Busy Spurs are in cup action over the next seven days, with three matches that may go a long way into shaping the remainder of their season.

Tottenham, fresh from three outstanding Premiership victories, return to their European campaign tonight, when they take on Braga in the first leg of their latest UEFA Cup tie. The second leg is at White Hart Lane on Wednesday.

In between is the little matter of an FA Cup quarter-final tie at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, with Jose Mourinho's Chelsea standing in the way of a second semi-final of the current campaign.

That intriguing clash could be no bigger task (Premiership leaders Man United excepted) for Martin Jol's troops.

But at least Spurs can draw on their recent good form to raise hopes of pulling off a shock.

Four consecutive wins in all competitions, which have brought an incredible 14 goals, have given fans much to cheer about in recent days.

Sunday's thrilling 4-3 win at West Ham reignited Tottenham's European qualification hopes for next season, should they not go on to lift the UEFA Cup this summer.

The dramatic victory said much about the fighting spirit at White Hart Lane. Tottenham have, in the past, been criticised for not matching their undoubted quality with desire.

That could not be said on Sunday. After going two down, the Lilywhites fought back to draw level, only to see the Hammers hit what looked to be a late winner.

But Dimitar Berbatov and Paul Stalteri's even later efforts made it three Premiership wins on the trot and left Jol a happy man.

"It was probably the best win of the season," he said.

Chelsea will, of course, be a different proposition to the relegation-threatened Hammers, but at least Tottenham appear to have put their poor away record to bed over the last few weeks and will approach the game with a genuine chance of at least bringing Mourinho's side back to the Lane for a replay.

However, with such a busy schedule ahead of them, Jol will, of course, be hoping to finish the job first time.