Draws with Partizan Belgrade and Besiktas have left Spurs third in Group C. Asteras currently sit top of the group with four points from their opening two fixtures.
Asteras are a remarkable success story. Having competed in Greece's fourth division as recently as 2003, they have risen swiftly and have achieved three consecutive top-six finishes in the Greek top flight. With that have come three successive European campaigns.In 2012 and 2013, they were eliminated in the qualifying rounds so this is their first-ever season in the group stage of European competition. En route to the group stage, Asteras eliminated Mainz and Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Spurs have been underwhelming in Europe so far. The goalless draw against Partizan was encouraging but Spurs failed to make the most of their opportunities. The lack of clinical finishing has been a problem for Spurs in all competitions this season but it was particularly evident in Belgrade.
There were no such problems at home to Besiktas. The Turkish side dominated and would have won without the heroic performance of goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.
Tottenham should make short work of Asteras Tripolis. The Greek side are one of the weakest teams that Spurs have met in Europe in many years. Compact and defensive, with a penchant for playing quick breaks, they are not without some threat but Spurs should be able to deal easily with them.
This match gives Spurs the opportunity to produce a performance of real quality and make a statement. One of the favourites to win the tournament, they should easily top their group in the season's Europa League and a victory would see them move ahead of both Asteras and Besiktas.
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