Exclusive: Stephen Carr says Champions League qualification will be 'difficult' for Spurs

Former Tottenham defender Stephen Carr admits a top-four finish is looking increasingly likely for his old side.

Spurs currently find themselves in 11th position, having sqaundered a two goal lead to eventually suffer a 4-3 defeat at home to Chelsea on Sunday evening.

The result leaves them seven points adrift of fourth heading into a jam-packed Christmas schedule.

Carr: 'Europa League is Spurs best chance'

Speaking exclusively to Odds Now, via William Hill, Carr says he's reluctant to back his former club to muster a top-four finish given the strength of the teams around them.

Instead, the 48-year-old believes Spurs' best chance of playing Champions League football next season is by winning the Europa League.

He said: " I think it’s going to be very difficult for Spurs to be playing Champions League football next season.

"The best scenario would be winning the Europa League. Behind Liverpool, Arsenal and Man City, Chelsea seem the team who are likely to be the most consistent to secure a Champions League place, with a strong and talented squad and Cole Palmer in red hot form.

"I wouldn’t rule Manchester United out from having a good second half of the season as well. I think they will only get better. You also have Brighton who are not going away too."

Putting results together has proven difficult for Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham. (Photo credit: Alamy Images)

Ange Postecoglou's men have shown bright sparks this season, picking up notable away victories against the two Manchester clubs, but have often found themselves coming up short against sides they'd be expected to beat.

Carr says the lack of consistency will have left Spurs boss Postecoglou exasperated given the quality they possess in their ranks.

"Ange will be feeling very frustrated by Spurs inconsistency so far this season. The brilliant 4-0 win at Man City was exactly how Ange would have been looking for his team to play. On the front foot, getting players in the box and midfield getting behind the strikers, making the right runs at the right time.

"Then you have the 2-1 loss to Ipswich and 1-1 draw against Fulham and some of the results are coming after a Europa League game on a Thursday, so Ange has to find a way to compete in all competitions."

'Spurs can still win a trophy under Postecoglou'

Much of the rhetoric surrounding Tottenham has centred on Postecoglou's insistency that he 'always wins a trophy in his second season'.

The club haven't won any silverware since lifting the League Cup in February 2008 - a competition they will be hoping to win this time around after dumping Manchester City out of the competition back in November.

They now face the other Manchester club in a quarter-final tie at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 19th December.

And while Spurs have struggled to put results together in the league, Carr isn't ruling out a successful day out at Wembley providing his old side can keep putting in strong performances.

"Spurs are still in with a shout in the Carabao Cup. A home quarter-final draw vs Manchester United will be an interesting game and a winnable one if the Spurs who faced Man City turn up.

"The FA Cup third round draw has also been kind to them and the Europa League is one Ange will look to focus on too."

Carr was speaking exclusively to Odds Now via William Hill.