Tottenham host Nottingham Forest with Premier League survival on the line
Tottenham Hotspur host Nottingham Forest on Sunday in a critical Premier League encounter that could dictate their top-flight survival.
The two sides are separated by just a single point as they hover precariously above the relegation zone.
Former England international Paul Merson believes the fixture is one of the most significant in the North London club’s recent history.
“Sunday is one of the biggest games Tottenham have played. This is the club’s future on the line.”
Relegation fears become reality
A victory for Forest would see them leapfrog Igor Tudor’s side in the league table.
Furthermore, if West Ham United win away at Aston Villa, the Europa League holders would plummet into the bottom three.
It has been a disastrous domestic campaign for a team that should ordinarily be challenging at the top end of the division.
A staggering 20 defeats across all competitions have been recorded since their famous European night against Manchester United last May.
Data analysts Opta currently estimate the probability of relegation for the hosts at a concerning 12.3 per cent.
“If they get relegated, I don’t know if they are coming back. Everyone will want to beat Tottenham.”
Building on fragile momentum
Despite the looming threat of dropping into the Championship, recent performances have sparked a renewed sense of optimism.
Richarlison’s late equaliser recently salvaged a valuable point at Anfield against Liverpool.
The squad then produced a spirited midweek victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
Although that result was not enough to reach the quarter-finals, it provided Tudor with his first win as manager.
Key figures stepping up
The home crowd played a pivotal role on Wednesday night by rallying an injury-ravaged squad to a vital win.
Randal Kolo Muani and Mathys Tel provided a constant attacking threat against their Spanish opposition.
Meanwhile, Radu Dragusin looked commanding during his first Champions League start alongside a confident Xavi Simons.
The club must now channel that fragile momentum into what is effectively a cup final this weekend.
