Credit: Imago

Carla Devine

Mon 3 March 2025 11:30, UK

Tottenham are finally set to return to Europa League action this week, with a trip to face AZ Alkmaar on Thursday.

The Lilywhites have had a poor season this term and the Europa League is the only thing left to play for in North London.

Ange Postecoglou has come under criticism for where his side finds themselves, after guaranteeing that he always wins silverware in his second season.

Tottenham backed for victory against AZ Alkmaar

Starting the knockout phases in the Round of 16, the Opta Analyst Supercomputer has placed Spurs as the heavy favourites for the first leg in the Netherlands.

It is predicted that the North London outfit has a 44.6 per cent chance of winning the game, while the hosts are said to have a 30.4 per cent chance.

There is a 25 per cent chance that it will finish in a draw before the return leg in London.

With that in mind, the Australian boss would surely feel more at ease going into the home leg if his side can come away from the first meeting with a victory.

Ange Postecoglou needs Europa League success with Tottenham

There is no doubt that Spurs have had some awful luck this term with several high-profile injuries that have left Postecoglou lacking options.

However, the boss has also been reluctant to change his style of playing to suit the options he has had available to him and has some responsibility to take too.

Sitting 13th in the Premier League table certainly reflects a bigger problem at Tottenham than just some unlucky injuries.

Furthermore, losing to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semi-final and then getting knocked out of the FA Cup against Aston Villa means a lot is riding on Europa League success.

Even if the Lilywhites do come away with a victory in the first leg, they can’t afford to get too comfortable as they were leading against Liverpool in the first leg and still crashed out.

However, the mission would certainly be easier if they put in a strong performance now.