Tottenham Hotspur vs. Young Boys, Champions League Play-Offs Second Leg Match Preview
Tottenham get ready to take on Young Boys for the second fixture of the UEFA Champions League play-off after having lost the first fixture 3-2. A loss or draw at White Hart Lane could mean that the Spurs don’t go through to the group stages of the Champions League.
In the first fixture, the Spurs found themselves trailing by three goals in only the first half hour. It took some very motivating half time pep talk by Harry Redknapp and an inspiring performance by striker Jermain Defoe after which the Spurs managed to score two consolation goals.
The talking point of the match was the defence, which was horrendous in the first fixture. Redknapp’s side will be looking to maintain a clean sheet and score at least one goal, which will see them through to the next stage of the coveted Champions League.
Spurs will be hoping to do better tonight, and they should too, especially with the talent available. They received a further boost when Defoe announced that he was participating in tonight’s match despite threats of lack of full recovery following a groin injury, which he described as one of the biggest games of his career.
Defoe, who expects to be fit for tonight’s match, told reporters, “It would be a massive blow if we failed to qualify. Everyone wants to play in the Champions League. On a Tuesday night you don't want to be at home watching EastEnders. You want to be at the Lane.”
He admitted that he was somewhat confused at their performance last week, which saw them stumbling to the Swiss side 3-2. He said, “Not many of the boys have played in the Champions League before but I don't want to use the plastic pitch as an excuse. Young Boys played well, but to get two away goals in the end was good for us.”
Young Boys were successful with their 4-5-1 formation, dominating in midfield against Spurs’ usual 4-4-2 formation, which had too many holes in the midfield and defence. After only 28 minutes they were 3-0 down. The back line was shamelessly outplayed by the midfield, for which they blamed the plastic pitch.
Manager Redknapp said in a pre-match press conference, “It's important to get after them early, to set them back. We have to move the ball, play with pace, press them, put them under pressure.”
He said he hoped for a special atmosphere at White Hart Lane, similar to what he had experienced at other big clubs in the European competition. He was certain that it would affect the players’ mood and performance. “They were great nights, great atmospheres. We want the same European nights here.”
Spurs boast an impressive record in European competitions at White Hart Lane. In some 63 home ties in three formats of European competitions, the Spurs have managed to maintain a remarkable record, losing only three times.
However, Young Boys remain confident that they can win at White Hart Lane. Right-back Scott Sutter told local reporters, “Everything is still open. They have more pressure on them than us and we have nothing to lose. If we can get through the first 20-25 minutes without conceding a goal then we have a fairly good chance.”
Possible Starting XI:
Tottenham Hotspur (4-4-2): Gomes, Corluka, Dawson, King, Assou-Ekotto, Lennon, Huddlestone, Palacios, Bale, Defoe, Crouch.
Subs: Cudicini (g), Keane, Kranjcar, Bassong, Kaboul, Pavlyuchenko, Giovani.
Young Boys (4-5-1): Wolfli, Spycher, Jemal, Affolter, Sutter, Lulic, Doubai, Costanzo, Degen, Hochstrasser, Bienvenu.
Subs: Burki (g), M Schneuwly, De Pierro, Regazzoni, Mayuka, Raimondi, C Schneuwly.
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