Tottenham v Asteras Tripolis: Greeks won't bear gifts, but Spurs will break them down

Mauricio Pochettino has had plenty to ponder at Spurs

Kevin Hatchard successfully recommended laying Tottenham against Besiktas on Matchday Two, but he thinks the North London side will get back on track against Greek visitors Asteras Tripolis...

Tottenham Hotspur v Asteras Tripolis
Thu October 23, 20:05
Live on ITV4

Like a toddler who takes a few confident steps before crashing to the ground, Tottenham's campaign has been littered with false starts. Every time it seems things are clicking under the new coach Mauricio Pochettino, there's a defeat, and the finger of fate jabs the reset button.

A heavy loss against Manchester City is almost becoming a club tradition for the Lilywhites, but there were some encouraging signs during the weekend's 4-1 reverse at the Etihad. Tottenham started the game well (they took the lead through Christian Eriksen), and rising star Ryan Mason caught the eye in midfield. As troubling as the defensive collapse which followed was, it's hardly jarring to see Sergio Aguero destroy a rearguard. Pochettino must accentuate the positives and hope confidence hasn't been harmed.

Spurs certainly can't afford to slip up on Thursday, having drawn their first two group matches. They face the group leaders Asteras Tripolis, who are determined but limited. The Greek outfit dug in against Besiktas and grabbed a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw, and they played well in a 2-0 home win against Partizan Belgrade, creating a host of chances.

Asteras Tripolis are enjoying their first ever group-stage campaign, having crashed out in the qualifiers in each of the past two seasons. Bearing in mind that they were a third-tier side as recently as 2006, this truly is a fairytale adventure for their fans. That said, they are far from wide-eyed no-hopers. Former Elche player Fernando Usero knits together the midfield well, and Argentinean forward Facundo Parra scored against both Besiktas and Partizan. Former Rangers centre-back Dorin Goian is strong and experienced, and coach Staikos Vergetis is tactically astute.

While I don't think this will be a walkover for Spurs, there's no doubt that Asteras simply aren't as strong on the road as they are in Greece. Vergetis' side have played seven Europa League away games in the past three seasons, and haven't won any of them. In their qualifying ties against Mainz and Maccabi Tel Aviv, they lost 1-0 and 3-1 respectively, only progressing because of excellent home displays. Conversely, Spurs are usually very strong at home in this competition - in their last 22 Europa League home games, they have won 14, drawn six and lost two.

Federico Fazio is likely to feature for Spurs in defence, as he is set to serve a domestic suspension, while Jan Vertonghen could also play after missing the trip to the Etihad. Harry Kane is being tipped to return to the attack after sitting out the weekend's game.

I know Tottenham's recent form is poor, and Asteras are a tough outfit who play well on the break. That said, Spurs have no choice but to go for it from the off, and I think they have the quality to get the win they need. Asteras have a poor away record, and if Tottenham start well and get the crowd going, I can see the evening turning out to be more comfortable than many suspect.

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