Today at 1:00 p.m. ET, Sheriff Tiraspol and Tottenham faceoff in UEFA Europa League Group K action live from Sheriff Stadium in Russia. The game can be live streamed here.
Tottenham enters play as the favorites to win the Europa League in a match that could prove to herald the return of Emmanuel Adebayor, who may make his first start of the season after the team failed to sell him in the offseason. Also returning, will be Aaron Lennon as he makes his way back from an ankle injury.
Though both players had a summer of inactivity, Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas said they don't need to earn their keep and that he trusts they'll be good to go.
"They don't need opportunities or chances. They're valued and they're great quality players," Villas-Boas told ESPN. "The difference from last year, I think, is the competition is higher. Last season we wouldn't rotate as much for this competition as we have so far. This is done because of the immense talent we have at our disposal."
He added: "We can make six or seven changes now, which keeps the players fresh and motivated."
Adebayor's chances of starting are somewhat halted by Roberto Soldado and Jermain Defoe. Defoe is one goal off of Martin Chivers' franchise mark of 22 goals.
Etienne Capoue, Danny Rose and Younes Kaboul will not be playing due to injuries and Villas-Boas has left Kyle Walker, Paulinho and Andros Townsend back in London to rest.
"It was just an opportunity to recover a little bit, and the squad is big enough," Villas-Boas said per ESPN.
Tottenham looks to wrap up Group K with three games to spare today by clinching a qualifier, and Villas-Boas knows how important it would be.
"It is very important for us [to get it wrapped up], particularly bearing in mind the Tromso trip, which is on an interesting type of pitch and extremely difficult weather conditions," he said per ESPN.
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