Tottenham head into the final day of the Premier League season knowing survival is still not mathematically secured as they prepare to host Everton on Sunday afternoon.
Spurs remain just above the relegation zone heading into the closing round of fixtures and need a point to guarantee their top-flight status.
Roberto De Zerbi’s side sit two points clear of 18th-placed West Ham and still have work to do after a damaging 2-1 defeat to Chelsea in midweek.
Tottenham’s home form remains a major concern, however.
The North London side are without a win in their last 10 Premier League home matches and have managed just two victories at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium all season.
That run represents one of the worst home sequences in the club’s modern history and has played a huge role in dragging them into the relegation battle.
And with captain Cristian Romero also set to be absent from the match after choosing to head home to Argentina to prepare for the World Cup, the pressure will be ramped up even further ahead of such a crucial game.
Speaking on Romero missing the game, De Zerbi said: “He spoke with the medical staff. Together they decided to go to Argentina to complete the rehab with the Argentinean medical staff. We spoke last week.
“With me he showed always his desire to stay with us. He is injured. I’m not stupid. If I understand there is any player who thinks for himself before the club, I can’t be the same Roberto. But with Cuti Romero I can’t say nothing because with me he has been correct from when I started until now.
“Not all leaders are the same. Ben Davies spoke with me and he asked to stay today with us and he wants to stay with the team in the Lodge in the hotel with his team-mates, but Romero is preparing for the World Cup.”
Despite those struggles, Spurs have historically enjoyed this fixture.
They won the reverse meeting 3-0 earlier this season and are chasing a first Premier League double over Everton since the 2017-18 campaign.
Tottenham have also won four consecutive home league games against the Toffees by an aggregate score of 13-1.
Everton arrive in North London with little left to play for after their hopes of qualifying for Europe officially ended earlier this week.
David Moyes’ side have failed to win any of their last six Premier League matches, a run which has seen them slide away from the race for a top-seven finish.
Historically, trips to London on the final day have also not been kind to the Merseyside club.
Everton have won just one of their previous nine Premier League season finales played in the capital and have struggled badly away to Tottenham in recent years.
Team news for Tottenham vs Everton
Tottenham could welcome back both Dominic Solanke and Guglielmo Vicario after recent injury absences.
Djed Spence suffered a broken jaw against Chelsea but may still feature wearing a protective mask.
Richarlison is expected to lead the attack against his former club after contributing 15 Premier League goal involvements this season.
James Maddison is continuing his recovery after returning from a long-term knee injury and may again feature from the bench.
Everton could have Idrissa Gueye available after a brief injury layoff.
David Moyes named an unchanged side in the defeat to Sunderland and may keep faith with much of the same lineup here.
Expected line-ups for Tottenham vs Everton
Tottenham: Vicario; Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Udogie; Palhinha, Bentancur; Gallagher, Kolo Muani, Tel; Richarlison
Everton: Pickford; O’Brien, Keane, Tarkowski, Mykolenko; Iroegbunam, Garner; Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye, McNeil; Beto
Where to watch Tottenham vs Everton: TV channel, live stream
The match will be available to watch live in the UK on Sky Sports and via NOW TV.
Kick-off is scheduled for 4:00pm BST on Sunday.
The stats for Tottenham vs Everton
- Tottenham are seeking their first Premier League double over Everton since 2017-18
- Spurs have won four straight home league matches against Everton
- Tottenham are winless in their last 10 Premier League home games
- Everton are without a win in their last six league matches
- Spurs sit two points above the relegation zone heading into the final day
Prediction for Tottenham vs Everton
The pressure will be enormous on Tottenham, but Everton’s recent defensive issues and poor record away to Spurs suggest the hosts may finally do enough to secure survival.
Prediction: Tottenham 2-1 Everton
