Tottenham have the chance to win three consecutive Premier League games for the first time season, if they beat Ipswich in their first visit to Portman Road since 2002.
Though if they are to do this, they will have to break a streak of four consecutive losses against an Ipswich side who know that completing the double over Tottenham may give them the chance to escape the relegation zone.
When the sides met in November, Ipswich inflicted a shock defeat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which, at the time, was their first victory since their return to the Premier League. This was during an extremely inconsistent time for Ange Postecoglou's side, who, in their next game, went on to thrash champions Manchester City 4-0 at the Etihad.
Since then, Tottenham's inconsistency worsened into consistent defeats, as they plummeted down the table, suffering one of the worst injury crisis' in the club's history.
After a 2-1 loss at home to Leicester, it really seemed a shocking reality that Tottenham may have been in a relegation fight. But over the past few weeks, it seems as though Postecoglou has managed to steady the ship, with back to back victories against Brentford and Manchester United. Meaning his side are now 13 points clear of Ipswich, who sit 18th, two points adrift of safety.
Postecoglou's relief of absentees returning
The renaissance in Tottenham's fortunes is heavily down to the array of players returning from injury, which has given Postecoglou a significant boost when it comes to squad selection. Not only does it improve squad quality, as highlighted by James Maddison, who scored on his return to play last week, but it also allows him to rotate players, such as Archie Gray, who was finally able to rest last week having started every game prior since mid-December.
Wilson Odobert received an extremely warming ovation from the Tottenham fans when he was subbed on against Manchester United to make his first appearance since a Carabao Cup tie against Coventry in September.
Odobert will be eager to prove his worth, having only made four appearances for Tottenham since signing last summer. The Frenchman also helped persuade the signature of his compatriot Mathys Tel, who has impressed in his first three games for the Lilywhites, adding pace and versatility to the attack.
Destiny Udogie and Guglielmo Vicario were also welcome returns for Tottenham. The Italian duo add much needed depth to the Tottenham defence. Although Udogie will have fierce competition, due to the impressive form of Djed Spence, who has earned consecutive man of the match performances to emphasise his revitalised season after multiple loan spells.
Added squad depth allows for Postecoglou to utilise Dejan Kulusevski
Kulusevski has undoubtedly been Tottenham's best player this season and despite success in the right wing position, the Swede clearly flourishes in the number eight role.
With squad rotation necessary, due to the match against Manchester City just four days later, Postecoglou may opt to switch up the attacking line-ups he fields against both teams. This will allow him to drop Kulusevski into the midfield and act as the catalyst in Tottenham's attacking transitions, as he did so very well earlier in the season.
A win critical for momentum and gaining confidence for Europa League round of 16
Tottenham have been drawn against AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League round of 16. Having recently been knocked out of the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, the Europa League will be Tottenham's last chance of silverware this season.
A win against Ipswich will therefore be vital for Tottenham, so they can continue to increase their confidence before they travel to the Netherlands on 6th March.
Despite beating Tottenham the last time the teams met, it will be the visitors who approach the game with more confidence, as Ipswich haven't won since beating Chelsea 2-0 in late December. In the six games since, they have conceded 17 goals.
Further still, Tottenham have scored the fourth most goals of any team in the Premier League this season and have a monumental goal difference advantage over any team in the bottom 10.
Postecoglou's side will therefore be looking to exploit these defensive vulnerabilities and completely put to bed any lingering thoughts they that may be at threat of relegation.