Anderlecht preview and expected line-up

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Today we’re here to dissect and analyze the Belgian power RSC Anderlecht. Spurs get them back-to-back in the Europa League, so these teams will be no strangers to each other once the 14 days have passed.

Club

Anderlecht are the most successful club in Belgian history. They have won the Belgian League a record 33 times and have won the domestic cup competition nine times. Abroad, Anderlecht have hoisted the UEFA Cup (1983), the European Super Cup (1976 and 1978) after winning the UEFA Cup Winner’s Cup in those seasons. And then there’s that memorable 1984 UEFA Cup Final that Spurs won 4-3 on penalties. Anderlecht will not be an easy out in this competition.

Last season, Anderlecht finished third in the Jupiler Pro League. Perhaps their involvement in last year’s Champions League caused them to drop in the standings. They had won the league three straight times prior to last term. In the Champions League, they finished third in their group behind Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal but above Galatasaray. They dropped to the Europa League and were immediately dispatched by Dynamo Moscow.

Right now, Anderlecht are in fourth in the Belgian Super League. In this competition, they have only mustered one point, a home draw with Monaco. On match day two, they traveled to Azerbaijan and lost to Qarabag.

This is the club that produced Vincent Kompany and Romelu Lukaku, so the history of developing great talent is there. It won’t be easy for Spurs.

A Quick Trip

How often is it that Tottenham supporters can take a train to a Europa League fixture? Well, it’s possible now. A quick ride from London to the Belgian capital of Brussels and you’re there. There shouldn’t be any excuses for the Thursday/Sunday “fixture congestion” when the game is closer to home than an away game at Newcastle (371 kilometers to 399 kilometers).

Quotes from the Players

Christian Eriksen on the importance of winning the group: “If we’re to continue in the group and go on to qualify we need a win. We really want to win these games as quickly as possible so we can focus on the Premier League as well.”

Clinton N’Jie has the same approach: “Anderlecht are a very good team and I think they’re going to be well-prepared to play against us. I think it’s possible to win over there, but it depends on us. We need to be determined and work hard. It’s important for us to win most of the matches in the Europa League – it’s a good competition to be in so we’ll be looking to win the game in Anderlecht and try to qualify as fast as possible.”

Team News

Nacer Chadli is out with an ankle problem after leaving the weekend game early. Heung-min Son is still out while Nabil Bentaleb and Ryan Mason remain doubts.

Probable Starting XI

Will Spurs stick with their Belgian duo at centre back this game seeing as the game is being played in their homeland? Will Mousa Dembele retain his position and start against his fellow Belgians as well? We’ll see.

Lloris; Trippier, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Rose; Dier, Alli, Clinton, Dembele, Townsend; Kane.

Prediction

On paper, Spurs have the advantage, but Anderlecht pack their stadium, Constant Vanden Stock Stadium, and this fixture could be tricky. There is always one rocky road trip where the result is unpredictable. This one could be it. Prediction: Anderlecht 1-1 Spurs.

 

Reading rumours that HK may not play due to a knock.

This is great news for......

oh yeah i forgot we have no back up striker.

Nice one Levy u plum!

 

Maybe this will change as the game goes on, but can someone tell me what Townsend does correctly?