Wolves v Tottenham LIVE: Xavi Simons starts as Spurs face decisive test in Premier League survival bid | OneFootball

James Maddison expected to be an unused sub

James Maddison is on the bench again for Spurs as he continues he return from a long-term injury but Roberto De Zerbi suggested, much like against Brighton, he would be an unused sub again today.

“He is not available yet, especially in this week. He felt pain but not so important problem,” explained De Zerbi in his pre-match press conference on Friday.

“He will come with us on the bench because he is important. If he plays or not, it doesn’t matter. As a guy, as a leader, he is a positive guy. Inside of my dressing room I want to see nice people, positive people and this is important also for his team-mates.”

James Maddison is at Molineux but will likely be an unused sub (PA)

LAST NIGHT: Nottingham Forest thrash Sunderland to power closer to Premier League safety

Morgan Gibbs-White inspired Nottingham Forest to ease themselves further clear of the Premier League relegation zone with a stunning 5-0 victory at Sunderland.

The 26-year-old, who scored a hat-trick in last weekend’s 4-1 win over Burnley, starred in a first-half rout as the Europa League semi-finalists established an eight-point gap to 18th-placed Tottenham, who only have five games left to play.

Aided and abetted by a shambolic defensive performance by Regis Le Bris’ men, Forest put the game to bed before the kettle for the half-time tea had even been filled with Trai Hume’s unfortunate own goal sparking a spectacular collapse amid which Chris Wood, Gibbs-White and Igor Jesus all scored inside six minutes before Elliot Anderson added a fifth at the death.

Luke Baker25 April 2026 14:11

Wolves v Tottenham team news

So, Roberto De Zerbi keeps the faith with the Spurs side that suffered late heartbreak against Brighton - the only change is enforced, with Djed Spence in at left-back for the injured Destiny Udogie.

Dominic Solanke and Randal Kolo Muani will combine at the sharp-end of the pitch and Xavi Simons retains the No 10 jersey after his impressive display.

Meanwhile, Wolves have rung the changes with Jose Sa fit again and back in goal, Matt Doherty in defence along with 19-year-old Pedro Lima, who makes his first league start of the season, and Rodrigo Gomes and Mateus Mane the new faces further up the pitch.

Wolves XI: Sa; Lima, Doherty, S Bueno, Toti, H Bueno; Andre, J Gomes, R Gomes; Mane, Armstrong

Tottenham XI: Kinsky; Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Spence; Bissouma, Bentancur, Gallagher; Kolo Muani, Solanke, Simons

Luke Baker25 April 2026 14:01

Roberto De Zerbi explains why he already has a ‘special connection’ with Xavi Simons at Tottenham

Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi believes he already has a “special connection” with Xavi Simons.

De Zerbi, a former creative midfielder himself during his playing days, told SpursPlay: “He’s lucky to work with me – not because I’m good, because I was number 10. What he thinks now, I thought 20 years ago. So, we have a special connection.

“I have a special connection with all number 10s I work with. I love a number 10. A number 10 has to understand that he has to score and he has to make assists, not just play to be nice to the people – goals and assists.”

De Zerbi explains why he already has a ‘special connection’ with Simons at Tottenham

Tottenham were denied a first league win of 2026 when they conceded a late equaliser in their 2-2 draw with Brighton on Saturday

Luke Baker25 April 2026 13:26

Early Wolves team news

As for Wolves, their clash with Leeds saw Angel Gomes suffer a first-half toe injury and Ladislav Krejci worsen a neck problem he has been battling. Gomes should be fit enough to play but Krejci appears unlikely.

Jose Sa is looking good for a return after a shoulder spasm, while ex-Tottenham defender Matt Doherty is back from a niggle in time to face his old club but Yerson Mosquera is suspended and Sam Johnstone out for the season with a shoulder issue.

Wolves possible lineup: Sa; Doherty, Toti, S Bueno, H Bueno; J. Gomes, Andre, Mane; Tchatchoua, Armstrong, Hwang

Angel Gomes should be fit to start for Wolves (Getty)

Luke Baker25 April 2026 13:13