A Hoddle of Coffee: Tottenham Hotspur news and links December 10, 2015

Happy Thursday, Spursland!

And what a Thursday it is. We have our last European fixture for over two months tonight, and it is quite critical.

One: we probably need to rotate. The starting eleven can't play every match with the type of tempo we employ. They will need a rest and this is as good a chance as any. I know that getting the mix of rotation correct is tricky, but there are three players I absolutely want rested (Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen, Eric Dier) and one player (Kevin Wimmer) I'd like to see played with no real preference to who he replaces. Talking points on this issue will abound.

Two: despite needing to rotate we also want to win the group. That and, well, don't we want to win every match we ever play? Seriously though, I'd like to do well in this competition and playing a good team instead of a contender in the first knockout round is always preferable. Let's get this done.

So here we have it. A weekday match of significance to almost make us forget that Saido Berahino actively trolls his club on Twitter while they actively troll him in real life.

And now for the "news":

Tottenham set to track various players unlikely to be signed| Daily Mail

Most of this is worthless, but I don't want the readers to feel uninformed when visiting the ITK boards later, not that any real names are ever used anyway.

Harry Winks wants some time against Monaco| Squawka

Tom Carroll and Harry Winks in the midfield may seem ridiculously open in the pivot, but I'm pretty sure that's what I want to see. They are better passers than the other options. That being said, we're going to see Bentaleb-Mason.

Grant Ward continues to be in demand at Rotherham| Daily Mail

I've no idea what this means for his prospects long term as a Spurs player, but you all know I have a little soft spot for the little Grant Ward that could.

Europa League draw, live!!| London Evening Standard

I know that the collective speechlessness is awe, not boredom. We're all on the same wavelength here.

Mauricio warns Man Utd. about that Europa life| Daily Mail

Wonder if LVG's balls are ready for the Thursday-Sunday pep talk schedule.

Gary Monk has been sacked| ESPN FC

They had a good run of form early, but good golly miss Molly, they have been abject lately.