Tottenham Hotspur have won back-to-back Premier League games under Roberto De Zerbi, but with a favourable run of fixtures ahead, just how high could Spurs climb over the next five matches?

The mid-season trip to Marbella appears to have worked wonders for Tottenham. Spurs had failed to win any of their five Premier League games before the trip, but have now won both matches since returning.

First came a 3-1 victory over Coventry City, before De Zerbi’s men ended their eight-year wait for a league win at Stamford Bridge by beating Chelsea 2-0.

For a side that spent much of the season near the bottom of the table, those results have provided a welcome change of mood. Tottenham have climbed to 14th, collecting nine points from their opening eight games, and are now just four points off the top five.

More importantly, their next five Premier League fixtures offer plenty of encouragement that the climb could continue. We have had a go at predicting the results, taking into account head-to-head records, fixture congestion and each side’s home and away form. First up is a trip to Crystal Palace.

1. Crystal Palace vs Tottenham, 31 October

Crystal Palace have endured a difficult start to life without Oliver Glasner, who left Selhurst Park in the summer after a highly successful spell. New manager Pierre Sage is already under mounting pressure, with Palace sitting just one point above the relegation zone after losing five of their opening eight games.

Their defensive record makes for very grim reading. Palace have conceded 19 goals, the most in the Premier League this season, and supporters have made their frustrations clear by booing the team during recent matches.

There is even a possibility that Palace could have a different manager by the time Tottenham arrive. Much will depend on how they fare in Thursday’s Carabao Cup fixture against Fulham, where Sage will be desperate for a result to ease the pressure.

However, that midweek match also leaves Palace with less time to recover, whereas Spurs have more than a week to prepare.

2. Leeds United vs Tottenham, 7 November

Daniel Farke’s Leeds United have actually made a promising start to the season, despite having won the same number of games as Tottenham. However, Leeds have suffered just one defeat in their opening eight league matches, the joint-fewest in the division.

They have also been one of the Premier League’s best defensive sides. Only Arsenal, with five goals conceded, have let in fewer than Leeds, who have shipped just six so far.

The problem has been at the other end of the pitch. Leeds have struggled to turn their performances into victories, recording several frustrating draws, and have scored just twice across their previous four games.

Tottenham, meanwhile, have not lost at Elland Road since May 2021. If Leeds continue to struggle in front of goal, Spurs should have a good chance of getting something about of the game – if they can ideally find the net first.

With the international break following this fixture, De Zerbi’s men will also be keen to head into it on a high. A score draw seems most realistic.

3. Tottenham vs Ipswich Town, 21 November

Credit where it is due: Ipswich Town have done well for a newly promoted side under a new manager. They have played some impressive football this season and have gone almost toe-to-toe with the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool in terms of performances.

However, one glaring weakness could prove costly against Tottenham. Ipswich have yet to keep a clean sheet this season, which is a worrying statistic ahead of a visit to North London where Spurs’ attack is beginning to click.

The Tractor Boys also have two difficult fixtures against Hull City and Bournemouth before this game. We still expect Ipswich to put up a fight, but Tottenham should have enough quality to secure another home win.

4. Sunderland vs Tottenham, 29 November

After such an impressive campaign last season, when Sunderland secured promotion to the Premier League and even qualified for Europe, their current situation is a little surprising. Regis Le Bris’ side currently sit bottom of the table, with just one win from eight games and five points collected.

Moreover, Sunderland have twice as many fixtures to navigate as Tottenham before this meeting, and their schedule includes challenging games against Brentford, Chelsea and Aston Villa.

That fixture congestion could leave the Black Cats struggling for freshness by the time Spurs arrive. Tottenham, by contrast, have no European football to contend with and should have more time to prepare for each league game.

5. Tottenham vs Fulham, 4 December

Fulham managed to complete a rare Premier League double over Tottenham last season, but both clubs have since started afresh under new managers. It is therefore difficult to see that result being repeated this time around.

Alvaro Arbeloa’s men are only just beginning to find their feet after a miserable start to the campaign. They have now won back-to-back Premier League games, mirroring Tottenham’s recent improvement. And the two clubs have co-incidentally also scored and conceded the same number of goals so far this season.

That makes this a potentially competitive fixture, especially if Fulham carry their improved form into December. However, their schedule before the meeting looks considerably tougher, including trips to the Etihad and Villa Park.

As a result, we are backing the home side to make it four Premier League wins and a draw fronm the next five. After the struggles of the opening weeks, that would represent quite the turnaround in North London.