Under the lights at The Lane, and there is absolutely nothing like it in the world for Spurs fans who have grown up with Bill Nicholson‘s words ringing in their ears, “It’s magnificent to be in Europe, and this club – a club like Tottenham Hotspur – if we’re not in Europe…. we’re nothing. we’re nothing.”
Tonight sees Postecoglou make another step closer to meaningful achievement, winning silverware, by taking on a top Dutch side, Alkmaar Zaanstreek, or AZ as they are more familiarly known.
This evening’s guests are currently 5th in the Eredivisie, and 18th (out of 36) in the UEFA Europa League, after a win and a draw.
Domestically, they began brightly, winning two games on the bounce, but then lost their last 3 games.
Spurs are scoring freely in all competitions and rumour has it Ange Ball could be back.
One would expect the gaffer to use this game as another opportunity to switch a few heads around, as we approach the busiest part of the Premier League schedule. Quite how far he goes in this respect is anyone’s guess.
After Radu Drăgușin’s agent gave out about lack of game time at Tottenham (and he’s right) and interest building elsewhere, it is surely a no-brainer to see the Romanian start.
I’d like to see Mikey Moore given a start but fear that Ange will opt for safety and instead run out Timo Werner again, which defies logic, given the current buzz around both men. Werner has failed to impress, and Moore appears to be everything that fans want to see right now.
Arguably, there’s even a case for tipping Bissouma ahead of Richarlison – but who knows?
Furthermore, our guests are way out of favour, before a ball is kicked. Tottenham are notable favourites yet again in this competition, with most bookies having us as short as 1/3, and AZ out at 15/2.
So in very simplistic terms, this ought to be a confident home win, by several goals, based upon solid recent form.
Over to you, Ange.