Credit: Imago

Cameron Smith

Thu 21 May 2026 11:40, UK Updated Thu 21 May 2026 12:12, UK

Tottenham Hotspur head into the weekend knowing they are within touching distance of Premier League survival, requiring just a point against Everton.

With the Toffees visiting North London, Roberto De Zerbi’s side could secure their place in the division with a point, thanks to their two-point cushion over West Ham, who have a far inferior goal difference.

Spurs slipped to a frustrating defeat against Chelsea on Tuesday, handing the Hammers a lifeline.

However, the Lilywhites remain in control of the situation, with West Ham relying on an Everton win.

The task is simple: turn up on the day and the job is done, allowing the club to put what has been a dismal campaign firmly in the past.

Roberto De Zerbi’s options limited vs Everton

Returning to the Tottenham squad for the first time this season last month, James Maddison has impressed, despite not being fully up to speed.

As expected with the midfielder, the Englishman is always looking to take the ball and make things happen – something that Spurs lost with the injury to Xavi Simons against Wolves.

After a pair of lively cameos off the bench against Leeds and Chelsea, De Zerbi may be left with no choice but to throw Maddison into the starting XI on the final day.

Even if he can only get an hour of football under his belt, it would make complete sense to field him from the off to get the early impact, and potentially see Tottenham take full control of the situation at the bottom without having to worry about what goes on at the London Stadium.

He comes in for Rodrigo Bentancur, with the limited options elsewhere continuing to hold De Zerbi back, explaining why he has named the same XI for three games running.

Randal Kolo Muani and Mathys Tel keep their spots out wide, with the pair being the only real options despite neither possessing the traits of a more natural winger.

The likes of Mohammed Kudus, Dejan Kulusevski and Wilson Odobert remain sidelined, with De Zerbi likely desperate for their returns, alongside the coming transfer window, where options out wide are likely to be a huge priority.

De Zerbi and Tottenham have clear priority vs Everton

With survival on the line, the Lilywhites must take control early on against Everton.

With West Ham gunning for three points, there could be a situation where all the pressure is left on Spurs to turn up should the Hammers take an early lead in their clash.

And based on how Tottenham have performed under pressure this term, that is not a situation fans in North London want to be in.

Should they take the ascendancy from the off, and maybe even net an early goal, the predicament at the bottom could be kept under control.

The last thing needed is a nervy afternoon at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with the priority for De Zerbi and his side being to avoid this at all costs.