This weekend will see a huge clash at both ends of the Premier League table as Champions League chasing Tottenham host relegation-threatened Burnley in a crucial three-pointer for both sides.
This fixture hasn’t got the television coverage and it won’t get the headlines but the importance mustn’t be underestimated, it’s a huge at both ends of the table.
Heading into this weekend’s matches, Tottenham Hotspur sit seven points behind Aston Villa with three matches to go in the race to secure a Champions League spot.
Alternatively, Burnley are five points off safety with just two games to go and their fate could be sealed if they fail to win their respective match.
With that being said, let’s take a look at why this match is so important for either side…
How important is a win for Tottenham?
A win for Spurs will be much needed after four back to back defeats leaving Ange Postecoglou and his side looking over their shoulders as they look set to miss out on a Champions League place. A victory won’t be enough if Aston Villa win their match.
A loss for Spurs would mathematically mean they won’t be playing Champions League football next season but ultimately it would mean five defeats in a row for Spurs and more difficult questions for Postecoglou to answer. For Spurs it’s about getting the season over and done with, it couldn’t come soon enough.
Why is it so important for Burnley?
If Vincent Kompany’s Burnley pull off a victory, all attention would turn to Nottingham Forest as they face Chelsea shortly after, knowing that their result could impact their Premier League status.
Alternatively, a loss for Burnley would confirm their relegation to the Championship after one season in the Premier League and if Luton were to also lose, a point for Nottingham Forest would wrap up the relegation battle heading into the final day.
Will a draw help either side?
A draw would not help either side, for Burnley it would mean relegation and for Spurs it would mean another bad result and their Champions League dreams mathematically over.
My prediction
For me, I think Burnley will give Tottenham a run for their money due to the nature of how important this game is for both sides. However, I’m predicting a narrow 2-1 victory for Tottenham Hotspur, ending their winless run and keeping their top four hopes alive for now.