Nightmare week for João Palhinha could bring him closer to Sporting | OneFootball

João Palhinha’s week got off to the worst possible start. The Portuguese midfielder was left out of Roberto Martínez’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, in a decision where the national team coach ultimately chose the youth of Samu Costa over the experience of the former Sporting player.

In addition to the international disappointment, the midfielder remains locked in Tottenham’s battle to stay in the Premier League.

On Tuesday, just a few hours after learning of Roberto Martínez’s decision, the Portuguese international started in Spurs’ 2-1 defeat to Chelsea. A draw would have been enough to mathematically secure survival, but the loss pushed everything to the final matchday.

Tottenham therefore head into the last game of the season with 38 points, just two above West Ham, managed by Nuno Espírito Santo. On Sunday, Spurs host Everton, while the Hammers face Leeds.

The calculations still favor the London side, though. West Ham must win and at the same time hope for a Tottenham defeat, since any tie on points would favor Spurs because of their goal difference. In other words, Palhinha’s side only need a draw - or even a slip-up from the Hammers - to secure their place in the top flight of English football.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.