Spurs can challenge for Europa League though need recruits

Tottenham are 16/1 joint-fifth favourites with Coral to win the Europa League this season and, should they give it major attention, there is no reason why they can’t claim it.

There is more of a reward than just silverware in the trophy cabinet, though. For the first time, in a change of format, the winners of the Europa League will go into the Champions League qualifying rounds. Mauricio Pochettino’s aim while at Southampton was to achieve a top four finish and nothing less, so by winning Europe’s secondary competition, the Argentine coach will finally get what he craves.

However, there have been concerns over the Spurs strikeforce this term, with Harry Kane the only centre forward who has been on form. It has been suggested that the club will enter the market for another frontman before the winter window ends, though the question is who?

Danny Ings continues to be linked, while speculation surrounding Saido Berahino’s future has died down since Tony Pulis took over West Bromwich Albion. Although their starting XI appears to be strong currently, there would be concerns should they sustain any injuries.

Nacer Chadli, Andros Townsend and Ryan Mason have impressed this term under Pochettino, though Paulinho and Erik Lamela are still struggling to adapt to his style, while strikers Emmanuel Adebayor and Roberto Soldado just aren’t finding the net.

Jewel in the crown, Christian Eriksen cannot be expected to carry the creative burden on his own, so it could be that the club need more than just one recruit to succeed in the Europa League, with the likes of Roma, Napoli, Inter Milan and last season’s winners Sevilla also set to mount a challenge.

Spurs are also in the semi-finals of the Capital One Cup, and are 9/4 to win the competition. Should they do so, it would mean they can focus their efforts solely on the Europa League, as they will already be in the qualifying rounds for next season. Signings it seems, are crucial.