Tottenham Hotspur managed to negate a tough period of fixtures, having taken seven points from their last three league games against Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool but will now turn their attention to their European campaign. They were drawn with Italian giants Juventus, who are trailing Napoli, in the race to the Serie A title.
They are fresh from a 2-0 victory against Fiorentina and have let in just a goal in their last 16 games across all competitions. Spurs themselves are unbeaten in their last 12 games and this clash will be a battle between the best defence in Europe and one of the most exciting attacks in Europe. Turin will host Spurs for the first time in a UEFA fixture and here is the predicted lineup Mauricio Pochettino might field for this tie:
Team News:
Pochettino has no new injury issues to worry about ahead of this tie. Defender Toby Alderweireld, who is back training, will not be risked for this game and has not travelled with the squad.
Expected lineup (4-2-3-1):
Defence:
The manager is not expected to tinker with his formation and should stick with a four-man backline. Hugo Lloris will be under the bar as Jan Vertonghen and Davinson Sanchez, the only options at CB for the manager, should keep their place in the side for this UCL tie.
Kieran Trippier has done well at right-back but might be replaced by the eccentric Serge Aurier while Ben Davies, may also be pushed to the bench, as Danny Rose, who has not been able to cement a place in the first team, will start at left-back against the Old Lady.
Midfield:
Mousa Dembele is bang in form at the moment and will be the danger man for Juve in this tie. He will start in the middle of the park and should be partnered by Eric Dier, who will add some stability to the midfield and shield his backline.
Attack:
The biggest test for a well-drilled Juventus side will be to keep English international Harry Kane, who recently scored his 100th league goal, away from causing any damage. He will have to be kept quiet but the likes of Dele Alli, who will start in a no.10 role and Christian Eriksen, who will start on the right flank are also capable of inflicting serious damage.
Lucas Moura is still waiting for his first start for Spurs but will not get his chance this week, as Heung Min-Son, who is in decent form this season, is expected to start on the left flank.
Here is how they might line up:
