LASK Linz vs Tottenham Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
LASK Linz:
Schlager; Andrade, Wiesinger, Cheberko; Ranftl, Madsen, Michorl, Renner; Gruber, Karamoko, Eggestein
Tottenham:
Hart; Doherty, Sanchez, Tanganga, Davies; Winks, Hojbjerg; Bale, Dele Alli, Bergwijn; Lucas Moura
LASK Linz and Tottenham Hotspur will play an important clash in UEFA Europa League. The Spurs are sharing the first place in Group J with Belgian side Royal Antwerp, but LASK dreams of securing the knock-out phase are still very much alive. The Austrians are just three points behind the leading duo and the whole situation is still open. Ludogorets, meanwhile, are at the bottom of the group without a single point. It is expected Antwerp to collect three points in their match, so the pressure on LASK players are even bigger. They must win this match as defeat here virtually means elimination from the competition. Tottenham won 3:0 in the reverse fixture played in London.
LASK Linz started from the qualifications, winning both matches. First they beat Dunajska Streda with 7:0, while in the play-off round the Austrians surprised the Portuguese Giants Sporting Lisboa with 4:1. Even more, the victory was obtain away from home. The Black and Whites were solid in the group too. They lost 3:0 in the reverse fixture against Tottenham, bot won the next two games. LASK managed to beat Ludogorest Razgrad with 4:3 and surprised Royal Antwerp in Belgium, winning 1:0 as guests. Nevertheless, Antwerp reacted quickly and won 2:0 in Austria. The domestic form is solid, LASK won 3:0 against Altach during the weekend. Johannes Eggestein was most deserved for the victory after scoring a brace, while Mamoudou Karamoko also found the back of the net. Coach Dominik Thalhammer is expected to field the strongest available eleven here. Midfielder James Holland is available after missing out the last European game through suspension, but now Gernot Trauner is banned after receiving a straight red card against Antwerp last week. Petar Filipovic is sidelined after suffering a hip injury on the same match.
Tottenham also started from the qualifications where they beat Bulgarian side Lokomotiva Plovdiv, Macedonian outfit Shkendija Tetovo and Maccabi Haifa from Israel. The group stage saw them winning 3:0 in the opening match against LASK Linz. But the series was stopped in Belgium where they lost 1:0 to Royal Antwerp. The Spurs then won two matches against Ludogorets, 3:1 away and 4:0 at new White Hart Lane. Dele Alli, who isn't in perfect relations with Mourinho, was involved in three of Tottenham's four goals against the Bulgarians last week. After the game he was named as a "team player" by the Portuguese coach. The domestic form is also good, the Spurs have four victories and one draw on the last five matches in the Premier League. Mourinho will probably rotate the players for this match. Gareth Bale and Lucas Moura should start from the first minute, while key strikers Harry Kane is expect to be rested for the upcoming North London derby with Arsenal. Toby Alderweireld is sidelined for a longer period with the groin injury, while Carlos Vinicius is out injured too. Midfielder Erik Lamela and left-back Sergio Regulion are also doubts, while Joe Rodon was not registered in time to be eligible for the Europa League group phase. On the positive note, Matt Doherty is ready after spent two weeks in isolation connected with coronavirus.
LASK Linz vs Tottenham Prediction:
LASK Linz are three points behind the leading duo and they must go for three points in this match. But attacking Tottenham could be dangerous as they will have lot of space for counter-attacks. The Spurs have scored 7 goals in the last two matches in this competition and players like Dele Alli and Gareth Bale are hungry for more. I expect an open and efficient match at the Linzer Stadion. At least three goals should be scored.
LASK Linz vs Tottenham Pick: Over 2.5 goals @ 1.62 with William Hill