Phillip Buckley
What: UEFA Champions League Playoff Round
Who: Tottenham Hotspur vs Young Boys
When: Wednesday 25th August, 2010, at 19:45 UK Time
Where: White Hart Lane, London, England
Ready to Finish the Job?
Spurs are lucky to still be in this tie; have no doubt, a poor stuttering start in Switzerland quickly led to a 3-0 deficit. Eventually, the Premier League side realised what was at stake and surged back into contention. Ending 3-2, Spurs could have even snatched a leveller, but in truth Harry Redknapp will be happy to just to be in a position to strike at White Hart Lane. One goal will do it and Redknapp will have his troops ready.
Tottenham enter the contest in good heart, having come through what could have been a tricky Premier League fixture at Stoke City at the weekend. Redknapp may in many ways be thankful to come into this vital Champions League knowing exactly what is required; a one-nil win will do. Better than the uncertain situation of a draw, Spurs will drive foward, looking to get on top of Young Boys from the off.
A Repeat of Istanbul?
Young Boys headed to Istanbul to face Fenerbahce in the previous round in a worse positon than this. The first leg had ended 2-2, with the Swiss needing a late late strike just to hold the Turks to a draw. Fenerbahce were expected to pick Young Boys off, but it didn’t turn out that way. Young Boys played without feat, frustrated Fenerbahce and then struck in the first half through Henri Bienvenu. A famous 1-0 victory was gained and a date with Spurs set.
Young Boys have not enjoyed the best of starts in the Swiss Super League, but the Champions League has provided welcome respite. They did though take their European form after the win over Spurs into their next game, a 1-0 win over Zurich. The plan will be clear, frustrate Spurs, quieten the crowd and pinch a goal on the break. The Swiss know they can breach Spurs’ backline and will have confidence they can do so once again.
Recent form
Tottenham Hotspur:
Tottenham Hotspur 0-0 Manchester City (14/08; Premier League)
Young Boys 3-2 Tottenham Hotspur (17/08; Champions League)
Stoke City 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur (21/08; Premier League)
Young Boys:
Young Boys 0-1 Neuchatel Xamax (14/08; Super League)
Young Boys 3-2 Tottenham Hotspur (17/08; Champions League)
Young Boys 1-0 Zurich (22/08; Super League)
Key absences
Tottenham Hotspur: Luka Modric (doubt); Jermain Defoe (doubt); Jamie O’Hara; David Bentley; Jonathan Woodgate
Young Boys: Hassan Lingani; Emiliano Ariel Dudar
Players to watch
Tottenham Hotspur – Michael Dawson: The 26-year-old centre back was the first to admit that Spurs were lucky to get out of the Wankdorf Stadium alive. A mauling by Young Boys alerted the England defender to what exactly is needed at Champions League level. Having admitted it would be a dream to play amongst Europe’s elite, Dawson will find his role against Young Boys critical. He must prevent a smash and grab.
Young Boys – Moreno Costanzo: Young Boys are going to have to work hard, very hard, to come away from White Hart Lane with a positive result, so midfield live-wire Moreno Costanzo will be a pivotal figure. The 22-year-old midfielder has that touch of class and is well capable of finishing off a slick move. If Costanzo is not heavily involved it means the midfield battle has been lost, and surely then the game.
Match prediction
Spurs start this game as favourites and rightly so. While Young Boys were able to shock and surprise in Istanbul, it’s set to be much harder against Harry Redknapp’s men. The manner of the first leg and the 3-0 deficit that Spurs suffered before clawing their way back served as a wake-up call. The Premier League side won’t let this chance slip through their fingers and should finish comfortable 2-0 winners.