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Tottenham v CSKA Moscow: Champions League Preview

4 min read
by Editor
ThinkSpurs returns to The Fighting Cock to gives his thoughts on our second group game in the Champions League.

Since Monaco pulled off a heist in Wembley on Match Day 1, Tottenham have bounced back emphatically in domestic action. The uncharacteristic defensive lapses that marred the Monaco tie have been absent since, and a Heung Min Son inspired Spurs attack has been on stellar form in recent weeks. Now Spurs face a massive challenge – The trip to Moscow to face CSKA. So, what should we expect from Tuesday’s tie?

What to expect from CSKA?

Performing against heavyweight English opposition has been something of a specialty for CSKA Moscow in recent years. In 2014, the Russian side recorded a draw and a 2-1 win in their two ties against Manchester City, while last year, Man United could only manage a draw in their trip to Russia. When the draw was made for Group E, taking a point back to London after a trip to the Khimki Arena would have been seen as a moderate success, but after dropping crucial points on Match Day 1, this game suddenly becomes much more valuable to Tottenham.

Domestically CSKA have been performing typically well. Unbeaten in their 8 league games so far this season, their only recent loss came in the Russian Cup last week (A 2-1 loss to FC Yenisey).

The Russian Champions pride themselves on being tough to break down, starting with the national goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev in the sticks. CSKA are particularly dangerous from set pieces where 6’8 target man Lacina Traore has hit form. The Ivorian giant has accounted for 3 goals in his 7 appearances this season, and will provide a major threat for Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld. Aside from the target man, Finnish midfielder Roman Eremenko has impressed this season, and has also contributed 3 goals thus far. Keep an eye also on the right wing where ex Man United winger Zoran Tosic is capable of causing problems.

Key Man: Alan Dzagoev

When the draw for Group E was made, we discussed Alan Dzagoev at length, and wondered how the Russian maestro has not yet earned his blockbuster move?

The 26-year old has been the lynchpin for both club and country since 2008, and seems to have slipped through the cracks of every transfer window since then. Peak Dzagoev hype came after Euro 2012, where the then 22-year old midfielder finished as joint top scorer. His form on the international stage has not reached such lofty heights since, but his playmaking ability has continued to be prominent to the success of CSKA and the Russian national side.

Playing in a deep midfield role this year, the playmaker has notched two assists in his 6 games, and has enjoyed a pass success rate of 85%. Dzagoev likely to be joined at midfield by defensive workhorse Pontus Wernbloom, who has been in immaculate form so far this year. If Tottenham are to succeed in getting something from this tie, winning this essential midfield battle will be paramount.

What about Tottenham?

As mentioned above, this tie now has extra weight for Pochettino and co., after Spurs unexpectedly fell to Monaco on Day 1. To add even more difficulty, to an already tricky task, Spurs travel to Russia without the injured Harry Kane, or the athletic power-quarter of Mousa Dembele, Moussa Sissoko, Eric Dier and Danny Rose.

This game now becomes a serious test of Tottenham’s depth, but thankfully, numerous players have been knocking on the first XI door in recent weeks. Heung Min Son has been lighting it up across the front of midfield, and Pochettino will be hoping his goalscoring form and European experience come into play in the Khimki Arena. Meanwhile, creative duo Erik Lamela and Christian Eriksen have also been enjoying a hot streak, and we expect the pair to join Heung Min Son in our attacking midfield trio. Up front, Vincent Janssen will be hoping to add to last week’s league cup goal, as he continues to prove his worth in Harry Kane’s absence.

The defence appears to pick itself, with Ben Davies covering for the injured Danny Rose, however with Dembele and Dier sidelined, the spotlight will be shone on Wanyama and Dele Alli, who will go toe-to-toe with CSKA’s most impressive unit.

With the squad’s depth being soaked up in the starting XI, Spurs are somewhat limited when looking to the bench. Tonight could prove to be a great opportunity for new man George Kevin N’Koudou to enter the fray and show his talent on the big stage.

In Summary, Tottenham face a big challenge on their visit to Moscow. The long trip and lengthy injury list put Spurs in a hole, but on the flip side, Spurs currently have a selection of players in red hot form. Tottenham may enter the tie as underdogs, but if the defence can withstand the direct threat of Moscow and get the ball to the quartet of Lamela, Eriksen, Son and Alli all operating in midfield, then Tottenham will certainly create chances.

With my optimistic hat on, I’m predicting a 2-1 Tottenham win, with goals from Son and Lamela. Come on You Spurs!

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