TOTTENHAM have made harder work of their Europa League group than they should have but can book their place in the knockout stage with a game to spare by beating LASK in Austria.
However, if Jose Mourinho's men slip it up and crash to defeat it would leave them level on points with the Austrians and facing a real sweat to qualify heading into the final group game at home to leaders Antwerp.
It was a 1-0 loss to the Belgians on matchday two that complicated matters for Spurs but they have otherwise been impressive in the group, battering LASK 3-0 at home (below) and easing past rock-bottom Ludogorets home and away.
Mourinho has used the Europa League to give some fringe players an outing but will probably go quite strong here in a bid to wrap up qualification early. That loss to Antwerp is Tottenham's only defeat in 17 games so they should have enough to see off LASK.
The Austrians aren't in great form, winning just once in their last three games in all competitions, including a 2-0 home loss to Antwerp in their last Euro clash.
How the bookies view it
Spurs are odds-on favourites but still a decent option for accas at 4/6 with Betway while LASK Linz are as big as 4/1 at Paddy Power. The draw pays 7/2 with Bet365 but Tottenham should win this.
Team news
Star man Harry Kane will be a big miss for Spurs through injury while fellow striker Carlos Vinicius and full-back Sergio Reguillon are doubts. Stopper Toby Alderweireld is set to miss out again through injury while winger Erik Lamela's foot problem could sideline him once more. Full-back Matt Doherty could return to the squad after beginning training again.
Striker Marko Raguz remains a long-term absentee for LASK and has been joined on the sidelines by midfielder Lukas Grgic and defender Petar Filipovic.
Players to watch
Mourinho has been using the Europa League to get Gareth Bale (below) up to match fitness and he has started every group game. The Welsh star hasn't sparked to life yet since his return from Real Madrid but it has to happen sometime and he's 6/4 with 888Sport for anytime scorer here.
For a longer-odds option, Skybet price Bale at 12/1 to score from outside the area and 16/1 to net with a header.
Johannes Eggestein netted twice for LASK in their weekend win over Altach and has five in his last six games. The German midfielder is 19/5 with 888Sport to add to that impressive tally.
Anything else catch the eye?
Tottenham have kept clean sheets in their last four games, with the latest one against Chelsea helping our man Slips Tips strike gold again. LASK also drew a blank in their last Europa League match so a Spurs shut-out appeals at 15/8 with Paddy Power. Doubling that with a win for Mourinho's side pays 23/10 with the same firm.
Spurs have also scored in both halves in all but one of their group games and a repeat in Austria is priced 6/4 at William Hill. Just betting on a goal in each half for any side pays 8/13 with the same firm.
This UEFA Europa League match between LASK Linz and Tottenham will be played on Dec 3, 2020 and kick off at 17:55. Check below for our tipsters best LASK Linz vs Tottenham prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
