Saturday 29 November 2014 14:54, UK
Everton boss Roberto Martinez believes Tottenham will emerge as strong contenders for a Champions League place this season.
The Merseysiders have overcome a poor start to go unbeaten in eight games in all competitions, while Tottenham also are rising steadily up the Premier League table, winning five of their last six matches.
Both sides booked their places in the knockout stages of the Europa League with wins on Thursday, but they turn their attention back to domestic matters in Sunday’s clash at White Hart Lane.
Martinez had admiration for opposing boss Mauricio Pochettino, who like him, has been forced to juggle European demands with the pursuit of a lofty league position.
"It helps because we're facing really strong opposition but they had an important and intense game as well so we're quite similar in the way we've been able to prepare for the game,” said the Spaniard.
"It's not the same when you're facing an opponent who have had seven days to prepare.
"I really admire this Spurs side. I think they've got a really talented squad.
"They're a team that are fighting to get into the Champions League positions and I do think that they're going to be a really dangerous side as the new manager and players are getting used to the way they want to play.
"They're going to be a real force in the second half of the season, I'm convinced of that.
"Every aspect of this Spurs side has been tailor-made to get into the Champions League. It's just a matter of time and they will get there consistently."
Pochettino enjoyed a successful spell at previous club Southampton, guiding them to eighth position last season before taking charge at Tottenham in the summer.
Since moving to Spurs, the Argentinian has endured a difficult spell, including four home defeats, but Martinez is confident he will prove a success at White Hart Lane.
"Mauricio is someone who knows exactly what he wants and he knows exactly how his teams play,” he said.
"It always takes time when you go into a new club to get the rhythm of giving consistent results.
"But I know the way he is, and the way that he's adapted to the British game so well - because he's done that incredibly fast with his time at Southampton - he's going to bring a winning formula.
"All I hope is he doesn't bring it too soon. We know it's going to be a terrific game of football, really open, two teams that really want to win and find a way to score goals."
You can watch Tottenham's Premier League clash with Everton on Super Sunday, starting at 3.30pm on Sky Sports 1.
