Tottenham vs Maribor - Europa League preview and team news
Thursday 08 November 2012
Tottenham go in search of their first group win in the Europa League this campaign with a home tie over Slovenian side Maribor. Andre Villas-Boas’ side have picked up three points from three games and sit third in the table with the aim on improving their standing tonight.
Spurs head into the game off the back of a disappointing 1-0 home defeat to Wigan on Saturday, a result which saw jeering from the White Hart Lane faithful. Villas-Boas had prioritised the Europa League before the start of the campaign, but has not followed up with results and is expected to field another strong lineup.
Emmanuel Adebayor is set to be given the chance to impress with a start against Maribor, but Villas-Boas is without Sandro and Mousa Dembele who have respective calf and hip injuries. Midfielder Jake Livermore faces a late fitness test on his ankle and Spurs will start with Hugo Lloris in goal, according to the Portuguese boss.
Maribor held Spurs to a point in Slovenia last month and are one point ahead of the Premier League side before tonight’s fixture. Striker Robert Beric, who scored the goal in the last meeting between these sides, is expected to start up front and try to heighten his glowing reputation. Defender Ales Mejac is a doubt after missing the last training session, but Maribor boss Darko Milanic has Jovan Vidovic back from suspension.
Spurs know the importance of this game as they face a tricky trip to the Stadio Olimpico to face Lazio in their next Europa League outing. A win tonight would see them move into second and give them a confidence boost ahead of their trip to Italy. Maribor will provide stern opposition and Villas-Boas will expect more pressure from Spurs fans if they fail to secure a positive result.
See what the expert tipsters at OLBG are tipping on Tottenham v Maribor
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