Postecoglou ‘could do what no Tottenham manager has ever done’ in upcoming game
Tottenham could potentially reach the Europa League final in the coming weeks, but their scheduling is far from ideal.
Spurs have lost five of their last six Premier League games, and Ange Postecoglou is under huge pressure with his side in 16th place.
Tottenham have sacrificed league results for potential European glory, and have a two-legged semi-final against Bodo/Glimt coming up.
Should Spurs reach the Europa League final, they will face one of Athletic Club or Manchester United in Bilbao on May 21, but there is now a problem.
Aston Villa refuse to move Tottenham clash
Tottenham made an official request to the Premier League to move their penultimate game of the season, which will see them travel to face Aston Villa.
This game will take place on May 18, just three days before the Europa League final should Spurs qualify, and would disrupt any preparation.
| Opponent | Result |
| Wolves (A) | 4-2 L |
| Frankfurt (A) | 0-1 W |
| Nottingham Forest (H) | 1-2 L |
| Liverpool (A) | 5-1 L |
The decision was up to Villa over whether to move the game, but they rejected this idea, and refused to accommodate Tottenham’s request for a change.
Spurs have nothing to play for in the Premier League, but Villa are still pushing for a spot in the top five.
Postecoglou could make historic changes for Aston Villa v Tottenham
Postecoglou has clearly prioritised the Europa League in recent weeks, and made eight changes for his side’s trip to face Liverpool at Anfield.
This was the most changes any Tottenham manager has ever made between Premier League games, and it clearly reflected in the scoreline as they were beaten 5-1.
However, if Spurs do reach the final, their game with Villa could see Postecoglou make 11 changes and rest his entire team, in a historic statement.
Spurs would have nothing to play for against Villa, and their biggest game in years in Bilbao just days later, meaning he would rest his whole team in preparation.
Postecoglou would also be tempted to make the changes as a statement of protest to the Premier League after their request was rejected, with an entire second-string team taking on Villa in a game which few would have any vested interest.