Watch a live stream of Tottenham’s Europa League clash with Sheriff in Moldova.
When: Thursday, 24 October, 18:00
Where: Sheriff Stadium, Transnistria
Watch live: Click here to watch online with ITV Football!
Tottenham will be without Kyle Walker, Paulinho and Andros Townsend for the trip to Transnistria, a 15-mile wide self-declared republic, sandwiched between Moldova and Russia.
The trio have been left in London, while French pair Etienne Capoue and Younes Kaboul and Danny Rose are also ruled out.
Boss Andre Villas-Boas knows that a win will almost certainly guarantee qualification for the knocks out and will therefore play a strong side, which could feature Emmanuel Adebayor for the first time this season. Aaron Lennon is also expected to start.
“We have a big opportunity to go to nine points and the chance to qualify at such an early stage,” Villas-Boas said. “That motivation is key for us.
“Sheriff are influenced by the six Brazilians they have, very creative players particularly in midfield and in the channels
“They are a counter-attacking team, breaking very quickly, so we will have to be aware of that
“The most important thing for us will be our own principles and our style of play. If we continue to do that we can do something here
“We strive to win every game, that’s our ambition as a team – a team that wants to move forward.”
Sheriff manager Veaceslav Rusnac insisted his team should not be underestimated, however.
“For this moment, we consider ourselves to be the main force in Moldova in terms of football,” said Rusnac, whose side have won their domestic title 12 times in the past 13 seasons.
“Our results speak for us because in the last years we almost always become champions and every time we are in European competition it helps us.
“Probably there are areas in Europe that think we have a lot of vodka and bears, but it is not so.
“In terms of football and working in football, there are not too many places in the former USSR that have such conditions.”
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