Huzzah! Premier League football returns this weekend after an untimely international break that England supporters on cloud nine, before bringing them back down to earth with a bang.
It marked the last international break of the season, meaning that the next time players represent their nations it will actually be for something worthwhile- but enough of that, it’s the Premier League we adore and we’ve got a real treat tomorrow.
In the late kick-off, Tottenham and Liverpool fight it out for a match that may have a direct impact on their seasons. Spurs are battling Leicester City for the Premier League title, whereas Liverpool face a test to qualify for European competition.
On paper at least, Spurs should emerge victorious but it won’t be as simple as that. It’s going to be a massive test for Mauricio Pochettino’s side, who simply have to win as failure to do that may hand Leicester a huge boost.
Hit Pochettino below to see FIVE reasons Spurs have to win tomorrow!
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Title race
For Leicester City and Tottenham, every Premier League match that remains is a crucial cup final and Spurs, as the trailing club, need to ensure they don’t fall further behind the Foxes in their quest for their first league title in over half a century.
With Leicester hosting Southampton on Sunday, Tottenham can reduce their deficit to just two points but a defeat would hand the Foxes the opportunity to go eight points clear at the top. With six games remaining after this weekend, it’s a margin that may be too difficult to claw back.
Finishing above Arsenal
The Premier League title is Spur’s ambition but if they fail to achieve that, finishing above north London rivals is a must. With Spurs having the advantage for most of the season, falling below the Gunners would be a major disappointment.
Arsenal host Watford tomorrow in the standard Saturday kick-off slot, which means by the time Tottenham kick-off the deficit for the Gunners could stand at just three points and they, crucially, have a game in hand to play.
Champions League
With all the talk of winning the Premier League title, Tottenham haven’t even secured a top-four finish as of yet. Spurs should have it in the bag within the coming weeks, as they have a ten point advantage over fourth-placed Manchester City, but until it’s mathematically secured, nothing can be taken for granted.
Any slip up will be taken advantage of by one of the chasing pack, with City right down to Chelsea in tenth having a slim chance of finishing within the qualification spots for Europe’s elite competition.
Continue form
Tottenham have been absolutely flying this season but that will count for nothing unless they can keep that run going. In the past, Spurs have conceded an advantage when being sat in a positive position so they have to ensure they keep fighting.
At this stage, a poor result could have a disastrous effect on a season and lead to a poor run of form- just ask Arsenal, who’ve seen their season fall apart in the past month when it promised so much. The work isn’t done.
England stars
Moving away from the Tottenham-centric approach to this article, Spurs’ form will also have a direct effect on England’s fortunes in the summer’s European Championships. Harry Kane, Delle Alli and Eric Dier are all tipped to be starters but they must continue their form.
Danny Rose and Kyle Walker also have a chance of becoming first-choice for England and supporters across the country, no matter who they support, will be hoping these Three Lions men can continue their impressive displays this season.
