Doom and gloom has followed Tottenham Hotspur like a pesky shadow this season, rightly or wrongly. The specific genre of despondency changes with the context – sometimes an injury crisis of epic proportions dampened the mood, while at other times the discontent stemmed from managerial decisions. Yet, in stark contrast, Spurs enter Thursday as the oddsmakers’ favorites to win the UEFA Europa League, just three games shy of ending an 18-year trophy drought.

The season’s “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” quality has seen Spurs find themselves in a comfortable 16th place in the Premier League while simultaneously advancing to the Europa League semifinals. This presents a complex narrative for assessing the team’s performance, leading many to label their achievements with an asterisk due to their inconsistent form.

The apprehension regarding their chance at reaching the May 21 final is valid; however, there is an argument that this tournament represents a pivotal moment for Spurs and specifically for manager Ange Postecoglou. “What we have before us is a semi-final of a European competition with an opportunity to get to a final, win a trophy, Champions League football,” Postecoglou stated during his pre-match press conference. “I just think for the players and everyone at the football club, it’s a brilliant opportunity.”

How to watch Tottenham Hotspur vs. Bodo/Glimt, odds

• Date: Thursday, May 1
• Time: 3 p.m. ET
• Location: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – London, England
• Live stream: Paramount+
• Odds: Tottenham Hotspur -370; Draw +490; Bodo/Glimt +750

Favorites for a reason

There’s an argument to be made that Spurs’ status as favorites stems from being on the easier side of the Europa League bracket. They are set to face Norway’s Bodo/Glimt, a match pitting a clear favorite against an underdog. Despite their poor performance in the league, Tottenham’s squad is filled with top-tier talent typical of a well-funded Premier League side. Postecoglou noted that Glimt deserves respect, having beaten notable teams like Porto, Olympiacos, and Lazio. However, it will be difficult for Glimt to match Spurs, especially with the Norwegian side facing several injuries. If Glimt manages a draw in North London, it would certainly be considered an upset.

Spurs might be without Son Heung-min due to a foot injury, but Postecoglou still has a strong lineup at his disposal. Center backs Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are expected to play key roles, alongside Dejan Kulusevski, who is having a strong season. On the youth front, 19-year-old Lucas Bergvall has emerged as a notable talent. These factors could lead to a significant first-leg advantage and the potential for advancing in the competition, especially with Manchester United among the contenders they have previously defeated three times this season.

Tottenham possesses an inherent quality that they have not showcased consistently this season, yet dismissing their chances in the Europa League would be unwarranted. Postecoglou’s remarks hinted at the club’s perception issues, emphasizing how the narrative around Spurs often shifts toward negativity. He stated, “I’ve sensed, which is not surprising because I’ve said it before, that this is the way this club is perceived. That people are always trying to diminish it.”

In closing, the upcoming matches present Spurs not only with a chance to end their trophy drought but also a vital opportunity for a renewal within the club, as a place in next season’s Champions League looms as a tempting incentive.