Tottenham Hotspur have announced when they will play in their first Premier League game in their new stadium.
Glenn Hoddle has told BT Sport that he expects Tottenham to get a real lift once they move into their new stadium that could benefit Mauricio Pochettino’s men both in the Champions League and in the race for the top four in the Premier League.
Domestically, it has been a disappointing spell for Spurs. It was not long ago that they were considered genuine title contenders alongside Manchester City and Liverpool, but three defeats in their last four have left the side now looking to keep the top four challengers at bay during the remaining weeks of the campaign.
Their performances in Europe have been outstanding however, as they thrashed Borussia Dortmund 4-0 over two legs to qualify for the quarter-final of the Champions League.
Their reward is a last eight tie with Pep Guardiola’s side. Tottenham may well be underdogs, but Hoddle believes that the new stadium – which Spurs have confirmed they will play their first game in next month – could make a big difference.
“Having the home leg first, in the new stadium, will be a massive plus for Tottenham. I really feel that. If they can get that good result, if they can take something up to City to hang onto, then that will be the key moment,” he told BT Sport.
“That new stadium, once they go into it, I’m sure that’s going to ignite them again and perhaps give them that emphasis to go again and get into that top four. But it’s going to be a close shave.”
It is difficult to imagine Tottenham not benefiting from moving into their stadium. Their Premier League record at Wembley this season is good, but not superb. The rest of the top five combined have lost fewer home games than Spurs this term.
And finally putting an end to the uncertainty surrounding the timing of the stadium move will certainly be music to Pochettino’s ears as they look to end the campaign on a high.
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