AccessibilityTottenham Hotspur Stadium

#ArchivedNews

Spurs vs Benfica - Tim's preview

Thu 13 March 2014, 13:45|Tottenham Hotspur

Tim Sherwood isn't looking beyond tonight's Europa League Round of 16, first leg against Benfica.

The North London derby is looming large - we face the Gunners in the Premier League at 4pm on Sunday in the second of two huge games at the Lane in four days.

“It’s one game at a time for us,” said Head Coach Tim. “No-one knows more than me how important the Arsenal game is, but Benfica is the most important as it’s the next one and could give us a huge lift going into the weekend.

“These are two huge games against a massive club and there is huge history and tradition on both sides. Everyone is looking forward to an entertaining game.

“Benfica will be disappointed to have come out of the Champions League. They had 10 points and went out on goal difference, very unlucky. They are seen as a Champions League side but we can’t be fazed by that, we’ll go out there and give it our best shot.”

The Lisbon giants are on a roll. Currently seven points clear in Portugal’s Premeira Liga, they have won 18 and drawn two of their last 20 matches in all competitions.

“They are very fluid in their play, they play from back to front, passing it through midfield and out of possession they squeeze you tightly and look to put you under pressure,” added Tim.

“The teams are evenly matched and as normal, it will be down to who plays best on the night and that little bit of luck.

“We know how important it is in this first leg to keep a clean sheet and we’ll then go over there with the intention to score and make it difficult for them.”