The Champions League Round of 16 tie between Tottenham and Juventus is delicately poised, with Spurs enjoying a slight advantage thanks to their thrilling comeback in Turin last month to grab a 2-2 draw.
That result means that a home win on Wednesday will take Spurs to the quarter-finals at Juventus’ expense, and even a 0-0 or 1-1 draw would do for the home team.
The impetus is on Juve, a situation that should suit Tottenham just fine. They will feel no fear after their performance in the first leg.
Here are three talking points ahead of Wednesday night’s clash.
TIME FOR SPURS TO DELIVER
Tottenham have been a glorious team over the last three seasons – a thrilling, young, attacking side twice mounting late charges for the Premier League title and delighting neutrals with their playing style and player development. They’ve been on the verge of breaking through, on the cusp on delivering on potential, on the brink of true greatness.
On Wednesday night, it’s time to say, no more. No more talk about what this team could achieve, how breathtaking their potential is, how close they are to being something special. It’s time for them to say, we’re here.
In front of a home crowd, at Wembley, against one of Europe’s grand old clubs, in the world’s most prestigious club competition, Spurs have to deliver. Last month’s superb comeback from 2-0 down in Turin has to be a prelude, not a culmination.
That draw has made them slight favourites to progress. But nobody will be too surprised if Juve, with their tradition and the experience in their squad, overcome that disadvantage and plot a path to the quarter-finals.
The Mauricio Pochettino project at Tottenham has been waiting for a moment like this. On Wednesday, Spurs need to seize it.
This is a coming of age moment for Tottenham.
DYBALA’S CHANCE TO SHINE
Paulo Dybala‘s big-game performances have been a mixed bag. He starred in last year’s Champions League quarter-finals against Barcelona, but faded in the final against a rampant Real Madrid. He’s delivered in some crunch Serie A clashes but been ineffective in others, like this season’s 1-0 win over Napoli.
Dybala comes into this game in high spirits, having delivered a crucial, potentially title-deciding win on Saturday when his injury-time goal beat Lazio 1-0. Confidence will be running high.
But he’s had only a fleeting taste of English football before, coming on briefly as a substitute in Juventus’ 2-1 away win over Manchester City in 2015 in the group stages before starting the return leg.
This Spurs side has the ingredients to trouble Dybala, with aggressive, powerful defenders and midfielders and pace to deal with his darting runs. The Argentine needs to stand up to that and be counted.
He was out injured for the first leg of this tie, an absence that made Spurs’ life slightly easier as replacement Douglas Costa struggled to have the same impact. On Wednesday, he’ll have the chance to show Spurs how different things could have been in Turin had he played.
Dybala has a chance to light up Wembley with a winning display.
MIDFIELD BATTLE: SPURS REPEAT, OR JUVENTUS REVENGE?
Pochettino has long been claiming that Mousa Dembele is one of the best players in the world, but the first-leg clash against Juventus made other people stand up and take notice. The Belgian was absolutely sublime, with his skill on the ball, powerful running, and sharp passing.
Christian Eriksen wasn’t too far behind, another player who shined in Spurs’ comeback in Turin. Together, he and Dembele dominated midfield, leaving Juventus overwhelmed.
On Wednesday, the Italian champions have a chance to atone for that display. Blaise Matuidi will likely return to the starting XI, making it more difficult for Spurs’ creative players to run riot, while Claudio Marchisio, who has been wrapped in cotton wool, should also return, further strengthening the Juventus midfield.
But this match could come down to how well Miralem Pjanic plays. He had an iffy game in Turin, giving away possession too easily. Dembele and Eric Dier will do their best to restrict the Bosnian midfielder. Dybala will draw some of the attention, which should give Pjanic a better chance to have an impact.
Dembele vs Matuidi will be fascinating to watch. Dembele v Pjanic will decide the match.
Pjanic could decide this tie either way.
