Spurs face a tricky test when they visit AFAS Stadion to face AZ Alkmaar for the second time this season.
Ange Postecoglou’s beat their Dutch hosts on English soil earlier in the competition, when Richarlison’s strike was enough to seal a 1-0 win.
That reads as a rather unlikely scoreline for this renewal, with AZ unbeaten in 17 Europa League matches in front of their fans.
Spurs are still struggling with injuries at the back which should mean an open and attacking game in the Netherlands today.
AZ Alkmaar v Tottenham bet builder tips
Both teams to score - 1/2
Over 2.5 goals - 13/20
AZ Alkmaar to win - 23/10
Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals
Both sides are averaging 3.25 goals per game in this competition, with AZ scoring and conceding 13. Spurs have had the better of their average, scoring 17 and letting in nine.
We’re convinced this will be an end-to-end game in stages as Spurs’ desire to play attacking football will be matched by their hosts.
Six of Tottenham’s eight European matches have featured three or goals, with both teams scoring on five occasions.
There have been over 2.5 goals in six of AZ’s 10 Europa League matches, with both teams scoring in seven matches.
Perhaps the most telling indicator of what to expect is how they approached their play-off round tie with Galatasaray.
With a 4-1 lead to protect from the first leg, AZ went to Turkey and attacked their hosts, racing into a 2-0 lead before drawing 2-2 to win 6-3 on aggregate.
Tottenham were beaten 3-2 in ‘hell’ earlier this season.
AZ Alkmaar to win
The hosts are unbeaten in 17 Europa League fixtures on home soil, which is quite an impressive record.
The ability of the opposition has varied during that run, but that doesn’t detract from the fact their most recent wins came against Fenerbahçe, Roma and Galatasaray.
Tottenham’s best performances in this competition have come at home. It’s not always been easy to place their performances, as Ange has heavily rotated on occasions.
On the other hand, he fielded the strongest squad available during the 1-1 draw with Rangers recently, and they scraped past Ferencvaros earlier in the season.
They’ve lost 10 fixtures on their travels across all competitions, and five of their last 10, so there’s no reason AZ will be hopeful of claiming a Premier League scalp.