Why there is extra incentive for Tottenham Hotspur to finish third

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Tottenham Hotspur are on fire right now, but there is still work to be done.

Tottenham Hotspur are just a handful of games away from going 20 matches unbeaten in all competitions, but beyond that, they are in a fantastic position in the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League.

Everything seems to be falling into place for Mauricio Pochettino, and while there are still a few months remaining in what is turning out to be a thoroughly impressive campaign, Spurs fans can be proud of what they have accomplished thus far.

With all of that being said, there is a slim chance that their hard work, in the league specifically, could mean nothing unless they manage to finish in third position as opposed to fourth.

While Spurs are in the driving seat when it comes to securing a place above Arsenal and Chelsea in the top four, their London rivals could wind up having the last laugh after all.

Tottenham fans may remember that back in the 2011/12 season they finished in fourth place, but did not qualify for the Champions League courtesy of Chelsea winning the competition and stealing their spot despite finishing in sixth. As it turns out, the same thing could well happen again, despite the rules being changed.

Back in 2013, UEFA regulations were altered to state that no more than five teams from one nation can compete in the UCL in the same season. Because of this, Champions League & Europa League triumphs for the Blues and Arsenal respectively would mean that Spurs are forced to drop back down into Europe’s second most prestigious club competition, if they finish fourth.

Some may choose to see this as an unlikely prospect, but it would not be completely outside the realms of possibility. When Chelsea initially won their only Champions League title they were not playing well at all in the league, which is the case this season too. On top of that, on paper, Arsenal have by far one of the strongest sides in the Europa League and should consider themselves to be the favourites.

Spurs’ league form has been top notch for quite some time now, but when you look at their fixture schedule from now until the final day, there are certainly some potential obstacles. Chelsea and Manchester City are both still awaiting the North London side, meanwhile, the likes of Brighton and Watford will prove to be tricky contests following their recent run of form.

With four losses in their last five league games, the Blues will most likely switch their focus to Europe, meanwhile Manchester United finally seem to be finding some form with just one defeat in six in all competitions. Liverpool still have Manchester United, the Merseyside derby and Chelsea on the horizon too, and if we have learnt anything over the last few years, it is to never underestimate the Reds’ ability to lose games they should really be winning.

With Juventus to come midweek, you have to question where Pochettino’s priorities are going to be moving forward, and whether or not Spurs have the depth to contend on all three fronts.