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Tottenham are in Istanbul (not Constantinople) to take on Turkish league-leading Besiktas in the final group stage match in the 2014-15 UEFA Europa League. Both of these clubs have already qualified for the knock-out stages, but this is not a friendly match.
Spurs can win their group with a win or a draw, and that's what they mean to do. Winning the group means that they will not face any of the other Europa group winners, nor any of the Champions League cast-offs that are parachuting into the competition. Expect both teams to play to win.
Lineups:
#THFC team: Vorm; Walker, Chiriches, Kaboul, Rose; Dembele, Stambouli; Townsend, Paulinho, Chadli; Soldado. #COYS #UEL
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) December 11, 2014
#THFC subs: Lloris, Lennon, Lamela, Fazio, Capoue, Davies, Onomah. #COYS #UEL
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) December 11, 2014
Beşiktaşımızın Tottenham maçı kadrosu belli oldu. #YükselBeşiktaş pic.twitter.com/gqhK9sJOUC
— Beşiktaş JK (@Besiktas) December 11, 2014
Welp, we all sort of wanted some rotation and we got it. Michel Vorm gets the start in goal, which is surprising since I'd think you'd want your best keeper in there if you need to get a draw. Chiriches and Kaboul in central defense is... well, okay, whatever. Townsend, Paulinho and Chadli is a weird and strangely creativity-deficient attacking midfield, though. But hey, we're resting guys, we're not overloading with youth, and we just need a point. YOLO.
We're all friends here, so you pretty much know what to expect in the match threads. No links to illegal streams. Observe Wheaton's Law. Keep those knees un-jerked and firmly in check. And remember, even if Spurs lose they're still in the next round. Have fun!