Spurs out to exert pressure on Chelsea

TOTTENHAM will hope to create some scoreboard pressure when the race for the Premier League title gathers pace this weekend.

Seven points behind Chelsea with eight games to go, Tottenham have won five league games in a row, the latest a stirring fightback against Swansea in midweek.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side have the advantage of playing the early kickoff tomorrow as they welcome Watford to White Hart Lane. Chelsea then travel to Bournemouth in tomorrow’s late match.

Tottenham could have striker Harry Kane back for the clash with Watford, a match they surely have to win to keep their chances alive.

Pochettino praised Tottenham’s character in their 3-1 come from behind win at Swansea in the final minutes and is not giving up hope that they can catch Chelsea yet. “If you never give up, have faith and keep pushing hard then it can happen,” he said.

Conte is closing in on the title in his first season in charge at Chelsea but is wary of Tottenham’s strength.

“With eight games to go, we know Tottenham can win eight so we need to take 18 points to have it mathematically,” the Italian said.

“I think it’s right to think we will be pushed to the end. When you see your opponents continue to win, you must win to win the title. That’s all we have to do.”

Behind the top two, the battle for the other two Champions League spots is hotting up, with six points between Liverpool in third and Manchester United in sixth.

Having played one game more than fourth-placed Manchester City and two more than Arsenal and United, Liverpool cannot afford to drop too many points in their remaining seven matches.

Jurgen Klopp’s side travel to Stoke City looking to recover from a disappointing 2-2 draw with Bournemouth yesterday.

Daniel Sturridge is in contention to for a starting spot for Liverpool but Sadio Mane is likely to miss out again through the injury he suffered last weekend against Everton.

Hull are away to Manchester City with manager Marco Silva well aware the escape job is nowhere near complete.

Arsenal have to wait until Monday before they play at Crystal Palace while Manchester United travel to bottom side Sunderland on Sunday, looking for a change in momentum after three draws in their past four matches.

Sunderland are 10 points away from safety and need wins to even give themselves a chance, something midfielder Lee Cattermole readily admits.

Second-bottom Middlesbrough, also desperate for points, host Burnley tomorrow, while Everton meet Leicester, West Bromwich Albion play Southampton and West Ham meet Swansea are the rest of the fixtures this weekend. – dpa