The Tottenham vs Dinipro match will take place this Thursday, February 27 2014 (12:00 Pacific). This season’s European adventure is in danger for Tottenham, as Spurs host Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk in the second leg of the Europa League Round of 32 tie. The Ukrainian side won 1-0 at home in the first leg and are hopeful of making it to the last 16. Meanwhhile, Tottenham will have the pressure to win this match, added to the other which is remaining in the fight for a Champions League position in the Premier League. The winner of this tie will face the team that will prevail from Benfica vs PAOK Salonica.
It’s common knowledge that the top target for Tottenham this season is to finish top-four in the Premier League in order to play Champions League football next season, and manager Tim Sherwood rested a lot of his regulars in order to keep them fresh for the visit to Norwich. The plan backfired though, as Spurs not only lost the European match, but came up short at Carrow Road too, losing 1-0 and falling six points behind fourth-placed Liverpool.
Sherwood must continue to utilize his squad for European games though, with big matches coming up in the Premier League. So, Brad Friedel is expected to once again start for Spurs in the competition as goalkeeper. While in defense, Kyle Walker could sit this one out as he had injury problems, with Kyle Naughton replacing him for the right back role. On the left, Danny Rose should keep his place, while Michael Dawson and Jan Vertonghen will form the central defensive partnership.
In midfield, there are some bad news, as the injury of Ettiene Capoue, and some good news, like the return of Sandro ”The Beast” from injury. But Sherwood must decide if he is going to stick with the 4-1-4-1 formation he has used in the last few games, or if he will play with two strikers.
In the case of the former, Paulinho could be moved in front of the back four, with Andros Townsend on the right – as Aaron Lennon is expected to be rested – Nacer Chadli on the left, and Nabil Bentaleb alongside Mousa Dembele in central midfield. Roberto Soldado should get the nod in attack. In a 4-4-2 he is going to have a partner in Emmanuel Adebayor, with Eriksen vying to start in a more central role and Bentaleb staying on the bench. Defender Vlad Chiriches, forward Erik Lamela and midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson are out.
Dnipro are expected to keep the same eleven as in the first leg. Their domestic league is currently on a winter break and manager Juande Ramos has no problems with injuries. Once again, the Ukrainians will hope that winger Konoplyanka has a lot to prove to a team that could be his next employer in the summer.
Tottenham vs Dinipro Prediction
Spurs have made it difficult for themselves in this tie, but they could make amends here, especially should Adebayor play. The Tottenham vs Dinipro Europa League match will end in a 3-1 win for the Spurs.
Tottenham Probable Lineup
Tottenham vs Dinipro TV Schedule
The Tottenham vs Dinipro match will be televised on FOX Sports 1 USA at 12:00 PM Pacific. For all other countries check LiveSoccerTV.
