Now that Chelsea fans have been put out their misery in the Champions League, Newcastle United's bid for the top four becomes more straight-forward.
An unlikely European Cup triumph for Frank Lampard's ailing side would have invalidated fourth spot and while Man United slipping out of the top four and winning the Europa League this term would do likewise, Newcastle remain good value to return to the Champions League for the first time in 20 years. But first they must shrug off what Eddie Howe called "a blip" at Aston Villa at the weekend.
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There won't be any tears shed if Sevilla finish off Man United in the quarter-finals of the Europa League this week that's for sure. But Newcastle must now show they are capable of bouncing back after Villa Park.
Beating Spurs would establish a six-point gap over the London side and Newcastle still have a valuable game in hand. Victory on Sunday will also propel Newcastle to third spot with Man United playing in the FA Cup semi-finals.
The so-called lesser threats to the top four for Newcastle now boil down to Brighton & Hove Albion, who Newcastle still have to play at home, Aston Villa, who are six points behind, and Liverpool who walloped Leeds United at Elland Road on Monday night.
The Seagulls have a game in hand on Newcastle and won't play this weekend either as they face the Red Devils in the FA Cup at Wembley. Villa are the team in form but have they timed their run too late?
Either way, the scenario Newcastle could do with avoiding is any nervous late-season battles or worse still a final day fight for their Champions League place. In a season that has been extended due to the World Cup break, nerves, mental weariness and fatigue are setting in for some teams.
Howe will be keen to get focus levels back to where they need to be after the painful Villa defeat.
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