Third place for Spurs is possible

With Tottenham Hotspur currently one place and one point behind third placed Chelsea, there have been those that suggest the north London side can secure their highest finish in the history of the Premier League.

While Spurs may not have justifiably strengthened over January, failing in a late swoop to bring in Leandro Damiao from Internacional, the arrival of Lewis Holtby has certainly improved their attacking options and add another dimension to their frontline.

On top of that, as teams continuously drop points around them – most notably Chelsea, Arsenal, Everton and Liverpool – the possibility of leapfrogging their London rivals is certainly one within their grasps.

Defender Jan Vertonghen recently talked up the chance to finish amongst the higher placed teams in the league and there is no reason why Spurs can't achieve a finish in the top three. While losing Sandro may've been a massive blow to Andre Villas-Boas' side, the return of Benoit Assou-Ekotto will only improve the balance in defence while offering another threat pushing forward.

Jermain Defoe may be out for the next three weeks with an ankle injury he picked up in the 1-0 win over West Bromwich Albion, but with Emmanuel Adebayor returning from international duty following Togo's exit from the Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday, there is a readymade replacement pushing forward, regardless of his poor form this season.

Either way the opportunity to finish third is well within their grasps, especially if they pick up the wins which they should be starting with Newcastle United at White Hart Lane on Saturday.  

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