Europa League Preview: Dnipro v Tottenham
Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk will be looking to quell the confidence of Tottenham as they take on Tim Sherwood's side in a Europa League clash at the Dnipro Arena on Thursday.
A positive result is of great importance to Dnipro boss Juande Ramos, who managed Tottenham from 2007-2008 but was sacked at the end of the season despite leading Spurs to Capital One Cup success.
Ramos will be relying on star winger Yevhen Konoplyanka who has promised that he will do everything he can to secure a win for the Ukrainian outfit. Key strikers Roman Zozulya and Yevhen Seleznyov will also be instrumental should Dnipro wish to pull off an upset.
Spurs have had a great Premier League season after their 4-0 thrashing of Newcastle United in which star striker Emmanuel Adebayor slotted in two goals, while Paulinho and Chadli scored one apiece.
Tottenham are currently holding down fifth spot in the Premier League table only seven points adrift from table-toppers Chelsea. The Londoners have been cast as favourites due to their impressive resurgence under new boss Tim Sherwood, having lost only three of their last 12 games.
Despite not having played a competitive game since December due to a mid-season break, Dnipro have enjoyed a good season, culminating in them qualifying for the knockout stages of the Europa League by being placed second in the standings behind Florentina.
It has been reported that Sherwood is planning to make some changes to his starting line-up as he keeps one eye on Sunday's clash with Norwich City. Due to his splendid performance in the Premier League, it is likely that Sherwood will stick with first-choice goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.
Spurs' defensive unit could expect some changes. It is not certain whether Danny Rose will be rested or not, but Kyle Naughton is expectted to start at left-back. Sherwood may also prefer not to risk Younes Kaboul in this game. Michael Dawson has been recalled, playing alongside Jan Vertonghen, with Kyle Walker retaining his place at right-back.
Paulinho, Etienne Capoue, Andros Townsend and Nacer Chadli should form the midfield. Reports suggest that striker Roberto Soldado will play up front as Sherwood may not risk any injury to the in-form Adebayor, who is vital to Spurs Premier League prospects.
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