With one more game played, Spurs sit six points behind fourth-placed Manchester United.
Unai Emery, the manager of Aston Villa, recently informed Tottenham that it is now much harder to qualify for the Champions League.
In spite of the fact that neither of these teams has a realistic chance of finishing in the top four of the Premier League, Villa will host Spurs on Saturday.
Tottenham, who won the Champions League in 2019 and advanced to the round of 16 this year, is currently in sixth place, six points behind Manchester United in fourth place despite having played one more game.
Villa, who is currently in eighth position, lost its late push to move into the top four after suffering back-to-back 1-0 away losses to United and Wolves in the past two weeks.
"Their expectation in the beginning was to be in the top four," ex-Arsenal manager Emery remarked of his old North London neighbors.
"Compared to five to ten years ago, it's harder now. Seven teams are now vying to finish in the top four.
"Perhaps Aston Villa is included now. It's more challenging.
Since Mauricio Pochettino's departure in November 2019, Tottenham has turned to Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte in their quest for their first trophy since winning the League Cup in 2008.
Both Mourinho and Conte, who are renowned for being winners, were unable to bestow their star power on Spurs, thus interim manager Ryan Mason is now tasked with attempting to qualify for Europe next season.
In Mason's first three matches in command, there have been wins, draws, and losses; the most recent game was a 1-0 home triumph over Crystal Palace.
Tottenham has seen some issues over the past month, but they have very talented players, according to Emery.
"In their most recent game against Palace, they played with good tactical balance and had really strong players who could transition while playing well on defense.
They have exceptionally talented players that are capable of using a variety of tactical options.
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