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Analyzing Tottenham’s chances of securing a top four spot

By Gary Pearson

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 05: Jose Mourinho, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after Heung-Min Son of Tottenham Hotspur scored their sides third goal from the penalty spot during the FA Cup Fourth Round Replay match between Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 05, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by James Chance/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 05: Jose Mourinho, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after Heung-Min Son of Tottenham Hotspur scored their sides third goal from the penalty spot during the FA Cup Fourth Round Replay match between Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 05, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by James Chance/Getty Images) /
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Chelsea’s remaining schedule

Of Chelsea’s remaining 13 matches, four come against sides either vying for a top four spot or those who have already cemented their place in next season’s Champions League. The West Londoners’ next two fixtures will go a long way in determining the strength of their top four bid. On Monday, Feb. 17 Chelsea host Manchester United, a fixture followed closely by a the colossal matchup with Spurs on Feb. 22. Chelsea do have the luxury of playing both of those pivotal fixtures at home, which could prove decisive against two sides plagued by away mediocrity.

Chelsea also host Manchester City and Wolves in the run-in. The Blues face an away match with Liverpool on Saturday, May 9.  By then Liverpool will already be crowned champions, an incredibly favourable situation for the visiting Blues.

United’s remaining schedule

United also have four matches against elite sides in the run-in, including trips to Stamford Bridge and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Prior to the all-anticipated battle in north London with Spurs on Sunday, March 15, United host cross-city rivals City on March 8.

On the final day of the season, United face a stern test as they travel to Leicester, who have all but guaranteed their spot in the top four. Akin to Chelsea’s trip to Anfield, Leicester might not have anything to play for other than being spoilers to United’s top four ambitions. But United’s two away contests at Spurs and Chelsea will hopefully put a massive dent in their top four hopes. However, Spurs will be hoping for a United-Chelsea draw on Feb. 17.

Spurs remaining schedule

Tottenham also have four remaining matches with teams in the top four mix, with one rather glaring caveat. Spurs, with an extra day’s rest, travel to Stamford Bridge on Feb. 22 in the most pivotal match of the campaign. They then host Wolves in the next match, a potential banana peel.

Mourinho hosts his former side on Sunday, March 15, as United invade north London. Spurs then have a north London derby at home to deal with on Saturday, April 25. Arsenal, currently six points adrift of Spurs, are by no means out of the top four race. But they will have to run the table to secure fourth spot, a rather improbable outcome based on their tragically inconsistent campaign.

Spurs host Leicester in their penultimate match. If Leicester don’t totally implode, they should have a top four spot cemented by then, favouring Spurs dramatically for that specific test. If not, it will setup a spectacular battle for one of the coveted Champions League spots.

Next. Is it the beginning of the end for Tottenham veteran?. dark

Both Chelsea and United are enduring far worse spells than Spurs of late, setting up a final four run of the ages for a Lilywhites side desperate to qualify for their fifth Champions League on the bounce.

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