Tottenham could give Paris Saint-Germain a run for their money on Wednesday.
Thomas Frank has everything to prove when his side takes on PSG in the UEFA Super Cup at the Stadio Friuli stadium on 13 August.
The Parisians look to be the stronger team coming into the tie, having lost one in their last five games. Meanwhile, Spurs have won just once in their last five, their most recent defeat coming in a pre-season friendly against Bayern Munich.
But Frank is not to be underestimated, and it seems the Dane may have one or two tricks up his sleeve.
This article includes exclusive comments from Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham.
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PSG loss v Chelsea reveals a tactical advantage for Tottenham
There is no doubt that Frank already has an idea about how to defeat PSG. The signings of Joao Palhinha and Mohammed Kudus will be a huge boost for Tottenham.
However, PSG’s 3-0 defeat against Chelsea in the FIFA Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium on 13 July may have given the Dane all the answers he needs to beat them on the day.
Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes the Parisians’ lack of pre-season will be a huge boost for Spurs as well.
“PSG have had no preseason games up to this stage, none whatsoever,” Wenham said.
“They’ve been on holiday because they got to the final of the Club World Cup, where they looked so imperious in every game up until that final, where Chelsea effectively just played through balls to get through their aggressive midfield press with Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Fabian Ruiz.
“If you can get past that aggressive press, you can cause problems against PSG. Based on the fact that they’ve had no preseason, I do give us some hope in the game.”
Tottenham can defeat PSG
Most would look at both teams and rule Tottenham out of bagging a win against the French giants.
Aside from their defeat against Chelsea, PSG appear strong heading into the tie. Meanwhile, Spurs have continuously struggled during their pre-season friendlies, other than the win against Reading.
Despite the odds, the Lilywhites have a chance if they are direct on Wednesday. During their draw to Wycombe at Hotspur Way, Frank was insistent on using Pedro Porro generously in the attack.
Therefore, the Dane could have more than a few tricks up his sleeve for the all-important confrontation.