· Spurs 1 Besiktas 1 - 2nd October, 2014
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Spurs' record in Europe:-

 
U.E.F.A Champions League
 
 P   W   D   L   F - A
12   5   3   4  25 -19
 
European Cup
P   W   D   L   F - A
8   4   1   3  21 - 13
 
(Semi-Finalists 1962)
 
European Cup Winners Cup
 
P   W   D   L   F - A
33  20  5   8  65 - 34
 
(Winners 1963)
 
UEFA Cup/Europa League
 P    W   D   L   F - A
125  73  32  20  256-102 
 
(Winners 1972, 1984
 Finalists 1974)
 
Total
P    W   D   L   F - A
178 102 41  35  361-168



Europa League Group C
                  P  W  D  L  F-A  GD  PTS

Spurs             5  3  2  0  9-3   6  11
Besiktas          5  2  3  0 10-5   5   9
Asteras Tripolis  5  1  2  2  7-10 -3   5
Partizan          5  0  1  4  1-9  -8   1 

A Christmas draw result will do for Spurs!

Spurs have gone to Turkey for Christmas. There must be a gag there, but I can't think of one that is appropriate. What I do know is that a draw will be enough for Spurs to secure top place in Group C, and an advantageous position for the Round of 32. The draw for that takes place on Monday, and if Spurs do win the group, they will be at home for the second leg against either a Group runner-up, or a lower rated Champions League third place side.

Spurs went clear at the top because, while they were scraping home against FK Partizan, Besiktas were only managing a draw away to Asteras Tirpolis. Demba Ba scored in that game, and in two games since, but he has now broken his toe and will miss tonight's game. Former West Ham player Slaven Bilic's side will be missing another striker - Mustafa Pektemek, but unlike Ba, he has only managed one club goal so far this season.

Besiktas's league form is being maintained and they top their league by one point after 12 games. The team in second place is Galatasary, who oost at home to Arsenal on Tuesday night. The possibility of Spurs and Arsenal fans encountering each other in Istanbul was not something to be relished.

I doubt that many Spurs fans have made this trip, which does not come cheap, and just before Christmas too. I am one of those stay at home fans on this occasion. I'll offer my thoughts based upon TV viewing.

A number of Spurs players have also not made the trip. The mystery of Adebayor's absence has been disclosed, but in no detail, except to say he has been allowed to go home due to family problems. Fellow striker, and top Spurs scorer this season, Harry Kane has stayed at home with Jan Vertonghen, Kyle Naughton, Ryan Mason, Nabil Bentaleb and Christian Eriksen. Their places in the team sheet for Swansea therefore seem assured.

Kyle Walker has travelled, and is set to make a first senior appearance since March, when had had to go off against Benfica. Kyle made an appearance for the under-21s recently, and it will be great to see him in action tonight. Younes Kaboul is set to play, and Fazio is available ater serving his Europa League suspension.

Paulinho is featured on the club's official site, so we must assume he is going to start this game. I don't think Hugo Lloris has travelled to sit on the bench, and Chadli will offer support for Soldado. Danny Rose was on the bench last Saturday, so maybe this is a game for his come-back.

Spurs' line-up could read Lloris; Walker, Kaboul, Fazio, Rose; Dembele, Stambouli; Lamela, Paulinho, Chadli; Soldado. I understand that several youngsters have also travelled, including Harry Winks who has been on the periphery in recent games. 17 year old midfielder Josh Onomah has also been mentioned. He is an exciting prospect, already established in the under-21s, and very highly rated.

8 years ago, Spurs beat Besiktas on their own turf and silenced a highly exciteable crowd. It will be a similarly hot atmosphere tonight. A draw would be a great result, and I think is achievable.

Tonight's match referee is Mr. Stefan Johannesson. he and his officials are from Sweden. Mr Johannesson was in charge last December, when we beat Anzhi 4-1.

· On this day 10 years ago, Spurs beat Man City 1-0 away. Those were the days!

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