Qarabag's England hoodoo
We all know that not everybody loves the English...
Well, I'm pretty sure that's how Qarabag and their supporters feel based on their recent results against English sides.
The Azerbaijani side have lost all six of their meetings with English teams, some of them were thumpings too.
They shipped 10 goals to Chelsea without reply across two games Champions League group stage games in 2017.
Qarabag have also already faced Tottenham twice in the Europa League back in the 20115-16 season.
Obviously, they lost both matches...
Statistics are made to be broken, though.
Chance to rotate
I'd assume Ange Postecoglou is planning on rotating tonight.
With Tottenham set to take on Manchester United on Sunday, with a day less rest, players will surely be rested, right?
Spurs recently added youngsters Luca Gunter, Tyrese Hall, Mikey Moore, and Will Lankshear, to their B list Europa League squad.
Maybe some of them will get minutes?
I guess we will have to wait and see, but expect to see Postecoglou ring the changes.
I'm predicting seven...
Elsewhere in Europe
The football calendar is absolutely stacked at the moment, isn't it?
Every night there is a barrage of games for fans to tuck into. It makes sense why some players are a little annoyed at the volume.
Anyway, Tottenham's clash with Qarabag is one of just nine matches in the Europa League, with Rangers currently in action as I type.
So, let's look at what else is on:
- Fenerbahce 1-0 Union SG (HT)
- Malmo 0-1 Rangers (HT)
- Ajax vs Besiktas, 20:00 KO
- Roma vs Athletic Bilbao, 20:00 KO
- Braga vs Maccabi Tel-Aviv, 20:00 KO
- Steaua Bucharest vs FK RFS, 20:00 KO
- Frankfurt vs Plzen, 20:00 KO
- Lyon vs Olympiacos, 20:00 KO
Postecoglou: 'Pleased to be back'
Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham boss, speaking on Wednesday:
Really pleased to be back. I said last year there was a gap in our calendar that didn't help us at certain times of the year - not having that regular football and the challenge of playing different types of opposition and exposing the squad.
The worst thing was sitting around watching other teams. It didn't sit well with me - so I'm a big backer of European competitions.
Back with a bang?
Nothing beats being in European competition, does it?
As a fan, it's always great to see your side play against some of the best teams dotted around the continent.
Yes, I know Qarabag may not be one of the biggest names in the Europa League this season, but I'm telling you, their fans will make one hell of an atmosphere.
It's a game that is perfect for Tottenham's return to European football. After an up-and-down start to their season, a win here would do wonders for morale around the club.
With some big fixtures coming up later in the league phase, like their trip to Galatasaray, and clash with Roma, it's important Spurs start off with a bang tonight.
If they don't, unrest will only grow...
Spurs' return to Europe
Tottenham are back in the big leagues, well, sort of.
Ange Postecoglou's side didn't take part in a European tournament last year, and I bet that must have felt weird.
But after just one season away, they return to continental competition, as they kick their Europa League campaign off against Azerbaijani side, Qarabag.
It's a game that on paper should be a simple one for them, but that word doesn't really exist for the north London side.
Tonight is the perfect chance to start with a bang, though. Will they manage to take it?
Well, I guess we will have to wait and see...
