Joe Cole has said that Tottenham Hotspur could pip Aston Villa to fourth place, suggesting that the latter’s involvement in the Europa Conference League might work in Spurs’ favour.
After Villa were defeated at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday following Tottenham’s 1-1 draw at the London Stadium 24 hours before, the two sides are just separated by two points.
Spurs have their destiny in their own hands as they know they would leapfrog Villa if they win their game in hand.
However, Tottenham fans might not be overly confident of their team’s chances of clinching the final guaranteed Champions League spot, given the inconsistency that has been plaguing the side over recent months.
Spurs still have some tough fixtures coming up, including clashes against all three title contenders, and all indications at the moment are that the race for fourth place will go right down to the wire.
Tottenham vs Aston Villa in the race for top four
Cole believes that Tottenham might have the upper hand, given that Villa are still going strong in Europe.
The former Chelsea star told TNT Sports (02/04/24): “I think they could nick fourth.
“Tottenham were the surprise package for me at the start of the season, we knew about Ange with his Celtic team and we wondered whether they had the capabilities but I think the signings have been fabulous, Porro, Van De Ven, Udogie, Maddison.
“I think they had a little blip but I think they can hunt down Villa, I really do. Don’t underestimate that Villa’s campaign in Europe will take something away from them. Lille are a good side and they will push Villa.”
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Like Tottenham, Villa also have some tough fixtures left and the race is too close to predict at the moment. Both sides would be hoping that a fifth-place finish is enough to get into the Champions League.
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