Glenn Hoddle has delivered his verdict on the race for a top-four finish in the Premier League this season.
Tottenham face a tricky test at home to Nottingham Forest today which will see Nuno Espirito Santo return to north London.
Spurs have the opportunity to move above Aston Villa into the top four following yesterday’s results.
Unai Emery’s men left it late to rescue a point at home to Brentford but Ange Postecoglou will be hoping to capitalise with two games in hand.
Villa star Ollie Watkins has already admitted he expects a close battle for a place in the Champions League, claiming Spurs have a ‘great squad’.
With just eight games left to play for Tottenham, Glenn Hoddle has predicted who will finish in the top four.
Hoddle backs Tottenham to finish fourth
Speaking to TNT Sports, Hoddle was asked for his verdict on the race for Champions League football.
“It is very close between the two of them,” the Tottenham legend said. “We have a game in hand. We must win that.
“But that’s away to Chelsea and that is never an easy game for Tottenham. But Villa and Tottenham have got to play Man City, Arsenal and Liverpool. So Villa have to play them as well.
“There is a massive, if you like, they could take a lot of points away from those top teams and do themselves some good.
“So, I think how they play, Villa and Tottenham, against the top teams I think will determine whether they get fourth. My heart says Tottenham, of course. But there is so much to play for.”
Tottenham and Aston Villa’s fixtures compared
Spurs and Villa don’t exactly have the easiest run-in, with both sides set to play both Liverpool and Arsenal.
But Tottenham’s fixtures look more testing on paper as they will also host Manchester City, as well as difficult away games at St James’ Park and Stamford Bridge.
Tottenham
07/04/24 – Nottingham Forest (H)
13/04/24 – Newcastle United (A)
28/04/24 – Arsenal (H)
02/05/24 – Chelsea (A)
05/05/24 – Liverpool (A)
11/05/24 – Burnely (H)
19/05/24 – Sheffield United (A)
TBD* – Manchester City (H)
Aston Villa
14/04/24 – Arsenal (A)
21/04/24 – Bournemouth (H)
27/04/24 – Chelsea (H)
04/05/24 – Brighton (A)
11/05/24 – Liverpool (H)
19/05/24 – Crystal Palace (A)