What to expect from second leg of Tottenham vs Juventus
By Gary Pearson
A repeat of the nightmare first 10 minutes in Turin is not an option for Tottenham, whose main focus will be starting the home leg on the front foot, dictating the pace from kick off.
Conceding first poses the biggest threat to the home side’s chances of qualifying for the quarterfinal. Unlike the opening 10 minutes in Turin, Tottenham won’t be overawed by the occasion. They’ll take unparalleled confidence from their resilient showing in Turin and current 17-match unbeaten streak.
We’ve seen first hand Spurs ability to cancel out an early deficit but they won’t want to test fate two matches running against one of Europe’s most experience sides.
Scoring first is a must
If Juventus score first at Wembley, you can be certain the Old Lady, who will look to capitalize on the counter via Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuaín, will make life miserable for the home side.
That’s a scenario Spurs want to avoid at all cost.
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Scoring first has never been so crucial for the Lilywhites. The probability of Tottenham coming from behind like they did in Turin is miniscule. Spurs will set the tone if they manage to score the opener; Juventus will be forced to open up, leaving themselves vulnerable to the home side’s formidable counter.
A draw, barring an improbable flood of goals, will be good enough to advance, but Tottenham won’t be satisfied with earning a quarterfinal berth by way of the away-goals rule.
Spurs’ ideal game plan
Undefeated in 15 home matches, Tottenham’s ideal game plan is predicated on going a goal to the good early, later putting the tie to bed on the counter after Juventus pour men forward in search of an equalizer.
Expect Eric Dier and Mousa Dembele, if passed fit, to take extra care and consideration in protecting the back four, especially in the opening 20 minutes. The Lilywhites can ill-afford to concede odd-man rushes like they did in the first leg.
Ben Davies and Kieran Trippier will be expected to bomb forward, but only if ample cover is in place. One positional error could cost the Lilywhites a spot in the quarterfinal, so don’t be surprised when you see the lads employ a safety-first strategy.
Contrastingly, Spurs don’t want to be too cautious either. To ensure the 12th man is at its vociferous and raucous best, the home side must show positive intent from kick off. Sitting back and hoping to maintain their slim advantage is a sure-fire way for a premature and unceremonious departure from the competition.
Strategic and personnel decisions will surely influence the outcome of this enormous encounter; good thing Tottenham have one of the world’s most adaptable and tactically astute managers steering the ship.
Next: Three key battles for return leg with Juventus
Pochettino will set his side up for success so it’s up to his players to execute perfectly the game plan.
If Pochettino’s side play 90 minutes of error-free football, they’ll book their Champions League quarterfinal place for a second time in club history.