Tottenham vs Qarabag Preview
- Spurs to win
- Son to score
Tottenham Hotspur will return to European competition under the bright lights at their home ground as they face Qarabağ FK in their UEFA Europa League group stage opener.
With expectations riding high on Tottenham to challenge for the trophy this season, they are ready to kick off their European journey with a statement win.
Tottenham: High Hopes Under Ange Postecoglou
Tottenham enters the UEFA Europa League with a point to prove. It’s been over a decade since they last won a major trophy, their most recent coming in the 2007/08 season.
As one of the bookmakers’ favourites, alongside Manchester United, to lift the Europa League trophy next May at San Mamés, there is immense pressure on the club to deliver.
Much of that burden falls on manager Ange Postecoglou, who confidently stated that he “always wins things in (his) second year” at a club.
With that promise hanging over his head, he’ll be determined to start strong, despite being without key defender Cristian Romero, who is suspended due to his previous UEFA outing.
Spurs will be looking to maintain their incredible record at home, having gone unbeaten in their last 13 UEFA matches at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (W11, D2) since the 2020/21 season.
The only exception was a forfeited Europa Conference League match against Rennes due to a COVID-19 outbreak.
Their home dominance extends into the Premier League as well, where they’ve won their last six home games as the favourites, adding further confidence as they prepare to take on Qarabağ.
Qarabağ FK: An Experienced Contender
Tottenham’s opponents, Qarabağ FK, are no strangers to European competition. The defending Azerbaijan Premier League champions are embarking on their ninth UEFA Europa League group/league stage since the 2014/15 season.
Last year, they made history by progressing to the Round of 16 for the first time, highlighting their growth on the European stage.
Under the guidance of long-serving manager Qurban Qurbanov, who boasts over 170 UEFA matches as both a club and national team coach, Qarabağ will bring valuable experience to the match.
They have proven they can compete on the road, having won more matches away from home than at their own stadium since the start of last season.
Their impressive 4-2 upset victory against Portugal’s Braga in last season’s knockout round is a testament to their capability as underdogs.
Key Players to Watch
Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspur)
Tottenham’s captain and talisman Son Heung-min is a proven performer in UEFA competitions, scoring 29 goals across ten seasons.
He will be especially familiar with Qarabağ, as he netted a first-half double during Spurs’ 3-1 Europa League win against them in 2015/16. Son’s speed, finishing, and leadership will be key to breaking down Qarabağ’s defence.
Juninho (Qarabağ FK)
For Qarabağ, their star striker Juninho will be the main threat to Tottenham’s backline. Despite the club’s failure to qualify for the Champions League, Juninho was in red-hot form, scoring six goals in six preliminary round matches.
His ability to score in high-pressure moments will be crucial if Qarabağ is to have any hope of pulling off an upset.
Tottenham’s Home Fortress: Key to Success
Tottenham’s home form will be vital to their success in this match. Their unbeaten 13-game record in UEFA competitions since 2020/21 provides them with a solid foundation to build on.
Additionally, their dominant form at home in the Premier League as favourites gives them further confidence going into this fixture. With their attack led by Son Heung-min, Spurs will be eager to break down Qarabağ’s defence early and establish control.
Qarabağ’s Challenge: Can They Repeat the Braga Miracle?
While Qarabağ is the underdog in this encounter, they have shown they are more than capable of pulling off shocks away from home.
Their away record in continental competitions since last season, and their stunning 4-2 win over Braga, demonstrate their ability to rise to the occasion. Qarabağ will need to summon that same fighting spirit if they are to challenge Tottenham at their fortress.
Conclusion
This UEFA Europa League opener sets the stage for an intriguing clash between a Tottenham side with lofty expectations and a Qarabağ team determined to make their mark on the European stage.
Ange Postecoglou’s men will be looking for a fast start to their campaign, while Qarabağ will aim to disrupt their rhythm and pull off another underdog victory.
Can Spurs maintain their home dominance and kick off their European adventure with a win, or will Qarabağ defy the odds once more?
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