Tottenham Hotspurs vs CSKA Moscow
Competition: UEFA Champions League
Date: 07 December 2016
Kick-off: 20:45 CET
Spurs almost threw all their chances away when they lost to Monaco for the second time in the last round, but they have one last shot of qualifying when they take on a CSKA side that have yet to win a game, but have drawn three so far.
Spurs have a lot to do, and they need things to go their way if they are to qualify in second spot in group E. Firstly, they are three points behind Leverkusen who are on seven points and Spurs on four – so only a win here will give them a shot. They then need to score at least four goals and hope that Leverkusen score none in their match with Monaco which the germans must also loose. It is going to be a tough ask, but one that is not impossible for Spurs, but they really should not be in this position to start with after winning only one and drawing another in a relatively simple group.
CSKA cannot do much in terms of qualification for the next round of Champions league action, but they can push for the Europa League and at the same time dash Tottenham’s hopes of qualification. Currently a point behind Spurs with three draws, if CSKA was to win here they would leapfrog Tottenham and push them to fourth, and at the same time qualify for the Europa League. It will be a tough ask, no doubt, as CSKA have not looked like winning a game all through the group stages, but they have the ability to frustrate and pull a draw, which won’t help them, but again, it will wreck Spurs’ chances.
Tottenham Hotspurs vs CSKA Moscow: Previous encounter
Spurs will feel a little confident at Wembley as their only win of these group stages was against CSKA in Russia, a slight 1-0 win. Now, at home, with a lot riding on it, Spurs will feel that they can do even better as they will need to score more than just one goal if they want to qualify.
Tottenham Hotspurs vs CSKA Moscow: Prediction
It will probably be that win that Spurs need, but it won’t be enough for them to qualify. You can picture Monaco beating Leverkusen, but you can also see the Germans scoring, or at least see Tottenham not getting enough goals as they are too far back in terms of goal difference.
Tottenham Hotspurs vs CSKA Moscow: Tips
Tottenham need at least four goals, so they will at least go for it, but that may lead them to be open on the counter against a team that has actually scored more goals than them in this Group. Expect there to be more than 4 goals in the game.