BSC Young Boys visit Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane, hoping to preserve a 3-2 lead from the first leg of their Champions League qualifier. The last round tie against Fenerbahce proved Young Boys have the nerves to play away matches against big-name European clubs.
Vladimir Petkovic will likely adopt a familiar strategy and pressure Tottenham from the get-go, a tactic that seems to suit his squad very well.
Spurs recovered from their 3-2 loss with a 2-1 away win against Stoke City this weekend. With several key players missing, this was not an easy fixture for Harry Redknapp to plan. He faces similar selection problems for Wednesday, but one or two of the injured players could be fit for substitution.
Champions League qualifiers, Leg 2: Tottenham Hotspur vs. BSC Young Boys
Date: 25 August, 2010 - 20:45 CET
Venue: White Hart Lane - London
Referee: Laurent Duhamel (France)
Tottenham:
Goalkeeper: Gomes
Defenders: Michael Dawson, Verdan Corluka, Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Younes Kaboul
Midfielders: Gareth Bale, Aaron Lennon, Tom Huddleston, Jermaine Jenas
Forwards: Wilson Palacios, Peter Crouch
Manager: Harry Redknapp
Injured: Robbie Keane, Roman Pavlyuchenko, Jermaine Defoe, Luka Modric
Booked: -
Young Boys:
Keeper: Marco Wolfli
Defenders: Christoph Spycher, Scott Sutter, Ammar El Jemal, Francois Affolter
Midfielders: Xavier Hochstrasser, David Degen, Thierry Doubai, Mario Raimondi
Forwards: Senad Lulic, Henri Bienvenu
Manager: Vladimir Petkovic
Injured: Emiliano Dudar, Hassan Lingani
Booked: -
There is a high chance of precipitation (about 70%) and forecasts claim between 17 and 19 degrees. Tottenham will be used to the slick surface which gives them a slight advantage. French referee Laurent Duhamel will oversee the match.
Last meeting: 17.08.2010 Young Boys - Tottenham 3:2
Wins Young Boys: 1
Wins Tottenham: 0
Draws: 0
Tottenham's 3-2 position isn't as bad as it looks. With away goals, even a 1-0 victory would put them through to the group stages. Petkovic knows this and will not sit back and wait. Spurs showed their resolve this weekend at the Brittania, not an easy venue by any means. Despite some notable absentees, I believe this tie is too important for Redknapp to lose.
Tip: Tottenham to win.
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