Tottenham Hotspur will turn their focus to the Europa League on Thursday as they host Elfsborg in a crucial League Phase fixture. Spurs are looking to put their struggling Premier League form behind them and secure automatic qualification for the knockout stages of the competition. However, with injuries and inconsistency plaguing their season, the game against a determined Elfsborg side promises to be a tough challenge.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Europa League Hopes Amid Premier League Woes
Tottenham’s current Premier League form is alarming. The club has lost eight of their last 11 league matches, with a particularly disappointing 2-1 defeat to Leicester City last weekend, extending their winless streak to four games. Despite being a formidable side in previous seasons, Spurs have struggled this year, sitting 15th in the table, just above the relegation zone.
However, Tottenham has been much more successful in the Europa League. After a tough run of results, Ange Postecoglou’s side bounced back with a vital 3-2 victory over Hoffenheim last week. The win put them in a decent position in the Group Stage, sitting 6th in the standings, and a win against Elfsborg will guarantee their spot in the last 16 of the competition. But with the looming risk of a slip into the playoffs, they will need to put in a solid performance at home.
Tottenham's home form in Europe has been impressive. Spurs are unbeaten in their last 16 European games at home (W13 D3), and they will be hoping this record continues as they face the Swedish side. That said, their injury crisis continues to be a concern, with key players like Guglielmo Vicario, Brennan Johnson, and Destiny Udogie all ruled out. Manager Postecoglou will be hoping for a morale-boosting win despite the setbacks.
Elfsborg: Europe's Dark Horses Looking to Make History
Elfsborg is in the middle of an inspiring Europa League campaign, and although they are newcomers to the competition, they have shown promise. The Swedish side has managed to collect 10 points from their seven League Phase matches, including back-to-back 1-0 victories over Qarabag and Nice. They are currently two points above the elimination zone and will be looking to secure at least a point from their trip to London to solidify their chances of advancing to the playoffs.
Despite being in strong form, Elfsborg has a poor track record on the road in Europe. They have lost seven of their last eight European away games, conceding a staggering 24 goals in the process. The Yellow Ones will be aware that Tottenham is a formidable opponent, even though the Spurs have been in a rough patch of late. With key players like Isak Pettersson, Niklas Hult, and Ahmed Qasem, Elfsborg will rely on their defensive stability and quick counters to shock Spurs.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Tottenham Hotspur:
Tottenham has a lengthy injury list, with Guglielmo Vicario, Dominic Solanke, Brennan Johnson, Destiny Udogie, and others sidelined. Richarlison, who was forced off with a groin injury last weekend, will be assessed ahead of the match. January signing Antonin Kinsky is ineligible for the fixture, meaning backup goalkeeper Brandon Austin will start. Yves Bissouma and Micky Moore could be recalled to start in midfield and attack, respectively.
Predicted Tottenham XI:
Austin; Porro, Dragusin, Davies, Gray; Bergvall, Bissouma, Bentancur; Kulusevski, Son, Moore
Elfsborg:
Elfsborg manager Oscar Hiljemark has a fully fit squad to choose from. Jalal Abdullai, who started as the central striker in their 1-0 win over Nice, is set to lead the line again. Key players like Isak Pettersson, Terry Yegbe, and Arber Zeneli will look to play a significant role in their bid for a shock result in North London.
Predicted Elfsborg XI:
Petterson; Buhari, Holmen, Yegbe; Hedlund, B. Zeneli, Ouma, Hult; A. Zeneli, Abdullai, Rapp
Match Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Elfsborg
While Tottenham’s form has been shaky, they are still expected to come out on top in this Europa League clash. Spurs' attacking quality, coupled with their strong home record in European competitions, should see them edge past Elfsborg, despite a few injuries and some concerns in the squad. Elfsborg will need to overcome their poor away form and produce a near-perfect performance to have any hope of pulling off an upset.
In the end, Tottenham's depth and home advantage are likely to be too much for the Swedish side. Spurs should narrowly win this one 2-1, securing their place in the last 16.
Conclusion
This Europa League encounter promises to be a thrilling one, as Tottenham looks to overcome their domestic struggles and continue their European journey. On the other hand, Elfsborg will look to make history with their first-ever knockout stage qualification. Don't miss out on this must-win match for both sides!
