Off the back of a much needed and deserved week off, Spurs return to action in the return of the Europa League as they host Fiorentina in the 1st leg of the Last 32 tie at White Hart Lane. The Italians are a mixed bag; some days can be fantastic, other days, well off the boil, so Spurs will have to be alert and positive to build a lead for the 2nd leg in Florence in a week’s time.
Team News:
Like for the past few games, Mauricio Pochettino has a fully fit squad to choose his starting eleven from, so everyone is in the frame.
Predicted Line-Up (4-2-3-1):
Goalkeeper: Hugo Lloris:
Starting Hugo is a must here for Pochettino. We ideally need a clean sheet to go into the 2nd leg with the away goals rule and in order to do that Hugo will need to start inbetween the sticks on Thursday night.
Defence: Kyle Walker, Federico Fazio, Jan Vertonghen, Ben Davies:
With Mario Gomez likely to be starting up top for the visitors and Mohamed Salah playing too, we need the athletic merits of Vertonghen and the strength and aerial presence of Fazio to keep those two quiet throughout the game. The Italian outfit don’t use their full-backs as wingers and get forward so the composure of Davies on the ball and Walker’s pass vision will be needed.
Midfield (Holding): Ryan Mason, Nabil Bentaleb:
These two make up, what I refer to as the engine room of the team. The two work perfectly together, their legs, energy and tackling in the centre of the park keeps the game moving at a fast pace and allows up to use the high-pressing style. Bentaleb’s ball-winning tackles put together with Mason’s energy to move the attacks quickly is such an important cog in the system.
Midfield (Attacking): Mousa Dembele, Christian Eriksen, Nacer Chadli:
We could see Nacer Chadli make his first start since returning from some time off due to a family bereavement. He’s provided many crucial goals this season and his performances before his leave of absence were fantastic, this is the perfect game to get him back into the system. The other advantage Chadli provides is he plays wide left which frees up Eriksen to dictate the game from the number ten role, his best position, he will run the pace of the game, feed balls through the channel and create. Dembele’s massive improvement has earned him a lot in the side, his physical presence up there combined with his passing attributes are vital in that role.
Striker: Harry Kane:
Is there anything he can’t do? Nope. The lad can do it all. His improvement game-by-game continues to amaze us. If we’re to build up a good lead tomorrow night Harry will be there ready to score once again as we aim for European glory.
