A Hoddle of Irish Coffee: Tottenham Hotspur news and links March 17, 2016

Good morning!

If I could've thought of a good metaphor to use for us beating Dortmund tonight and St. Patrick driving the snakes out of Ireland, I would've used it, but there isn't one. In fact, there isn't too much metaphorical aura around this match. If anything, the return leg is a little too real, as the Germans strut into White Hart Lane with a three goal cushion.

As for expectations of performance, I have none. I think I would be content with a good showing, happy with a 2-0 victory that saw the last moments rich with drama, and ecstatic with anything else. I'd also be happy to see Sonny get his game going again. He hasn't been in form for a couple of months and, if he should find his shooting boots, he could be a nice wild card down the stretch as we chase this tie and the Premier League title.

Here is to hoping and always remaining optimistic despite being realistic.

And all you St. Patrick's Day revelers, don't drink yourself into trouble, digestive or legal.

And now for the "news":

Hummels is aware of the Harry Kane threat| ESPN FC

"If he scores on us, we're apt to be shamed all over social media. It's an awful thought, him and Dele Alli bantering us off the pitch and twitter, isn't it?"-Hummels in perfect English, probably.

Mauricio doesn't worry about Kane this summer| Sky Sports

Does anyone expect England to be playing deep in the tournament anyway? The squad is talented, but come on, this is the national team we're talking about here.

Mauricio accepts that he may have got it wrong last week| Daily Mail

His answers are so good. Half "what are we supposed to do, play guys every match", half "the backups played like donkeys and I noticed, too, I'm not blind".