of interest. "Particularly with Tottenham, as that's my club. I've supported them since I was eight years of age. So they were a massive part of my life."

The former England boss suggested that his experience could be the vital ingredient needed to steady a dressing room that appears devoid of confidence as the pressure of a relegation dogfight intensifies.

When he was told that former Spurs forward Robbie Keane, now managing Hungarian side Ferencvaros, has emerged as a contender for the role, Hoddle suggested a partnership with the Irishman.

"Robbie is doing great as a young manager, but to have someone experienced like myself... that would be a good formula in many ways," stated the ex-Spurs boss.

"I think that's a shrewd move, whether it was me or somebody experienced with him, because the question would be, is Rob ready to go into that sort of job now?"

PL survival: How bad is the situation at Spurs?

While it has been suggested that the Lilywhites are 'too good to go down', alarm bells will be ringing in North London.

The injury-ravaged side could slip into the bottom three after the next round of matches if they lose to Liverpool on March 15 and results elsewhere go against them.

Eighteenth-placed West Ham United and Nottingham Forest, a place above the Hammers, are one point behind the North Londoners, highlighting the precarious situation at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Picking up just four points from a possible 33 in 2026 does them no favours, as they sit at the bottom of the calendar year table in the competition.

If that continues, then their 34-year stay in the top flight may well be over.