Tottenham Hotspur is gearing up for a crucial Champions League match against Monaco this Wednesday, October 22, at Stade Louis II. The match is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET (8:00 p.m. UK time) and will be broadcasted on Paramount+ in the US and TNT Sports 3 in the UK. Spurs currently sit tied for 11th place in their group with four points, while Monaco is struggling at the bottom with just one point.
After a frustrating weekend where Spurs let another lead slip away, the team is looking to bounce back. Their recent history with Monaco in European competitions adds an additional layer of intrigue. In the 2015/16 Europa League group stage, Spurs managed to secure a draw away and a home victory that included a remarkable hat trick from Erik Lamela. However, the following season saw Monaco defeat Spurs twice in the Champions League group stage, which ended Tottenham’s hopes of advancing.
The upcoming match raises several key questions for both teams. Tottenham’s midfield duo of Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur has come under scrutiny for their inability to effectively contribute to offensive plays. Nevertheless, injuries have affected Monaco’s midfield, with key players Denis Zakaria and Lamine Camara sidelined, potentially giving Spurs an opportunity to dominate possession.
Monaco’s recent form doesn’t inspire confidence; they’ve conceded 14 goals in their last six matches while only managing to score 12, with five of those goals coming in a solitary win. The club’s management is in transition following the sacking of Adi Hutter, as they search for discipline and effectiveness under new leadership.
For Spurs, finding an offensive rhythm has been a challenge, especially with many of their attacking players dealing with injuries. The team will need to ensure that their backline performs well to secure the all-important three points. Defensive players may need to take the lead while the offensive unit finds its footing.
Star players will be under the spotlight; Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche and Ansu Fati, as well as Spurs’ Eric Dier, all have the potential to influence the match significantly. Fati currently stands out with six goals across competitions, while Dier has found the net twice in recent outings.
With the recent struggles faced by both sides, there is hope for a thrilling encounter that could mark a turning point in their campaigns. Tottenham aims not only to reclaim lost ground in the league but also to garner positive momentum heading into the rest of the Champions League group stage. The match presents an opportunity to build confidence and set the tone for the remainder of the season.