Now we can talk about the top four

Just over a third of the season has gone and it is a case of so far so good for Tottenham Hotspur. 25 points from 13 games represents an excellent start, but the question will we be fourth when the season finishes?

It is a tough ask. The holy grail of a top four finish preoccupies too many clubs – Spurs especially, just ask Martin Jol – but the carrot of Champions League football is hard to ignore. The team is clearly good enough to gatecrash the so-called ‘big four’, but a lot can change between now and May.

We are on course for a final points tally of near 75 points, which would almost certainly be enough to finish fourth. 75 points earned Manchester United the title in 1996/97, but the gap between the elite and the rest has widened since then. Even so, carrying on as we are should suffice for Champions League football next season.

A slight tailing off might not be too damaging to our odds of finishing in the top four of the Premier League, largely due to the inconsistency of Liverpool. We are five points clear of the Reds and it is no exaggeration to say they currently appear incapable of bridging the gap.

Aston Villa and Manchester City are perhaps bigger rivals, but both clubs have more deficiencies than Spurs. A lack of goals might hinder Villa, whilst City’s problems are at the back. Both managers will have funds to spend in January, but Harry Redknapp can strengthen if he needs to.

The 9-1 win over Wigan Athletic was a timely confidence boost, but it is only of value if it is backed up with a good performance at Villa Park. Three points on Saturday would enable Spurs fans to finally say with confidence that a top four finish is on the cards.

In other sports news, the betting odds for the Cheltenham Gold Cup are heating up, so keep your eye on these for future betting opportunities.

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