Tottenham Hotspur return to Europe’s grandest stage on Tuesday night when Villarreal visit north London for the opening round of the Champions League group stage.
For Spurs supporters, it’s another chance to bask in the glow of last season’s Europa League triumph while daring to dream bigger under new boss Thomas Frank.
The Dane is still finding his rhythm in the Spurs dugout, but the early signs are highly encouraging.
Three wins from four league matches, including Saturday’s comprehensive 3-0 victory over West Ham United, have ensured confidence is flowing through the squad.
The manner of that win will have pleased Frank every bit as much as the scoreline. Spurs were disciplined, clinical, and full of energy.
However, the Champions League is a different kind of challenge. This will be Frank’s first taste of football at this level.
He carries the expectation of a fanbase that has waited patiently to return to these bright nights.
Tottenham’s record at home in Europe is formidable, which will bolster their confidence heading into the tie.
The Europa League champions are unbeaten in 20 UEFA matches at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, scoring in all but one of their last 16 continental games.
Frank will know the importance of extending that run.
But Villarreal are no strangers to making life uncomfortable for bigger names. The Yellow Submarine famously stunned Europe with their run to the 2022 semi-finals.
They’ve been absent from the Champions League since then, but they remain a respected force.
Their fifth-place finish in La Liga last season secured their return, but Marcelino’s men arrive in England short of momentum.
A single point from their last two league matches, including a 2-0 loss to Atletico Madrid, means they are there for the taking.
History isn’t on Villarreal’s side either. They have never beaten an English opponent in the Champions League, having lost eight and drawn six of their previous encounters.
Meanwhile, Spurs have struggled against Spanish opposition in Europe, winning just two of their last 14 such meetings. It sets up an intriguing meeting for both sides.
Team News
Tottenham will again be without record signing Dominic Solanke, who remains sidelined with an ankle injury.
Yves Bissouma, Kota Takai, Dejan Kulusevski, Radu Dragusin and James Maddison are also missing, while Mathys Tel is ineligible.
That leaves Frank with some big calls in attack, where Richarlison or summer recruit Randal Kolo Muani are in line to lead the line.
Xavi Simons, who marked his debut with an assist at the weekend, is expected to keep his spot on the left due to Brennan Johnson’s poor form.
Injuries are a headache for Villarreal. Talisman Gerard Moreno is unavailable with a hamstring issue, while Logan Costa, Pau Cabanes and Willy Kambwala are all sidelined.
Tottenham will need to be wary of a former foe from Arsenal, Nicolas Pepe, who has found his groove in La Liga.
Fresh off being named La Liga Player of the Month, the defence needs to be wary of the dangerous attacker upon his return to north London.
Ex-Spurs defender Juan Foyth should feature at the back. Tottenham winger Manor Solomon is on loan to Villarreal and eligible to face the club.
Predicted starting XI
Tottenham
4-3-3: Guglielmo Vicario; Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Djed Spence; Pape Matar Sarr, Rodrigo Bentancur, Joao Palhinha; Mohammed Kudus, Richarlison, Xavi Simons.
Villarreal
4-4-2: Luiz Junior; Santiago Mourino, Juan Foyth, Renato Veiga, Sergi Cardona; Nicolas Pepe, Pape Gueye, Dani Parejo, Alberto Moleiro; Ayoze Perez, Georges Mikautadze.