Easier run of January games will determine Tottenham’s title chances
By Gary Pearson
![LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 19: Jose Mourinho, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur reacts during the Premier League match between Manchester City and West Ham United at Etihad Stadium on February 19, 2020 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 19: Jose Mourinho, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur reacts during the Premier League match between Manchester City and West Ham United at Etihad Stadium on February 19, 2020 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/c9a9e1c93dbe1c3283b43740ec0ee305f260b8a6548d5330c4f21d0a3d7f5d7c.jpg)
Tottenham will need to play a string of unblemished matches in the next six weeks against perceived inferior teams to stake their title claim.
January will certainly play a key role in what position Spurs will finish the current campaign. While Jose Mourinho has expectedly tempered expectations, playing down the comparatively easier forthcoming run of games, Tottenham’s players know how imperative a run of undefeated matches is.
After Wolves away tomorrow, Spurs face all three newly promoted sides and two other teams expected to be in the relegation battle for the duration of the season.
Tottenham look forward to doing battle against Fulham, Leeds, Aston Villa and Sheffield United before a home clash against Liverpool on Jan. 28. The Lilywhites wrap up their run of must-win fixtures away to Brighton on Jan. 31.
There are no easy matches in the Premier League, but Spurs will need to run riot over their forthcoming challengers to position their title run as the season rounds the final bend. Leeds and Villa provide tricky encounters, as the former are capable of beating anyone on their day, while Villa is probably the top flight’s surprise of the new season. They are level on points with Spurs, currently holding claim to sixth place on goal difference.
Fulham, Sheffield United and Brighton are fighting for their Premier League lives, but the difference in quality should be enough for Tottenham to come through those fixtures with all nine points.
Spurs, after battling Wolves tomorrow, play six matches before February, in which they must take 16 points to have a realistic shot of challenging for the title. Compiling 16 out of 18 points in the Premier League is never a simple task, but it’s a necessary point return for a team with title ambitions.
Next. Tottenham projected starting 11 for trip to Wolves. dark
A return of 16 points would put the club in a strong Champions League position and set up a riveting crescendo to the season, poised to make a final run at an elusive Premier League crown.