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Tottenham vs Monaco – Match Preview

Tottenham striker Harry Kane may be rested for their final Europa League group game against Monaco on Thursday.

Spurs, who have already qualified for the last 32, will secure top spot in Group J with a draw at White Hart Lane.

Midfield pair Nacer Chadli (ankle) and Nabil Bentaleb (foot) are back in the squad after injury, but fellow midfielder Mousa Dembele is ill.

Academy graduates Ryan Mason and Alex Pritchard (both ankle) remain unavailable.

Editor’s Note: With Tottenham already qualified for the Europa League Round of 32 they have a rare opportunity in which to rest key players. Harry Kane looks set to be afforded that luxury tonight as even defeat could still see Tottenham top the group and avoid the sides that have finished 3rd in the Champions League groups

Spurs have looked a little off the boil in the last two league matches, the Chelsea performance can be attributed to their visit to Azerbaijan just 3 days prior while their performance against West Brom last weekend wasn’t helped by the bad pitch and weather conditions

But they shouldn’t really be used as excuses and ultimately Spurs are very hard to beat especially with their 14 match unbeaten record in the league and only being bested on 3 occasions in all competitions

They slight issue they have is not turning draws into wins but ultimately a draw would be more than enough tonight so this game should be used as an opportunity to give the fringe players a run out. I would expect players like Kevin Wimmer, Kieran Trippier and Clinton N’Jie to make a bid for the starting eleven as they have found league opportunities particularly hard to come by due to the form of their positional rivals.

Getting in front early would then give Pochettino to rest players further before the visit of Newcastle on Sunday but first they have to deal with a Monaco side who need to win and hope Anderlecht slip up against bottom side Qarabag.

The Monte Carlo side currently sit 4th in Ligue 1, a league that will no doubt be wrapped up by PSG therefore they will hope to wrap up one of the other 2 Champions League places on offer, they are unbeaten in their last 4 league matches and will be looking to bring that form to White Hart Lane.

With not much to play for in regards to Spurs tonight it may have a slight processional feel whereas Monaco are going to have to go for it. I reckon the game will end up in a draw and hopefully Harry Kane is given a night off.
COYS!

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