Spurs’ home strength can give Dortmund something to contemplate
Published:
Mauricio Pochettino’s suspect selection policy received the punishment it probably deserved in Dortmund, but back at White Hart Lane several factors point to Tottenham recovering some dignity at the very least.
A 3-0 deficit accurately reflects the gulf in class between an under-strength Spurs and a hugely talented Dortmund team able to toy with their English visitors at times.
The Lilywhites were left chasing black-and-yellow shadows at the Signal Iduna Park and without an away goal to build on at the Lane, hope of reaching the last eight of the Europa League is all but extinguished.
Nevertheless, although the North Londoners won’t be upsetting odds of 16/1 to qualify, Pochettino’s charges can reward their fans with a vastly improved performance, which could even yield a win.
With the most obvious of points to prove, 5/2 on the Premier League title hopefuls is a fairly attractive punt, especially when assessing Spurs’ home record in the Europa League this term and against German opponents historically at the Lane.
Tottenham are unbeaten in their previous nine European home games (W7 D2), where the most recent 3-0 victory of Fiorentina offers a fresh breeze of encouragement.
The Viola may not quite be a match for Thomas Tuchel’s Bundesliga outfit, but the Italian side are far from mugs and are pushing hard for Champions League football in Serie A, nestled in fourth.
Meanwhile, in eight continental White Hart Lane clashes against German opposition, Spurs are yet to be beaten, winning seven of those.
Pochettino has promised fans that his team will fight hard to make amends for the embarrassing first-leg loss and judging by the quality and industry that has propelled them into the title race this season, a more recognisable version of Spurs can give Dortmund some problems.
Inflicting a first defeat in 14 matches on the visitors is a big ask, but the 8/11 on Spurs in the double chance market could be something of a gem.
If that isn’t juicy enough, then 6/4 on the hosts without the draw may float your boat.
Or, failing that, go the whole hog on the headline offer of Tottenham to win and both teams to score, boosted from 4/1 to 6/1 by Ladbrokes.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
