Photo: Reuters
Having lost to their Belgian opponents in the reverse fixture, only victory will ensure Spurs finish top of the group.
Jose Mourinho spoke to the media before the game and was content with the position his side are in, having ensured progression into the last 32 with a 3-3 draw in Linz.
“If before the first match you tell us that in the last match we are qualified and we have that in the pocket and we have the chance to win it and to be first in the group I would say immediately yes.
“We did our job. Could do better but could be worse. We did our job to qualify in the first five matches and now in one game at home, with 2,000 fans behind us, we have the chance to play one game to try to win the group.”
Despite the desire to win, Spurs are likely to rest a number of key players. Carlos Vinicius will likely replace Harry Kane, Lucas Moura is also due a start whilst Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg will be rested after playing two 90 minute matches in quick succession.
After not featuring in Spurs’ win over bitter rivals Arsenal, Gareth Bale also continues his journey towards match fitness. The Welshman has shown glimpses of his quality but is yet to fully earn the trust of Mourinho.
Young defender Japhet Tanganga was confident they could triumph over any opponents in the last 32 in the competition, when asked his thoughts ahead of the fixture.
“It doesn’t matter who comes out in the draw but it’s more because our mindset is to go into the game and win, no matter the opponent.
“Our main objective is to go in there and try and win. If we keep winning game by game and it takes us to the final and we win that game and the trophy then so be it, but our focus is just game by game, no matter the opponent.”
Finishing at the summit of Group J would ensure Spurs avoid the sides coming into the competition from the Champions League, including Mourinho’s former employers Manchester United.
Tom Hardy will be at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for Spurs’ fixture against Royal Antwerp in Group J.
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