Erik Lamela
Erik Lamela will play a key role in Tottenham Hotspurs' game against Fiorentina Getty

Tottenham Hotspur travel to Stadio Artemio Franchi on 18 February to take on Fiorentina in the first leg of the round of 32 clash of the Europa League.

Where to watch live

Kick-off is set for 6pm GMT. Live coverage of the game is available in the UK on BT Sport Europe. Catch the highlights of the game on 19 February on BT Sport Europe at 5.30am GMT.

Overview

Tottenham Hotspur will have revenge on their mind when they travel to Florence, to take on Fiorentina in the first leg of the round of 32 on Thursday.

It was in Florence that their 2014/15 European campaign came to an end, after they lost the second leg 2-0 and Fiorentina eventually progressing on a 3-1 aggregate. However, 12 months on and things have changed dramatically, Mauricio Pochettino has transformed the North London side, who are playing arguably their best football since the 2011/12 season.

Their recent 2-1 win over Manchester City is a case in point, Spurs have added steel along with flair to their performances with many calling them favourites to win the English Premier League this year. In Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Christian Ericksen, Erik Lamela and Nacer Chadli, Tottenham have the necessary attacking flair while the defense, lead by Belgian Toby Alderweireld has silenced critics who questioned their defensive capabilities.

Their pressing game and impressive running will be tested the north London side, as they are set to play three games in 13 days. One should expect Pochettino to make changes to this side. Spurs will be without Jan Vertonghen and Clinton N'jie (knee), while Nacer Chadli and Nabil Bentaleb will be pushing to feature after recovering from ankle problems.

Fiorentina too come into this game on the back of a morale boosting win, beating Inter Milan 2-1 to move into Serie A's final Champions League spot. Paulo Sousa's men, who at one time were in second position on the table, have endured a rough two months but have got past that, remaining unbeaten in their last five matches.

The side from Naples are yet to concede a goal in five encounters against English opposition at home, while keeping 12 clean sheets in 25 games in the current Serie A season, eight of which have come at home. Slovakian playmaker Josip Ilicic will be the key for Viola, if Ilicic gets space to dictate play then Spurs could be in trouble.

Paulo Sousa will be unable to call upon Milan Badelj who is recovering from a thigh injury.

Betting odds (888sport)

  • Fiorentina win: 23/17
  • Draw: 23/10
  • Tottenham Hotspur win: 21/10

Team news

Fiorentina

Possible XI: Ciprian Tatarusanu, Facundo Roncaglia, Gonzalo Rodriguez (c), Davide Astori, Marcos Alonso, Matias Vecino, Borja Valero, Christian Tello, Josip Ilicic, Federico Bernardeschi, Nikola Kalinic.

Tottenham Hotspur

Possible XI: Hugo Lloris (c), Eric Trippier, Toby Alderweireld, Eric Wimmer, Ben Davies, Tom Carroll, Eric Dier, Erik Lamela, Josh Onomah, Nacer Chadli, Son Heung-min.

Tottenham Hotspur FC