Spurs under 19’s versus Barcelona: (match preview)

Our under 19’s will play their second group game of this seasons UEFA youth league tomorrow afternoon when they face the current holders of the competition in Barcelona, at Hotspur Way. After recording a hard fought 1-1 draw in their opener against Inter Milan two weeks ago, Matt Wells side will come up against one of the finest youth teams on the planet when they take on Barcelona’s next generation of stars. After a good performance away to Inter Milan in game week one, Wells will be hoping that his players can raise their game when Denis Silva Puig’s side come to town. Barça took the competition by storm last season and beat the likes of Atlético Madrid and Manchester City on route to the final where they overcame a very good Chelsea side 3-0. With their exciting brand of possession based attacking football, Barcelona’s intricate attacking football was something which the very best teams in Europe couldn’t deal with last season. The La Masia educated team started this seasons campaign with a comprehensive 2-1 victory over PSV in game week one. And with a wealth of attacking talent that includes the likes of De La Fuente, Ruiz and Ramon Monchu. The Catalan side will be travelling to London with the sole purpose of picking up three points. However, Matt Wells side are in my opinion within the top three best clubs who are competing in this competition and I doubt that his lads will fear tomorrow’s opposition in the slightest. Wells will be hoping that he can take the under 18’s excellent form into tomorrow’s UEFA youth league match. With the likes of Paris Maghoma, Jamie Bowden and Jack Roles all likely to be involved I really fancy our chances of causing an upset. And with our high intensity and talent I wouldn’t at all be surprised to see us beat them just like we did against Monaco, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund last season. Apologies for the slightly rushed and shorter than usual preview. I shall be in attendance reporting on tomorrow’s game before dashing off to Wembley for the first team game. For those unable to attend the game, it is being shown live on BT Sport 3. My in-depth match report will be out on Thursday.

My predicted lineup: (3-4-2-1) Austin (c), Lyons-Foster, Tanganga, Binks, Eyoma, Bowden, Oakley-Boothe, Brown, Maghoma, Roles, Richards.

Subs from: De Bie, Tainio, Dinzeyi, White, A.Shashoua, Markanday, Bennett.

Doubtful: Oliver Skipp (possible involvement with the first team). 

Injured/unavailable: Enock Asante, Malachi Walcott and Troy Parrott (serving a one game suspension).

Previous meeting: Spurs 4-1 (2012).

My score prediction: 2-2

My one to watch: Barcelona midfielder Ramon Monchu. Monchu played a big part in the Catalan side winning this competition last season and featured on six occasions for Puig’s side.