Real Football Man All of the Football, All of the time
Tottenham’s Wembley housewarming party in the opening Champions League matchday didn’t quite go to plan as they were beaten 2-1 by Ligue 1 outfit Monaco. Since then Spurs have earned four points on the road and will look to add to that really with a positive result Tonight when they play host to Bayer Leverkusen.
These two sides met a fortnight ago and although it may be a cliche, it really was a game of two halves with Tottenham on top for the first half and then Bayern on top for the second. Neither side managed to get that all important goal and Spurs will have Hugo Lloris and goalline technology to thanks as a combination of the two managed to keep Javier Hernandez at bay.
At the weekend Bayer Leverkusen won 2-1 away at Wolfsburg, a win which were them move up to 10th. It’s been a stuttering start for the German side and they are going to have to improve their form if they are to get anywhere near the qualification places for next season. That’s assuming they don’t go on to surprise everyone and go on to win the competition.
Maurico Pochettino’s men haven’t won in their last 5 matches across all competitions, although the run has been more frustrating than shambolic with 4 of them resulting in draws and a near de facto reserve side losing to Liverpool in the EFL Cup last week. The hope now is that it doesn’t become 6 with failure to beat Bayer Leverkusen
Tottenham will once again have to make do without Harry Kane and Toby Alderweireld, once again they will be sorely missed but the hope is that they are fit and raring to go for Sunday’s North London Derby at The Emirates.
Moussa Sissoko will be available as he is currently in the middle of a domestic ban while once again the decision will have to be made to go with Vincent Janssen of Heung-min Son at the top of the attack.
This is a group where all teams are taking points off each other and his arguably the most wide open group in the competition. Tottenham really could do with as home win especially with only one more Wembley appearance left at this stage.
The usual rule of thumb is that you win your home games and draw your away ones to and that will be enough to advance to the Round of 16. With Tottenham already losing to Monaco at home then this game takes on an extra importance.
Tottenham will probably feel that a share of the points suited them slightly more a couple of weeks ago but a repeat of that result would not only co time their barren run without a win but would also hamper their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages.
Have the club learned their lessons after their opening stage fright? Well two games unbeaten on the road would seem to show they have they now have to make sure they use Wembley to their advantage.
In terms of the match result, neither team is the best domestic form but I think the ‘home’ advantage will just give Tottenham the edge. I’ll go for a Tottenham win and I’ll be there in person so will give you a full review on Thursday.
