Europa League permutations: What Tottenham need to qualify for knockout stages | OneFootball

Spurs have all but secured a play-off spot but desperate want to avoid two further matches

Focus: Ange Postecoglou

Action Images via Reuters

Tottenham head to Hoffenheim tonight looking to reverse an alarming slide and qualify for the Europa League knockout stages.

A fourth competition is back on the table tonight, and Spurs have work to do to secure their spot in the next round and - ideally - avoid a two-legged play-off round in February.

Wins over Qarabag, Ferencvaros and then AZ Alkmaar saw Spurs sitting pretty in the League Phase standings before their injury crisis hit. Then a defeat in Galatasaray was followed up with a home draw with Roma and another away at Rangers to leave them ninth in the standings.

The top eight qualify automatically for the knockout stage, while the teams who finish between 9th and 24th enter into a play-off round to reach the last-16 stage.

Spurs need to get back to winning ways in their final two games. Here are the permutations for the Europa League knockout stages.

What do Tottenham need to qualify for knockout stages?

If Tottenham beat Hoffenheim: This would do Spurs the world of good and put them safely on course for an automatic last-16 spot.

If Tottenham draw with Hoffenheim: This would leave Spurs needing to beat Elfsborg next week, but even four points from two games may not be enough for a top-eight finish.

If Tottenham lose to Hoffenheim: A top-eight finish would almost certainly be out of reach, even with a victory over Elfsborg, but a two-legged play-off spot should be secured. Spurs are highly unlikely to finish 25th or lower and be knocked out of Europe entirely.