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Race for top four: Tottenham Hotspur

21 Mar 2019
Christian Eriksen, Tottenham

A look at form, fixtures and key man for third-placed Spurs as they attempt to secure UEFA Champions League qualification

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The race for the top four is intensifying as we enter the final months of the season, so we have taken a look at the prospects of those battling it out for a place in next season's UEFA Champions League.

How they stand

Position Pos Club Played Pl GD Points Pts
1 Manchester City MCI 38 +72 98
2 Liverpool LIV 38 +67 97
3 Chelsea CHE 38 +24 72
4 Tottenham Hotspur TOT 38 +28 71
5 Arsenal ARS 38 +22 70
6 Manchester United MUN 38 +11 66
Tottenham Hotspur

The return of Harry Kane and Dele Alli from injuries have yet to have an impact on Spurs' form, which has suffered in recent weeks.

Three defeats in four Premier League matches have altered their outlook from outside contenders for the title to facing a fight to stay in the top four.

Form

The point gained from the 1-1 north London derby draw at Wembley Stadium was their only return from matches with Burnley, Chelsea, Arsenal and Southampton.

Defeat by Chelsea was particularly damaging, as Arsenal and Manchester United picked up points the same Matchweek to close the gap.

Spurs remain third with 61 points, but will be aware that Arsenal lie only a point behind having been 10 points back in February.

Fixtures

Five of Spurs' eight remaining matches are set to be played at their new home, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Although it is their away form that has suffered recently, playing at the new ground could provide Spurs a welcome boost to their UEFA Champions League qualification prospects.

The reverse fixtures against Crystal Palace, Huddersfield Town, West Ham United, Everton and Brighton & Hove Albion all returned maximum points for Mauricio Pochettino's side.

With four of those teams residing in the bottom half of the table, Spurs will hope to pick up a similar points tally this time around, especially considering they still have to visit Liverpool and Manchester City.

Key man

Harry Kane has 17 PL goals this season and will be looking to break 20 for the fifth consecutive season.

He has good form against the eight remaining teams Spurs face this season, scoring 39 times in total, with Everton (nine), AFC Bournemouth and West Ham (both seven) particularly favoured opposition.

See: Race for top four: Kane alone can revive Spurs

Also in this series

Part 3: Race for top four: Arsenal
Part 4: Race for top four: Emery must pair up Aubameyang
Part 5: Race for top four: Manchester United
Part 6: Race for top four: Freeing Pogba vital for Solskjaer
Part 7: Race for top four: Chelsea
Part 8: Race for top four: Sarri must ease away pain

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