Published: 34 minutes ago
Tottenham Hotspur prioritised Europa League matches last season and are sure to be energised for the start of their Champions League campaign as they prepare to face Villarreal in an intriguing encounter.
Thomas Frank's Spurs are off to a strong start in the Premier League with nine points taken from four games, although they will be eager to atone for a poor performance against Bournemouth in their last home fixture.
The Lilywhites ended a 17-year wait for silverware by getting their hands on the UEFA Europa League trophy last season, but must be prepared for a step up in class in the UEFA Champions League.
Villarreal are preparing for their first UEFA Champions League campaign since the 2021-22 season, having finished fifth in La Liga.
They are off to a solid enough start this season, but suffered a setback on Saturday when they beaten 2-0 at Atletico Madrid.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Villarreal Tips Summary
Best Bet - Tottenham @ 17/20
Alternative Bet - Tottenham to win 2-0 @ 17/2
Bet Builder - Mohammed Kudus to score or assist, Thomas Partey to be carded, Under 4 goals @ 8/1
Tottenham Hotspur vs Villarreal Prediction
Best Bet: Tottenham @ 17/20
Tottenham are unbeaten in their last four UEFA Champions League home games and can get the better of Villarreal in north London.
Head coach Frank will be preparing his side for a tough game against the Yellow Submarine, who racked up 11 wins on their La Liga travels last season, including a 3-2 success over champions Barcelona.
However, Spurs have made a confident start to the season and are looking especially strong in both penalty boxes, with the goals started to flow and the clean sheets stacking up.
Spurs are unlikely to play the swashbuckling football for which they became known for under Ange Postecoglou, but they are developing into a reliable, well-structured side and should have the edge over Villarreal, who were under par when losing 2-0 at Atletico on Saturday.
Alternative Bet: Tottenham to win 2-0 @ 17/2
Tottenham's three wins this season have all been accompanied by clean sheets. They gave up very few chances against West Ham and will fancy their chances of securing another shutout.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Villarreal Bet Builder Tip
Mohammed Kudus to score or assist
Thomas Partey to be carded
Under 4 goals
Pays 8/1
Mohammed Kudus has made a bright start to his Spurs career and could have a key role to play in ensuring a successful start to the Londonersâ UEFA Champions League campaign.
The Ghanaian has registered six shots in four Premier League games and delivered a pair of assists for Brennan Johnson in the 3-0 victory over Burnley.
Spurs are likely to go with a three-man midfield and that may give them the edge over Villarreal, who have been favouring a 4-4-2 formation.
Ex-Arsenal player Thomas Partey is a key cog in the Spanish engine room, but is still getting up to full match sharpness and could be at a higher risk than usual of collecting a caution.
The Lilywhites have looked well-organised under new manager Frank and their diligent defensive work can contribute to a low-scoring outcome.
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Key Match Stats
Tottenham have kept clean sheets in three of their last four matches
Nine of Tottenham's last 11 matches have featured less than four goals
Spurs have scored the first goal in six of their last seven games
Tottenham have scored two goals or more in four of their last five fixtures
Villarreal have kept just one clean sheet in their last seven away games
Three of Villarreal's last four away matches have featured less than three goals
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Tactics, Form and Team News
Kota Takai (foot), Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison (both knee) are sidelined, while Radu Dragusin and Mathys Tel were not named in the UEFA Champions League squad.
Destiny Udogie is challenging Djed Spence for the left-back slot and Dominic Solanke (ankle) is a doubt.
Rodrigo Bentancur and Richarlison could return after both were left out of the starting XI for Saturday's victory at the London Stadium.
Expected Tottenham Hotspur line-up (4-3-3): Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Bentancur, Palhinha, Sarr; Kudus, Richarlison, Simons.
The visitors are without Logan Costa, Pau Cabanes and Willy Kambwala (hamstring), who are all long-term absentees.
Gerard Moreno (hamstring) is a doubt, so Nicolas Pepe could continue alongside Georges Mikautadze in attack.
Tottenham loanee Manor Solomon is eligible to feature, but lacks match fitness and may be limited to a place on the bench.
Expected Villarreal line-up (4-4-2): Luiz Junior; Mourino, Foyth, Veiga, Cardona; Buchanan, Partey, Gueye, Moleiro; Pepe, Mikautadze.
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