Europa League: Anzhi Makhachkala v Tottenham Hotspur match preview

A look ahead to Spurs’ Europa League visit to Russia

Lacina Traore of Anzhi Makhachkala and Christian Eriksen of Tottenham (GETTY IMAGES)

Tottenham Hotspur travel to Russia in good form where they will meet Anzhi Makhachkala for the first time.

Andre Villas-Boas’ side are joint second in the Premier League table with only Arsenal making a better start and are looking to extend their perfect record in Europe. They comfortably beat Tromso in their first match and despite clocking up the air miles with this latest trip Tottenham’s squad is likely to be too strong in strength and depth for their Russian opponents.

Although they can still count on the talented Ivory Coast striker Lacina Traore in their ranks, the loss of Samuel Eto’o and Willian in the summer has had a significant effect on Anzhi who are currently bottom of the Russian Premier League with no wins this season. Despite having success against British opposition in last year’s competition winning 1-0 against Liverpool in the group stages, a victory looks a tall order this time round, especially as the match will be played in Moscow almost 2000km away from their partisan fans.

KICK-OFF: Thursday, 17:00

PAST MEETINGS:

No previous meetings

STATS:

Anzhi have failed to win in twelve matches in all competitions this season, drawing seven and losing five.

Tottenham have only lost once this season in all competitions away to Premier League leaders Arsenal.

Anzhi have not kept any clean sheets at home this season.

Tottenham have never won against Russian sides away from home (1 draw, 1 loss).

ODDS:

Tottenham to win: 1.56

Anzhi to win: 8.0

Draw: 4.6

TV: Live on ITV4 at 17:00