Us Tottenham supporters have complained of apathy and disconnect in recent weeks and months, but there's nothing that makes you feel move alive than a relegation six-pointer!
The significant of Sunday's clash with Nottingham Forest cannot be understated. Lose, and Spurs may well end the weekend in the drop zone and Igor Tudor's future will be heavily scrutinised over the international break. A win, especially after the week we've had, would allay fears of an unfathomable demise.
Of course, there's the possibility of a draw, too. I think a stalemate would simply make me feel uneasy.
N17 will be up for this, no doubt, but it's bound be 90 minutes of unbearable tension. Far too much for March, anyway.
Igor Tudor's players suddenly seem unified, understanding the severity of the current situation, and it's imperative that the interim opts for the optimal starting lineup for such a significant contest. Here's how Tudor could set the Lilywhites up on Sunday.
Predicted Tottenham lineup vs. Nottingham Forest (3-4-2-1)
Goalkeeper & Defenders
Guglielmo Vicario (GK)—Spurs broke the news of Vicario's hernia on Friday, with surgery set for next week. AntonÃn Kinsky will get his shot at redemption, but the Italian is available to start against Forest.
Kevin Danso (CB)—Danso was excellent at Anfield but removed from the XI on Wednesday, perhaps with this fixture in mind. The Austrian, for me, has to be in the team whether Tudor opts for a back three or four.
Cristian Romero (CB)—Romero's ready to play his first Premier League game since 7 February, and he'll be tasked with stepping out of the defensive line to ensure Morgan Gibbs-White doesn't wreak havoc between the lines.
Micky van de Ven (CB)—The Dutchman has looked a little lost without Romero as of late, but he looked steadier midweek. Van de Ven scored a beauty in this fixture two seasons ago, and I wouldn't be averse to the defender repeating the trick this weekend.
Wing-Backs & Midfielders
Pedro Porro (RWB)—Porro was also on the scoresheet in a 3-1 win over a similarly relegation-threatened Forest team two years back, and the Spaniard came ever so close to further igniting Tottenham's hopes of an extraordinary Champions League comeback on Wednesday with an audacious trivela effort that was well-saved by Juan Musso.
Archie Gray (CM)—Marcos Llorente's favourite player was overlooked by Thomas Tuchel, but Tudor won't be making the same mistake this weekend.
Pape Matar Sarr (CM)—Spurs may have players back in midfield, including Lucas Bergvall, but I wouldn't be changing the midfield pivot that's helped facilitate success over the past week. Sarr was excellent at Anfield, then it was Gray's turn against Atléti.
Destiny Udogie (LWB)—Udogie is back after six weeks out due to a hamstring issue, featuring off the bench midweek. Caution must be expressed, but I'm giving the Italian international 60 minutes on Sunday, given the importance of the game.
Forwards
Xavi Simons (AM)—Xavi's best work has arrived in the Champions League, and we simply haven't seen a replication of his continental displays consistent enough domestically. Let's hope Xavi purrs on Sunday, producing a performance akin to his showing against Manchester City.
Mathys Tel (AM)—Yes, Tel remains raw, but boy does he care. The young Frenchman will offer everything he's got to help his team win this game of football. For me, that's enough.
Richarlison (ST)—Dominic Solanke should be back and Randal Kolo Muani scored midweek, but this is going to be Richarlison's team during the run-in.