Tottenham Hotspur vs Fiorentina – Preview

Nine days without Spurs a peculiar amalgamation of bliss and hunger; thankfully yet unfortunately, we return to action in the Europa League on Thursday night.

Our matching with the Italian side Fiorentina was amongst the toughest possible outcomes, but it’s not an impossible task.

Let’s put it this way- Fiorentina are Tottenham Hotspur but in purple. They’ve been on the cusp of the Italian Champions League spaces for some time, and like our unfortunate selves, managed to finish 4th when it didn’t guarantee themselves a spot in Europe’s elite club competition.

Whilst their squad is littered with average players of similar ability, there are some exceptional exceptions. Once-world beater Mario Gomez could lead the line for the Viola, but the big German’s record of 6 goals in 20 games this term, in-form striker Khouma Babacar may take his place. Mohamed Salah marked his weekend Fiorentina debut with a goal, and is expected to play a part at White Hart Lane. Old enemy Micah Richards has returned to the side recently, and is pushing to start on his return to England.

This meeting will be the first ever between the two clubs, and our only noticeable link with our foes from Florence appears to be in the form of one Nicola Berti (expect his name to be chorused). Failed youth team striker Mounir El Hamdaoui is on the books at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, but it unlikely to play a part in either fixture.

In terms of form, both sides are hitting their peak. Tottenham have lost just two league games in ten, and Fiorentina are unbeaten since the beginning of January. We have a League Cup final on the horizon; they are through to the Coppa Italia semi-finals.

Both teams lost on matchday six of the Europa League, but top spot was already secured for Fiorentina, allowing this matchup.

Despite a London derby with West Ham United on Sunday, expect a full-strength line up.

Hugo Lloris has started whenever possible in the Europa League this season, and is likely to once more.

Both of Fiorentina’s main striking options pose a considerable aerial threat, and it could pave Federico Fazio’s way back into the side. The Argentine has been replaced in starting line ups recently by Eric Dier, who would have been credited with a man-of-the-match performance at Liverpool if it weren’t for Mario Balotelli’s winner. Ben Davies could start at left back, allowing Danny Rose a rest ahead of Sunday’s derby.

In midfield, Benjamin Stambouli could come in for Ryan Mason after his below-par performance at Anfield last Tuesday.

Ahead of them, Nacer Chadli looks set to return to the starting eleven alongside Christian Eriksen and Erik Lamela. Many will feel a drop for Mousa Dembele is harsh, but he ultimately slows down our play and forces one of our key players to play out of position. Lamela put in impressive performances against Arsenal and Liverpool, and will be up against a familiar foe- Erik scored twice against Fiorentina during his spell at Roma.

Media attention has been deservedly aimed at Harry Kane. Last week, he picked up the Barclays Premier League Player of the Month award, and has been singled out for praise by Mauricio Pochettino. Fiorentina know his name, and undoubtedly fear his impact.

Next Sunday is our cup final with Chelsea, so putting this result to bed in the first leg would be a load off our minds.

Then again, we are Tottenham Hotspur.

Predicted XI: Lloris; Walker, Fazio, Vertonghen, Davies; Stambouli, Bentaleb; Lamela, Eriksen, Chadli; Kane