Tottenham have some huge fixtures ahead of them in the race for a top four place and qualification for the Champions League.
Tottenham‘s hopes of a top four finish took a huge blow following their clash with Wolves at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Spurs had just started to regain some momentum in the race for Champions League qualification, though Ange Postecoglou was handed two huge problems before the match.
That was on the injury front, as both Destiny Udogie and Pedro Porro would miss out through slight issues. It only heightened the challenge of facing a Wolves team that have been impressive under Gary O’Neil.
It was the visitors that took the lead too, as a corner found the head of Joao Gomes, who powered his effort into the back of the net. Tottenham responded just after the break though, with Dejan Kulusevski‘s individual brilliance bringing the side level.
The game became open once more, but it would be Wolves that benefitted from such a style. Pedro Neto’s rapid counterattack allowed him to slide the ball to Gomes, who scored his second goal of the afternoon.
The defeat comes as a huge blow to Spurs in the race for the top four, which is starting to look wide open heading into the final few months of the season. There’s some big fixtures ahead, so with that said, here’s a look at how the next five all compare for Tottenham, Aston Villa and Manchester United.
Tottenham fixtures
Crystal Palace (H) – March 2
Tottenham now have a two-week break until they’re back in action, due to their clash with rivals Chelsea being rearranged for their involvement in the Carabao Cup final. It means Spurs will return when they face Crystal Palace at home in March.
The Eagles have struggled as of late, sitting just five points clear of the bottom three and firmly in the relegation conversation. Injuries have had a huge impact on the squad, with the likes of Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise and Marc Guehi just a few that are missing.
There are also plenty of rumours surrounding a potential change in the dugout, which may have taken place by the time these two teams play each other.
Current league position: 16th.
Current form: Two wins, zero draws, three defeats.
Last head-to-head: Crystal Palace 1-2 Tottenham – 27 October, 2023.
Aston Villa (A) – March 10
A potential “six-pointer” awaits in early March as Tottenham have to make the trip to the Midlands to take on Aston Villa. The Villains have impressed under Unai Emery, managing to put themselves in the conversation for the Premier League title this season.
Their hopes of a title triumph appear highly unlikely now though, with attention likely to shift towards Champions League qualification. With key threats such as Ollie Watkins and Leon Bailey, it will be far from an easy game for Ange Postecoglou.
Current league position: 4th.
Current form: Two wins, one draw, two defeats.
Last head-to-head: Tottenham 1-2 Aston Villa – 26 November, 2023.
Fulham (A) – March 16
Another London derby is on the horizon, as a trip to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham awaits in mid-March. The west London outfit have been relatively inconsistent this season, seemingly clear of the bottom three but unable to earn enough points to be in the European qualification discussions either.
Marco Silva has shown his team are capable of hurting any opponent though, which Tottenham will have to be wary of.
Current league position: 12th.
Current form: One win, two draws, two defeats.
Last head-to-head: Tottenham 2-0 Fulham – 23 October, 2023.
Luton Town (H) – March 30
Coming to the end of March, Tottenham will host Luton Town in a huge game for both ends of the table. The Hatters have impressed with their ability to fight valiantly against relegation, despite being widely tipped to succumb to that fate.
Rob Edwards has managed to organise his team in a way that has earned them points against many teams in the division. Spurs saw their own challenge at Kenilworth Road earlier in the campaign, but will be hoping for a more comfortable encounter the second time around.
Current league position: 17th.
Current form: One win, two draws, two defeats.
Last head-to-head: Luton Town 0-1 Tottenham – 7 October 2023.
West Ham (A) – April 2
To round off the next five fixtures for Tottenham is a trip to another London rival in West Ham. The Hammers find themselves in contention for a European place this season, but there is growing discontent from the fanbase.
Questions remain over the future of David Moyes and whether he will be able to guide them forward, following a poor run of form.
Current league position: 8th.
Current form: Zero wins, two draws, three defeats.
Last head-to-head: Tottenham 1-2 West Ham – 7 December, 2023.
Tottenham’s next run of five fixtures has a mixed bag of opposition, with some struggling for form while a huge head-to-head remains for that top four spot. The tricky part of the run could come in there being more away games (three) to home games (two) in the upcoming run.
Average league position of opposition: 11th.
Aston Villa fixtures
Nottingham Forest (H) – February 24
Luton Town (A) – March 2
Tottenham (H) – March 10
West Ham (A) – March 17
Wolves (H) – March 30
Average league position of opposition: 11th.
Aston Villa’s next five fixtures are equally as mixed as Tottenham’s run of games ahead. One advantage they have is more home games, especially given their form at Villa Park this season, but they have some tricky tests too.
Besides the head-to-head with Tottenham, Villa also have the added pressure of a derby clash against Wolves at the end of March. It could add some extra difficulty to such a high stakes match that may swing the race for top four.
Man United fixtures
Luton Town (A) – February 18
Fulham (H) – February 24
Manchester City (A) – March 3
Everton (H) – March 9
Sheffield United (H) – March 16
Average league position of opposition: 14th.
Manchester United have muscled their way into the top four conversation once again, with a run of form that includes three wins on the bounce. The Red Devils have a run that may look kind on paper, but tougher in reality.
A local clash with Manchester City will always have its difficulties, but the likes of Luton, Fulham, Everton and Sheffield United will provide stern tests if they can continue to be solid in defence.
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