Tottenham Hotspur have a must-win game against Monaco on their hands on matchday five in the Champions League. Pochettino has to ensure a victory to improve their chances of qualifying for the Champions League knockout stage. The Lilywhites sit third in the Group E standings managing 1 win and 1 draw from their 4 matches so far. They have lost both their home matches at Wembley so far, 2-1 against Monaco on matchday 1 and 1-0 against Leverkusen on matchday 5.
This is make or break for the White Hart Lane faithful as a defeat here could see their Champions League campaign come to a premature end if Leverkusen beat CSKA on the same day. Monaco are at the top of the group with 8 points after picking 2 wins and 2 draws from their 4 matches so far. They defeated CSKA Moscow 3-0 at home on matchday 4 with three quick goals in the first half. A draw will guarantee their qualification to the round of 16, while a win will confirm them as group winners if Leverkusen drops points against CSKA.
Team news
AS Monaco
The Ligue 1 side will be without the services of Joao Moutinho, Almamy Toure and Nabil Dirar.
Spurs
Toby Alderweireld is continuing his rehab from injury and will miss out for the North London side. Ben Davies and Erik Lamela are also likely to sit out. Dele Alli should be fit enough to start the game.
Predicted lineups
AS Monaco (4-4-2): Subasic; Glik, Jemerson, Sidibe, Mendy; Lemar, Fabinho, Bakayoko, Silva; Germain, Falcao
Spurs (4-3-2-1): Lloris; Rose, Vertoghen, Dier, Walker; Winks, Wanyama, Dembele; Eriksen, Alli; Kane
Key players
AS Monaco- Radamel Falcao
The Colombian superstar, who was once rated among the best finishers in the world, had a few poor season lately. He disappointed on his loan spells to both Manchester United and Chelsea but has resurrected his career at Monaco this campaign. The 30-year-old has scored 9 goals this season from 11 games in all competitions. He will be all fired up against Spurs and will pose the biggest threat to Pochettino’s defence.
Spurs- Harry Kane
Spurs’ trusted general Harry Kane is back from injury and is doing really well after coming back. He scored twice against West Ham on Saturday to help his side win the game 3-2. Kane is a big game player and needs to fire against Monaco in order to help Spurs qualify for the knockout stage. All eyes will be on the 23-year-old English hitman.
Odds
MONACO – 6/4
TOTTENHAM – 15/8
DRAW – 23/10
