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Preview: Tottenham poised to embarrass Anji in Russia
Tottenham Hotspur were given a tough time by Chelsea last Saturday in the Premier League. A John Terry equalizer denied them from getting all three points. Still, Andre-Villas Boas could smile about his team’s performance and ambitious approach. Playing Anzhi will be totally different from playing Jose Mourinho’s Blues.
All though it is an away fixture, Spurs are seen as favourites. In fact, the Russian club has failed over the years to transform into a force like big-money clubs Manchester City, AS Monaco or Paris Saint-Germain. The club’s crisis has taken its toll in front of goal with Cameroonian striker Samuel Eto’o leaving for Chelsea this summer.
The good news for Anji Makhachkala is that, although they have never been tested against the solid Tottenham Hotspur, they have experienced English football before and are yet to lose at home against English teams.
Last year, they beat Liverpool 1-0 in Moscow before managing a goalless draw against Newcastle United in March 2013. They will be hoping to close the gap against Group K leaders Spurs by snatching at least a point and adding it to the single one they currently have.
However, chances are that the visitors will do everything they can to make life difficult for the hosts and the home crowd. Coach AVB made his intentions clear when he spoke to UEFA.com on Tuesday, declaring:
“Last year we were also in a very difficult group [NK Maribor, Panathinaikos FC, SS Lazio] and this year it's the same.
“Our objective is to progress. We know we have to make a big, big effort regarding the trips, but we will be ready and we have learned from last season that we can't use the Europa League as an excuse.
“We have to use it as an example and the players will be fully motivated to do it this season too.”
Spurs began their 2013/14 UEFA Europa League adventure with an excellent display at home to Tromsø. The London-based club won the game 3-0, justifying their tag of early favourites to claim this season’s trophy presently held by city rivals Chelsea.
Where to watch the match – live stream, start time, TV channels, live scores
Watch Anzhi Makhachkala vs Tottenham Hotspur live on Thursday, October 3, 2013:
In Canada at 12:00 ET on: Sportsnet World Online, Sportsnet One
In UK at 17:00 BST on: ITV 4, ITV Streaming
In USA at 12:00 ET on: ESPN3, SiriusXM FC, Fox Soccer 2Go
If you are in Russia, tune into NTV+ Sport or NTV+ Sport Online. If you live outside these countries, please visit the Anji vs Spurs match page for full live listings and live scores upon kick-off.
