Tottenham Hotspur take on Anzhi Makhachkala in Russia in the Europa League group stage on Thursday afternoon in what will likely be their most difficult tie of the round. The Russians have been quite the force in European football in recent years and, although they've been forced to release several of their top players over the past few months, they will still provide Spurs with a stern test. The Lilywhites go in to the match fresh off the back of a 1-1 home tie with London rivals Chelsea and in good general form, while Anzhi drew 2-2 at home to Amkar in their last game. This should be an entertaining game of football. Here are five things we expect to see when Spurs take on Anzhi in Russia...
5. Many Spurs Players Rested
It has already been confirmed that Paulinho and Jan Vertonghen haven't even travelled to Russia with the rest of the squad for this game, so expect that to be a sign of Andre Villas-Boas' overall philosophy for this match. There will undoubtedly be wholesale changes for this match. With a Premier League match only three days away (at home to West Ham United), Spurs will not want their first team suffering from travelling to Russia, playing 90 minutes of competitive football, and then travelling back - that's not ideal preparation in anyone's book. In addition to Paulinho and Vertonghen, players such as Christian Eriksen and Roberto Soldado will likely sit this one out. The likes of Vlad Chiriches, Younes Kaboul, Sandro, Lewis Holtby, Erik Lamela, Nacer Chadli and Jermain Defoe - none of whom will be likely to start against the Hammers - will more than likely come in for Spurs to give the first choice players the night off (or at least limit them to substitute appearances).
Tottenham Hotspur take on Anzhi Makhachkala in Russia in the Europa League group stage on Thursday afternoon in what will likely be their most difficult tie of the round. The Russians have been quite the force in European football in recent years and, although they've been forced to release several of their top players over the past few months, they will still provide Spurs with a stern test. The Lilywhites go in to the match fresh off the back of a 1-1 home tie with London rivals Chelsea and in good general form, while Anzhi drew 2-2 at home to Amkar in their last game. This should be an entertaining game of football. Here are five things we expect to see when Spurs take on Anzhi in Russia... 