Spurs’ hopes for qualifying for the round of 16 of the Champions League was totally destroyed after a loss against Monaco on matchday five of the group stage. Mauricio Pochettino’s side still have Europa League football to play for when they host CSKA Moscow in the final match of the group stage. Spurs had won just one of their last ten games in all competitions before their massive 5-0 win against Swansea City on Saturday. It was a sublime performance from the North London club and had a complete route.
UEFA’s new rule sees the Europa League winners automatically qualify for the Champions League which has added a real incentive to go all the way in the competition. Even a draw will take Spurs to the Europa League. Pochettino is expected to field a weakened team given his side are already out of the Champions League. Should they secure the point needed to progress to the Europa League, it will present opportunities for the Argentine to use youngsters with the first-team focus on the upcoming League game against Manchester United.
Team news
Spurs
Toby Alderweireld is expected back imminently, but Ben Davies, Erik Lamela and Vincent Janssen all remain sidelined. The foursome are not expected to feature at Wembley.
CSKA Moscow
Ilya Pomazun, Aleksandrs Cauna and Figueira Mario Fernandes are unavailable for the Russia side with injuries.
Predicted lineups
Spurs (4-2-3-1): Lloris; Tripper, Wimmer, Carter-Vickers, Rose; Dier, Sissoko; Onomah, Winks, N’Koudou; Kane
CSKA Moscow (4-2-3-1): Akinfeev; Nababkin, Berezutski, Berezutski, Schennikov; Natkho, Golovin; Tosic, Chalov, Milanov; Traore
Key players
Spurs- Harry Kane
Even though Spurs are likely to play a weakened XI, Kane is likely to start up front with Janssen out injured. The English international is in sublime form right now after his return from injury and was on the scoresheet twice against Swansea on Saturday. The 23-year-old will be looking to tear apart the defence of the Russia giants on Wednesday.
CSKA Moscow- Lacina Traore
Traore is one of the most high-profile players plying their trades in Russia. The Ivory Coast international has been in a decent form since he joined CSKA this season. He has 6 goals to his name this season from 20 games in all competitions and will be looking to trouble the Spurs defence with his pace. Alderweireld and Vertonghen both are unlikely to feature in this game and he could be a big test for youngster Carter-Vickers and Wimmer.
Odds
Tottenham to win: 1/2
Draw: 33/10
CSKA Moscow to win: 23/4
