Tottenham's Europa League fixture with Dinamo Zagreb was reversed

Jose Mourinho has been handed a boost ahead of the north London derby – after Tottenham's Europa League fixture with Dinamo Zagreb was reversed.

The move means that the Portuguese's men will take on the Croatians on home soil next Thursday, instead of heading overseas before their Sunday date at rivals Arsenal.

UEFA have acted as two teams are not allowed to play in the same city on the same night, despite the fact no fans will be present.

Spurs were due to play the second leg at home on the same evening that Arsenal entertain their Europa League opponents Olympiacos, on March 18.

Thanks to their FA Cup victory, Arsenal are deemed by UEFA as of a higher priority, and as a result, their fixture has not been reversed.

But the unintended knock-on effect will raise some smiles across North London given it means Spurs will head into the derby without having travelled across Europe, with Arsenal returning to play from the first leg in Greece.

Mourinho has long been a critic over fixture scheduling. However, the Tottenham boss, whose eighth-placed side thrashed Burnley 4-0 on Sunday after defeat at West Ham raised questions, will no doubt be cheered by the switch as he seeks a strong finish to the season.