Spurs face a critical relegation battle, with survival likely requiring at least a draw against Everton. A win would keep them up, while a draw would probably be enough unless West Ham win by an extreme margin against Leeds. A defeat would put Spurs at serious risk of dropping to the second tier for the first time in nearly half a century. Spurs have been relatively steadier recently, losing only once in five matches under Roberto de Zerbi. However, Spurs have struggled at home, winning only twice all season, while Everton have the sixth-best away record and have won seven of 18 away matches. Everton’s manager, David Moyes, has previously expressed a desire to keep West Ham in the league, adding to the pressure. Spurs previously beat Everton 3-0 at home last October.
"The maths are simple: beat Everton and they stay up. A draw will almost certainly be enough, unless West Ham beat Leeds 12-0, which, given that scoreline would tie a top-flight record set 134 years ago* and matched only once since, 117 years ago, is not going to happen. But a defeat hoo boy. The good news for Spurs: under Roberto de Zerbi, they've lost just one of their last five fixtures. And even if the worst was to happen, West Ham would still need to win to leapfrog them to safety."
"However, Spurs have only won two matches at home all season, against Burnley and Brentford, while Everton have the sixth-best away record in the division, winning seven of 18. Also in David Moyes, Everton have a manager who is on record saying he'd love to keep West Ham in the league if I can, having previously managed them to European glory. So imagine the tension in N17 should Everton score first this afternoon."
"But Spurs beat the Toffees 3-0 on their own patch last October, so glee is as likely an outcome for the hosts as misery. At least that's what they've got to tell themselves as they go into their most important game for a generation and the bean counters will tell you that yes, that does include last year's Europa League final. Kick-off is at 4pm BST. It's on!"
Read at www.theguardian.com
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