Is It Time to Oppose Spurs in the Premier League?
Tottenham Hotspur’s chances of securing European football next season solely rest on their performance in the Europa League. With their Premier League campaign going awry, is it time to bet against Spurs in domestic competitions?
The Current Situation at Tottenham
Under the management of Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham Hotspur has struggled in the Premier League this season, enduring a whopping 17 defeats in 32 games and accumulating only 37 points. This dismal performance puts them on track to have their worst-ever season in the league, with their previous low being 44 points across a 42-game campaign.
Despite the return of several key players from injury, Tottenham’s form has not improved. With just one win in their last six matches, including a disappointing 4-2 loss to 17th-placed Wolves, the team is facing a tough challenge in the league.
The Europa League Lifeline
One silver lining for Postecoglou’s side is their involvement in the Europa League. Currently locked in a quarter-final battle with Frankfurt, Spurs are looking to overturn a 1-1 aggregate score in the second leg in Germany.
Having finished fourth in the group stage and secured a spot in the round of 16 by defeating AZ Alkmaar, Tottenham’s focus seems to have shifted towards winning the Europa League to secure a spot in the coveted Champions League next season.
Upcoming Europa League Clash
Tottenham’s opponents, Frankfurt, have been performing well in the Bundesliga and are on course to secure a Champions League spot domestically. With the second leg of the Europa League quarter-finals approaching, Spurs face a challenging task as Frankfurt has a strong home record in the competition.
Despite Frankfurt’s recent struggles against Tottenham, the upcoming fixture will be crucial for Spurs’ season. Bookmakers are offering favorable odds for a Tottenham victory, emphasizing the importance of this game for the London club.
Premier League Dilemma
Currently closer to the relegation zone than European qualification in the Premier League, Spurs seem to have little left to play for domestically. Their next league match against third-place Nottingham Forest poses another tough challenge, with Forest appearing to be the stronger team based on current form.
With Tottenham playing a high-stakes fixture midweek in the Europa League, a bet on Nottingham Forest could hold value against a potentially fatigued Spurs side.
In conclusion, as Tottenham’s focus shifts towards the Europa League and their Premier League campaign continues to falter, it may be worth considering betting against Spurs in domestic competitions until they can turn their season around.
Struggling Defense and Lack of Goals
One of the main reasons behind Tottenham’s poor performance this season is their struggling defense. Conceding goals at an alarming rate, they have the second-worst defensive record in the Premier League, having shipped in 53 goals so far. This defensive frailty has cost them crucial points and put them under immense pressure in matches.
Additionally, Tottenham’s attacking prowess has also been lacking, with key players like Harry Kane and Son Heung-min failing to consistently find the back of the net. Their goal-scoring drought has further compounded their issues, leaving them vulnerable in games where they need to outscore opponents to secure points.
Managerial Challenges and Squad Depth
Manager Ange Postecoglou has faced criticism for his tactics and team selection, with some questioning his ability to turn Tottenham’s fortunes around. The lack of a clear game plan and inconsistent performances have highlighted the challenges he faces in managing a squad that lacks depth in key areas.
Injuries to key players have also hampered Tottenham’s season, forcing them to field makeshift lineups that have struggled to compete against top-quality opposition. With limited options on the bench, Postecoglou has found it challenging to rotate his squad effectively and maintain a high level of performance across all competitions.
Euro 2020 and Its Impact
The upcoming Euro 2020 tournament poses another challenge for Tottenham, as several of their key players are set to feature for their national teams. The demanding schedule of international competitions could further strain Tottenham’s squad and affect their performance in crucial matches, both in the Premier League and Europa League.
With players like Harry Kane, Son Heung-min, and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg expected to represent their countries in Euro 2020, Tottenham will need to navigate through a congested fixture list and manage player fatigue effectively to avoid burnout and injuries.
Looking Ahead to Next Season
As Tottenham navigates through a turbulent season, their focus will be on regrouping and rebuilding for the next campaign. Whether they secure European football or not, the club will need to address their issues in defense, bolster their attacking options, and potentially make changes in the managerial setup to compete at the highest level.
With rivals strengthening their squads and challenging for top honors, Tottenham must regroup and come back stronger to avoid falling further behind in the Premier League and European competitions.
Final Thoughts
As Tottenham’s season hangs in the balance, their performances in the Europa League and Premier League will be closely scrutinized by fans and pundits alike. While the odds may be stacked against them in domestic competitions, a strong showing in the Europa League could provide a glimmer of hope and redemption for a team in need of a resurgence.
Whether Tottenham can turn their fortunes around and secure European football next season remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – the journey ahead will be filled with challenges and obstacles that will test the resolve and character of the club and its supporters.
