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But losing at home to Chelsea and getting knocked out of the League cup in recent weeks, Tottenham couldn't carry the momentum from their win at Old Trafford. Spurs have lost their last two games in all competitions and Villas Boas will be looking to buck the trend against Slovenian club NK Maribor.
Spurs have been poor so far in Europa League, drawing three group games, and are in second position in a closely knit group. All the teams in Group J are separated by just one point, and Italian side Lazio is on top with 5 points.
The last time Spurs and Maribor met on the pitch, it ended in a 1-1 draw. Spurs players had always looked like a spent force and out of sorts in Europe. To compound the team's problems, as many as four midfielders will be missing the match on Thursday. Dembele is recovering from a hip injury, Sandro damaged his calf, Livermore is doubtful to start the game and Scott Parker is yet to start this season.
Hugo Lloris will resume his goalkeeping duties instead of Brad Friedel following Villas Boas rotation policy. William Gallas is available despite picking up a knock against Wigan Athletic last week and defenders Assou-Ekotto and Younes Kaboul are side-lined with knee injury.
Rajko Rep is the only casualty for Maribor as the midfielder fell ill this week. Maribor will switch to a 4-4-1-1 formation and the violets will look to extend the one point gap between third place Spurs at White Hart Lane.
Villas Boas will setup his team in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Huddlestone and Sigurdsson playing in front of defence and Defoe will head the attack despite Adebayor needing some much needed match time. Spurs will attack from the wings with Aaron Lennon and Gareth Bale forming a trident with Clint Dempsey. Spurs will look for the early goal and should defend the lead with zeal.
Maribo manager Darko Milanic said before the game:
"This is an extremely important game. We have put in a lot of hard work in the group so far, and the trip to Tottenham presents an opportunity to achieve something more. It is great that after three rounds we still have the opportunity for advancement.
"Knowing that we are facing a challenging game at such a demanding does not daunt us, because we have played three group matches at a very high level so far and we can be optimistic."
Spurs form guide: WLDWLL
Maribo form guide: WDWL
Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Maribor
