The possibility of relegation to the Championship is casting a long shadow over Tottenham Hotspur.
Spurs have competed in England’s top division continuously since 1978, with their 1977/78 Division Two campaign the only season in the last 76 years that they have spent outside the top flight.
With ten Premier League fixtures remaining, however, Tottenham sit just two places and four points above the relegation zone, leaving them at real risk of dropping into the second tier.
There were already signs of decline last season, as Spurs finished 17th under Ange Postecoglou, although he guided the club to UEFA Europa League glory. Domestic struggles have persisted this campaign under Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor following Postecoglou’s dismissal.
Tottenham boast a squad packed with international talent, but relegation would trigger significant wage reductions. Several high-profile players would be expected to pursue transfers rather than remain in the Championship. Still, a number of individuals could stay to help drive a return to the Premier League.
Goalkeepers
Guglielmo Vicario has been linked with a summer exit amid reported interest from Italy, and it is difficult to envisage him committing to second-tier football.
Antonin Kinsky, 22, was recruited as a long-term prospect and would likely step into the starting role, gaining valuable experience in English football.
Brandon Austin, a product of the club’s academy, could remain as backup.
Defence
A Championship campaign would almost certainly prompt departures for Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven.
Radu Dragusin has already been linked with a move away, while Kevin Danso could be one who remains.
Two young centre-backs currently out on loan may feature prominently. Luka Vuskovic has impressed at Hamburg, while Kota Takai would benefit from consistent exposure to English football.
At full-back, Pedro Porro may depart, but Djed Spence has prior Championship experience and could stay. Destiny Udogie may also remain amid injury concerns, while Souza would likely gain extended minutes to adapt to English football.
Midfield
Conor Gallagher arrived for a significant fee and may weigh his options, though he has prior Championship experience.
Archie Gray is familiar with the division from his time at Leeds and could flourish with regular minutes.
Lucas Bergvall would represent a major asset if he stayed, while James Maddison could re-establish himself after an injury-hit season.
Pape Matar Sarr may seize the opportunity for a more consistent role.
Departures would be expected from Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur and Xavi Simons in the event of relegation.
Attack
Wilson Odobert, currently sidelined through injury, would return to feature in the forward line.
Mathys Tel, signed from Bayern Munich, could lead the attack despite competition for places this season.
Mikey Moore is expected back from loan and would be well placed to secure a regular starting role.
Yang Min-hyeok would also come into first-team contention after gaining Championship experience.
Senior forwards such as Dejan Kulusevski, Mohammed Kudus, Richarlison and Dominic Solanke would be unlikely to remain in the second tier.
Predicted Tottenham XI (Championship)
Kinsky; Spence, Vuskovic, Takai, Souza; Gallagher, Gray; Moore, Maddison, Odobert; Tel.
