The Key Games in Tottenham’s Top Four Bid

Tottenham Hotspur needed a reset after last season, where they went through three managers and still missed out on European qualification after finishing eighth in the Premier League.

Spurs sifted through potential managerial targets before landing on Ange Postecoglou. The 58-year-old put his name on Tottenham’s radar after leading Celtic to a domestic double and treble in his two seasons in Scotland.

The affable Australian boss joined Tottenham last summer and wasted no time imprinting his high-octane, ultra-attacking style on his new team.

Backed with exciting additions such as James Maddison, Micky van de Ven, Guglielmo Vicario, Destiny Udogie and Brennan Johnson, Postecoglou started his journey in England with a bang.

Tottenham led the way in the Premier League after ten games, with Postecoglou winning three consecutive Manager of the Month awards for their performances.

However, injuries and suspensions to key players halted Spurs’ momentum, highlighting how inadequate their squad was compared to other top club Premier League clubs. Despite this, Postecoglou has kept Tottenham in the running for a top four finish.

Spurs are desperate to secure a return back to the Champions League after a one-year hiatus. It would make Postecoglou’s first season a success, especially after crashing out of the domestic cups.

Tottenham have only one thing left to fight for – a Champions League spot – meaning the remaining league games will be crucial for their hopes.

The bookmakers are cautiously optimistic about their chances, pricing them at odds of 1.90 to finish in the top four. Postecoglou will fancy his chances of delivering a winning return to punters.

The Australian has breathed new life into the club, captivating fans with his attacking philosophy and infectious aura. His appoint at Spurs has naturally spiked interest in the team with Aussie supporters.

They are now a compelling proposition for Australian punters looking to explore the world of online betting using Google Pay betting sites. Numerous Aussie bettors have been using the speedy payment option to fund their sportsbook account before wagering on Tottenham.

Their hopes of making a profit undoubtedly rest on five crucial games, which will likely determine whether Spurs can finish above the line to qualify for the Champions League.

Chelsea (A) – February 23

Tottenham topped the table until they clashed with Chelsea on Matchday 11, and their London rivals ended their unbeaten record with a 4-1 demolition job.

Maddison and Van de Ven picked up long-term injuries, while Cristian Romero and Udogie collected red cards and suspensions.

Spurs will be desperate for revenge at Stamford Bridge, and the game could be the perfect opportunity for them to spoil Chelsea’s party.

The Blues have been in a rich vein of form (W4, L1) to boost their own hopes of forcing their way into top four contention before the end of the season.

Tottenham have only managed one win against Chelsea in their last seven meetings and will want to rectify that record. It is worth noting that Chelsea failed to beat Tottenham in their two league fixtures last season.

Chelsea’s recent record and potential climb up the table makes this fixture a crucial hurdle that Tottenham must overcome in their bid for the top four.

Aston Villa (A) – March 9

Another tantalising fixture that could have a massive impact on Spurs’ top-four hopes is their visit to Aston Villa on March 9.

The Midlands side have collected 28 points from a possible 30 at Villa Park, and Spurs will need to play out of their skin to collect a crucial scalp against them.

Villa have won their last three fixtures against Tottenham. Before that run, Spurs had defeated them twice.

Tottenham and Villa are two attacking teams that will not hold back, and this clash is a must-watch as they collide in a match that could determine who takes the final Champions League spot.

Manchester City (H) – April 20

Tottenham welcome treble winners and reigning champions Manchester City to London on April 20.

Before City knocked Postecoglou’s side out of the FA Cup over the weekend, they had never scored at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in five visits.

Postecoglou will be itching for his team to get revenge against Pep Guardiola’s side after the 1-0 defeat ended their chances of claiming silverware this season.

They have previously been considered City’s bogey team and will hope that reputation stands them in good stead in their latest meeting.

Arsenal (H) – April 27

Tottenham have three colossal games between mid-April and early May, and right in the middle is their derby fixture against Arsenal.

The Gunners will be fighting for their first Premier League title in 20 years, and Tottenham can dent their hopes while boosting their chances of a top-four finish.

Spurs have won one of their last four clashes with Arsenal and will be desperate to improve that record when they host Mikel Arteta’s side on April 27.

Both managers are known for their attacking philosophies. Expect a high-tempo, action-packed game with plenty of attacking intent.

Liverpool (A) – May 4

Tottenham clinched a controversial win over Liverpool in their first clash of the season, and the Merseyside outfit will be out for revenge in the reverse fixture.

It was Tottenham’s first win in 12 games against the Reds, and they need to buckle up for this crucial clash as their recent results do not bode well.

Tottenham must bring their ‘A’ game against table-toppers Liverpool, who will be further galvanised by the impending departure of manager Jurgen Klopp.

A strong performance and a positive result could propel them towards the Champions League and leave Postecoglou to reflect on a job well done at the end of the season.