The path has not completely closed for Tottenham Hotspur in their fight to avoid relegation to the Championship.
Spurs currently sit 18th in the Premier League table, two points from safety with just four matches remaining this season.
Even so, things could have taken a worse turn heading into their trip to face Aston Villa on Sunday evening.
West Ham United had the opportunity to extend the gap between the two London clubs to five points on Saturday, but instead suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat away to Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Villa’s European focus could offer Spurs hope
That result will have provided a lift for Tottenham and manager Roberto De Zerbi as they prepare for a difficult test at Villa Park.
Aston Villa may also be distracted by their upcoming UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg against Nottingham Forest, having lost the first leg 1-0 at the City Ground on Thursday.
With a place in the final still within reach and their Premier League position close to secure Champions League qualification, Villa’s priorities could be split. Spurs will be hoping that slight distraction works in their favour and gives them a chance to capitalise.
However, they will have to do it without further setbacks, with Xavi Simons and Dominic Solanke both missing from the squad after being added to Tottenham’s growing injury list in N17.
Tottenham desperately need all three points to climb out of the bottom three and regain control of their survival hopes with the season running out.
Shearer tips Villa despite Spurs’ desperation
Betfair ambassador Alan Shearer has cast doubt on Tottenham’s chances of getting a result.
Speaking in his weekly Premier League predictions, the former Newcastle United striker said Spurs face a difficult task given their injury situation and Villa’s strong home form.
He noted that Spurs must “find a way to go again and win the game,” but believes Villa will be too strong on the day, especially at Villa Park.
Shearer pointed to the absence of key players like Simons and Solanke, suggesting their injuries are a major blow to a Tottenham side already struggling for goals.
He ultimately backed a home win for Villa.
Tottenham supporters will be hoping Shearer gets this one wrong, just as he did when he previously backed West Ham to earn a result at Brentford.
