I have never been one to elevate the Europa League and cup competitions over the Premier League, but Tottenham Hotspur seems to have little choice right now. Another dreadful league performance over the weekend has sunk Spurs further down the table, and a dramatic charge in the second half of the season feels increasingly unrealistic, even if it remains mathematically possible.
No, the best route to glory this year lies in the cups, which means elevating the Europa League to priority No. 1. On paper, Tottenham remains one of the best teams in this competition. However, taking just one point from the past two matches has left work to do in the League Phase. A win over Rangers on Thursday would go a long way toward securing a top-eight position, which must now be the team’s main focus.
Rangers (t-6th, 10pts) vs. Tottenham Hotspur (t-6th, 10pts)
Date: Thursday, December 12
Time: 3:00 pm ET, 8:00 pm UK
Location: Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, Scotland
TV: Paramount+ (USA), TNT Sports 1 (UK)
Rangers sit level with Spurs on points, boasting a 3-1-1 record. Their lone loss came against their toughest opponent so far, Lyon, and upcoming back-to-back matches against Tottenham and Manchester United will make it tough to stay near the top. Third in the Scottish Premiership, Rangers are comparable to a bottom-half Premier League side, and the British element adds an extra angle to this fixture.
The last meeting between these clubs dates back to Tottenham’s 1962/63 Cup Winners’ Cup triumphal campaign. In general, Spurs lack much history against Scottish sides, with their most recent clash being against Hearts in the 2011/12 Europa League. However, Ange Postecoglou is quite familiar with Rangers, having gone 4-1-2 against them in Old Firm Derbies during his Celtic tenure, though he won just once in four attempts at Ibrox. Surely, this is a match Postecoglou has circled on the calendar…as have the home supporters.
Making the case
There are three reasons why Spurs should go all-in on this match — and the Europa League as a whole. The first is simply math: finishing in the top eight of the League Phase would leave just seven fixtures remaining in the competition, compared to 23 domestic matches. With Cristian Romero re-injured and Brennan Johnson joining the already crowded infirmary, it seems unrealistic for Spurs to seriously compete on multiple fronts. However, there are surely enough warm bodies to attack seven more matches.
Second, Postecoglou’s side has thrived on big occasions, dominating at Old Trafford and the Etihad earlier this season, while struggling in more routine contests. While the last two Europa League performances have been underwhelming, shifting focus and resources toward this competition could re-energize (what remains of) the squad. Rangers may not be the most formidable opponent, but the electric atmosphere at Ibrox and the grandeur of European competition could inspire Tottenham to rise to the occasion.
Finally, it is unlikely Postecoglou will approach this game conservatively; there is too much at stake for him personally, especially with the current terrible vibes. I do not think his job is actually in jeopardy, but even if it is, the Europa League might be the way he can save it anyway. So while I truly do believe Tottenham must go all out to win this competition, I also expect Postecoglou to operate the same way, at least against Rangers.
Spurs must approach this match with the urgency and ambition of a team wanting to lift this trophy, because right now, the Europa League represents their best shot at achieving anything this season.
