Tottenham slumped to a disappointing defeat against AZ Alkmaar in the first leg of their last-16 Europa League clash. Having been dominated for much of the clash, Ange Postecoglou and his players are fortunate to still be in the tie.
AZ deservedly went in front when Lucas Bergvall's scuffed clearance in an attempt to clear a corner drifted into the back of his own net. Wilson Odobert was introduced by Postecoglou at half time, but it was the Dutch side that went close to grabbing the game's second when Guglielmo Vicario pulled off a smart stop to deny Ernest Poku.
The Lilywhites pushed for an equalise but AZ held firm with Odobert having their only shot on target. Just after that, Dominic Solanke was subbed off with an injury just 20 minutes into making his first appearance for nearly two months.
With that said, football.london has taken a look at the set of fixtures awaiting Spurs and some other Premier League teams as outsiders to qualify for Europe.
Tottenham next five fixtures
March 9 vs Bournemouth (H) at 2pm - Premier League
March 13 vs AZ Alkmaar (H) at 8pm - Europa League last-16
March 16 vs Fulham (A) at 1.30pm - Premier League
April 3 vs Chelsea (A) at 8pm - Premier League
April 6 vs Southampton (H) at 2pm - Premier League
Verdict: Tottenham's next four games will be far from easy to navigate and that starts with a visit from high-flying Bournemouth.
The Cherries currently sit seventh and will be looking to do the double over Spurs in their pursuit of qualifying for the Champions League. Four days later is the game that could define Tottenham's season as they welcome Alkmaar for a last-16 second leg needing to overturn a 1-0 deficit.
A trip to Fulham is the final game for the Lilywhites before the March international break with Marco Silva's side hoping to continue the fine form that has already got them into the FA Cup quarter-finals. After the two-week pause, Spurs make the short trip across the capital to face London rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Postecoglou's side will be huge favourites for their next clash as they welcome bottom side Southampton to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Aston Villa next five fixtures
March 8 vs Brentford (A) at 5.30pm - Premier League
March 12 vs Club Brugge (H) at 8pm - Champions League last-16 second leg
March 29 vs Preston (A) at 3pm - FA Cup quarter-final
April 1 vs Brighton (A) at 7.45pm - Premier League
April 5 vs Nott’m Forest (H) at 5.30pm - Premier League
Manchester United next five fixtures
March 9 vs Arsenal (H) at 4.30pm - Premier League
March 13 vs Real Sociedad (H) at 8pm - Europa League L16
March 16 vs Leicester City (A) at 7pm - Premier League
April 1 vs Nott’m Forest (A) at 8pm - Premier League
April 6 vs Manchester City (H) at 4.30pm - Premier League
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