West Ham United’s victory over Freiburg in the Europa League may have just done Tottenham Hotspur a huge favour.
Next season’s Champions League is changing format and extra places are up for grabs.
And West Ham’s win on Thursday has all-but secured the Premier League a fifth spot in next season’s tournament.
New Champions League rules
The format of next season’s Champions League will see more clubs (36) now playing in the competition with teams now playing eight matches against eight different sides.
From a league format, the top eight will progress to the final 16 and from ninth to 24th, sides will meet in a two-legged knockout tie.
This has opened up more places for sides to qualify for the competition and England is looking likely to be one of the nations handed another spot.
West Ham’s win in the Europa League on Thursday night earned England more points towards securing the additional spot.
And journalist Miguel Delaney has claimed the win for the Hammers has made it all-but certain fifth spot in the Premier League will Qualify for the Champions League.
West Ham benefitting Spurs
This is a huge boost for the Lilywhites as they have been battling away for a top four finish.
They still sit in a great position to do so having beaten Aston Villa on the weekend and hold a game in hand over Unai Emery’s men.
However, this may have taken some of the pressure off Spurs going into the final run of games.
Spurs currently sit fifth – having played a game less – but could open up a nine point gap on sixth-placed Manchester United with a win on Saturday.
Ange Postecoglou will, however, be hoping this news does not see his players take their foot off the gas.
Tottenham still have some massive fixtures to come and dropping points in games like the one on the weekend would be far from ideal.
Heung-min Son and co play one final game before the international break in the league as they travel to Fulham on Saturday.
Spurs have already lost their this season – on penalties – so they should be well aware it is not an easy place to go.
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