Decision made on Igor Tudor's future as formation change could bring survival

Tottenham Hotspur are winless in three matches under Igor Tudor and pressure is mounting on the manager as Spurs face a crucial run of fixtures

Just three matches into Igor Tudor's tenure, there is plenty for Tottenham Hotspur to worry about. Occasional moments of promise will matter little in the context of a return of zero points under the Croatian manager.

The latest defeat was perhaps the hardest to take, with Spurs imploding during the opening period against Crystal Palace. Micky van de Ven's dismissal paved the way for the Eagles to win 3-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the Dutchman will be banned for his team's journey to Liverpool on March 15.

Tudor's charges face a tough Champions League last-16 clash against Atletico Madrid, with one leg each side of that Anfield encounter. March ends with an international break but the last game before that hiatus could prove most crucial, with fellow relegation contenders Nottingham Forest visiting north London.

Tudor's job is already under scrutiny and Spurs may need to act decisively one way or another. We've examined the major choices that need to be made, including the future of the former Juventus manager.

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Should Tudor stay or go?

Tudor may not be the sole issue, but there's little evidence he possesses the capabilities to reverse the decline. Parting ways with the manager shouldn't prove particularly costly, at least compared to some other recent Premier League sackings, considering his deal expires at the season's end.

There may well be an appetite to appoint someone with ties to the club, given Manchester United's turnaround under former midfielder Michael Carrick. Ex-Spurs player and boss Glenn Hoddle has already suggested he'd welcome the opportunity, potentially alongside Robbie Keane, whilst Ryan Mason's recent difficulties at West Brom might not prevent him from stepping back into the technical area in more familiar surroundings.

Back three no more

Some key figures are beginning to make their way back for Spurs after a season disrupted by a lengthy injury list. Pedro Porro has featured in the past two fixtures after sitting out the preceding four, with Kevin Danso starting his first game in over a month on Thursday, while Destiny Udogie is nearing a comeback following the hamstring problem picked up at Manchester United that's sidelined him for a month.

The absence of Van de Ven through suspension, will be offset a little by the return of skipper Cristian Romero after a ban of his own. Personnel returning could pave the way for Spurs to revert to back four in the near future, though Tudor - if he stays - could be tempted to persist with three at the back despite recent struggles.

The new manager's tactics have involved deploying a midfielder or full-back in the heart of defence, with Joao Palhinha stepping into the role against Arsenal at the end of February. A tactical switch could be just what Spurs need to solidify in midfield as well as at the back.

Whether these alterations would instantly trigger the much-needed improvement is yet to be seen. However, it's clear that Spurs are in dire need of a change, and they need it to happen swiftly.