Premier League relegation battle hinges on West Ham and Tottenham in final two fixtures
Burnley and Wolverhampton Wanderers have already been relegated, leaving Tottenham two points clear of West Ham with a superior goal difference as the season concludes.
With two games remaining in the 2025–26 Premier League season, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United remain the only sides fighting to avoid relegation. Burnley and Wolverhampton Wanderers have already been relegated, leaving the London clubs to determine their fate in the final stretch. Tottenham, currently 17th, sit two points clear of 18th-placed West Ham, holding a superior goal difference following a 1–1 draw with Leeds United.
The immediate roadmap for survival sees West Ham face Newcastle United at St James' Park this Saturday, while Tottenham play Chelsea at Stamford Bridge the following day. A victory for West Ham at Newcastle would see them move to 17th and push Spurs into the relegation zone by one point. Any other result hands the advantage back to Tottenham, who would then need to secure safety by winning at Chelsea.
According to the Opta supercomputer, Tottenham have a 19.5 per cent chance of relegation, compared to 80.5 per cent for West Ham. Tottenham manager Roberto de Zerbi noted the team needs to reduce mistakes and requires a minimum of four points to stay up. West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo stated survival is "not in our hands" but affirmed the team will keep fighting.
The stakes are high for both managers as they navigate difficult fixtures. West Ham have lost just one of their past seven home games, recording three wins and three draws. Conversely, Tottenham have won at Chelsea only once since 1990, a 3–1 victory in April 2018. Spurs remain without a home win in the top flight since 6 December, adding pressure to their away trip to London.
The final day on 24 May features Tottenham hosting Everton and West Ham facing Leeds United. If the gap remains two points, West Ham would need Everton to beat Spurs away to secure safety, as a draw would not suffice. On the final day, if the gap remains two points, West Ham would need Everton to beat Spurs away to secure safety, as a draw would not suffice.
The narrative of the season has been defined by missed opportunities and statistical disparities. West Ham's Callum Wilson stoppage-time equaliser against Arsenal on Sunday was ruled out by VAR, a blow to their morale. The draw with Leeds felt like an opportunity missed for Spurs, who have only managed to win at Chelsea once in 36 years. Ultimately, the outcome of this weekend will decide which club joins Burnley and Wolves in the Championship next season.
