Roberto De Zerbi is all set to take charge of his first home game in charge of Tottenham as he prepares to take on his former club Brighton at Hotspur Way.
The North London outfit haven’t won a Premier League game in 2026 and are in desperate need of points to move out of the relegation zone. Tottenham are currently 18th in the table, two points below West Ham United and three below Nottingham Forest.
Teams around them have started to pick up points in recent weeks, making their clash against the Seagulls a must-win with just six games left to go.
And it goes without saying that both sides will be without a lot of key players later today.
Tottenham and Brighton missing key players
Cristian Romero has been ruled out for the rest of the season with an MCL tear, although his 2026 FIFA World Cup hopes aren’t expected to be in jeopardy.
De Zerbi also confirmed that James Maddison won’t be rushed back into action as he continues to make his way back up to full fitness from an ACL injury.
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The likes of Wilson Odobert, Dejan Kulusevski and Mohammed Kudus are long-term absentees, with Guglielmo Vicario will not be available after undergoing hernia surgery.
As for Brighton, Fabian Hurzeler confirmed in his pre-match press conference that James Milner will be unavailable due to a knock. Lewis Dunk is suspended, while Stefanos Tzimas and Adam Webster are long-term absentees.
Tottenham’s unavailable players: Guglielmo Vicario (hernia), Cristian Romero (knee), Dejan Kulusevski (knee), Wilson Odobert (knee), James Maddison (knee), Mohammed Kudus (thigh), Ben Davies (ankle)
Brighton’s unavailable players: Lewis Dunk (suspended), Adam Webster (knee), Stefanos Tzimas (knee), James Milner (knock)
Now or never for Tottenham
Tottenham’s situation isn’t to be taken lightly as they are as close to relegation as they’ve ever been in the Premier League era.
Dropping down to the Championship could have catastrophic long-term implications for the club’s overall health in terms of finances and stature.
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De Zerbi’s contract doesn’t have a relegation clause, so he will remain at the club even if they get relegated. However, there is still time to salvage the situation, but Tottenham need to get at least a draw against Brighton to stand a chance of saving themselves.
The Seagulls have won four of their last five Premier League games, so it goes without saying that they come into the game as overwhelming favourites.
