Spurs stand strong chance of European progression

It looked for all the world that Tottenham Hotspur would be disappointingly making an exit from the Champions League this season at the group stage, when they endured several lacklustre results and were on the cusp of dropping out.

But a late surge of results and form for Mauricio Pochettino’s men saw them claim some much needed scalps and they ultimately edged their way into the knockout stages, much to the joy of their supporters who never lost faith in their side.

In the latest Champions League betting tips from Betfair, Pochettino’s London outfit are given a strong chance of progressing past Borussia Dortmund in their opening knockout stage clash. But they will have a tough test across two legs to deal with, particularly on their visit to Germany where the intimidating atmosphere always plays a part in big European nights.

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The first leg of this highly awaited and exciting last-16 tie will take place on February 13th, with Spurs first welcoming Dortmund to Wembley Stadium before a return clash at the Signal Iduna Park on March 5th.

Not many gave the London club much chance of progressing beyond the group stage after faltering early on during proceedings, but Pochettino has gathered his troops and rallied them to an impressive late surge in their European exploits.

Fans will still be hopeful of what would now be a shock result over Dortmund, who are flying high domestically in the Bundesliga this current campaign, with Lucien Favre overseeing an incredible run of form.

The Black and Yellows currently sit proudly atop the German top-flight table by a commanding seven points, leading second-placed Borussia Monchengladbach and huge rivals and reigning champions Bayern Munich who sit further down in third place.

Dortmund have not won the Bundesliga since their back-to-back successes across 2011 and 2012 but now look more than likely of going on to reign supreme ahead of bitter rivals Bayern Munich this current campaign.

As is their superiority in their national division, a win for Spurs across two legs in this upcoming Champions League tie would prove to be all the more impressive and admirable, considering the dominance they are enjoying under coach Favre.

Pochettino’s side currently sit in third position of the Premier League, just five points adrift of now second-placed Liverpool, who are separated only by goal difference with defending champions Manchester City this term.

They also hold a promising seven point lead over nearest challengers in fourth place Chelsea, with the Blues battling it out for a Champions League position for next season with the rejuvenated Manchester United and fellow top four hopefuls Arsenal.

Pochettino will for sure have a keen eye on proceedings in the top tier, with both Liverpool and Man City having slipped up at times this season, but a promising clash with Dortmund will be in his immediate thinking as the huge last 16 games arrive in the coming weeks.