Tottenham’s Europa League revenge sure to test nerves at the Lane
Published:
Tottenham and Fiorentina are locked at 1-1 heading into the return leg of a Europa League last-32 dispute for a second time in quick succession, but after suffering disappointment last season there is more reason for Spurs optimism 12 months on.
There is generally far more scope for Tottenham fans to let their naturally occurring pessimism seep away in 2015/16 anyhow and an FA Cup exit to Crystal Palace really shouldn’t see fears of a crash start to creep back in.
Under Mauricio Pochettino’s tutelage the Lilywhites have been transformed into genuine Premier League title contenders and crucially, for their European ambitions, the second leg is at home this time around.
After depositing an away goal at White Hart Lane last season, Fiorentina performed the perfect Italian job by finishing Tottenham off 2-0 in clinical fashion over in Florence.
However, given Spurs’ rapid evolution since then, and impressive record of three group-stage wins under the lights at the Lane this season, it feels like it’s the Londoners’ turn to exact some revenge.
The English club look decent value to return to winning ways at 3/4 with Ladbrokes, though against a team flying similarly-highly in Serie A, the odd goal will probably settle it.
Seeing as Pochettino’s men have not scored more than one goal from open play since thumping Norwich 3-0 at Carrow Road five games ago, and the necessity to limit any away-goal damage, the floodgates are unlikely to open.
This is especially true in light of top scorer Harry Kane being ruled out of the contest through injury, though the likes of Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen, Nacer Chadli or Son-Heung Min can all step up to the scoring plate.
With a keen eye for goal generally, Chadli has five in his last nine Lilywhites appearances, the designated penalty-taking deputy in Kane’s absence looks a fine bet to break the deadlock at 6/1.
A 1-0 triumph for the hosts is an attractive bet at 11/2, though three games without keeping a clean sheet for Spurs could also persuade punters that 2-1, at 7s, is the better option.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
