Europa League Betting: Back Lazio to pile more pressure on Tottenham's AVB

Hernanes has been on top form for Lazio
Andre Villas Boas has endured a tricky start to life as Tottenham boss, and Kevin Hatchard doesn't expect in-form Lazio to provide him with any solace.
Tottenham vs Lazio, Thu 20:05 BST, Live on ITV4
Match Odds: Spurs 1.9520/21, Lazio 4.47/2, the draw 3.7511/4
Spurs boss Andre Villas Boas won the Europa League with Porto two seasons ago, and I suspect he will take the competition more seriously than predecessor Harry Redknapp, who treated it as a repository for fringe players and callow youngsters. Villas Boas has a strong squad to select from, and after a patchy start to the season he needs wins wherever he can find them.
However, this mouth-watering clash with Lazio may not provide the comfort AVB craves. The Roman club have won every match they have played this season under new coach Vladimir Petkovic - three out of three in Serie A, and home and away victories against Mura in the Europa League playoff round. The undoubted star of the show has been nimble-footed Brazilian playmaker Hernanes - he has scored four goals in five matches, including a brace in the weekend's 3-1 win at Chievo. Lazio are also defending solidly, with three clean sheets racked up already.
If AVB is hoping his opposite number will take the match lightly, he is set for disappointment. Petkovic showed his intent by fielding Hernanes (who was linked with a move to Spurs in the summer) and Miroslav Klose in the away leg against Mura, and both scored in a 2-0 win. With the tie virtually secured, Petkovic still picked a strong team for the return leg, which was won 3-1. Spurs won't be helped by injuries to striker Emmanuel Adebayor and full-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto.
Spurs' home form has been patchy this season. Draws against West Brom and Norwich were far from impressive, and but for the excellent form of veteran keeper Brad Friedel, both of those games could have been lost. Friedel is controversially keeping France number one Hugo Lloris out of the team, but the former Lyon man could finally make his debut in this match.
Lazio are on the crest of a wave, and Spurs have looked fragile at home this term, especially at the heart of midfield, where Sandro and Jake Livermore don't appear to be a good pairing. 4.47/2 looks too big for an away win, given the form of the two teams. If you want the draw and the away win on your side, you can back Lazio +0.5 on the Asian Handicap at a chunky 2.01n/a.
Recommended Bet: Back Lazio +0.5 on the Asian Handicap at 2.01n/a