What to expect when Tottenham Hotspur host Vitesse

Anticipation for a group stage encounter has never been so perceptible, as supporters sit on pins and needles awaiting the dawn of Antonio Conte‘s Tottenham reign.

Like an impressionable youth heading to the stadium for the first time, the excitement in the air is a reflection of the omnipresent optimism. You can be sure whomever Conte selects to start the match will put forth full-blooded, wholly committed efforts.

A combination of players wanting to impress their new manager along with Conte’s intolerance of subpar efforts sets up this crucial fixture perfectly.

While most people expect Conte to employ his favoured 3-5-2 system, there’s a distinct possibility he’ll take some time before switching systems. Either way, Conte will expect his players to advance the ball quickly and directly from back to front. The Italian encourages one and two-touch football, veering away from the lateral possession that has recently plagued Spurs.

Knocking far too many passes laterally or backward, one of Conte’s first orders of business will be to eradicate Tottenham’s laboured, cumbersome and tentative play.

While it will take some time for Conte to instil his philosophy and structure, you can certainly expect the lads to immediately adopt a high-tempo, snappy and intense brand of football. Spurs will relish the upbeat, raucous atmosphere in the stadium and use it as a springboard to take the impetus from the off.

Vitesse will do their utmost to weather the initial storm surge. The longer Vitesse keep the game scoreless, the more they’ll grow into the game. It’s crucial Tottenham take advantage of the feverish home support and score before the interval. But as long as the home side doesn’t concede first, Spurs will have enough, based purely on adrenaline and motivation, to take all three points against the stubborn Dutch side.

Vitesse thoroughly outplayed Spurs on Matchday 3 on Oct. 21 and fully deserved the win.

Buoyed by Conte’s presence on the sideline, expect the polar opposite as Tottenham embark on a new, rousing journey.