Europa League: Asteras Tripolis vs Tottenham match preview

A look ahead to Thursday’s Europa League fixture at the New Asteras Tripolis Stadium

(Getty Images)

Tottenham travel to Greece in fine spirits after Sunday’s turnaround win against Aston Villa. Although they left it late - two goals within six minutes of full-time - it was a much needed boost for Mauricio Pochettino’s men.

The previous weekend saw defeat fall to the hands of Newcastle and Tottenham will now look to fully cement that behind them.

The reverse of this fixture was a 5-1 demolition job at White Hart Lane with a Harry Kane hat-trick and a sensational Erik Lamela rabona goal. Spurs did concede one, however this was largely down to Kane going in goal for the sent off Hugo Lloris. What seemed like a routine save to make, ended up a flap into the back of the net.

Kane does however, now have nine goals for the season and will look to pick up another three points against the Greek side.

Asteras Tripolis on the contrary will not be looking for a similar result. Since Tottenham they have played three games, winning two and drawing one. The team they drew against were second placed Olympiacos.

Staikos Vergetis will want top striker Jeronimbo Barrales to cause Spurs a few problems. On six goals this season, there is definitely room for improvement.

Given the result last time out, it would be easy to suggest a Tottenham win, but with Asteras Tripolis on four points, there’s still every chance they can qualify out of this group.

KICK-OFF: Thursday, 6.00pm

PAST MEETINGS…

Tottenham 5 (Kane 3, Lamela 2) Asteras Tripolis 1 (Barrales), Europa League, October 2014

STATS…

Harry Kane is currently joint second in the Europa League top scorer standings with four, one behind the leader, Raul Rusescu.

Tottenham scored five goals against Asteras Tripolis two weeks ago, that’s one more than the Greek side have managed to score over three Europa League games.

Asteras Tripolis drew with Olympiacos at the weekend, the last time Tottenaham played them, the North London side lost 1-0.

ODDS…

Asteras Tripolis to win: 4.3

Tottenham to win: 1.72

Draw: 3.6

TV: Live on ITV 4 at 6.00pm