Tottenham's big-game expertise crucial in Champions League clash with Juventus

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  • Mauricio Pochettino

    European glamour is back. Two in-form sides lock horns on Tuesday night as Tottenham head to Turin with their chests puffed out having seen off Manchester United and Arsenal, while Juventus have not lost in all competitions since November 19.

    Below we sift through the key storylines – and why a revitalised Gonzalo Higuain is one to watch.

    SPURS BRING THEIR A-GAME AGAINST THE BEST

    Mauricio Pochettino is an astute tactician and innovative football manager but even the best can be undone by an underdog that strives to stifle rather than outplay. That’s why Spurs have faltered against lesser opposition this season, leaving them well off the pace in a Premier League title race now dominated by Manchester City.

    A 4-1 battering against the champions elect aside, Tottenham have traditionally excelled in big games. In their last three league outings they have beaten Manchester United and Arsenal and drawn against Liverpool. They also managed a 4-1 win over the Anfield outfit earlier in the season, beat Borussia Dortmund twice in Europe while drawing against and defeating reigning Champions League winners Real Madrid.

    Pochettino has a knack for setting his side up perfectly for a big game and for whatever reason, his players up the ante when challenged by the best. An overwhelming desire to prove they belong among the elite despite the absence of silverware, perhaps?

    Tottenham Hotspur

    Tottenham Hotspur

    STAGE SET FOR HIGUAIN TO COME GOOD

    Speaking of a desire to belong, Harry Kane is quickly proving that he does indeed deserve to be spoken in the same breath as the finest strikers in Europe. His incredible goal-scoring record has seen his name uttered alongside Robert Lewandowski and Luis Suarez.

    One star that appears to have dropped out of such discussions is Gonzalo Higuain. The Argentine seemed to realise his full potential at Napoli following his spell at Real Madrid.

    After scoring 32 times in 55 appearance during his maiden campaign for Juventus last season, he has suffered a drastic dip in form, with his fitness regularly being called into question. However, he’s started to show signs of life over the past couple of weeks, scoring five goals in three Serie A games, including a hat-trick against Sassuolo.

    His current run of form ended a seven-game drought though and how he will cope against a formidable Spurs side remains to be seen. With Paulo Dybala being a bit hit and miss this season and a doubt for this fixture as well, the onus will be on Higuain to deliver the goods.

    Gonzalo Higuain

    Gonzalo Higuain

    IN-FORM FOES

    What makes this tie ever so intriguing is the form both sides have shown going into it.

    We’ve already touched upon Spurs’ recent form, gaining vital results against three of the top six over the span of an 11 day period. They’re also currently enjoying a 12-match unbeaten run.

    Juventus though perhaps come into this fixture in even better form, winning 11 matches on the bounce in all competitions, scoring 16 goals and conceding just once.

    An even more daunting stat as far as Spurs are concerned is that Juventus are unbeaten in 26 European home matches since April 2013.

    As if facing the team that’s chasing their seventh successive Serie A title and third Champions League final in four years wasn’t enough.

    Gianluigi Buffon (R) and Harry Kane

    Gianluigi Buffon (R) and Harry Kane

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