After their convincing win over Crystal Palace in the Premier League, Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham Hotspur side will face Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League. Tottenham host the Croatian champions on Thursday night.
This is the second time that the two teams will face each other, as they last squared off way back in the 2008-09 season. The North London club defeated Austrian club Wolfsberger AC in the last round, while Zagreb won 4-2 against Krasnodar.
The second leg of the Round of 16 Europa League fixture will take place next Thursday, March 18.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Dinamo Zagreb – Team News
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham have a near full-strength squad, with the only two doubts being right-back Serge Aurier and midfielder Giovani Lo Celso. The two will have late fitness tests to determine if they will be available for Thursday’s game.
Defender Joe Rodon will not be available for selection as Spurs hadn’t registered him for the Europa League.
Dinamo Zagreb
Zagreb won’t have Iranian defender Sadegh Moharrami for the game against Tottenham, but midfielder Bartol Franjic will return from suspension for this key clash.
Tottenham vs Dinamo Zagreb – Predicted Lineups
Manager Jose Mourinho could rest a few of the players that played in the win against Crystal Palace, due to the important North London derby that will take place this weekend.
🗣 "I don't think at this level we can speak about underdogs."
Watch Jose's full press conference ahead of the #UEL last 16 ⤵️#THFC ⚪️ #COYS
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) March 10, 2021
There may not be too many changes for Dinamo Zagreb from the side that defeated Krasnodar last time around.
Tottenham Hotspur predicted lineup: Hugo Lloris; Matt Doherty, Toby Alderweireld, Eric Dier, Ben Davies; Harry Winks, Moussa Sissoko, Dele Alli; Erik Lamela, Steven Bergwijn, Carlos Vinicius
Dinamo Zagreb predicted lineup: Dominik Livakovic; Stefan Ristovski, Rasmus Lauritsen, Kevin Theophile-Catherine, Josko Gvardiol; Luka Ivanusec, Kristijan Jakic, Mislav Orsic; Arijan Ademi, Lovro Majer, Bruno Petkovic
Tottenham vs Dinamo Zagreb: Key Players
Tottenham
Striker Carlos Vinícius has been Jose Mourinho’s first-choice striker in the Europa League, and he has delivered when called upon, scoring six goals in the competition so far. He will be a key player for the North London club.
Dinamo Zagreb
Left-sided attacker Mislav Orsic could be a threat with his dribbling and crosses. He could combine well with striker Bruno Petkovic, who is very strong in the air.
Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 Dinamo Zagreb
