Inspired by charismatic manager Antonio Conte, Tottenham Hotspur are vying for their first top-four Premier League finish since 2018/19.

It has been a rollercoaster season for Spurs. Yet, they have leapfrogged Arsenal into fourth in the Premier League standings after winning three straight league games for the third time this term.

It looks as if Conte’s men have put a torrid start to the new calendar year firmly behind them and are now in complete control of their bid to return to the Champions League after a two-year hiatus.

Tottenham are seemingly on an upwards trajectory, as evidenced by their stunning come-from-behind 5-1 thumping of Newcastle United last time out.

A trip to mid-table Aston Villa is coming up next and Spurs will be looking to retain fourth place by extending their winning league streak to four for the first time this season.

However, the competition for the fourth-place finish is fierce, with Arsenal, Manchester United and West Ham United staking their claims for Champions League qualification.

Tottenham could find some comfort knowing their fixture schedule is far more comfortable compared to their fellow rivals.

Key fixtures

Spurs will take on a couple of high-profile opponents down the final stretch, including their upcoming home clash against Arsenal in a top-four six-pointer.

Tottenham will be looking to land a knock-out blow on the Gunners, who have suffered a bit of a blip with a brace of defeats to Crystal Palace and Liverpool in their last three league outings.

Conte’s men will have an added motive to outshine Mikel Arteta’s side after falling to an embarrassing 3-1 loss in the reverse fixture at the Emirates Stadium.

But before welcoming Arsenal to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for their all-London encounter, Tottenham will take a trip to Anfield to tackle title-battling Liverpool.

That should be Spurs’ toughest fixture in the remainder of the season, and a positive result against one of the most in-form sides in Europe would be a huge morale boost for the Londoners.

Given Conte’s track record of success at his previous jobs and Harry Kane and Son Heung-min’s return to form, the Tottenham faithful has every reason for optimism about watching their side in the Champions League again next season.

How could Champions League qualification affect Spurs’ summer transfer window?

Spurs bigwig Daniel Levy gave his best to fend off Man City’s bid to sign Kane last summer despite the lack of Champions League and another trophyless season in 2020/21.

Conte’s men have failed to land a single piece of silverware this season too, but the team’s noticeable improvement under the Italian manager promises great things in the future.

Qualification for next season’s Champions League would bolster Spurs’ chances of retaining Kane, who is still wanted by City and Manchester United.

Tottenham have already decided to trigger a buy-out clause in Dejan Kulusevski’s loan deal.

The Swede has thrived during his short-term loan from Juventus, convincing Conte to give the go-ahead for his permanent move to London.

According to the Daily Mail, Spurs will dash out £25m to acquire the services of the 21-year-old on a permanent basis.

As per the most recent Tottenham transfer news, Brentford ace Christian Eriksen could seal a shock return to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium following his mesmerising displays in 2022.

The Danish playmaker has bounced back from a cardiac arrest at Euro 2020, re-establishing himself as a permanent fixture in the national team while going from strength to strength in the Premier League.

Eriksen scored his debut goal for the Bees in their mammoth 4-1 win away to Chelsea last time out, having impressed for Denmark during March’s international break beforehand.