Why Tottenham have a long eight days off before crucial Chelsea showdown
Tottenham now head into the biggest week of their season knowing they have little room for error, although one scheduling quirk could hand Spurs a slight advantage ahead of their clash with Chelsea.
It is starting to get very tense at the bottom of the Premier League table with just two games left to play.
This week’s round of results certainly brought good news for Leeds United, Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace, who are now safe and can no longer be relegated.
However, for Tottenham, the situation remains tense, with Spurs just two points above 18th-placed West Ham United.
Things could well have looked different for Tottenham had they made the Hammers pay for their dropped points against Arsenal in matchweek 36.
Unfortunately, Spurs failed to do so, instead drawing 1-1 with Leeds United and leaving the relegation battle wide open heading into the closing stages of the season.
Tottenham handed rest advantage before Chelsea clash
Tottenham will now turn their attention to their next Premier League fixture, with Chelsea awaiting at Stamford Bridge.
The Lilywhites know the scale of the challenge ahead, given they have managed just one Premier League win against the Blues at Stamford Bridge.
However, Spurs must avoid defeat if they are to maintain their place in 17th, making the clash against Chelsea even more significant.
Before Tottenham return to action, though, eight days will have passed since their draw with Leeds United. That is because the meeting between Spurs and Chelsea was rescheduled after the Blues reached the FA Cup final.
As a result, Tottenham will head into the encounter with eight days of rest, while Chelsea are set to have just three days to recover.
Spurs must make rest advantage count
That significant break could certainly play into Tottenham’s hands as they will have more time to prepare for their London rivals.
However, Spurs have struggled to take advantage of similar situations this season when they have enjoyed a longer rest period, which will only add to concerns heading into the game.
Regardless, with Chelsea now very unlikely to secure a Champions League place, winning the FA Cup could represent their best route into Europe given their poor league form.
Should the Blues beat Manchester City and secure European qualification that way, Chelsea’s players could have little left to play for when they face Tottenham, something Spurs will hope works in their favour.
