Spurs under 19’s versus AS Monaco: (match preview)

Scott Parker’s side return to European action tomorrow when his under 19 side host French club AS Monaco at Broadhall Way, in the last 16 of this seasons UEFA youth league. It’s a massive tie for our academy lads, of whom topped a group containing both Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund to reach this stage of the world renowned competition. And in the Ligue 1 club we come up against familiar opposition having faced Monaco twice in the group stages of last seasons competition, we lost both of those games. However, this Monaco side will look quite different and won’t contain the talented Irvin Cardona who is currently on loan with Belgian club Cercle Brugge, and as of my last check it would seem that he is doing a fine job over there. ‘The red and whites’ progression to the last 16 of the competition has been a far from easy ride. Managing to pick up 10 points from there six group games, Monaco finished second in a group containing both Porto and Red Bull Leipzig. The French club then had to beat Norwegian side Molde (on penalties) to ultimately get to this stage. I don’t know an awful lot about their players, I do know however that Nabil Alioui and Jordan Mboula are ones to watch out for. The winners of tomorrows important tie will face either Porto or Red Bull Salzburg in the quarters. I will be reporting on tomorrows game from Stevenage but for those unable to attend, you can watch the game live on BT sport (kick off: 12 45pm). I am expecting a very strong Spurs side to feature. COYS

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Whiteman, Hinds, Eyoma, Lyons-Foster, Brown, Marsh, Skipp, Griffiths, Roles, Bennetts, Sterling.

Subs from: Austin, Dinzeyi, Reynolds, P.Maghoma, Bowden, Richards, S.Shashoua.

Team news: Goalkeeper Alfie Whiteman replaced Marcus Edwards (on loan at Norwich) on the list of eligible players and will be available for selection tomorrow.

Doubtful: Japhet Tanganga.

Injured: Moroyin Omolabi, Nick Tsaroulla and Charlie Freeman.

Previous meetings: Monaco 2-1, Monaco 3-2.

My score prediction: Spurs 4-2.

One to watch: French striker Nabil Alioui, who has 4 goals from 4 games in this seasons tournament.

Slightly worrying news for fans of 17 year old striker Reo Griffiths, make of it what you want: http://www.espnfc.com/tottenham-hotspur/story/3389830/rb-leipzig-on-the-trail-of-tottenham-hotspur-youngster-reo-griffiths-sources