Tottenham look set to welcome back Christian Eriksen when they take on Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League on Tuesday night. Last season’s Champions League runners-up have got this campaign off to a shocking start following a 2-2 draw at Olympiakos on matchday 1 followed by a 7-2 drubbing at home to Bayern Munich next time out.
Their hopes of reaching the knockout stages will be all but over if they lose to the Serbian champions and a response is needed.
Tottenham are currently on one point after two games and would fall five behind Red Star if they were to be beaten. Bayern currently top Group B on six points after winning their opening two games.
Boss Mauricio Pochettino admits their confidence has taken a hit since last season’s final and says they need to work on getting it back, starting with a positive performance against Red Star. “The expectation changed after the Champions League final and that is why the situation looks worse,” he said. “The most important thing is to build our confidence again.”
There is positive news coming from the treatment room though as they should have Christian Eriksen back from a dead-leg.
During the pre-match press conference, Pochettino also teased that one of Giovani Lo Celso or Ryan Sessegnon – almost certainly the former – will be involved after a lengthy injury lay-off.
Red Star would always be difficult opposition, but even more so now considering Tottenham’s struggles, and one or two familiar faces will take to the pitch.
Midfielder Marko Marin, who spent four years at Chelsea will line up for the Serbians, as will Rajiv van la Parra. The winger played in the Premier League with Huddersfield Town last season.
They have won their last six matches in all competitions, scoring 21 goals and conceding only four.
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