Tottenham predicted lineup vs Pacos de Ferreira - Europa Conference League
By Max Cooper
Tottenham Hotspur are 90 minutes away from a terrifying new low.
Failure to beat Portuguese minnows Pacos de Ferreira would see them become the first English team to ever be eliminated from the newly-formed Europa Conference League - a title no club fancies holding.
Spurs somehow contrived to lose the first leg 1-0 in Portugal, bringing everyone back down to earth with a heavy bump following their surprise opening day victory over Manchester City by the same scoreline.
That result leaves some of the fanbase in the Catch 22 of not really wanting to qualify for a competition deemed 'tinpot' by critics, but not wanting to suffer the humiliation of crashing out before it's even begun.
For Nuno Espirito Santo, however, it's a chance to win a trophy, and no matter how big or small the competition, it's something Spurs fans haven't experienced for quite some time. He'll be picking a team to win the match, but who should he select?
Tottenham predicted lineup vs Pacos de Ferreira - Europa Conference League
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Pierluigi Gollini (GK) - Hugo Lloris' impressive form at the start of this season only consolidates Gollini's place as backup and cup goalkeeper, but he'll take any chance he's handed to show what he can do.
Matt Doherty (RB) - There's no usurping Japhet Tanganga at the moment, so Doherty will have to settle for a place in the Europa Conference League side.
Cristian Romero (CB) - The Argentine's beginning to life in north London has hit a rocky start through a minor injury, but he should be back to make an impact in this second leg.
Ben Davies (CB) - The Welshman is versatile in his ability to play centre-back or left-back, but we fancy Davies to start at the heart of the defence against Pacos.
Ryan Sessegnon (LB) - Nuno loves pace and attacking drive in his full-backs, so Sessegnon could have some fun under the Portuguese boss. Time to show what you're made of, Ryan.
2. Midfielders
Harry Winks (CM) - He's had to watch Oliver Skipp return from a loan spell and jump the queue for Spurs' Premier League lineup, so there's no time like the present for Winks to prove he can compete for that spot.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (CM) - Spurs would probably prefer to rest Hojbjerg for the weekend, but his experience and leadership may be needed to navigate beyond this obstacle.
Giovani Lo Celso (CM) - Highly rated but a touch inconsistent, Lo Celso needs a solid display in this one to guide Spurs through, and to support his own claims for a place in the starting XI.
3. Forwards
Lucas Moura (RW) - It'll be interesting to see how Moura adapts to life alongside Kane once more, having starred as an attacking playmaker in the forward's absence.
Harry Kane (ST) - The England captain needs minutes in his legs, and Spurs will see it as a useful punishme- sorry, run out for the want-away Kane. He should score 10 against these if he's worth £150m, eh?
Bryan Gil (LW) - The youngster needs time to adapt to English football, so he'll enjoy a refreshing challenge against a European side far inferior to himself and the teammates around him.