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Tottenham Hotspur have been so close over the last few seasons but never really at the very top. Sure, we could spot gradual improvement under Mauricio Pochettino but crucially, they are still missing the trophies. With that in mind, here are five key dates in the upcoming season that will decide if they are going to merely quality for Champions League football again or push for the Premier League title…
17 August, Manchester City (A)
Tottenham’s second fixture puts them against the reigning and defending champs. This will be a huge test to see whether Spurs have what it takes to tango with the best. Early fixtures can often set the tone of the whole season and what better way to see if Poch’s boys are ready to challenge for the title than facing Manchester City?
26 October, Liverpool (A)
Two months after that, Spurs have a date with the Premier league’s second best, Liverpool. The same is true for the Reds as was for the Citizens. If Tottenham want the title, games like this one at Anfield will play a crucial part in their journey to the top.
7 December, Burnley (H)
After two mammoth games, there’s one against Burnley. Seriously? It might sound strange but a defeat and a scrappy one-nil victory for Spurs against Burnley last year prove they are indeed tricky. Besides, this game is sandwiched between Manchester United (A) and Wolves (A). If Poch manages to get nine points in this period, Spurs will head into winter with their heads held high.
21 December, Chelsea (H)
Spurs generally struggle against the Blues, although they did trounce them 3-1 at Wembley last season, so beating them at their new stadium just before Christmas will be vital for them. Defeat, on the other hand, suggests top four is about the best Spurs can hope for. Not to mention this comes right after a tough game against Wolves away. Tricky month, tricky opponents.
29 February, Wolverhampton Wanderers (H)
And finally, Wolves in late February. Spurs find it hard to play Wolves in general, and last year they barely managed to scrap a 2:3 win at the Molineux before suffering a big 1:3 defeat at home. Changing their fortunes against such a tough opponent will tell us if Spurs are ready to contest the throne. If last season taught us anything, it’s that the teams at the very top need to be almost machine-like against this calibre of opposition.