Tottenham Hotspur vs Pacos de Ferreira
UEFA Europa League Conference, KO: 19:45 Aug 26, 2021, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
IT'S safe to say the Europa Conference League is pretty low on Tottenham's list of priorities this season but Nuno Espirito Santo will still be looking to see off Pacos de Ferreira tonight to reach the group stage.
Taking part in Europe's third-tier competition hasn't filled Spurs with much enthusiasm and that was summed up when Espirito Santo fielded a shadow side for the first leg in Portugal.
That contributed towards Pacos claiming a 1-0 victory (below), with the Tottenham gaffer's team selection helping to bust my coupon as I had tipped his side to win without conceding.
But that defeat back in his homeland has been the only blip so far in a promising start for Espirito Santo, with Spurs beating Manchester City and his old club Wolves in their first two Premier League games.
The Harry Kane saga has cast a shadow over the club this season but the England striker came off the bench in Sunday's Molineux victory and has now revealed he will be staying at Spurs for the time being.
It will be interesting to see if Kane starts in this Euro tie as Tottenham bid to dump a Pacos side whose first-leg win belied a dismal run of form.
They lost 1-0 away to Northern Irish minnows Larne in the last round and Pacos have conceded three times in each of their last two domestic games in defeats to Boavista and Estroril.
So if Tottenham field at least some of their big hitters for this clash they should have enough firepower to see off the struggling Portuguese side.
How the bookies view it
Spurs are the red-hot favourites at 4/17 with Mansionbet for a win inside 90 minutes and a measly 3/10 at McBookie to qualify. Pacos de Ferreira are 9/4 with McBookie to reach the group stage and a whopping 14/1 for a win inside 90 minutes. The stalemate pays 27/5 with Unibet.
Players to watch
Kane (below) is just 4/9 with McBookie for a goal but I'm not sure if he will start so it might be wiser to look elsewhere. New boy Bryan Gil made his debut in the first leg and the young Spanish winger could get another chance to shine. He's 9/5 with McBookie for anytime scorer and 14/1 at SkyBet to score from outside the area.
Brazilian midfielder Denilson netted twice for Pacos when they beat Larne 4-0 at home and could be their best shout for a goal in London at 5/1 with McBookie.
Anything else catch the eye?
At lot will depend on how strong a team Espirito Santo picks but Spurs should get some joy against a poor Pacos defence. Over 2.5 Tottenham goals pays 6/5 at McBookie and that looks pretty decent value.
Spurs have been excellent defensively under the new boss, conceding just once in three games, so that lends appeal to the 3/4 on offer at McBookie for a home win to nil.
The first leg was pretty fiery, with six yellow cards dished out, so the return might see a few meaty challenges as well. Over 4.5 booking points is priced 17/20 at McBookie but I prefer over one card in each half at 13/8 with William Hill.
The same firm are offering 6/4 on a goal being scored from outside the area and that looks decent as Pacos will defend deep, offering chances to shoot from distance.
This UEFA Europa League Conference match between Tottenham Hotspur and Pacos de Ferreira will be played on Aug 26, 2021 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Tottenham Hotspur vs Pacos de Ferreira prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
