Tottenham must beat Aston Villa to boost their hopes of top-flight survival.
Despite posting their first Premier League win of 2026 against relegated side Wolves last weekend, Tottenham Hotspur remain in the bottom three and are two points behind 17th-placed West Ham with four games remaining.
Roberto De Zerbi and Co. take on Champions League qualification-chasing Aston Villa at Villa Park on Sunday before facing Leeds United, Chelsea, and Everton as they bid to avoid their first relegation since 1977. At this stage, it matters little how they secure three points in their clash against Aston Villa. The plan is crystal clear and simple- beat the Villans and move one step closer to survival.
The North Londoners were unfortunate to suffer two big injury blows against Wolves. Xavi Simons has been ruled out for the season and beyond following an ACL rupture, while reports suggest Dominic Solanke has sustained a grade-2 hamstring injury. It is unlikely to see Solanke return to action before the season concludes.
Roberto De Zerbi urges Tottenham players to approach games positively
There is a lot at stake this weekend for Tottenham, who must win at Aston Villa by hook or crook. Failing to do so could leave them five points behind relegation rivals West Ham. However, victory for Spurs could see them overtake the Hammers and end the matchweek 35 out of the drop zone.
De Zerbi knows how vital a win at Villa Park could be for the Lilywhites. He has demanded fight, resilience and unity from his players, urging his team “to die” on the pitch for three points on Sunday.
“It’s like we’re all crying and relegated. No, not yet. We have to die on the pitch, and it’s two points [above]. It’s not the best moment, it’s a tough moment, but the losers cry. They think negatively. I don’t want people close to me crying and thinking in a different way to me,” De Zerbi said in his press conference (h/t Football London).
“We are good enough to win the games and we are good enough to stay up. Then we will see. It’s the unique way I know to work hard, give my best.”
Tottenham have to beat Aston Villa
Aston Villa lost the first leg of the Europa League semi-finals against rivals Nottingham Forest on Thursday evening. A Chris Wood penalty in the second half turned out to be the difference between the sides at the City Ground.
A serial Europa League winner, Unai Emery might end up resting a few key players on Sunday for next week’s return leg of the Europa League semi-finals at Villa Park. So, it could work in favour of De Zerbi’s men, and they must look to take advantage of it. As the gaffer says, the available Tottenham players have to pour every drop of blood, sweat and tears on the pitch to win.