Tottenham's 7 games in 21 days

So we reach the end of another international break. I can never bring myself to get excited for these. I've three sons, aged 13, 10 and 8, and they love it midweek when they get to stay up and watch England. They have snacks and fizzy drinks, and in general enjoy watching a lackadaisical England team stroll past whoever their second rate opposition is.

If I'm honest though, I find it a tad dull. I'm sure I'm not alone in this. Even Thomas Tuchel bemoaned the lack of atmosphere at Wembley the other night. So I'm sure you'll be just as horrified as me to learn there's another international break next month!

But before then, Spurs face 7 games in 21 days, a period in which could go a long way to defining their season. Let's take a look at the games, and see how we think Spurs will fare.

2pm KO on Sunday, Spurs are back in action against a Villa team that have won their last four in all competitions. After initially struggling, Emery seems to have his team firing again. They've scored 8 in their last four games, vanquishing their early season woes in front of goal.

Spurs on the other hand are poor at home. 3 wins in 17, I believe? Despite this I'm optimistic of getting a result. I think Villa will play to win, with a top line that could suit Tottenham's attack. I'm going 2-1 Spurs.

UCL nights are back for Spurs from Wednesday, where they travel to the south of France to take on Monaco, and greet a familiar face in Eric Dier. Monaco's form seems inconsistent looking through their games, though they did get a 2-2 draw at home to Man City in this competition last month.

An experienced UCL club, at home, it won't be easy for Tottenham, and Thomas Frank may feel the need to rotate heavily due to the congestion of fixtures. I'm going to say 1-1.

Another tough away day on 26th October, as Tottenham travel to Hill Dickinson Stadium (is it weird there isn't a 'The' in front of that or is it just me?) for the first time.

Another tough game. Everton are yet to lose a competitive game at their new home, and Spurs could be leggy after travelling midweek. Call me pessimistic, but I can't see us getting a result there. 1-0.

Three days later Spurs are back in the north, this time the east coast rather than the west. Another mightily hard game at a stadium Spurs often don't do well in. This is a Carabao Cup game, and I think a lot will depend on how strong both Thomas Frank and Eddie Howe go with their team selections. Newcastle are of course the holders, but with UCL football to contend with this season how seriously will Howe take it?

Arsenal did a bit of a job on Newcastle a couple of weeks ago. Not many teams will go to St James Park and leave with something. I'm banking on Eddie Howe shuffling his pack as his squad copes with UCL nights. 1-2.

Just keeps getting easier, doesn't it?

Chelsea at home will always remind me of Postecoglou's first season. The Sonny offside goal, the nine men on the halfway line. What a mad night that was. It is another game that could go either way. Chelsea have been inconsistent, injuries playing their part.

Spurs on their day are a match, and I personally feel like if they're going to take a step forward this season then they HAVE to win these games. Our record against big 6 opposition is not good, and if we are realistically going to muscle our way into a top four finish come May, then we have to start picking up points against our rivals.

I think a lot depends of how well Spurs have done on the lead up to this. If they go into this unbeaten in the above four games, I think they'll get a result. Confidence/mentality will have a big say. I'm staying optimistic. 2-1.

The sort of game you would expect there to be changes and the team to come through unscathed.

Ha! You ever seen Spurs before? I would expect both the above to happen, but not without a little drama. Copenhagen to score first, Spurs to leave it late with a come back. A Richy scrappy last gasp winner has the whole South Stand doing the Pigeon. Something like that. 2-1.

The 7th game of this stint ends with a home game against Man Utd. A lot could change for Utd before this game. I don't think there are any guarantees Amorim will still be there come November 8th, not if there aren't signs the team are progressing.

Spurs don't seem to do well on the last game before an international break (a lucky exception their 2-1 away to Leeds before the last one) so for me this is a coin toss. I'm sitting on the fence and saying 1-1 for now.

So, four wins, two draws and one defeat for me. Wouldn't be too bad, would it? Let me know what you think!