Tottenham v Partizan: Back Spurs to Kane Serbian visitors

If he doesn't end up in goal, Harry Kane's a good bet to score first for Spurs

Spurs are on the brink of qualification for the knockout rounds, and with the aid of the in-form Harry Kane, Kevin Hatchard says they can reach the last 32 in style against Partizan... 

Tottenham Hotspur v Partizan Belgrade
Thursday 27 November, 20:05
Live on ITV4

Even the most ardent Spurs fan would find it tough to argue the Lilywhites didn't dodge a bullet in Greece on Matchday Four, as they scraped a 2-1 win at Asteras Tripolis. It was all going so well at half-time, with Tottenham sitting pretty at 2-0 up, but the Greeks came roaring back. Having missed a host of second-half chances, Asteras finally scored a 90th-minute penalty as Fazio was sent off (again), but they couldn't force an equaliser.

It's in the books, as the NFL commentators say, and Spurs now know a win against Partizan Belgrade will seal their passage into the last 32. With a tricky trip to face Besiktas on the horizon, Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino will be delighted if qualification can be wrapped up nice and early.

Since Partizan held Spurs to a goalless draw on Matchday One, they have failed to collect any more points, and Marko Nikolic's men can't qualify for the knockout rounds. These failures contrast sharply with their domestic form - they are six points clear at the top of the Serbian Super Liga, but that probably says more about the quality of the league rather than the quality of Partizan.

Spurs tend to play the role of flat-track bullies very well in this competition, especially at home. They have won 11 of their last 14 home games in the Europa League, and their only failures in that sequence came against Basel, Benfica and Besiktas. Partizan doesn't start with a "B", so Spurs should be fine. In all seriousness, Spurs' greater quality should make a difference against opponents that are struggling at this level.

Tottenham are perceived to be having a poor season, but it's worth noting that by hook or by crook they have won four of their last five games in all competitions. If they can put that kind of run together when they are well below par, then they could be really dangerous if Pochettino can finally get them into top gear.

Pochettino is expected to shuffle his pack, with Paulinho, Aaron Lennon and Vlad Chiriches all tipped to start. Nabil Bentaleb could make his comeback after six weeks out, while Fazio is suspended. 

In attack, Roberto Soldado and Emmanuel Adebayor are carrying knocks but could feature, but if Harry Kane is chosen to play up front, he's worth a dart at 3.814/5 in the First Goalscorer market. He has scored 11 goals in 16 appearances this term, he is the Europa League's joint top scorer with five strikes already (seven if you count the playoff round), and he caused Partizan problems in Belgrade. Keep an eye on the team news, and if he starts, get on. He's the Europa League's new Jermain Defoe.

Recommended Bets
Back Spurs -1.5 on the Asian Handicap at 1.768/11
Back Harry Kane to be First Goalscorer at 3.814/5 (if he starts)

2014/15 Europa League P/L (1pt per bet)

Points Staked: 38

Points Returned: 45.76

P/L: +7.76 points