Lokomotiv Plovdiv vs Tottenham Hotspur
UEFA Europa League
Date: Thursday, 17 September 2020
Kick-off at 17:00 UK/ 18:00 CET
Venue: Stadion Lokomotiv.
Match preview
With his team have undergone a full program of pre-season, Jose Mourinho would have expected a strong performance when hosting the new-look Everton on Sunday afternoon.
However, while Spurs had their moments against the Toffees, they could be considered lucky to just give up by a 1-0 scoreline, leaving supporters pessimistic about their chances of cracking four.
While it is still early days, has left the North London outfit under pressure ahead of a trip to Bulgaria, a visit which they obtained through their efforts during the last weeks of the last campaign.
Although there are financial benefits of spending time on the European scene, the Spurs faced the prospect of taking on a relentless schedule, while also having to manage the condition of players who may also represent their national team further six times this year.
At the time Mourinho has publicly criticized his players fitness, Plovdiv has no such worries, having played 17 competitive games since the beginning of June.
Although they just sit in sixth position on the board of Bulgaria, Bruno Akrapovic will feel that a larger time games give his team the edge over their high-profile enemies.
Plovdiv has won four of their last five games in all competitions, losing only regular European participants Ludgorets Razgrad.
Railwaymen reached the stage of the tournament by overcoming Montenegro 1-0 scoreline clothing Iskra by the end of last month.
News Team
Clothes Bulgaria does not have a problem major list heading into a big game against Tottenham, in addition to David Malembana, were injured. Akrapovic manager is unlikely to make any changes to the side that lost to Ludogorets in the last game, the home team is expected to continue in a 3-5-2 formation.
Martin Lukov should people in purpose and can expect a busy evening will be against the likes of Harry Kane and Son Heung-min. He will be protected by a three-man back line consisting of Milos Petrovic, Dinis Almeida and Lucas Masoero. Birsent Karagaren possibility slot in as a right wing, with Momchil Tsvetanov on the opposite side.
Petar Vitanov will hold down the fort in the middle of the park and will have support coming from Parvizdzhon Umarbayev. The third midfield slot to be taken by Lucas Salinas, which will be given license to push forward and create chances for the strikers.
Captain Dimitar Iliev, who scored the winner in the previous qualifying round, should start in attack. Ante Aralica he would have as a partner in the strength of the strike in both directions, with a selection of Kenan Muslimovic bench.
Possible Lineup (3-5-2): Lukov; Petrovic, Masoero, Almeida; Karagaren, Umarbayev, Vitanov, Salinas Tsvetanov; Iliev, Aralica
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham have been handed a boost as Giovani Lo Celso fit and available for selection after missing the Everton game. However, they will be without Japhet tanganga and Serge Aurier, with both picking up a knock in training. Dele Alli have been left in England, amid speculation that all is not well between him and Mourinho.
There should be some changes to the side that lost against the Toffees this past weekend. Joe Hart, who arrived on a free transfer this summer, is in line to make his debut for Tottenham, replacing Hugo Lloris in goal.
Hart will be protected by the central defensive pairing Davinson Sanchez and Eric Dier, with the former replacing Toby Alderweireld. Aurier injury means Matt Doherty should continue at right-back, while youngster Ryan Sessegnon is in line with the left back.
Tanguy Ndombele will not start, as confirmed by Mourinho, which means Moussa Sissoko possibility Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg partners in the middle of the park. Youngster Harvey White could get some minutes off the bench. Fit-again Lo Celso is expected to slot in as # 10 and provide the creative influence for Spurs.
Steven Bergwijn, who did not start against Everton, should get the nod in the right front side of Lucas Moura. However, there is no looking past Son Heung-min on the left wing, while striker Harry Kane should spearhead the attack Tottenham.
Possible Lineup (4-2-3-1): Hart; Doherty, Sanchez, Dier, Sessegnon; Sissoko, Hojbjerg; Bergwijn, Lo Celso, Children; kane
Prediction: Lokomotiv 0-3 Tottenham
Spurs may be lacking confidence after the defeat desperate for Everton, but the result is all that matters in Bulgaria - especially considering that it is a one-legged tie.
Mourinho believes the senior players to get the job done in Plovdiv, and professional away win should be expected.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
The two sides have never faced each other before.
Betting odds and tips
Tottenham to qualify: 1/25
Lokomotiv to qualify: 11/2
Under 1.5 goals: 5/1
