Anzhi v Tottenham team news: Jermain Defoe given opportunity to break club record in Europa League

The England striker selected to start the match in Russia

Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermain Defoe celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Capital One Cup against Aston Villa (GETTY IMAGES)

Jermain Defoe was named in the starting line-up for Tottenham’s Europa League match at Anzhi Makhachkala tonight as the England international sought to break another club record.

The 30-year-old, who recently rose to fifth in the club’s all-time scoring list, sits two behind Martin Chivers’ record of 22 European goals for Andre Villas-Boas’ side, having scored two on each of his three starts for the club this season – which have all come in Cup competition. Defoe leads the line ahead of a midfield three of Erik Lamela, Lewis Holtby and Nacer Chadli, with Sandro recalled to partner Mousa Dembele in front of the defence.

Zeki Fryers, at left-back, and Romanian Vlad Chiriches, in the centre, were handed first European starts, while Younes Kaboul was handed his fourth start of the campaign – all coming in the Europa League. Hugo Lloris was again preferred to veteran Brad Friedel in goal, having also started the opening Group K match against Tromso last month, which Tottenham won 3-0 to take early leadership of the group.

Villas-Boas has plenty of ammunition to call on from the bench should Spurs struggle in Russia, with Christian Eriksen, Gylfi Sigurdsson, Harry Kane and Roberto Soldado all ready and waiting. Michael Dawson, Kyle Naughton complete the back-ups.