Tottenham Hotspur will be playing host to Benfica for the first time since 1962 in the Europa League round of 16. Spurs have an 100% home record against Portuguese sides. The last time they met was in the 1961/1962 European Champion's Cup semi final and Benfica went through back then, despite losing 2-1 on English soil. Spurs are unbeaten in 11 European home games since a 2-1 loss to PAOK FC in the 2011/12 UEFA Europa League group stage. Last season Tottenham reached the quarter finals of the Europa League but were surprisingly eliminated by FC Basel. Benfica on the other hand reached the final and they are aiming to repeat that achievement.
Tottenham boss Tim Sherwood will surely expect a response from his players after being defeated 4-0 by Chelsea in the Premier League last weekend. "The fans were magnificent on Saturday and the lads owe it to them and owe it to themselves to respond," Sherwood said. "They have to take it on the chin, as we all have." The result left Tottenham four points behind fourth-placed Manchester City, who have three games in hand.
Benfica are in top form, they are leading the Portuguese league after having won 21 and drawn two of their previous 23 games in all competitions. Moreover, they haven't conceded a single goal in their last eight games. Central defender Michael Dawson is a doubt for Tottenham due to a hamstring injury, while for Benfica Jardel should still be out of contention.
Here are the odds for Thursday's match at Bet365:
Tottenham win - 7/5
Draw - 23/10
Benfica win - 9/4
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