Why Tottenham fans should be watching the lower league playoffs
By Aaron Coe
On Saturday before the 10 match flurry that is the final day of the Premier League season, there are some playoff matches in the lower leagues. Both the Championship and League One have playoff games on Saturday, which Tottenham fans should take note of. Here are several reasons Spurs fans should be interested in Saturday’s lower league match-ups.
Tottenham has players involved
We know that Oliver Skipp played a major role in Norwich winning the Championship and the automatic promotion that comes with it. However, many may have forgotten about Cameron Carter-Vickers, who is still under contract at N17.
The American center-back struggled with injuries and fitness after initially transferring to Bournemouth on loan. However, around the turn of the new year, Carter-Vickers found his fitness and some form and has nailed down a spot in the Bournemouth line-up.
Since starting against Birmingham in early February, CCV has started 22 straight matches in all competitions for Bournemouth. Just as important he has played the full 90 in those games. After beating Brentford at home midweek in the first leg, Bournemouth is looking to advance to the playoff finals. Brentford is looking to avoid a second straight season, ending in playoff disappointment.
Besides, CCV another Tottenham defender on loan has a big part to play this weekend. Timothy Eyoma has been on loan at Lincoln City in League One all season and now Lincoln City is in the League One play-off semi-final.
Eyoma has played both center-back and right-back this season for the Imps. The 21-year-old defender has been steady all season and even won man-of-the-match for scoring the only goal and earning an 8.12 rating in a win at Burton in April.
It is quite debatable whether or not either Eyoma or Carter-Vickers have a future – or even a shot at a future – at Tottenham Hotspur. One thing that is certain is that both have a big platform in their respective matches on Saturday. If they play well and their teams advance, they will have even bigger platforms to work from.
That great exposure either catches the next coach’s eye or helps their future transfer value. Either is good for Tottenham and the young footballers.
Besides the Tottenham players on loan participating, here are two more reasons to watch the Championship playoffs.