Tottenham v Antwerp
Thursday 10 December, 20:00
Live on BT Sport
Mourinho is profitable hearts and minds
There aren’t many issues that can win over a fanbase greater than a high quality victory in opposition to bitter native rivals, however the weekend’s 2-0 North London derby win over Arsenal has merely accelerated a course of that had already begun.
Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho is at the moment showing within the headlines extra for what he is doing than what he’s saying, and his pragmatism is being seen as an asset relatively than a downside, a logo of power relatively than an anchor to limit a gifted group.
Of course, all of this might bitter if issues begin to go awry, however there may be little signal of that in the intervening time. Spurs are prime of the Premier League by advantage of objective distinction, they’re nonetheless within the Carabao Cup (make no mistake, Mourinho desires to win that competitors) and a win in opposition to Antwerp will see them attain the final 32 of the Europa League as group winners.
There is a want for atonement in opposition to the Belgians. Spurs’ dismal 1-0 defeat within the reverse fixture was arguably their worst show of the season, the one which led to that image of Mourinho wanting unhappy on the workforce coach.
We can count on the core of the same old Europa League crew to be chosen, with Lucas Moura, Dele Alli, Gareth Bale and Carlos Vinicius all possible to begin. There is speak of a begin for teen Harvey White in central midfield.
Antwerp shedding momentum
It’s been an outstanding season for Antwerp up to now, and securing qualification for the final 32 of the Europa League with a sport to spare is a high quality achievement. However, like many golf equipment, kind is dipping thanks to a packed schedule.
In the Belgian prime flight, Antwerp blew an early lead in a 4-2 defeat at leaders Genk on the weekend, and so they have gained simply one among their final 5 league matches. On the highway, they’ve claimed only a level from their final three outings, and so they have not stored a clear sheet in any of these video games.
Coach Ivan Leko is anticipated to area a robust facet, though Matheus and Sander Coopman are each sidelined by damage.
Spurs to win, and win effectively
Tottenham have gained six of their final seven dwelling video games, together with the final 5, and all bar a type of victories was by a minimum of a two-objective margin. Antwerp are a great facet, however they have been made to look higher than they’re within the reverse fixture, and they need to be outclassed right here.
I’ll again Tottenham -1.5 on the Asian Handicap at 2.021/1.
Usual suspects value contemplating
In the To Score market, Gareth Bale lastly delivered on this competitors within the loopy 3-3 draw at LASK, whereas Dele Alli additionally scored from the penalty spot in Austria, and Carlos Vinicius bagged a brace at dwelling to Ludogorets.
However, I just like the look of backing Lucas Moura to discover the web. He has scored in 4 of Tottenham’s final six UEL video games, and if he’s priced at wherever above evens, he is value backing.