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Here we go. Spurs need to win and score at least one goal in order to advance to the next round of the UEFA Europa League, but they have to do it against an in-form Fiorentina team in Florence, three days before a cup final against Chelsea. It's not going to be easy.
Fiorentina are missing two of their starters: keeper Ciprian Tatarusanu, and midfield general Borja Valero, but expect them to field a very strong side against Spurs. Tottenham doesn't have that luxury – they need to rotate, and rely on their second-string players to excel. A win today not only sends them to the Europa League Round of 16, but also gives them a massive boost of confidence heading into what promises to be a much tougher task against Chelsea.
It's a massive, huge European game. It'll be difficult, but totally possible. Come on you Spurs.
Lineups:
#THFC team: Lloris; Chiriches, Fazio, Vertonghen, Davies; Bentaleb, Stambouli; Chadli, Eriksen, Lamela; Soldado. #COYS
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) February 26, 2015
#THFC subs: Vorm, Rose, Walker, Mason, Paulinho, Townsend, Kane #COYS
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) February 26, 2015
#Fiorentina side to face #THFC: Neto; Richards, Savić, Basanta, Alonso; Badelj, Pizarro (c), Fernández; Joaquín, Gomez, Salah
— Simon Peach (@SimonPeach) February 26, 2015
How to Watch
Match Date: Thursday, February 26, 2015
Time: 6 pm GMT (1:00 p.m. ET)
Location: Stadio Artemio Franchi, Florence, Italy
Weather: Partly cloudy, high 13º C, low 3º C.
TV/Streaming: This match will be televised in the USA, though you might not necessarily like where it is. It's on Fox Sports 2, which may or may not be in HD on your local cable package. You can also stream it (for a fee) on Fox Soccer 2GO (which is offering a free one-week trial for new subscribers), or on ESPN3... en Español. UK residents can watch it on BT Sport 2. Canadians: Sportsnet 1, Aussies are streamed only via beIN Sports Connect Australia. Are you in Greece? Try Nova Sports 1. Elsewhere, find your local listings for the match here.
Radio: BBC Radio London 94.9 normally broadcasts Spurs' matches (unavailable in the USA without a proxy). If you are a (free) MySpurs or OneHotspur member you can listen on Spurs' official website, though it's not always reliable.
Match thread rules:
The match thread rules are the same always. To any visitors coming here for the first time, welcome! We're glad you're here! Wipe your feet, mind the gap, and be sure to check out the other pages at this outstanding site. While you're here, though, we have a few rules and regulations.
- Absolutely no links to illegal streams. They're bad and they get us in trouble.
- We have rules against "relentless negativity." Nobody likes a Negative Nancy, even when we're getting knocked out of the Europa League by a team wearing purple. Don't knee-jerk and post outlandish or hurtful things just because you're frustrated.
- Along those lines, outright abuse of players or match officials is verboten. It's fine to say "wow, that's a bad call, match official," but it's NOT okay to direct copious amounts of abuse in the direction of said official over a call you did not like.
- Treat other people in the match thread the way you would want someone else to treat your grandmother. Be nice. Observe Wheaton's Law. This is a community of fans, not an un-moderated message board.
- Finally, while we don't have a rule against profanity, please try and keep the naughty words in check. Nobody loves a potty mouth. Also, language that is sexist, racist, or homophobic in nature will be swiftly deleted and you may lose posting privileges. This is an open, supportive community.
- Have fun, and COYS!