Sports Illustrated

The latest twist at the bottom of the Premier League standings came on Sunday when Tottenham Hotspur secured a head-turning 2–1 victory over Aston Villa.

Almost as thrilling as the title race between Arsenal and Manchester City has been the chaotic fight to stay up in the English top flight. At one point, Leeds United, Nottingham Forest, Tottenham and West Ham United were all in contention to join Burnley and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Championship next season.

As the 2025–26 campaign comes to a close, though, the relegation battle has become a two-horse race between Spurs and the Hammers. Heading into Gameweek 35, the latter had the edge in 17th place over Roberto De Zerbi’s men, but two monumental swings saw the two clubs switch places.

West Ham suffered a lopsided 3–0 defeat to Brentford on Saturday, opening the door for Tottenham to leapfrog them into safety with a win at Villa Park—and they emphatically delivered.

With only three matches left, here’s how the Opta supercomputer predicts the final relegation battle to play out in the Premier League.

Supercomputer Predicts 2025–26 Premier League Relegation Battle

Leeds United are well on their way to safety after securing a 3–1 victory over Burnley on Friday. The three points took Daniel Farke’s side to 14th in the table, seven points clear of the drop zone. Although Opta expects the Whites to finish a place below where they currently sit, the club will have little complaints.

Below them are Nottingham Forest, who must wait until Monday to take on Chelsea. Even just a point at Stamford Bridge would see the Tricky Trees reach the magical 40-point mark that typically is enough to stay up. The supercomputer backs Vítor Pereira’s men to indeed remain safe, giving them just a 2.29% chance of relegation.

The real drama comes with Tottenham. Spurs have now tallied back-to-back league victories to obtain a slight cushion in 17th place. Still, they are by no means out of the woods and have 22.48% odds of being relegation for the first time since 1977.

Tottenham’s biggest competitors are West Ham. This weekend’s stumble put the Hammers in the danger zone, prompting Opta to put an overwhelming 75.09% chance on Nuno Espírito Santo’s side playing in the Championship in 2025–26.

Around just a single point is predicted to be the difference between Tottenham and West Ham, though, which means it could come down to the final matchday to ultimately see which side joins Burnley and Wolves in the second tier next season.

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Leeds United all but guaranteed their safety by beating Burnley on Friday night, and Nottingham Forest’s level of performance since Vitor Pereira took charge suggests two London rivals will slog it out during the final three weeks of the season to stay in the division.

We may revisit that assumption should Forest succumb to Chelsea on Monday afternoon, especially with their Europa League focus and domestic fixtures that lie ahead.

Anyway, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United; who’d have thought it, eh? Even if Spurs finished 17th last season and the Hammers obviously weren’t going anywhere with Graham Potter in charge, only Nostradamus could’ve foreshadowed an existential battle between the pair during the final month of the season.

West Ham’s momentum stalled at Brentford over the weekend, leaving the door ajar for Roberto De Zerbi’s Lilywhites, who carved out a crucial 2–1 win over Aston Villa to climb above their capital foes and out of the relegation zone.

Here’s how the remaining matches look for the protagonists of the dramatic relegation battle.

Tottenham and West Ham’s Remaining Premier League Fixtures Compared

While Tottenham supporters have actively rooted against their own to ensure previous Arsenal Premier League title bids have gone up in smoke, the fanbase should be unified in their support of the Gunners next weekend.

Victory for Mikel Arteta’s side in east London would greatly aid their survival bid, especially as they’re hosting a Leeds United team that may be taking their foot off the gas in May, given that they’re pretty much safe.

A result for West Ham could hand Man City the title, so it wouldn’t be all bad news for the Lilywhites, but it’d make their task of staying up considerably more difficult. Imagine the pressure they’ll be under for that Monday night fixture. Woof.

After that, Spurs visit Stamford Bridge in a midweek clash after Chelsea’s FA Cup final with Manchester City. It’s a fixture that will evoke memories of the “Battle of the Bridge” from a decade ago, when the Blues fought back from 2–0 down to earn the point that sealed the league title for miracle-workers Leicester City.

West Ham are up at Newcastle United on the penultimate weekend, perhaps encouraged by their win at St. James’ Park last season. Newcastle did stop the rot against Brighton & Hove Albion, but won’t be playing for much in their final home outing of 2025–26.

Both teams are at home on the final day, with Spurs welcoming Everton to N17, and West Ham facing Leeds.

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U.S. men’s national team manager Mauricio Pochettino admitted he “really loves” Tottenham Hotspur and will “one day” return to the Premier League, but he did not specifically name north London as his end destination.

The Argentine, who spent six years at Spurs, made the switch from club management to the international stage in Sept. 2024 when he took over the Stars and Stripes. It has been anything but a straightforward journey for Pochettino in the United States, and there is plenty of speculation that his time at the helm of the USMNT will end once his contract expires after the 2026 World Cup.

Pochettino himself has fueled such rumors, openly flirting with a potential return to Europe as reports link him to Real Madrid and Tottenham—and he only stoked the flames on the Stick to Football podcast.

When asked if he wants to return to the Premier League, the 54-year-old said, “One day, yes because I really like England. I think my human profile and coach profile match very well with the Premier League and with the culture, the idea, the idiosyncrasy and the philosophy.”

Pochettino, who also previously managed Chelsea, did not delve further into what team he has in mind for such a return, but his vocal fondness for Spurs certainly left the door open for the manager to reclaim his place on the touchline at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium ... if they survive a tense relegation battle.

Pochettino Breaks Silence on Spurs’ Fall From Grace

One of the biggest stories in the Premier League this season has been Tottenham’s descent down the table. The club currently sits in 18th place with 34 points from 34 games this season.

Spurs’ managerial carousel went from Thomas Frank to Igor Tudor, to now Roberto De Zerbi as they try and climb to safety to avoid a shock relegation. They are two points behind 17th-place West Ham United, but still must face Aston Villa, Leeds United, Chelsea and Everton to close out the season.

“It is really sad,” Pochettino said about Tottenham’s current crisis. “I really love Tottenham; it’s one of the most important parts of my life as a coach and in my personal life too. I can talk from my experience in Tottenham and what I can tell you for me it’s one of the biggest clubs in the world.

“Tottenham is a massive club with a massive following.”

Yet they could get relegated to the second tier in England for the first time since 1977, an incredible fall from grace considering Spurs finished second in the 2016–17 season, made the Champions League final in 2019 and won the Europa League last season.

Is Pochettino the Answer to Tottenham’s Woes?

The first two of the aforementioned accomplishments for Spurs happened under Pochettino’s reign. The Argentine admitted the team “challenged” for silverware but ultimately “missed this last step.”

Of course there’s an idyllic reality in which Pochettino returns to north London and gets the club back on track, leading Tottenham back to the top four and forgetting about their disastrous 2025–26 campaign, much like Manchester United’s sudden resurgence under Michael Carrick, who has all but secured the Red Devils’ Champions League return next season.

Yet the last time Pochettino managed Spurs, he had the likes of Harry Kane and Son Heung-min to lead the team to new heights. Now, there is a stunning lack of true game-changers in north London, and the return of Pochettino will not immediately change that. After all, the biggest talents in Europe are certainly not keen on joining a team in such turmoil.

Without better recruitment, the team will likely continue to fall below their previous standards no matter who is on the touchline. Sure, Pochettino could perhaps speed up the process, but he is by no means a fix-all for a team largely full of unproven talents who cannot even win matches, let alone challenge for trophies.

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“I started with not big luck!” Roberto De Zerbi reflected with a palpable sense of ruefulness soon after being appointed by Tottenham Hotspur. That was an understatement at the time and has since only been compounded by more misfortune.

Beyond bad bounces of the ball, terribly timed injuries have dogged the Italian’s brief tenure. Xavi Simons notably added his name to the long list of casualties and has also been joined by first-choice striker Dominic Solanke. The Daily Mail claim that the hamstring injury the center forward sustained in a rare win over Wolverhampton Wanderers could keep him sidelined for as many as eight weeks.

There is the slim possibility of a swift recovery of three weeks—which would open up the chance of some involvement on the final day—although the report confidently describes Solanke’s season as “over.” Thanks to De Zerbi’s rotten luck, he is hardly Tottenham’s only long-term absentee.

Every Tottenham Player Ruled Out for Rest of Season

Dominic Solanke

Injury: Thigh

Last Appearance: April 25 (vs. Wolves)

Solanke’s hamstring injury will also likely scupper his chances of sneaking onto the England roster for this summer’s World Cup. A selfless forward adept at holding the ball up, the Spurs man arguably serves as the closest stylistic replacement to Harry Kane at Thomas Tuchel’s disposal.

The 28-year-old appeared in both of England’s March friendlies but may have seen his international aspirations wiped out by overstretching at Molineux.

Xavi Simons

Injury: Knee

Last Appearance: April 25 (vs. Wolves)

No sooner had De Zerbi started forming a “special connection” with Xavi Simons than Tottenham’s potential savior ruptured his ACL. The Dutch playmaker was left “heartbroken” by the diagnosis

“All I’ve wanted to do is fight for my team,” he lamented, “and now the ability to do that has been snatched away from me, along with the World Cup.”

Cristian Romero

Injury: Knee

Last Appearance: April 12 (vs. Sunderland)

Cristian Romero may boast one of the worst individual and collective debut seasons as a Tottenham Hotspur captain across the club’s 144-year existence.

The combustible Argentine has lived up to all his worst character traits, collecting 11 yellow cards and two reds while patrolling a backline which has conceded the fourth-most goals in the Premier League. To top it off, Romero got shoved into his own goalkeeper to sustain a knee injury which has forced him to watch the final six weeks of the season from the sidelines.

Wilson Odobert

Injury: Knee

Last Appearance: Feb. 10 (vs. Newcastle)

No Tottenham player has taken more shots this season without scoring a single Premier League goal than Wilson Odobert (21). The erratic winger won’t have the chance to break his duck after getting struck down with the ACL curse coursing through Spurs.

Ben Davies

Injury: Knee

Last Appearance: Jan. 17 (vs. West Ham)

Any warm body would be of use to Tottenham at this point but Ben Davies’s chances of featuring again this season appear to be slim. The experienced defender has been sidelined since undergoing ankle surgery in January.

If Davies’s season is over, so too could be his Spurs playing career. The 33-year-old is set to be out of contract in June, bringing an end to his 12-year stay in north London.

Mohammed Kudus

Injury: Thigh

Last Appearance: Jan. 4 (vs. Sunderland)

Mohammed Kudus had been upheld as Tottenham’s saving grace upon his return to training earlier this month only to suffer a dramatic relapse which will likely keep him out of action until the World Cup.

De Zerbi took partial blame for Kudus’s absence. “I don’t want to push too much as we lost Kudus in this way,” the Italian coach admitted. “I will use the players when they are totally available to play and start training; it’s better to lose one more game than get another injury.”

Dejan Kulusevski

Injury: Knee

Last Appearance: May 11 (vs. Crystal Palace)

Dejan Kulusevski must have to be considered a hypothetical Tottenham player at this point. Last season’s leading assist provider has been sidelined with a unique knee injury since May, clouding his return in mystery by refusing to make any public statements—until March.

When Kulusevski was drawn upon his potential return date, he failed to mention Spurs at all, focusing instead on getting back to feature for Sweden at this summer’s World Cup.

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Barcelona are on the cusp of claiming back-to-back La Liga titles under Hansi Flick, but the Blaugrana will not be resting on their laurels this summer and might find Tottenham Hotspur a potential gold mine when it comes to recruiting.

The club’s transfer priorities are clear, and there may be scope for Barça, despite their well-documented financial woes, could have the license to go big at a couple of distinct positions of need.

However, Barça aren’t in a position to ignore potential bargains, and Tottenham’s likely clearout in the event of a stunning relegation could be pounced upon by the Catalan giants.

Spurs, last season’s Europa League winners, currently sit in the Premier League relegation zone with only four games remaining. Despite claiming a first win in the league this calendar year, they’re still two points adrift of safety and in a dire position.

Barcelona Potentially Set for North London Bargain Hunt

Tottenham may find themselves somewhere absolutely nobody predicted in preseason, with a first relegation in almost 50 years staring them in the face. Injuries and incompetence from those running the show have played significant parts in their demise, as this playing squad undeniably boasts talent.

And Spanish media outlet SPORT, running with Barcelona sporting director Deco’s reported trip to London last month, have speculated that the Blaugrana could be in the market for several of Spurs’ wantaway stars in the event of relegation.

Center backs Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are almost certain to leave, no matter how the final month of the season plays out, and both have previously been linked with a move to Catalonia. Barça were also in the market for young midfielder Lucas Bergvall, who instead joined the Lilywhites in 2024, while Xavi Simons became a viral sensation during a childhood spent at La Masia.

The La Liga champions supposedly held meetings with Xavi’s representatives last summer, but were unable to striike a deal. Any interested clubs are now likely to be deterred after the Dutch playmaker tore his ACL that will keep him off the pitch until 2027.

SPORT speculated that right back Pedro Porro could also be a summer option, and suggested that both Romero and Van de Ven are on Barcelona’s radar. They’ve reportedly held talks with Tottenham defender Luka Vušković, too.

The Positions Barcelona Must Target This Summer

Links with Tottenham’s two starting center backs make sense, given that Barça are crying out for a left-sided defender after letting Iñigo Martínez walk without signing a replacement last summer.

Van de Ven’s stock has dwindled in 2026, but Romero is also comfortable playing as a left center back, doing so on plenty of occasions for the national team. The Argentine has previously spoken about his desire to one day play in La Liga, and his father recently revealed that a release clause in the contract he signed last summer exists.

Barcelona are well-stocked in midfield, but are set to aggressively target a new striker. They won’t be going after Dominic Solanke, Richarlison or Randal Kolo Muani, with Atlético Madrid’s Julián Alvarez the dream.

The club is also yet to make a decision on Marcus Rashford, who has only impressed in spurts on loan from Manchester United and can be signed permanently for around $35 million (€30 million).

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Tottenham Hotspur’s first Premier League win of 2026 didn’t come without caveats, and the club are nervous about the knee injury Xavi Simons sustained at Molineux on Saturday.

The seemingly doomed Spurs were veering towards a potentially fatal point at the already-relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers, officially relegated to the Championship on Monday night after losing heavily to West Ham United and Leeds United in back-to-back games.

The visitors were able to keep their condemned hosts at bay, but a lack of sparkle in the final third, especially after Xavi was withdrawn just after the hour mark, meant returning Wolves goalkeeper José Sa was seldom tested.

However, Spurs, courtesy of a set-piece and a poacher’s effort from João Palhinha at the back post, were able to find a way. The slender triumph was their first in the league since Dec. 28, but victories for both Nottingham Forest and West Ham mean they failed to make any ground on relegation rivals.

Xavi Hits Back At Wolves Supporters Hurling Abuse

Merely claiming a Premier League win could serve as a major boost for Roberto De Zerbi’s side during the final month of the season. They came so close against Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend, but a 95th-minute Georginio Rutter equalizer cruelly canceled out Xavi’s stunning effort with 15 minutes to play.

As a result, much of the postmatch discourse focused on Xavi’s excessive celebration, rather than the quality of his finish.

The Dutchman has had a difficult first year in north London, but it hasn’t been without promise. The knee injury he suffered on Saturday could be a season-ender, which would be a huge blow to Spurs’ survival hopes. Moreover, Xavi didn’t take too kindly to the Wolves supporters hurling abuse at him, as he was stretchered around the pitch at Molineux.

In clips that surfaced on social media, Xavi bites back at one supporter who shouts from the stands: "F------ w-----, you’re a f------ w-----!"

The Dutchman pivoted his head towards the chief offender and more subtly repeats: "F--- you!"

What Xavi’s Knee Injury Could Mean for Spurs’ Survival Hopes?

“Xavi felt pain, but now I spoke with him two minutes ago, he feels better than at the beginning of the injury,” De Zerbi told reporters postmatch.

Xavi awkwardly collapsed to the ground after battling Hugo Bueno down Wolves’ left flank. He writhed around in serious discomfort just off the pitch, and a stretcher was called.

De Zerbi has said we won’t know the severity of the issue until Monday or Tuesday, but Xavi’s season is most likely over if he’s suffered significant ligament damage. Spurs supporters will be pleading for a kind diagnosis.

His strike against Brighton was a moment of attacking inspiration that Spurs have struggled to produce this season, with much of Xavi’s success arriving in Europe. It’s been much tougher sledding domestically, scoring just twice in the Premier League.

However, his commitment to the cause and the talent he undeniably possesses means his absence for the remaining month of the season would be hugely damaging. Tottenham have functioned without James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski for the entirety of 2025–26 so far, and the team will be bereft of any creative spark if Xavi’s sidelined, too.

The available midfield alternatives, like Lucas Bergvall and Conor Gallagher, are runners and carriers who lack the ability to unlock opposing defenses.

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Gameweek 33 of the 2025–26 Premier League season ranked among the best so far, especially if you forget that Monday night’s clash at Selhurst Park ever happened.

On the weekend when Manchester City capitalized on their growing momentum by beating the Premier League leaders, Aston Villa played out a seven-goal thriller with Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur teased competence in their fight to survive the drop.

We can only hope for similar thrills this weekend, with the FA Cup semifinals meaning three games were brought forward. There are seven fixtures for us to enjoy, as Arsenal aim to respond to City’s usurping and the relegation battle intensifies.

Here are Sports Illustrated’s predictions for Gameweek 34.

Sunderland vs. Nottingham Forest

Fulham vs. Aston Villa

Liverpool vs. Crystal Palace

West Ham United vs. Everton

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Tottenham Hotspur

Arsenal vs. Newcastle United

Manchester United vs. Brentford

Premier League Predictions: Gameweek 34

Sunderland vs. Nottingham Forest

Date: Friday, April 24

Time: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT

Sunderland aren’t mathematically safe but are pretty much there, yet there’s talk of the Black Cats “doing a Bournemouth” and parting ways with Régis Le Bris in favor of a bolder managerial appointment.

They fought admirably at Villa Park after falling 3–1 behind, and seemed to be on their way to claiming a memorable comeback victory when Habib Diarra raced through on goal in stoppage time. Emiliano Martínez’s clutch denial of the Sunderland midfielder set the stage for Tammy Abraham’s winner.

They’ll have to pick themselves up rather swiftly, as they’re kicking off Gameweek 34 on home soil against Nottingham Forest. Vitor Pereira’s side have taken huge steps towards safety in recent weeks, and their 4–1 defeat of Burnley last weekend means they’re five points clear of the drop with just five games to play.

The visitors haven’t lost a Premier League game since March 1.

Prediction: Sunderland 0–0 Nottingham Forest

Fulham vs. Aston Villa

Date: Saturday, April 25

Time: 12:30 p.m. BST / 7:30 a.m. ET / 4:30 a.m. PT

Aston Villa have two avenues still open for a return to the Champions League, with Chelsea’s slump all but guaranteeing the Villans a top-five finish. Unai Emery’s side are also preparing for a Europa League semifinal against Forest.

A result for the visitors will move them up to third ahead of Manchester United’s clash on Monday night.

They’ve won their previous six meetings against Fulham, including a 3–1 triumph in the reverse fixture back in September. The Cottagers have had the chance over the past month to put themselves in European contention, but they’re down in 12th and struggling for momentum.

Still, Marco Silva’s side will move to within two points of Brighton & Hove Albion in sixth by securing a rare victory over Villa.

Prediction: Fulham 2–1 Aston Villa

Liverpool vs. Crystal Palace

Date: Saturday, April 25

Time: 3 p.m. BST / 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT

These two have already met at Anfield this season, with Crystal Palace taking advantage of a distinctly weak Liverpool team to advance in the Carabao Cup.

That victory won’t mean all that much when the pair lock horns on Saturday afternoon, especially with Palace putting all their eggs in the Conference League basket for the final month of the season. After beating Fiorentina in the quarterfinals, an exciting two-legged affair against Shakhtar Donetsk’s latest generation of Brazilian imports separates them from the final.

Liverpool should thus be able to make the most of their distracted visitors, given that they enter Saturday’s game off the back of earning Merseyside bragging rights in dramatic fashion. Virgil van Dijk’s 100th-minute header meant the Reds claimed victory in the first derby played at Everton’s shiny new home.

That win handed them breathing room in the top-five race. Brighton are the team they have to worry about now, but Arne Slot’s side can pull eight points clear of the Seagulls this weekend.

Prediction: Liverpool 2–1 Crystal Palace

West Ham United vs. Everton

Date: Saturday, April 25

Time: 3 p.m. BST / 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT

A huge couple of hours beckon in the dogfight down at the bottom after the fates of Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley were sealed in the week.

With Leeds and Forest starting to cut themselves adrift, it looks like it’s a straight shootout between West Ham United and Tottenham to avoid finishing 18th.

Both teams missed big opportunities last week, but West Ham remain in good touch. They’ve lost just twice in the Premier League since the start of February.

David Moyes is unlikely to be in a merciful mood when he returns to the London Stadium on Saturday, mind. His Everton team were beaten in the derby, but they’ve impressed on their travels this season. Win here, and they’d have collected the third-most points away from home in the top flight.

Moreover, a strong finish should see the Toffees play in Europe for the first time since 2017–18 next season.

Prediction: West Ham 2–2 Everton

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Tottenham Hotspur

Date: Saturday, April 25

Time: 3 p.m. BST / 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT

Georginio Rutter’s 95th-minute leveller sucked the life out of a euphoric Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, as Spurs failed to see out their first Premier League victory of 2026 after Xavi Simons lifted the roof off their glorious amphitheatre with a sumptuous strike.

Still, there were signs of life from the Lilywhites. Roberto De Zerbi’s impact was certainly felt after an inauspicious start at Sunderland, with Spurs impressing out of possession and offering a creative spark via Xavi’s right boot.

This is as must-win as it gets for the Lilywhites. De Zerbi believes his team can go five for five down the stretch to preserve their Premier League status, but they must take each game as it comes. Supporters will be thrilled if they merely go one for one.

Wolves haven’t performed like one of the competition’s worst-ever teams for much of Rob Edwards’s tutelage, but they’re down after losing heavily in back-to-back games to West Ham and Leeds United.

Prediction: Wolves 1–3 Tottenham

Arsenal vs. Newcastle United

Date: Saturday, April 25

Time: 5:30 p.m. BST / 12:30 p.m. ET / 9:30 a.m. PT

Arsenal could perhaps take some solace from the fact that Manchester City didn’t run up the score on Wednesday night, even if their 1–0 win at Burnley left the Gunners second in the table for the first time since October.

The two teams are level on points and goal difference, with City only ahead on goals scored. However, it’s Pep Guardiola’s side who boast all the momentum. Arsenal desperately need to reset and go again at the start of this exciting new mini-league which has been crafted for the final month of the season.

Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United often trouble the Gunners, beating them three times last season, but they’re currently one of the division’s poorest-performing teams and are looking towards the summer already.

The visitors have lost three in a row since exiting the Champions League.

Prediction: Arsenal 1–0 Newcastle

Manchester United vs. Brentford

Date: Monday, April 27

Time: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT

There’s no Premier League action on Sunday, so the gameweek concludes at Old Trafford on Monday night.

Leeds prevailed at the Theatre of Dreams during Manchester United’s previous outing on home soil, but the Red Devils impressively bounced back at Stamford Bridge last weekend. Matheus Cunha’s well-taken finish proved the difference between the two sides, as United took a giant leap towards securing a top-five finish.

They have a comfortable buffer over sixth, even if Villa leapfrog them into third on Saturday afternoon.

Brentford, meanwhile, have never won a Premier League game at Old Trafford, and now would be an excellent time to claim a historic victory. They’ve remarkably drawn five league games in a row, allowing others to capitalize on Chelsea’s stunning downturn.

Still, they’re well in the European mix, with an eighth-place finish potentially enough to qualify for the Conference League.

Prediction: Man Utd 2–1 Brentford

Premier League Predictions: Gameweek 34

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Manchester United are looking to reinforce their backline this summer, and one of the names they are reportedly considering is coveted Tottenham Hotspur center back Micky van de Ven.

According to The Athletic, United are bound to explore the center back market this summer, looking to add depth in order to proactively bolster a side all but guaranteed to make a return to the Champions League next season.

United didn’t have to worry about the load that comes with participating in European competitions this season. With the Red Devils falling out of both domestic cup competitions prematurely, they’ve been solely focused on Premier League matches since the start of the Michael Carrick era in mid-January.

The positive results obtained in recent months means United won’t have the luxury of a comfortable schedule next season, which is why having quality depth becomes vital. Enter, Van de Ven.

Why Man Utd Are Interested in Micky van de Ven

There’s no hiding behind the fact that it’s been a difficult season for the 25-year-old center back, as it’s been for essentially every player in Tottenham’s ranks. Still, Van de Ven’s track-record as a proven Premier League defender means he remains an attractive alternative.

The report indicates United are looking for a left-footed center back that can help ease the burden on exciting 19-year-old Ayden Heaven. Lisandro Martínez is United’s in-house option, but the Argentine has battled injuries for the better part of the last two seasons, and his contract is set to expire in the summer of 2027.

Elsewhere, injuries have also become synonymous with Matthijs de Ligt during his time at Old Trafford, and as good as Harry Maguire has been recently, he’s on the wrong side of 30. Leny Yoro, like Heaven, has a bright future, but having asking the inexperienced pair to lead United’s backline in their return to the Champions League might be too tall an order.

Despite his subpar campaign, Van de Ven’s durability cannot be questioned. The Dutchman has left behind an injury-ridden year, leading the Spurs’s outfield players in appearances and minutes played this season, having played 40 games across all competitions for the first time in his career.

At his best, Van de Ven’s quality speaks for itself. His speed stands out as his greatest asset, he’s a tenacious defender that’s comfortable defending in space and he’s equally capable on the ball, able to progress up the pitch as an elite ball-carrier or picking out a pass from the back. He’s also an attacking threat, bagging seven goals already this season.

Van de Ven’s attributes could certainly boost United’s defense, but the Red Devils aren’t the only ones interesting in offering the Dutchman an escape from north London.

Man Utd Face Stiff Competition For Van de Ven

Bringing Van de Ven to Old Trafford won’t be an easy feat for a number of reasons but especially because Utd aren’t the only big club keeping tabs on the Dutchman.

Liverpool are one of the clubs that have been linked with Van de Ven in the past, and although its looking like Ibrahima Konaté will extend his stint at Anfield, the Reds might still be a major player in the Dutchman’s market to partner him with international teammate Virgil van Dijk.

In recent days, reports suggest Chelsea could be interested in a move for the Dutchman to reinforce a leaky defense. Elsewhere in Europe, Barcelona are expected to be a major player in the center back market this summer, and Van de Ven is a name that’s been floated around to reinforce the Catalans if their bid to acquire Inter’s Alessandro Bastoni falls through.

Van de Ven’s Tottenham contract runs until the summer of 2029, so Spurs are in no rush to part ways with their star defender. However, if the growing possibility of relegation to the Championship becomes a reality, Spurs could be forced to cash-in on their stars.

In any case, Van de Ven’s transfer won’t be cheap, so the Red Devils must assess how viable a move for the coveted defender is, especially considering that securing an elite midfield reinforcement remains United’s overwhelming priority this summer.

At the start of last season, Tottenham Hotspur were ranked by England’s leading soccer think tank as the “best run club” across the nation’s entire pyramid. Less than two years later, they are staring down the barrel of a first relegation in almost half a century.

The prospect of this catastrophic demise is writ large across the faces of Tottenham’s fans (and Xavi Simons) after each bungled result inches them closer to the drop. Yet, the most obvious impact of relegation will be spelled out in black, white and (mostly) red across the club’s accounts.

The leading financial experts in the field estimate that Spurs stand to earn between $311–372 million (£230–275 million) less in the Championship compared to the current campaign, a staggering set of figures for a club which was once upheld as the height of efficiency. It has been a steep—and expensive—decline.

Breakdown of Tottenham’s Estimated Revenue Drop

Data estimated by BBC Sport and Swiss Ramble. Converted from £ to $ at current rates.

According to the last set of released accounts, Tottenham posted the ninth highest revenue of any soccer club on the planet. That sum is only expected to increase when the current campaign’s figures are analyzed—thanks in no small part to the added financial bonus of a run to the Champions League last 16. That only gives Spurs a higher platform to dive from.

The club are set to take the biggest hit from broadcast revenue, with the Championship failing to offer anything near the riches afforded to the Premier League’s swollen TV market.

Tottenham would benefit from parachute payments which are dolled out to relegated clubs, worth around $61 million, but that is a drop in the ocean compared to the sums they have been gobbling up for years. The EFL central distribution stands at a measly $6.8 million, whereas Spurs stand to earn $178 million from Premier League television money alone this term.

As a member of the “Big Five” which spearheaded the formation of the Premier League in 1992 to open up these revenue streams, this is a particularly bitter pill to swallow.

Commercial income is also set to take a hit thanks to the clauses baked into contracts with the likes of Nike and AIA, who understandably expect to pay less to sponsor a team now competing in the Championship. This could be somewhere in the region of a 20% discount.

Fans will also expect some sort of financial compensation. A ticket to see Spurs play Arsenal in the Premier League can hardly cost the same as a clash with League One champions Lincoln City. It remains to be seen what prices Tottenham set, but total matchday income could fall by around 40%.

“I reckon it’s going to be somewhere in the region of £250 million to £275 million compared to the current season,” soccer finance expert Kieran Maguire predicted on The Sports Agent podcast earlier this month. “That’s taking into consideration the fact that Spurs have the second highest yield in terms of how much they extract per fan, per match. It’s a very sophisticated operation they have ... Then, of course, there won’t be the participation in Europe next season.”

Across the last two seasons, relegated clubs have suffered an average revenue drop of 41%, per Swiss Ramble. Yet, even with this expected drop-off, Spurs still stand to shatter the record revenue generated by any Championship club, comfortably surpassing the $185 million amassed by Leeds United during the 2024–25 campaign.

Costs Cut in the Championship

If Spurs stand to miss out on something in the region $340 million, they will have to find ways of making some of that back. Tottenham already recorded hefty losses last year and while the threat of breaching financial regulations is not real—many of these deficits don’t fall under the bracket of consideration for these pliable rules—some costs will have to be cut.

Numerous reports have claimed that one of Daniel Levy’s final acts as executive chairman was to insert a 50% wage cut clause into every player’s contract in the event of relegation. Having finished 17th in the 2024–25 campaign, Spurs felt compelled to cover themselves. In the eyes of sports finance expert Professor Rob Wilson, it wasn’t drastic enough.

“Some other clubs could even have 90% relegation clauses or agreements for players to move,” Wilson told The i. “But because Spurs have been relatively stable in the Premier League, they don’t have the clause they would need in order to properly survive.

“It’s nowhere near enough. You need a minimum 75% relegation clause in order to balance your books when you go down.”

In the event of demotion, Tottenham’s wage bill would be slashed from around $374 million to $187 million. Yet, operational expenses are expected to remain high—the cost of putting on a Championship game is very similar to its Premier League equivalent—even if there is not the burden of hosting European fixtures.

Players will invariably have to be sold to make up the remaining deficit. The problem is that every club knows this, putting Spurs in a position of weakness entering each negotiation.

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The latest round of Premier League action brought with it confirmation of the first team to be relegated to the Championship.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have had a spot saved for them in England’s second tier for months now, and it is only a matter of time before Burnley’s drop is confirmed as well. Which unlucky team will join the pair is yet to be decided.

Tottenham Hotspur impressed against high-flyers Brighton & Hove Albion but succumbed to a 95th-minute equalizer that left them sitting 18th in the standings. Fortunately for Roberto De Zerbi’s side, West Ham United failed to take advantage on Monday.

A 0–0 draw against Crystal Palace was enough to demote Wolves but it did little to ease West Ham’s relegation fears. Nuno Espírito Santo’s Hammers are two points clear with five games to play, while even Nottingham Forest’s five-point cushion is not secure at this late stage of the season.

With five games left to play, here’s how the Opta supercomputer sees the relegation battle playing out.

Supercomputer Predicts Premier League Relegation Battle

The already-relegated Wolves sit at 100% chance of relegation (obviously) and Burnley, despite still having a mathematical chance of survival, are given the same odds.

Scott Parker’s side face the unenviable task of having to avoid defeat against title-hopefuls Manchester City on Wednesday to postpone their relegation. A loss would guarantee a spot in the Championship next season and even an unlikely draw would effectively seal it, given Burnley’s poor goal difference.

Above those two is where the true drama lies and, unfortunately for Spurs fans, it is De Zerbi’s side who are still backed for the drop.

Spurs currently sit two points behind West Ham and are not predicted to close that gap over their remaining five fixtures.

A trip to bottom side Wolves next weekend will offer Spurs the best possible chance to boost morale and there is also a winnable meeting with 15th-placed Leeds United to look forward to, but tricky games against Aston Villa, Chelsea and Everton could cause significant problems.

As for West Ham, their fixture list actually looks slightly tougher. Everton, Brentford, Arsenal and Newcastle United precede a final day meeting with Leeds, meaning Nuno’s side will have to work hard for their survival.

Working in West Ham’s favor, however, is their superior form. The Hammers have two wins and a pair of draws from their last five games, and anything remotely similar would almost certainly be enough to secure their safety.

Spurs, meanwhile, have to go back to Dec. 28 for their most recent Premier League win. This year has brought European triumphs over Atlético Madrid, Eintracht Frankfurt and Borussia Dortmund, but Spurs’ domestic form has been nothing short of woeful in 2026.

De Zerbi will expect to end that winless run against Wolves and will have no greater opportunity to do so.

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