The words relegation and Tottenham have never been used more entwined than right now, as Spurs aim to move away from the drop zone when they entertain Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Sunday, March 22.
Despite bringing Igor Tudor in to replace Thomas Frank, results have not gone the North Londoners way, and they find themselves languishing in 16th place, ahead of this weekend's visitors by a single point.
Nottm Forest have been through the same situation, with Vitor Pereira becoming the club's fourth head coach this season, but that appointment has not yielded much change in fortune.
Both clubs are desperate to maintain their top-flight status, which means the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is likely to witness a classic league fixture here.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our Today's betting tips page for more of our free expert Premier League predictions!
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Tottenham vs Nottm Forest key stats
- Forest still have not won a league game under Pereira's guidance.
- Spurs have a scoring rate of 83%, which is above the league average, and they have scored in each of their last 10 matches at home.
- Tudor's men have been better on the road this season, securing 67% of their points on their travels.
- Only Wolves (24) scored fewer league goals than Forest's 28 this season.
Tottenham vs Nottm Forest preview: A stalemate on the cards
| Tottenham | vs | Nottm Forest |
|---|---|---|
| 16th | Position | 17th |
| 30 | Points | 29 |
| 40 | Goals For | 28 |
| 47 | Goals Against | 43 |
| 7 | Clean Sheets | 7 |
| 20th | Home Rank | 16th |
| 9th | Away Rank | 16th |
Spurs fans have been watching their team play with one eye closed in recent weeks, as their team have slowly dropped into a relegation fight, which has not improved with the new head coach coming in.
Tudor will argue, though, that his last two results are reason enough for him to remain in charge, as Tottenham secured a point late in their Premier League clash with Liverpool last week.
Forest have scored 11 of their 15 away league goals this term after half-time.
While they did get knocked out of the Champions League during the week, the home side still walked out with a victory on the night, which could be more than a morale booster ahead of the season's final eight matches.
It is inconceivable that Spurs have only won two of their 15 home league matches this term, which has seen them accumulate just 10 points - the worst record in the division.
Wednesday's win was one of two serving as the outside parts to a sandwich filled with six defeats in a row and two stalemates, an indication of how victories have eluded the Lilywhites this term.
The home side will remain without Dominic Solanke and Joao Palhinha, who are both battling injuries.
Spurs are in their longest winless stretch in league football since 1935.
The visitors are also in a similar position in the league, but they can boast qualifying for the quarter finals of the Europa League, after they beat Midtjylland in a penalty shootout in midweek, while the hosts are now out of every competition.
Forest are winless across their previous seven league outings, losing three and drawing four, but they have been more successful against Spurs.
All three of the most recent meetings between the clubs saw Forest leave victorious, including a 2-1 triumph at this very venue last season.
Additionally, the Tricky Trees' new boss has never lost a personal Premier League head-to-head against Spurs, winning once and sharing the spoils on two occasions.
Forest's primary injury concern for the trip to London is Dilane Bakwa, who went off in Thursday's clash with an injury.
Tottenham vs Nottm Forest form guide & betting tips
| Tottenham | vs | Nottm Forest |
|---|---|---|
| L-L-L-L-D | League Form | D-L-L-D-D |
| 1 | Points | 3 |
| 20th | Form Table | 19th |
| 5 | Goals For | 3 |
| 12 | Goals Against | 5 |
| L-L-L-D-W | Form (all comps) | L-D-L-D-W |
Whispers predicts: Tottenham 1-1 Nottm Forest
It is normal for bookmakers to lean the way of Tottenham in a game like this, as they are favourites to secure maximum points at 2.25, while Forest are backed to win at 3.20.
However, with both teams struggling for any kind of momentum, and considering Spurs' wretched home form in the league, a draw at 3.40 is a valuable selection.
Opting for double chance - Draw/ Forest is also worth exploring as it carries less of a risk, but still offers value at 1.61.
The home side have found the back of the net in each of their last five successive league matches, and 10 of their previous 11 such matches saw both teams score, which comes in at 1.70.
Morgan Gibbs-White will be carrying the threat for the visitors this weekend, as he has scored in four of Forest's last six Premier League games on the road, and at the odds of 3.75 for anytime goalscorer, it is worth backing.
> 1x2 - Draw at 3.40 | Likelihood: Possible
> Double chance - Draw/ Forest at 1.61 | Likelihood: Probable
> BTTS - Yes at 1.70 | Likelihood: Possible
> Anytime goalscorer - Morgan Gibbs-White at 3.75 | Likelihood: Long shot