Europa League: Sheriff Tiraspol v Tottenham Hotspur match preview
A look ahead to this week’s fixture at the Sheriff Stadium
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Tottenham Hotspur can book their place in the last 32 of the Europa League provided results in both of tonight’s Group K matches go their way. If Anzhi Makhachkala draw with Tromso, Spurs can qualify with three games to spare by beating Moldovan side Sheriff Tiraspol.
Spurs began their campaign with a comfortable 3-0 win over Tromso and followed it up with a 2-0 away beating of Anzhi. Sheriff are unbeaten too, however, as they drew both of their matches against the same opponents.
Andre-Villas Boas is likely to continue to use the competition to rotate his line-up. Emmanuel Adebayor has been tipped to make a first Spurs appearance of the season and record signing Erik Lamela should return to the starting XI. Europa League joint top-scorer Jermain Defoe may have to come from the bench to add to his three goals.
The sides have never played each other before and indeed it is Sheriff’s first encounter with English opponents. Spurs faced a Moldovan side in the first round of the 1999-00 Uefa Cup when they beat Zimbru Chisinau 3-0 on aggregate over two legs.
KICK-OFF: Thursday, 6.00pm
PAST MEETINGS…
The clubs have never met in a competitive fixture.
STATS…
Spurs’ Brad Friedel is the oldest player currently registered in the competition. He will become the oldest player to play in the Europa League if he appears, at the age of 42, five months and six days. The previous oldest was FC Twente goalkeeper Sander Boschker (42, 33 days).
Tottenham are yet to concede in the competition – along with Swansea City, Ludogorets Razgrad and Eintracht Frankfurt.
Including Europa League qualifying matches, Spurs have scored 13 and conceded none.
A Moldovan side has only ever once beaten an English side in Uefa competition. This was in the 2006-07 Futsal Cup when Toligma Chisinau beat Doncaster College Deaf FC 10-2
ODDS…
Sheriff: 13
Tottenham: 1.25
Draw: 5.5
TV: Live on ITV4 at 6.00pm
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments