Tottenham Hotspur face Everton on Sunday in what could be one of the most consequential matches in the club’s recent history, with their Premier League survival very much at stake. The north London side find themselves in deep relegation trouble, and their failure to pick up anything from the midweek trip to Chelsea has left them needing results. Compounding the pressure is West Ham’s fixture against a Leeds United side with little to play for, meaning Spurs can ill afford to drop points against the Toffees.
Amidst the anxiety, Spurs have received a welcome boost ahead of the crunch tie, with a key forward poised to make his return to fitness after yet another injury-plagued campaign.
Manager Roberto De Zerbi confirmed in his pre-match press conference, as reported by Alasdair Gold of Football.London, that Dominic Solanke is in contention to feature. De Zerbi said the striker was available for the following day, though a decision on whether he would start had yet to be made.
A timely lift for the Lilywhites
Solanke may not be a prolific twenty-goal-a-season striker, but his value lies elsewhere. His hold-up play, ability to draw defenders, and capacity to deliver in pressure situations are exactly the qualities Tottenham require in a game of this magnitude.
Richarlison, despite his familiarity with Everton making him the likeliest starter, has been in poor form at the most inopportune moment. Spurs need someone dependable up front, and the Brazilian has done little to inspire confidence in recent weeks.
Randal Kolo Muani has fared no better. The Frenchman has consistently struggled to justify his place under De Zerbi, and his performance against Chelsea did little to change that perception during what has been a torrid spell at the club.
Starting Solanke would be the preference, though understandable caution surrounds the prospect of rushing him back from a hamstring problem. That said, even his availability as an impact substitute could prove significant.
Whatever the decision on his fitness, many fans will feel Kolo Muani’s place in the XI is hard to justify. Should Richarlison falter again, Solanke represents a genuine alternative — one whose physicality and different attacking profile might just provide the spark Tottenham need to secure their top-flight status.
