Supercomputer makes stunning predictions on where Spurs will finish in league phase of UCL
On a brighter note for Tottenham fans, last season’s Champions League offered a timely reminder that finishing outside the top spots in the league phase doesn’t necessarily end a club’s hopes of glory. Paris Saint-Germain, for instance, ended the phase in 15th position yet went on to defy the odds, lifting the trophy after defeating three European heavyweights — Liverpool, Arsenal, and Inter Milan, who had finished first, third, and fourth respectively.
With Tottenham back in the competition under Thomas Frank, the big question now is whether Spurs can go one better than what the numbers suggest. According to Opta’s renowned Supercomputer, the North London side are predicted to finish ninth in the league phase, narrowly missing out on a top-eight spot that would guarantee them direct entry into the round of 16.
What finishing ninth would mean for Spurs
If Spurs secure a place inside the top eight, they would bypass the play-off round entirely, sparing themselves two additional fixtures at an already congested stage of the campaign. However, the forecast of 12.84 points — enough only for ninth place — would leave them just shy of automatic progression.
In this scenario, Frank’s side would be forced into a two-legged play-off tie, with the Supercomputer predicting a potential meeting against Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, the Belgian outfit tipped to finish 24th in the standings. On paper, that looks like a favourable draw, but Tottenham supporters would understandably be frustrated to fall just one place short of a guaranteed last-16 berth.
Still, ninth out of 36 is hardly a poor return, and it would be an encouraging platform on their return to Europe’s premier competition. For perspective, Spurs’ history in the Champions League has been mixed. The 2016/17 season under Mauricio Pochettino saw the team falter in the opening stage, with Wembley Stadium — their temporary home at the time — never quite offering the same intimidation factor as White Hart Lane.
Key fixtures that could shape Tottenham’s campaign
Tottenham’s group of fixtures offers a mixture of opportunity and danger. Their campaign begins with a home tie against Villarreal — a match Spurs will be expected to take maximum points from, especially in front of their own fans. A trip to Bodo/Glimt follows in what will be a repeat of last season’s Europa League semi-final, a clash that Spurs edged out in dramatic fashion.
But beyond those early encounters lie some formidable challenges. A trip to Paris to face PSG stands out as perhaps the most daunting fixture of the phase. Picking up anything at the Parc des Princes would be a huge achievement. Similarly, Borussia Dortmund’s visit to North London promises to be a stern test. The Bundesliga side boast European pedigree and a strong travelling support, making it a fixture that will demand Tottenham’s best.
Spurs must also brace themselves for testing away days against Monaco and Eintracht Frankfurt. Though Thomas Frank’s men managed to defeat Frankfurt on German soil last season, repeating the feat will not be straightforward against a side that thrives in front of its home supporters.
Can Spurs defy the odds?
The Supercomputer’s numbers may lean towards Tottenham falling just short of automatic progression, but football has never been a sport bound entirely by statistics. Much will depend on Spurs’ ability to maintain their domestic momentum while navigating a challenging European schedule.
Given the club’s strong start to their Premier League campaign and the sense of optimism surrounding Frank’s tenure, there remains every chance that Spurs could upset the prediction models and claim a coveted top-eight finish in the league phase.
Whether they secure direct passage or go through the additional play-off route, one thing is certain: Tottenham’s return to the Champions League promises to be filled with intrigue, high-stakes encounters, and an opportunity to prove that they truly belong among Europe’s elite once again.