Credit: Tung Manh Phan

Cameron Smith

Fri 22 May 2026 11:10, UK

Tottenham host Everton on Sunday for a clash that carries big implications at the bottom of the Premier League.

Seventeenth-placed Spurs go into the weekend knowing that a point would secure their survival, with West Ham sitting two behind with a huge gulf in goal difference.

For the travelling Toffees, they are looking to bring their six-match winless run to an end, having slipped out of the European race since returning from the international break.

David Moyes’ side has suffered in recent weeks, with late goals plaguing them.

As a result, Everton are looking to end their season on a relative high, potentially having a big say in the relegation picture at the same time.

Form guide

The hosts go into the final day frustrated, having picked up just one point across their last two.

Roberto De Zerbi’s side fell to a 2-1 defeat against Chelsea on Tuesday, handing West Ham a lifeline in the survival battle, a week after playing out a 1-1 draw with Leeds.

Everton also suffered a loss last time out, with Sunderland completing a second-half turnaround to win 3-1 at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Tottenham (last six games all competitions): LDWWDL

Everton (last six games all competitions): LDDLLD

Head-to-head

Historically, the two Premier League ever-presents remain fairly closely matched, though Spurs do take the edge with 70 wins to 55.

In the Premier League, though, this lead gets larger, with Tottenham having the better of the Toffees for the majority of the years since the competition’s inception.

Earlier this season, Moyes’ side fell to a 3-0 defeat against the Lilywhites on home soil, though the form for the North Londoners could not contrast more compared to their start under Thomas Frank.

At the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Toffees have won just once, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting the winner in the behind closed doors year of 2020-21.

Team news and predicted lineups

Everton’s recent form has been deeply concerning, and although the displays on the pitch have fallen well below the required standard.

During this poor run, Moyes has remained stubborn in his approach, repeatedly sticking with a system that has too often left players looking uncomfortable in unfamiliar roles.

Jake O’Brien, for instance, has endured another difficult spell at right-back, while Merlin Rohl has been shoved out on the right flank

It is hard to place too much blame on O’Brien individually, however, given that he is not a natural full-back and was never likely to be a convincing long-term solution there.

At the heart of the defence, Michael Keane has also struggled since stepping in for the injured Jarrad Branthwaite.

Alongside James Tarkowski, the partnership has looked shaky, and their role in Sunderland’s third goal was particularly alarming.

With Tarkowski unlikely to make way, Keane could be the one to drop out, allowing Seamus Coleman to come into the side for what may be one final start. That, in turn, would free O’Brien to move back into central defence.

Meanwhile, Beto has hit form in recent weeks, but Moyes may want a closer look at Thierno Barry as focus already turns to next season.

For Spurs, De Zerbi’s squad remains paper thin, with the likes of Mohammed Kudus, Wilson Odobert, Dejan Kulusevski, Dominic Solanke and Xavi Simons all out.

Further forward, Moyes may finally decide to hand Tyrique George a start after a series of encouraging cameos, while Thierno Barry has one final chance up top.

Tim Iroegbunam, meanwhile, was below his usual level against Sunderland after putting together a number of promising performances.

Given that Everton have little left to play for, there is also a strong case for Harrison Armstrong to be handed an opportunity.

The youngster appears to have drifted out of Moyes’ thinking in recent months, but this could be the right moment to bring him back in and complete a fourth and final change.

Predicted Tottenham XI: Kinsky; Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Udogie; Palhinha, Gallagher, Bentancur; Kolo Muani, Richarlison, Tel

Predicted Everton XI: Pickford; Coleman, Tarkowski, O’Brien, Mykolenko; Garner, Armstrong; George, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye; Barry

Tottenham player to watch: Mathys Tel

Making the move to Tottenham in 2025, versatile forward Mathys Tel has had a difficult time in North London.

However, he looks to be bursting into life under De Zerbi, who has trusted both him and Randal Kolo Muani out on the flanks in recent weeks.

Full of energy, pace and directness, Tel will be a man for Farke to watch out for on Sunday, while Everton will have to avoid letting him rip with his dangerous right foot.

We say: Tottenham 1-1 Everton

A draw would be enough to see Tottenham secure their Premier League spot, though the Lilywhites will be gunning for all three points, avoiding a case where they will have to rely on Leeds getting a result against West Ham.

For Everton, there is little to play for, and a draw would not end the winless run, but it would be a positive after last week’s frustrating defeat against Sunderland.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Goodison Park.