Mauricio Pochettino: "It is important to finish top"

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino is targeting top spot in their Europa League group ahead of their showdown with Besiktas on Thursday.

A draw against the Turkish giants would be enough for Spurs to qualify as Group C winners and avoid a Champions League drop-out in the last 32.

While indicating that he will give several fringe players the opportunity to impress in Istanbul, Pochettino insisted that the result still carries great importance.

"We expect a tough game," the Argentine told reporters on Wednesday. "They're a good side.

"We want to finish top of the group. It is important to finish top. It's also a chance for players who haven't played in the last few games to show their quality."

Right-back Kyle Walker could start for Spurs after over nine months out with an abdominal injury.