Real Football Man All of the Football, All of the time
Tottenham midfielders Mousa Dembele and Christian Eriksen are expected to miss the Europa League last-16 tie against Borussia Dortmund at White Hart Lane.
Neither player trained on Wednesday because of minor knocks, with Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino confirming they were unlikely to play.
Editor’s Note: It’s all but a dead rubber in this Europa League Round of 16 tie as Tottenham play host to Borussia Dortmund looking to try and reverse a 3-0 defeat from the first leg. With the tie all but done and dusted do not be surprised if Mauricio Pochettino rests key players with an eye to the Premier League game at home to Bournemouth on Sunday.
In which that decision to rest key players in the first leg which got Tottenham into the situation they find themselves in Tonight. When the line up was announced last Thursday it was clear to see where Manager Pochettino saw his priorities for the rest of the season.
Was the decision justified after the win against Aston Villa on Sunday, I guess the jury is still out what with the gap at the top of the League to Leicester still being 5 points. Only if Tottenham go on to win the title can this deemed as a masterstroke by the Argentinian.
The team that did play last Thursday didn’t necessarily disgrace themselves it was just more of a measure of the quality that the Dortmund side possess. They are a Champions League team in all but name this season and if anything it showed what Tottenham still have to do to be classed in that bracket of sides if and when they reach the tournament next season.
Thomas Teuchel’s side dominated the first leg and after a good 5-10 minutes from Spurs the home side never looked back. Once Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored the first even then you felt it was going to be a case of attempting damage limitation for Spurs.
Unfortunately for the Spurs they were further undone by Marco Reus whose two goals increased the advantage and has given them more than one foot in the Europa Quarter Final draw. With Tottenham not looking to play a full strength side you have a feeling this game could go through the mentions.
Which is great if you’ve spent £45 for a ticket (me) and now have to watch something bordering on a Testimonial. But Spurs fans at the same time should appreciate this is the case so I don’t think it’s a stick to beat Pochettino with. The fate was sealed last week so let’s just focus on trying to cut the gap at the top of the Premier League.
Dortmund can probably also afford to rest key players as they also look to close down a 5 point gap of their own from Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich. From a purely selfish view I hope they play their strongest team so I can get at least some of monies worth.
Truth be told, Tottenham are going to have to score very early to have any chance of a White Hart miracle. I can’t say I’m holding out too much hope but it’ll be a chance to have a midweek pint or two and watch some European Football in the flesh. I’ll go for an Away win.
