Besiktas vs Tottenham: Europa League preview

A look ahead to this week’s Europa League game in the Turkey

Kyle Walker is expected to return from injury to featurre for (Getty Images)

Tottenham have travelled to the Istanbul knowing they have already qualified for the next round but a draw will see them finish top of their group. Besiktas have qualified for the knock out stages as well but need a victory not to finish runners up in the group.

Both sides will be very keen to secure a win tonight as finishing top of the group will see them avoiding the top-seeds in the next round.

Their meeting earlier on in the season at White Hart lane finished in an undecided 1-1. The equaliser was scored by former Chelsea striker Demba Ba who is sidelined for tonight with a broken toe.

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino will be without striker Emannuel Adebayor who was given permission to fly back to his home country Togo for personal reasons.

A win for the north London side could be a great boost to their confidence as they have been struggling in the league so far holding only 10 position. Their Turkish opponents tonight are in first position of their league.

KICK-OFF: 6pm

Past meetings:

Tottenham (Kane) 1 – 1 Besiktas (Ba) Thurs 02Oct 2014 Europa League

Besiktas 0 – 2 Tottenham (Ghaly, Berbatov) Thurs 19Oct 2006 Eufa Cup

Stats:

Besiktas have won five of their last six matches

Tottenham have won their last three matches

Despite Tottenham holding first place in the group, Besiktas have a better scoring record.

Odds:

Besiktas to win: 2.37

Tottenham to win: 2.9

Draw: 3.3

TV: ITV 4