Just barely, Tottenham Hotspur did what it needed to do on Thursday, escaping Germany with all three points and positioning itself well to avoid the Europa League Playoff Round. This is of utmost importance given the club’s ongoing injury crisis and comical lack of available bodies. There is still work to be done in next week’s tie against Elfsborg, which remains the top current priority.
After losing to Everton last weekend, Spurs did little to quiet relegation jokes and again face that risk on Sunday. Leicester City is in dreadful form and looks increasingly likely to return to the Championship. However, with Tottenham hovering just a few places above the drop zone, there is little room for condescension in this matchup.
Tottenham Hotspur (15th, 24pts) vs. Leicester City (19th, 14pts)
Date: Sunday, January 26
Time: 9:00 am ET, 2:00 pm UK
Location: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London
TV: USA Network (US)
Leicester has the league’s second-worst goal difference and has struggled mightily on both ends of the pitch. The Foxes have lost their last seven league matches — six of those by multiple goals — and have scored just twice during this stretch. If ever there was a textbook “Dr. Tottenham” moment, a bad result this weekend would rank near the top. Dropping points against a side in this state would be completely unacceptable.
Of course, we already have seen this happen plenty this season, including between these two squads. Back in the reverse fixture at the King Power Stadium, Tottenham started brightly, carrying a 1-0 lead into halftime. In the most clear omen to have ever existed, Jamie Vardy equalized and Spurs looked lost for the rest of the match, setting the tone for a campaign inundated with dropped points.
PLEASE
I am not sure there will be a better chance for a clean sheet the rest of this year. While Everton seemed vulnerable as well, and clearly that did not matter, Leicester is in such abysmal form that it is hard to imagine facing a colder side. Yes, this sets up the perfect jinx for a multi-goal outburst from the visitors, but honestly, what else can even be said at this point?
Ruud van Nistelrooy will challenge his side to create chances, even if it means conceding some possession. Leicester has struggled to generate consistent attacking momentum this season, but will look to capitalize on any sloppiness from Tottenham’s defense. On the road, the Foxes may take on a more compact shape, but their primary focus will be on exploiting turnovers and gaps left by Spurs’ back line. This is a real stoppable-force-meets-movable-object experiment.
Revolving doors
For much of the season, it has felt like Ange Postecoglou has been experimenting endlessly with the front three and the No. 10 role, trying nearly every permutation available. With injuries piling up, this experimentation has become a necessity; thankfully, Thursday’s combination delivered, with both James Maddison and Heung-min Son stepping up in key moments. The concern, however, is fatigue. Son and Dejan Kulusevski look visibly worn down, and Richarlison is only just returning to match fitness.
This could open the door for a Mikey Moore cameo, Lucas Bergvall playing in a more advanced role, or perhaps another surprise. Leicester has conceded plenty of goals but will make Spurs create their opportunities. With the Europa League taking priority, it will be interesting to see how willing Postecoglou is to exhaust his already depleted squad. Then again, given the current state of affairs, emptying the cabinets might look like a normal day at Tottenham anyway.