Mauricio Pochettino says Tottenham Hotspur must concentrate only on themselves and ensure they are ready to pick up the pieces if Premier League leaders Leicester City slip up.

Spurs trail the Foxes by seven points with just six games left to play after last weekend’s draw at Anfield against Liverpool.

They face another tough assignment on Sunday when Manchester United visit White Hart Lane.

Pochettino has played down the fact that Leicester will play their game at Sunderland before Spurs on Sunday, insisting it is not necessarily an advantage for Claudio Ranieri’s team.

If Leicester win, they will be ten points clear when Spurs kick-off and Pochettino’s side will be left with no margin for error.

The Argentine insists they cannot allow themselves to think about what Leicester are doing, instead warning his players to make sure they are ready and waiting to take advantage should the leaders falter.

“It is important for us to be focused and prepare in the best way for our game,” he said
“We cannot change when Leicester play, you never know if it is a disadvantage. We can only do our job and try to get the three points. What happens with Leicester, will happen with Leicester.

“It is important to try and fight. Six games ahead, all can happen in football. We need to be vigilant and focused. If Leicester fail, we need to stay in there.”

Spurs have managed only two wins from their last five games in the league, while Leicester have racked up four successive victories.

Leicester are 2.20 to win at Sunderland on Sunday while Tottenham are 1.91 to defeat Man United.