Anzhi v Tottenham: Hapless hosts to be brushed aside

Anzhi Makhachkala are in the midst of a spectacular fall from grace, shorn of their major stars and without a win so far this season, and an in-form Spurs will have little trouble picking up three points.

Andre Villas-Boas’ side are 1/2 favourites to win the game, with Anzhi priced at 11/2.

Tottenham will rotate their side, but the dominant wins over Tromso and Aston Villa in recent weeks were achieved without several first-team players, demonstrating that their squad is more than capable of coping with their fixture list.

Spurs have only conceded twice in 10 games so far this season, winning to nil eight times, making that a tempting bet at 6/4.

Anzhi recorded some impressive results at home in the Europa League last season, winning four of five games including beating Liverpool and Udinese.

However, since their owner decided to slash their budget, they have sold 14 players, including Samuel Eto’o and Willian to Chelsea.

Their form on the pitch has naturally suffered, with seven draws and five losses in their 12 matches in all competitions this campaign.

Sitting bottom of the Russian Premier League, manager Gadzhi Gadzhiyev might view the Europa League as an unwelcome distraction from an unexpected relegation battle.

They drew 0-0 at Moldovan side Sheriff in their opening group game, while Spurs beat Tromso 3-0 at White Hart Lane.

Jermain Defoe scored twice in that game, and at 11/10 the English striker is the best bet to find the net at Anzhi, having bagged six in his three starts this term.

Villas-Boas is also likely to hand a start to Erik Lamela, who has been kept out of Spurs’ league team by the impressive form of Andros Townsend.

The Argentine is 2/1 to score his first goal for the club.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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