Tottenham face Villa test as Richarlison backed to lead survival push
Spurs’ payroll dwarfs Championship levels. Simons and Romero earn £195k, Maddison £170k. Even with mooted relegation clauses halving wages, Spurs stars would top the second-tier earners.
With Solanke and Simons injured, De Zerbi backs Richarlison to lead Spurs at Villa, urging Tel and Kolo Muani to step up. He demands control after a mixed Wolves win and says Tel’s ‘right moment’ may come.
Teen defender Luka Vuskovic, on loan at Hamburg, sees value rise to €42m-€49m despite no Spurs appearance. He returned from a knee contusion and could rejoin Tottenham amid their relegation fight.
Sheffield United consider a loan for Spurs striker Will Lankshear after his Oxford stint, but any move may hinge on Tottenham avoiding relegation and the Blades’ striker plans.
Spurs, 18th and missing Solanke and Simons, visit Villa Park. Udogie set to return. Emery has seven wins v Tottenham, while Rogers has six goal involvements in five meetings with Spurs. Livescore
Tim Sherwood warns Spurs could tumble to League One if poorly run after relegation, urging change in decision makers. West Ham’s loss gives Tottenham a boost before facing Villa in a crucial run-in.
Spurs, 18th and two points from safety, visit Villa without Solanke and Simons. Udogie returns, Richarlison to spearhead attack. Predicted XI: Kinsky, Porro, Danso, van de Ven, Spence, Bissouma, Bentancur, Gallagher, Muani, Tel, Richarlison.
West Ham lose 3-0 at Brentford despite hitting woodwork four times, leaving Spurs a chance to leapfrog them with a win at Villa. Tottenham trail by two points with a game in hand and superior goal difference.
