Preview Anderlecht v Tottenham

This Thursday, Sporting hosts Tottenham Hotspur in a crucial encounter. Tottenham are top with six points from three games, whilst Anderlecht have four points from two. A win will secure either team passage to the next round.


The English side boast a lot of attacking firepower, with Berbatov, Bent, Robbie Keane, Malbranque, Kaboul, Hassan's compatriot Hossam Ghaly, and Jenas.

However they have been poor defensively, even with the arrival of two-time UEFA Cup winner Juande Ramos they continue to haemorrage goals; they have let in 6 goals in their last three matches. They will be also missing left-back Bale after he sustained an injury in their 2-3 loss to Birmingham City, joining Assou-Ekotto, Rocha, Gardner and their captain Ledley King on the injury list

Anderlecht's issues has not been letting goals in, in fact Les Mauves are undefeated in UEFA Cup since qualification and have only let in two goals in four matches.

It is in scoring goals that Anderlecht needs adjustments. Hassan is in poor form at the moment, however Serhat is fully fit again. Pareja's injury could mean a chance for Von Schlebrügge or De Man to impress in central defense. It will be Ariël Jacobs' first European competition match.

The other match in Group G is Aalborg v Getafe. A win for either side will secure them qualification to the Round of 32. A draw for Tottenham, however, should suffice.