Real Football Man All of the Football, All of the time
Tottenham go into their Champions League encounter with Monaco this evening knowing it’s pretty much a do or die situation. Defeat in Monte Carlo this evening along with a Bayer Leverkusen victory in Moscow would mean that Tottenham will not make the knockout stages of the competition and could very well once again be consigned to Europa League action in the new year.
They make the trip to face Monaco off of the back of a dramatic 3-2 win over West Ham on Saturday, Harry Kane was the saviour with two late goals which overturned the Hammers lead and more importantly gave Spurs three points to keep their unbeaten Premier League record intact.
Unfortunately life in Europe hasn’t been as rosy for Mauricio Pochettino’s men as they have only managed to pick up four points from their first four matches with their current European home of Wembley becoming somewhat of a millstone around their neck.
Last time out saw them lose to Bayer Leverkusen at Wembley thanks to a second half Kevin Kamfl goal, although the result which puts the German outfit in the box seat when it comes to Round of 16 progression.
And that last Wembley outing was certainly a night to forget for Tottenham as they were comfortably outclassed by Bayer Leverkusen. Had Roger Schmidt’s side been more ruthless in front of goal when presented with countless opportunities then it could have been an even more comfortable victory.
The opposition gets no easier for Tottenham tonight as they face the current French league leaders. Hosts Monaco cruised to a comfortable 3-0 victory on Friday night away at Lorient and in Radamel Falcao they have an in form striker at their disposal.
After flops say both Chelsea and Manchester United it’s fair to say that Falcao is once again finding the form that at one point made him one of Europe’s most wanted strikers. The Colombian has registered 9 goals in 11 appearances so far this season.
If he is Monaco’s talisman than there is no doubting the fact that Kane is in the same position for Tottenham. The dilemma for Mauricio Pochettino will be whether or not he, Dele Alli and Mousa Dembele will start due to a combination of fitness issues and lingering knocks. Any of these three players not starting will obviously be a massive blow but this is where the larger squad will hopefully come into play.
And we saw evidence of that larger squad being a massive benefit on Saturday when youngster Harry Winks was drafted in for his first start of the season and he rewarded Mauricio Pochettino’s faith in him with his first ever goal for the club which drew Spurs level at 1-1. Many will feel that Sinks has done enough to deserve a starting role tonight.
But the big question is what can Spurs get from this? Quite simply they will need a win regardless of what happens in Moscow a couple of hours prior. Either to keep on Leverkusen’s tails or go above them in the group. The last thing Spurs want is to be playing a dead rubber in their final Champions League game next month.
Spurs have played better on the road in Europe there is no question of that and there is going to have to be more of the same tonight. Unfortunately though I have a feeling this could be a frustrating night where will have to make do with a draw. I think we may have to get used to playing on Thursday night’s again
