The 5 Key Games to Determine Spurs' Top 4 Hopes

We are, as they say, in the business end of the Premier League season. Spurs' title hopes may have faded after some early signs they may challenge. However, Ange Postecoglou's men are still firmly in the mix for a Top 4 finish and qualification to next season's Champions League. It's not certain - far from it - but the goal is clear. Yet, Spurs have a tough fixture list to complete the season.

As it stands in the Premier League Odds, Aston Villa are slightly ahead of Spurs in the race for the Top 4. Manchester United are seen as outside chances. Every game counts, of course, and three points will count the same whether it comes against a "big" side or a struggling one. But we believe these five games will go a long way to determining Spurs' Champions League hopes:

10th March - Aston Villa (A)

Here it is - the crunch clash between the two teams in pole position to grab the final Champions League spot. Conceivably, it is what they call a six-pointer. If Spurs lose, Villa might streak ahead in the table and never look back. If Spurs win, they might leapfrog Villa and take command. The main issue for Ange Postecoglou's team is Villa's supreme home form. The team is usually excellent at Villa Park. Spurs' away form, as we know, is mixed. It feels like a cracking match, and it is going to be difficult to call.

20th April - Manchester City (H)

The end of April (see below) will consist of a brutal set of ties for Tottenham's Top 4 hopes, starting with the reigning champions at home. For all City's dominance in recent years across the Premier League as a whole, Spurs have a fantastic record against them, especially at home. City, of course, are aiming for the title and will throw everything at Tottenham, but this is another difficult one to call. Postecoglou might be happy with a draw, but Spurs have won three from four in the league at home against City - three points would be precious.

27th April - Arsenal (H)

A week later, Spurs will host North London rivals and title hopefuls Arsenal at home. We don't want to get too ahead of ourselves, but you get the feeling that Spurs' approach to this game will be impacted by their performance against City. Should the team have the bit between its proverbial teeth after a win against City, then they will approach the derby full of confidence and ready to derail Arsenal's title challenge. Should the opposite occur, then Postecoglou is going to have to pull something out of the bag. Yes, players will always be up for a North London Derby regardless of position in the league, but there is a big difference when coming into a game brimming with confidence.

4th May - Liverpool (A)

First, the good news - Spurs beat Liverpool in September for the first time since 2017, so Tottenham will approach this knowing that they can best Jurgen Klopp's men. The bad news, however, is that Spurs" record at Anfield is absolutely wretched. Few teams come to Anfield believing they will come away with something, and Liverpool will also be throwing everything at the cause as they hunt for the title. Arguably the toughest game remaining in Spurs' season.

19th May - Sheffield United (A)

The final day of the season will see Spurs travel to Sheffield United in a game where the Blades may already be relegated. That's good news for Spurs, although it is always possible that Sheffield United require a point or three to survive. Nonetheless, it will be interesting to see where Spurs are in the table at this point. It may be the case that fans are more fixated on results elsewhere, notably in London, as Villa make a trip to Crystal Palace. We'll have to see how things pan out, but it feels like the Top 4 race will go to the wire. Can Spurs get over the line on the final day?

*Please note that fixture dates are subject to change

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