Tottenham host Antwerp on Thursday night in the final game of the Europa League group stage. Jose Mourinho's side can leapfrog their opponents and top Group J with a win, while anything else would see their Belgian opposition finish at the summit.
Spurs will be looking to right the wrongs of not only last week's European outing, in which they conceded a last minute equaliser in a 3-3 draw with LASK, but also their shock 1-0 loss in the reverse fixture against Antwerp on matchday two.
Ivan Leko will want his side to carry on their impressive form in the competition, having won four of their five games so far.
Who will finish top of Group J? ?♂️
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) December 5, 2020
ℹ️ Matchday 6: Spurs vs Antwerp #UEL pic.twitter.com/xUYLeP4YSO
Where to Watch
When is it? Thursday 10 December
What Time is it? 20:00
Where is it Played? Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
TV Channel? BT Sport 2
Referee? Jesus Gil Manzano
Team News
Tanguy Ndombele remains a doubt for Thursday night's clash after missing out on the north London derby at the weekend. Meanwhile, Erik Lamela is still sidelined with a foot problem.
In any case, it seems likely that Mourinho will revert to his preferred Europa League lineup during this busy schedule.
The visitors will be without defender Matheus and midfielder Sander Coopman. Otherwise, the Belgian outfit are likely to field a full strength side to come away with a result and finish top of the group.
Predicted Lineups
Tottenham: Hart; Doherty, Sanchez, Tanganga, Davies; Winks, Lo Celso; Lucas, Dele, Bale; Vinicius
Antwerp: Butez; Seck, Gelin, De Laet; Miyashi, Gerkens, Haroun, Hangola, Juklerod; Rafaelov, Benavente
Recent Form
Spurs come into the tie in brilliant form. Mourinho's men haven't lost in the eight games since their last meeting with Antwerp. Despite a disappointing draw at LASK last Thursday, Spurs will step up to the task full of confidence having seen off bitter rivals Arsenal 2-0 on Sunday.
With several impressive and mature performances behind them, Spurs will be looking forward to avenge their defeat in Belgium.
Sit back and enjoy it again... #THFC ⚪️ #COYS pic.twitter.com/nFep0umo84
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) December 6, 2020
Things haven't been as plain sailing for Antwerp domestically. Leko's side find themselves fourth in the Belgian Pr League with a somewhat leaky defence becoming a feature for them, having let in 23 goals and only kept one clean sheet in the first 15 matches so far this campaign.
However, they have found a way of reinventing themselves on Thursday nights. Leko's side have only conceded three goals in five games in the Europa League this season and, as mentioned, they sit top of the group with 12 points.
Tottenham
Tottenham 2-0 Arsenal (6/12)
LASK 3-3 Tottenham (3/12)
Chelsea 0-0 Tottenham (29/11)
Tottenham 4-0 Ludogorets (26/11)
Tottenham 2-0 Manchester City (21/11)
Antwerp
Genk 4-2 Antwerp (6/12)
Antwerp 3-1 Ludogorets (3/12)
Antwerp 3-2 Leuven (30/11)
LASK 0-2 Antwerp (26/11)
Oostende 1-1 Antwerp (21/11)
Prediction
The last few weeks, and the north London derby especially, have really given a sense that Mourinho has instilled his philosophy and that the players have put their faith in their manager. We've seen some classic Mourinho performances from Spurs this year, and you get a feeling that something special could be brewing at the club.
It'll be a tough ask for Antwerp to leave London as group winners, but they've already upset Spurs this season.
A historical night to remember... ?✨#COYR #UEL #ANTTOT #AntwerpOnTour pic.twitter.com/yFj0shszRD
— Royal Antwerp FC (@official_rafc) October 30, 2020
However, you'd have to back this in-form Tottenham team against nearly anyone they come up against right now, and Antwerp don't seem capable of pulling off another big result...right?
Prediction: Tottenham 2-0 Antwerp
Source : 90min