Tottenham Hotspur have a big game coming up in the Champions League when they host La Liga giants FC Barcelona. While a clash with the Blaugrana is always big, Tottenham’s opening matchday defeat to Inter Milan makes the game a must-win as the North Londoners cannot afford to fall behind and put pressure on themselves.
Both the sides have mixed starts to their league campaign so far as their form in the league has been patchy. Although Barcelona are on the top of the pile in the league, they are winless in the last three league games and there is a bit of pressure on Ernesto Valverde. Last season, Barca flew off the blocks, but that hasn’t been the case this season.
Spurs themselves had a poor run a few weeks ago but managed to get the job done in the last two league outings against Brighton and Huddersfield. It’ll be the clash of two teams who haven’t been at their best.
The last time Tottenham hosted a Spanish side – Real Madrid – they ran out comfortable winners and the fans will be hoping for a similar outing this time as well.
Barcelona started their Champions League campaign with a routine win over PSV despite going down to 10 men and can’t afford to take the Premier League side lightly. Issues have blighted the Catalans at the back as both Lenglet and Umtiti have been sent off once already this season and Gerard Pique is suffering from indifferent form, so the midfield will have to be at its best.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Barcelona – Team News
Spurs have a few injury worries and they have come at the worst possible time. As many as five first-team starts have been ruled out of the game and Pochettino will essentially be naming a second-string side to take on Barcelona.
The team will be without their attacking midfielders, Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen. Midfield lynchpin Mousa Dembele came off at halftime against Huddersfield and will miss the game as well. Serge Aurier and Jan Vertonghen will not feature either. Pochettino will, however, welcome back Hugo Lloris who is fit to start.
Barcelona do not have too many injury concerns as only Sergi Roberto won’t be able to play. Samuel Umtiti saw red against PSV and won’t be eligible.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Barcelona – Predicted Lineups
Tottenham predicted XI: Lloris, Rose, Alderweireld, Sanchez, Trippier, Wanyama, Dier, Lucas, Lamela, Son, Kane
Barcelona predicted XI: ter Stegen, Alba, Lenglet, Pique, Semedo, Coutinho, Busquets, Vidal, Rakitic, Suarez, Messi
Tottenham Hotspur vs Barcelona – Odds
Tottenham: 14/5
Barcelona: 19/20
Draw: 14/5
