Tottenham Hotspur received a huge boost on Monday, as Crystal Palace held West Ham to a goalless draw at Selhurst Park.
With five games remaining, Spurs remain two points behind the Hammers in the relegation battle. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest moved five points above them after a 4-1 hammering of Burnley on Sunday. Regardless, it is set to go down to the wire.
While Forest are in the best position out of the three clubs, they have tougher fixtures than the other two. Hence, all three teams are well and truly involved in the fight to avoid the drop this season.
40 is Tottenham’s magic number
Over the years, many managers have often labeled 40 the magic number for survival. Often, it is much less than that.
In the 2023-24 season, Nottingham survived with just 32 points, while last season, Tottenham finished 17th with 38 points, but were 13 points off the relegation zone.
This season, however, Jamie Carragher believes the surviving teams will need at least 40 points. He said on Sky Sports on Monday:
“Well, for a very long time, we’ve laughed at almost every manager saying, I’ve got to get to 40 points, because you’ve never needed it.
“This is the season where I think you will need 40 points. I think if you get 40 points, that’ll just do it. So there’s still a way to go for some of those teams there, so lots to play for.”
Also Read: Fabian Hurzeler predicts whether Tottenham can avoid relegation after fighting Brighton display
After 33 Premier League games this season, Leeds United appear to have saved themselves as they sit on 39 points. Nottingham Forest are 16th with 36. West Ham are 17th with 33, while Tottenham are 18th with 31 points.
Considering the form and fixtures of the three teams, the relegation battle will certainly go down to the final day of the season.
Can Tottenham get 40 points?
With zero wins since December 28, it appears unlikely that Tottenham will be able to manage three wins in the remaining five games.
However, they put in a positive performance against Brighton and were within four minutes of securing a win. Hence, one could hope for better results considering they have some relatively easier fixtures.
Spurs will next face Wolves, who are already relegated, away on April 25. If they can replicate a similar performance to what was the case vs Brighton, they should be able to beat Wolves, who are missing some key players.
They can then carry that momentum to their away game against Aston Villa on May 3. Notably, Villa have the Europa League semi-final games against Nottingham Forest on either side of the Tottenham clash. Hence, they might look to rotate some players in the Premier League.
Spurs, meanwhile, will then host Leeds United on May 11, before facing rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
They will end the season at home to Everton. Hence, considering their fixtures, if they can beat Wolves, momentum and confidence should help Tottenham get at least 40 points this season.
