Spurs' survival night: Richarlison to start despite Villa fatigue

Tottenham know exactly what is at stake tonight.

After West Ham United slipped to a dramatic 1-0 defeat against Arsenal on Sunday, Spurs head into their crucial Monday night (10 pm) clash with Leeds United knowing victory could put them four points clear of the relegation zone with only two games remaining.

For Roberto De Zerbi, the equation is simple: win, and Premier League survival moves firmly into Tottenham's hands.

Despite spending much of the season in crisis mode, there are finally signs of life in north London. Spurs arrive on the back of consecutive Premier League wins for the first time this campaign and confidence has slowly started to return under De Zerbi.

The Italian is unlikely to make major changes after the impressive performance against Aston Villa last weekend, when Spurs' aggressive pressing and attacking intensity overwhelmed Villa for large periods. In truth, Spurs could easily have scored more than twice, with the only frustration coming from the late goal conceded to Emi Buendia from Villa's only shot on target.

One of the biggest talking points ahead of tonight's match surrounds Richarlison.

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De Zerbi admitted the Brazilian striker was feeling fatigued after the exhausting battle at Villa Park, but the forward is still expected to lead the line from the start in what could be Tottenham's most important game of the season.

Without a natural playmaker fully fit to begin the match, Spurs will again rely heavily on Randal Kolo Muani and Mathys Tel to stretch Leeds down the flanks and provide service into the box for Richarlison.

Meanwhile, Conor Gallagher is expected to reprise the relentless midfield role that earned praise from De Zerbi after his outstanding display against Villa, with the Tottenham boss joking the midfielder "worked like two players."

Spurs out of relegation zone after a win over Villa

There is also growing optimism around James Maddison, who is closing in on his first minutes since suffering an ACL injury last year and could return from the bench.

After months of turmoil, Tottenham suddenly have a chance to pull themselves clear, but first they must end a miserable home run that has seen them fail to win since early December.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 36

Saturday

Liverpool - Chelsea 1-1 (1-1)

/Gravenberch 6 - Fernandez 35/

Brighton - Wolverhampton 3-0 (2-0)

/Hinshelwood 1, Dunk 5, Minteh 86/

Fulham - Bournemouth 0-1 (0-0)

/Rayan 53/

Sunderland - Manchester United 0-0

Manchester City - Brentford 3-0 (0-0)

/Doku 60, Haaland 75, Marmoush 90+2/

Sunday

Burnley - Aston Villa 2-2 (1-1)

/Anthony 8, Flemming 58 - Barkley 42, Watkins 56/

Crystal Palace - Everton 2-2 (1-1)

/Sarr 34, Mateta 77 - Tarkowski 6, Beto 47/

Nottingham Forest - Newcastle 1-1 (0-0)

/Anderson 88 - Barnes 74/

West Ham - Arsenal 0-1 (0-0)

/Trossard 83/

Monday

22.00: (1.85) Tottenham (3.90) Leeds (4.20)

***odds are subject to change***