Awful week for João Palhinha could edge 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 favored the youth of Samu Costa over the experience of the former Sporting player.

On top of the international disappointment, the midfielder remains locked in Tottenham’s fight to stay in the Premier League.

On Tuesday, just a few hours after learning of Roberto Martínez’s decision, the Portugal 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 go 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 benefits Spurs because of goal difference. In other words, a draw is enough for Palhinha’s side — or even a slip-up by the Hammers — to guarantee 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.