Sitting third in the Premier League table and having recently topped its Champions League group, what can we expect for Spurs in the final matches before the World Cup?
Here are our predictions for the three domestic matches for November, and where Spurs will be when the World Cup kicks off in Qatar.
(Photo by Visionhaus)
Sunday, November 6: vs. Liverpool
Spurs took points from both matches against last season’s Premier League runner-up, drawing twice against Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Spurs might be able to do more than just share the points this time around when Liverpool makes the trip to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, however.
Liverpool is struggling at the moment, currently sitting 9th in the table after losses to Leeds United and bottom-of-the-table Nottingham Forest. Part of the problem for Liverpool has also been injuries, which Spurs know all too well about right now.
If Spurs are to take advantage of a wounded Liverpool side, however, they need to play strong for the entire match, not just the second half.
Prediction: Spurs 2-2 Liverpool
Wednesday, November 9: at Nottingham Forest (EFL Cup)
Entering at the third round of the Carabao Cup, Spurs battle the team at the bottom of the Premier League table.
This will be Spurs’ second (of three) matches in seven days before the World Cup, and the injuries are starting to take their toll. Son Heung-min, Richarlison, Rodrigo Bentancur, Cristian Romero, and Lucas Moura are all currently battling numerous ailments (Football.London).
In other words, Spurs won’t be able to put out anything close to a full-strength side, especially since they play a match against Leeds United just three days later.
I don’t believe Forest will be putting out a full first team either though since climbing out of the Premier League relegation zone is likely higher on the club’s list of priorities than the Carabao Cup.
Spurs should put out the best team they can, seeing that the competition is the most likely path to ending a 14-year silverware drought.
Prediction: Spurs 2-0 Nottingham Forest
Saturday, November 12: vs. Leeds United
The final match before World Cup begins just over a week later, Spurs face a team just one point above the relegation zone.
This does not mean Spurs should take Leeds United lightly, however, knowing they have beaten both Chelsea and Liverpool so far in the campaign.
Both teams will be trying to finish strong before the long break, but Spurs should have the upper hand against a team that has generally struggled. In fact, the last time Leeds won a league match before upsetting Liverpool last weekend was August 21.
Spurs will come out on top at home, a place where they’ve lost just once this season (Newcastle).
Prediction: Spurs 3-1 Leeds United
Final analysis
Having already played a Champions League match this month, having three more domestic matches before the World Cup break will be a difficult obstacle for Spurs to overcome.
Injuries are an issue, but Spurs also need to play better over the course of entire matches instead of falling behind and needing to come from behind. Sure, it makes some matches quite exciting, but I think every Spurs fan – and hopefully player – would like to just win the games and not nearly have a heart attack each week.
With two league matches this month, I expect Spurs to pick up four points, leaving them on 30 points through 15 matches at the break.
I also believe Spurs will move on to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, putting them in a good position for a run at silverware and the top four when they return just before Christmas.
Where do you see Spurs in the table come the World Cup break?
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