What to expect from Tottenham when Olympiacos come knocking

Tottenham welcome Olympiacos on Tuesday, with the home side most likely only needing a point to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages. 

Even if things go well in Belgrade between Bayern and Red Star, Jose Mourinho will not tolerate anything less than victory. It’s his grand return to his favourite competition, and Olympiacos will not stand in his way of making it a victorious one.

While many expect Mourinho to experiment with his personnel for the match, don’t be surprised if he doesn’t veer away from Saturday’s winning formula.

There are times and places to experiment and push the creative envelope. But I don’t feel like Tuesday provides that chance. Spurs need to secure qualification to the knockout stages at home against an inferior side. It’s a perfect match to make a statement. Mourinho’s men can ill-afford to go to Germany having to get something out of the last group match, against Bayern Munich.

Mourinho, if Spurs clinch their spot in the knockout stage on Tuesday, can then sample, tinker and provide youngsters with much needed match time in Munich. What an incredible stage, at the Allianz Arena, to show faith and trust in your youngsters. But that can only happen if Tottenham take care of business against Olympiacos.

Expect Spurs to come out of the gates flying. Reborn and revitalized, the players will want to put on a show for their partisan support. Remember, it’s not just the players and coaches who have been through hell this week. So too have the supporters. And they’re gagging for a big European night.

A high press will be employed and Tottenham will look to suffocate Olympiacos early. An adrenaline-filled, high octane Tottenham side will confound the visitors.  But don’t expect Spurs to recklessly chase the match. They’ll use caution when needed, ensuring things at the back are air tight.

Mourinho will want to see his side pace themselves, as second half fatigue tainted slightly Tottenham’s performance in East London on Saturday. Composure on the ball and dominant possession will allow Spurs to finish the match in control, eviscerating any chance of an Olympiacos resurgence.