Preview: Sheriff Tiraspol vs. Tottenham Hotspur

Premier League outfit Tottenham Hotspur can all but secure their spot in the knockout stages of the Europa League with a victory over Moldovan side Sheriff Tiraspol on Thursday.

Andre Villas-Boas's side go into the clash having defeated Anzhi Makhachkala and Tromso, while their hosts have collected two points from the same set of fixtures.

It's likely that Villas-Boas will rotate his starting lineup, which could see the likes of Jermain Defoe, Aaron Lennon and Kyle Naughton given an opportunity from the outset.

Meanwhile, the home outfit have a large contingent of Brazil-born players, including midfielder Ricardinho, who scored last time out against Tromso. They will be without former Real Betis defender Melli, though, because of a red card that he picked up in the same game.

Spurs have faced Moldovan opposition on one previous occasion, which saw them defeat FC Zimbru Chisinau 3-0 on aggregate back in 1999.

Recent form

Sheriff: WWWDWD

Tottenham: WWDWLW

Possible starting lineups

Sheriff: Tomic; Thuram, Samardzic, Paye, Metoua; Luvannor, Balima, Cadu, Moyal, Ricardinho; Isa

Tottenham: Lloris; Naughton, Chiriches, Kaboul, Walker; Lennon, Eriksen, Dembele, Lamela, Chadli; Defoe

Sports Mole says: 0-2