Tottenham Hotspur can edge closer to the Europa League knockout stages when they face Ludogorets Razgrad in north London.
The Bulgarians were beaten 3-1 in the reverse fixture with Jose Mourinho fielding a full strength side after their slip up against Royal Antwerp.
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Another victory is vital, especially with the Belgians and LASK, who are level with Spurs on six points in the Group J table, facing each other in Austria.
There had been some doubts about the match taking place with reports in Bulgaria suggesting some Ludogorets players had tested positive for coronavirus.
But Mourinho said: “According to my information, that’s not true. The problems they had were immediately after the game we played there (3-1 win on November 5). They have had one more game after that, which they won, then the international break.
“Of the team that comes (on Thursday), I believe only two players who played against us are not playing. Apart from that, the other nine are in the list and ready to play.
“I don’t understand the news, there is a big contradiction between the news and the information we have.”
No matter what the reality, Spurs must remain focused as they target success in the competition, which will be tough with a huge London derby with Chelsea coming up on Sunday.
But forward Lucas Moura, who is set to start the clash, believes silverware could be on the horizon, not only in Europe.
“Everybody knows Mourinho. He is a winner and he has won trophies at every club,” the Brazilian said.
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“I want to win with him and I think we deserve to win a trophy. In the last 10 years the club has done well – and it’s time.
“Why not think to win the Premier League? We have the capacity to win. I know it’s too early and there’s a lot of games to play but in every game we need to think we are capable of winning the Premier League and that every game is important.
“That’s why in every game we are trying to show that mentality and we are doing very well. We need to keep that going.”
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Tottenham team news
Spurs will definitely be without defender Toby Alderweireld for the match on Thursday night but the prognosis for the Belgian is better than initially feared.
It’s believed he will be out for two to four weeks, which will be a boost for manager Mourinho.
Erik Lamela is another still absentee as he recovers from a foot issue but Matt Doherty will be fit enough to play some part having now tested negative for COVID-19.
Japhet Tanganga is in first-team training but, as revealed in the post-match press conference, his boss sees him as a full-back and not a centre-back.
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Gareth Bale should start, having missed out against Man City, while Lucas and Carlos Vinicius are also likely to be given a chance.
Harry Winks and Moussa Sissoko are likely to make up the midfield along with Giovani Lo Celso, and Davinson Sanchez will start at centre-back with Joe Rodon ineligible for the Europa League.
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Predicted Tottenham line-up
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