Another season appears to be in danger of drifting away from Tottenham without a serious challenge of winning silverware. It's a story all too familiar for fans at this point, who will have been equal parts shocked and annoyed at witnessing their side exit the FA Cup to Championship side Sheffield United in the fifth round.
The tie offered an ideal chance at making the quarter-finals and beyond, with so many of the favourites bowing out of the competition. However the side stumbled as Illiman Ndiaye's mazy run and curled effort found its way into the back of the net to send the Blades through.
All that remains for Antonio Conte this campaign is the Champions League as well as a top four finish to return compete in it once again next year. With some huge Premier League games ahead to find a response, here's a look at the next five fixtures compared to rivals.
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Wolves (A - Saturday March 4)
Next up in the Premier League is a trip to the Midlands to face a Wolves side that has improved in recent weeks under new manager Julen Lopetegui. The Molineux outfit were in the relegation zones for much of this season but the change in management and some new signings has seen them rise to 15th, making for a far from easy clash.
Nottingham Forest (H - Saturday March 11)
After the trip to the Midlands, the Midlands makes its way to the capital as Nottingham Forest visit the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Steve Cooper has ridden the early storm to get his side up to mid-table, though only a few points separate them and the relegation zone.
Their form at home has been ideal, but away from home they have struggled, meaning Spurs will be hopeful of earning all three points.
Southampton (A - Saturday March 18)
Continuing a tour of the relegation strugglers, Spurs are on the road again as they travel to the south coast and face Southampton. The Saints sit rock bottom and after two managerial changes already this season, they've handed the reigns to Ruben Selles for the remainder of the campaign.
While it would be seen as another opportunity for three points, the Saints have already managed to take six points from rivals Chelsea, outlining a tough task.
Everton (A - Monday April 3)
After a break for international football, Tottenham return in April to face off with Everton, who also happen to find themselves in the bottom three. New manager Sean Dyche has handed them some hope of stability, even earning a 1-0 win over rivals Arsenal at Goodison Park, making for a tough clash.
Brighton (H - Saturday April 8)
Ending off the next period is a home match with Brighton, who have hit new heights this season under Roberto De Zerbi. The Italian has guided them to an FA Cup quarter-final and are currently eighth, eyeing up European football and able to beat any side on their day.
Man Utd next five fixtures:
Liverpool (A)
Southampton (H)
Brighton (A)
Newcastle (A)
Brentford (H)
Newcastle next five fixtures:
Man City (A)
Wolves (H)
Nottingham Forest (A)
Manchester United (H)
West Ham (A)
Liverpool next five fixtures
Manchester United (H)
Bournemouth (A)
Fulham (H)
Manchester City (A)
Chelsea (A)
Arsenal (H)
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