Igor Tudor will find out what the Tottenham Hotspur squad are really made of following the March international break
17:33, 23 Mar 2026
Igor Tudor Head Coach of Tottenham Hotspur speaks with Micky van de Ven of Tottenham Hotspur and Djed Spence of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 22, 2026 in London, England
View Image
Tottenham Hotspur have some difficult games coming up(Image: Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur must return to winning ways after the international break if they want to stay in the Premier League, and there are five games in particular that they can't afford to lose.
Nottingham Forest stormed past Igor Tudor's side at the weekend, leapfrogging the Lilywhites in the race for survival. The East Midlands outfit banked three crucial points, leaving Spurs in 17th and just a point adrift of the relegation zone.
Had West Ham not lost to Aston Villa, Tottenham would've fallen into the bottom three. The international break has come at the perfect time for the Lilywhites, who now have the chance to recharge their batteries ahead of the end-of-season run-in.
Although Tudor has a wealth of experienced players at his disposal, Spurs have some difficult fixtures on the horizon that could very well make or break their season. It's crunch time, and there's no margin for error.
FOLLOW OUR TOTTENHAM FB PAGE! Latest Spurs news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
So, with that being said, football.london has looked at the five games that Tottenham can't afford to lose after the international break.
Sunderland (A) – Premier League – Sunday, April 12
This could be the season-defining game for Tottenham. If the Lilywhites can begin the run-in with a victory at the Stadium of Light, they will go into the clash against Brighton the following week full of confidence.
Equally, a defeat to a newly-promoted outfit could crush any remaining hope that they can stay up. Fortunately for Spurs, the Black Cats have lost each of their last three games at home.
England's 2026 World Cup kits
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
Various Prices
England Official Store
Buy Now on England Official Store
England and Nike have launched the new home, away and goalkeeper kits to be worn at this summer's FIFA World Cup. You can get free delivery on all orders with the code: ENGFREEDEL
Wolves (A) – Premier League – Saturday, April 25
After hosting the Seagulls on Saturday, April 18, Tottenham will begin preparations for another huge game. Although Wolves are currently 13 points adrift of survival, Spurs can't afford to give them a glimpse of hope.
West Ham and Leeds United are set to play Rob Edwards' side at home in the first and second weekends after the international break, respectively, so Tudor can not leave Molineux with anything less than three points.
Especially with a trip to Villa Park the following weekend.
Leeds United (H) – Premier League – Saturday, May 9
Under no circumstances can Tottenham face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge the following week with their Premier League status in question. The Blues will be desperate to relegate their rivals, so a victory against Leeds will be imperative.
Chelsea (A) – Premier League – Sunday, May 17
As previously mentioned, Chelsea will relish the opportunity to relegate Tottenham from the English top-flight. Spurs haven't beaten the Blues at Stamford Bridge since April 2018, when Dele Alli bagged a brace in a 3-1 win.
Everton (H) – Premier League – Sunday, May 24
At last, the final weekend of the Premier League campaign. When Tottenham host Everton, West Ham will lock horns with Leeds United at the London Stadium and Burnley will play Wolves at Turf Moor.
Article continues below
If, for whatever reason, Spurs still haven't confirmed their place in the English top-flight next term, they'll have to keep an eye on the scores across the country...
Welcome to 'Talking Tottenham' - our new Spurs podcast
We've launched a new podcast 'Talking Tottenham' with Alasdair Gold and Ryan Taylor.
Each week, they will dive deep into the biggest topics as they follow Thomas Frank's side every step of the way. We'll bring you the latest news, analysis and a laugh too as Spurs look to follow up on last season's Europa League triumph.
And, given it's Spurs, there will be plenty of drama and big talking points - with Frank enduring an action-packed start to his tenure in north London.
Selection decisions that backfire. VAR controversy. Unsung heroes. Miserable home form. Transfer dilemmas. The next wonderkid. We'll have it all covered on 'Talking Tottenham'.
Click here to view our YouTube channel
Click here to download our podcasts