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What is the likelihood Tottenham will finish the season in second place?

By Gary Pearson

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 01: Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Hugo Lloris hugs Jan Vertonghen of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on April 1, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 01: Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Hugo Lloris hugs Jan Vertonghen of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on April 1, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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With Manchester United travelling to their cross-city rivals and Liverpool’s undivided concentration set firmly on the Champions League, have Tottenham’s chances of finishing second improved?

Tottenham are two points behind Liverpool and four points adrift of second place United with six matches to play. Mauricio Pochettino’s men have a match in hand on Liverpool, who are forced to travel to Goodison Park for the Merseyside Derby prior to playing the return leg against City in the Champions League quarterfinal on Tuesday.

Jurgen Klopp’s side can be easily forgiven for looking beyond Everton. But they do so at their own peril. Mo Salah, among other key starters like Virgil van Dijk, most likely won’t feature, opening the door for Everton, which, in turn, provides Spurs an opportunity to leapfrog into third.

Liverpool, looking beyond this weekend, would have to endure a calamitous outing at the Etihad to fall unceremoniously out of the Champions League. Assuming they hold on to their three-goal advantage from the first leg, Liverpool’s focus will remain on the Champions League for the final stretch of the season, once again opening the door for Spurs.

United make the short cross-city trip to the Etihad where they play a City side on the verge of breaking the record for securing the Premier League title earlier in the year than any other team.

City is coming off their worst performance of the year in the most important match, losing 0-3 away at Anfield. They’ll be looking for a rebound performance to buoy their spirits ahead of the second leg with Liverpool. If Pep Guardiola’s men secure the title tomorrow, Spurs, with a win against Stoke, will only be a point behind United come the end of the weekend.

Many things must fall into place for Spurs to finish in second but it’s by no means beyond their grasp.

Next: Is Eric Dier undervalued?

The question is, does finishing second really matter? The reward for finishing second, third or fourth is the same so how much importance and value is placed on securing the title of runner-up?

We’d love to hear your thoughts on what finishing second would mean for the Lilywhites. And is it something Spurs will achieve?

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