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The first leg of their last 16 tie was won 1-0 by the Dutch outfit as Lucas Bergvall’s own goal proved costly for Spurs, leaving them with an uphill battle to progress to the last eight. They must win by two clear goals to progress in regulation or extra time, with a penalty shootout deciding the encounter if the sides cannot be separated.
Recent form suggests the Lilywhites could make hard work of Thursday’s affair as they desperately seek to end their 17-year trophy drought, with no victories in their last three. They were somewhat fortunate to avoid defeat at the weekend, coming from behind to secure a hard-fought 2-2 draw with Bournemouth in the Premier League.
AZ were afforded the weekend off and will be refreshed for their visit to north London, even if they were beaten 1-0 at Spurs during the league phase. They will secure an impressive scalp and make it beyond the last 16 if they’re able to avoid defeat.
Here is 90min’s guide to a crunch clash for Spurs.
Tottenham will be without Kevin Danso for Thursday’s clash after the winter signing suffered a hamstring injury against Bournemouth. However, in better news, Ben Davies is back in contention having returned to training.
Ange Postecoglou must cope without Rodrigo Bentancur on Thursday due to suspension after he picked up a third yellow card of the Europa League campaign in Alkmaar. Richarlison and Dejan Kulusevski are also missing as they recover from injury.
Radu Dragusin is out for the remainder of the season, while Fraser Forster, Antonin Kinsky, Timo Werner and Sergio Reguilon are all ineligible to feature having not been selected in the Europa League squad.
Tottenham predicted lineup vs AZ Alkmaar (4-2-3-1): Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bergvall, …
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