After losing 2-1 to Anderlecht in Belgium a fortnight ago, Tottenham Hotspur really need to beat their fellow 1984 UEFA Cup finalists tonight to get their Europa League campaign back on track.
This evening’s fixture is sandwiched in between Premier League games against Aston Villa and Arsenal, as Spurs look to cope with three big games in seven days.
Due to the hectic schedule, changes are inevitable. However, with three points almost a necessity, head coach Mauricio Pochettino is expected to name a strong starting XI. Here’s how we reckon it will look…
GK: Hugo Lloris
Tottenham’s no.1 has played every minute of their Europa League campaign so far this season. Understudy Michel Vorm better bring a blanket, because he’s set for another night on the bench.
RB: Kieran Trippier
He’s only had 10 minutes of Premier League action this season, with Kyle Walker firmly establishing himself as Tottenham’s first-choice right-back.
However, Trippier has started all three Europa League games so far.
The former Burnley defender began shakily, conceding a penalty against Qarabag, but he looked steady during his last two outings.
LB: Ben Davies
Danny Rose shone in Monday night’s 3-1 win over Aston Villa, but he burned an incredible amount of energy in the process and looked very tired when he was subbed off in the closing stages.
Davies is a capable replacement, so he will almost certainly come in, leaving Rose to rest up for Sunday’s North London Derby.
CBs: Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen
Alderweireld has started all three European games this term, partnering Vertonghen in two of them.
Kevin Wimmer played against Qarabag, but Pochettino didn’t trust him, let alone Federico Fazio, against Monaco or Anderlecht away.
Fazio isn’t at all ready to feature in this game, while Wimmer wasn’t even on the bench on Monday, so it looks like Pochettino will stick with his best Belgians at the back.
