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Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham still have to play all three of the title-chasing Premier League rivals before the end of the season – but Spurs are only focusing on themselves as they hunt a top-four finish.

Tottenham play a North London Derby against Arsenal later this month, before matches against Liverpool and Manchester City in May.

But midfielder James Maddison has echoed Postecoglou’s earlier claim that he didn’t care that Spurs could effectively decide the title race in the outcome of those three matches.

“I’ve got no interest to be honest. We’ve got our own goals for the season and I’m not bothered,” Maddison said after last week’s 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest that took Spurs fourth, above Aston Villa on goal difference.

“If we end up winning games against teams that are in that race, it makes no difference. We’ve got a job to do.”

The midfielder added: “We are where we are and that is something that gives us good motivation to want to be in the title race next year, seeing how good it is this year.

“For sure, that’s definitely the feeling. That’s filtered down from the manager.”

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He added he was frustrated that Spurs weren’t in the title race this season, having led the ladder last year before injuries and suspensions ruined their charge.

“It’s annoying really, listening to three teams go at it for the title and we’re not in it, especially after the start of the season we had.

“How exciting is the title race this season? It’s amazing, it’s brilliant for a neutral. My friends and family, everyone is locked into the Premier League every week at the minute because it’s such a good title race.

“Frustrating not to be a part of that but we are where we are and we have our own job to do.”

Spurs and Aston Villa are locked on 60 points each, 11 behind leaders Arsenal and Liverpool – but also 11 ahead of sixth-placed Manchester United.

Spurs face eighth-place Newcastle on Saturday night (AEST) with both teams entering the match in strong form – three wins and a draw from their last five matches.

Newcastle have won five and drawn three of their last ten games (L2) with a late-season surge pushing them into European qualification contention.

But Spurs will be out for revenge after losing this same fixture 6-1 last season.

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It’s also a huge opportunity for Spurs in the race for fourth spot, given Aston Villa take on Arsenal (Monday morning AEST).

Arsenal have won five of their last six home games against Villa, but lost 1-0 at Villa Park in December in the last meeting of the two teams.

Villa loom as an extremely difficult clash for the Gunners – arguably their toughest remaining team this season.

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That’s why Man City will be hoping Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal drop points, with Pep Guardiola’s reigning champions firm favourites to win against Luton Town on the weekend.

The Hatters are 18th and desperately fighting relegation, but did pick up a rare win last time out. City, however, are unbeaten in their last 16 league games, and have beaten Luton 2-1 in the league this season and 6-2 in the FA Cup. It could be a walkover.

Liverpool also have an easier task ahead of them than the Gunners, with the Reds to face Crystal Palace.

Jurgen Klopp’s men haven’t lost to Palace in their last 13 league meetings, dating back to April 2017.

Palace are winless in their last five games in the league – meaning that it’ll take a big upset for them, or Luton Town, to win against the title-chasing sides.

Aston Villa seem most likely to claim a big scalp in the title race, with a potential upset of Arsenal. But if they don’t, it’ll be good news for Ange Postecoglou’s men.