What do Tottenham need to guarantee qualification to the Europa League last 16?
TOTTENHAM started their Europe League campaign in blistering form but have tailed off recently to add jeopardy to qualification.
The North London club were the competition’s high-flyers, winning three from three, but in recent months have dropped points in three out of their last four.
A win in their last outing to equally out-of-sorts Hoffenheim has made the path towards a guaranteed place in the knockouts more simpler.
Ange Postecoglou’s side currently sit sixth in the league phase on 14 points – just one ahead of the perilous play-off positions.
The Lillywhites, who are on the hunt for an elusive trophy, host Swedish side Elfsborg for the final league game.
But, what do they need to qualify?
What do Spurs need to guarantee qualification to the Europa League last 16?
Just like fellow last 16 hopefuls Manchester United, a win on Thursday would assure qualification for Spurs.
The introduced eight-game ‘Swiss model’ has scrapped the traditional 32-team group stage of Europe’s top club competitions for a 36-team league phase.
The top eight automatically qualify for the last 16 and are joined by the winners of a playoff tie between ninth to 24th.
According to Opta’s supercomputer – which simulates the 2024-25 UEL league phase 50,000 times to work out team’s Europa League knockout likelihood – Spurs have a 92.6 per cent chance of a top-eight finish.
How to watch Spurs vs Elfsborg
- Spurs’ final league phase game against Elfsborg will be shown live on TNT Sports 2 in the UK.
- Fans will also have the option to stream all the action on discovery+ which is available to download via any compatible mobile device or tablet.
- Kick-off for the huge match and all Europa League games is scheduled to get underway at 8pm GMT on Thursday, January 30.
- Alternatively, tune in to SunSport’s comprehensive live blog for all the action as it happens.