Gylfi on Maribor:
Gylfi Sigurdsson would love an early goal against NK Maribor in Matchday Four of the Europa League at White Hart Lane on Thursday night.
The Slovenian champions impressed a fortnight ago but the midfielder now feels home advantage will work in our favour – with the backing of the Lane faithful right behind us.
“It would be ideal if we get an early goal,” said Gylfi, who scored the equaliser in the 1-1 draw at the Ljudski vrt Stadium.
“That means Maribor can’t just sit there and defend and it would open the game up.
That would also get the crowd right behind us and it will be a great atmosphere. That’s important for us.”
Maribor suffered a narrow 1-0 loss at Lazio in their only away game to date in Group J.
We’ve drawn all three games so far and the group is tight with Lazio top on five points, Maribor on four, we’re on three and Panathinaikos on two.
Gylfi added: “They were quite hard to beat in Slovenia and it was important for us not to lose that game.
“They defended deep with a number of players behind the ball and were quite difficult to break down. It’s a big pitch at White Hart Lane so hopefully we’ll get wide, get some crosses in and break them down this time.
“It’s still in our hands and we now have the advantage of playing at home. Hopefully we’ll use that advantage and take the three points. We want to progress to the group stage, so it’s important for us.”
Spurs in Europe 1961-62 to 2012-13