Wolves v Tottenham LIVE: Team news as Spurs face decisive test in Premier League survival bid

Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi believes he already has a “special connection” with Xavi Simons.

De Zerbi, a former creative midfielder himself during his playing days, told SpursPlay: “He’s lucky to work with me – not because I’m good, because I was number 10. What he thinks now, I thought 20 years ago. So, we have a special connection.

“I have a special connection with all number 10s I work with. I love a number 10. A number 10 has to understand that he has to score and he has to make assists, not just play to be nice to the people – goals and assists.”

As for Wolves, their clash with Leeds saw Angel Gomes suffer a first-half toe injury and Ladislav Krejci worsen a neck problem he has been battling. Gomes should be fit enough to play but Krejci appears unlikely.

Jose Sa is looking good for a return after a shoulder spasm, while ex-Tottenham defender Matt Doherty is back from a niggle in time to face his old club but Yerson Mosquera is suspended and Sam Johnstone out for the season with a shoulder issue.

Wolves possible lineup: Sa; Doherty, Toti, S Bueno, H Bueno; J. Gomes, Andre, Mane; Tchatchoua, Armstrong, Hwang

We’re expecting official team news for today at around 1.45pm but here’s what we know already, starting with Spurs.

James Maddison was in a matchday squad for the first time this season against Brighton, although given the length of time he was out injured and having been an unused substitute against the Seagulls, he’s unlikely to start.

Spurs also have a litany of other injury issues, with Guglielmo Vicario (hernia), Mohammed Kudus (thigh), Ben Davies (ankle), Dejan Kulusevski (knee), Cristian Romero (knee), Pape Sarr (shoulder) or Wilson Odobert (knee) all out. Destiny Udogie is also a new doubt.

Of the starting XI a week ago, Randal Kolo Muani and Yves Bissouma would appear to be the most likely to be changed after uninspiring performances, with Lucas Bergvall and Mathys Tel potential replacements.

Tottenham possible XI: Kinsky; Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Spence; Bergvall, Bentancur, Gallagher; Tel, Solanke, Simons

Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi is under no illusions about the scale of the task facing his side in the relegation battle, even today against already-relegated Wolves.

But he’s adamant just one win could spark something for the north Londoners.

“It’s a tough game [against Wolves] because they have nothing to lose,” said De Zerbi. “It’s an important game for us, for sure, but we have to be able to play with not too much pressure.

“I found good players, good guys, serious players here and they follow me. They believe in my words because I am able to recognise the eyes of the players.

“We are suffering, they are suffering because it is not easy to play in Tottenham in this condition of the table, but I said they have to be stronger and they have to live to win a game.

“We have to live every part of the day waiting for a win and preparing for a win because I think with a win we can change this part of the season.”

Wolves have been relegated from the Premier League after eight seasons in the English top flight.

Their fate was sealed with five league games still to play after suffering a 3-0 defeat at Leeds, with West Ham’s draw with Crystal Palace on Monday evening making it mathematically impossible for Rob Edwards’ side to pull off a great escape.

Following the defeat to Leeds, Edwards’ side were given a brief reprieve on Saturday after a late stoppage-time equaliser from Georginio Rutter meant Tottenham failed to beat Brighton. That result still made it possible for Wolves to leapfrog the crisis-ridden north London side.

But by drawing 0-0 with Crystal Palace, West Ham have gone 16 points clear of the rock-bottom club in 17th, creating an unbridgeable gap and condemning Wolves to the drop.

Tottenham remain in the Premier League relegation zone after they were stunned by a stoppage-time leveller from Brighton substitute Georginio Rutter during a pulsating 2-2 draw in Roberto De Zerbi’s home debut.

Spurs looked set to end a 15-match winless in the top-flight when Xavi Simons produced a superb 77th-minute strike to spark wild celebrations.

Xavi’s fine effort followed up his assist for Pedro Porro’s opener after 39 minutes, which was cancelled out by Kaoru Mitoma in first-half stoppage-time.

However, scenes of jubilation turned to disbelief when Kevin Danso lost possession in the fifth minute of time added on and Rutter curled home to ensure the spoils were shared.

Read the full report as Spurs suffered a body blow:

Wolves host Tottenham at Molineux on Saturday 25 April, with kick-off at 3pm BST.

There is no live TV coverage of the match in the UK, due to 3pm blackout rules, but stick with The Independent for full live coverage.

Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of Wolves v Tottenham.

This is an absolutely monumental game for Spurs in their battle to stay in the Premier League. It really does feel like three points or bust today…