KF Shkendija Vs Tottenham Hotspur: Preview

We face KF Shkendija from North Macedonia in our third qualifying round of the Europa League campaign.

After overcoming Plovdiv last week we face Shkendija which is going to be another tricky tie to overcome as it is the first time two team are going to play each other.

Opponents Review
Shkendija are unbeaten in their eight competitive games this season, including six wins. Their recent form has helped them to stay at the top of their home league.

Last Europa League result:
Shkendija have already passed two qualifiers in the campaign, they won against Azerbaijan’s Sumgayit 2-0 and Botosani of Romania 1-0

Last Five Games
27/08/20 Sumgayıt0 – 2Shkendija
31/08/20 Shkendija1 – 1Borec
12/09/20 Belasica0 – 3Shkendija
17/09/20 Botoşani0 – 1Shkendija
20/09/20 Shkendija2 – 1Akademija Pandev

Player to watch: Besart Ibraimi

Dele`s Future
After the arrival of Gareth Bale the rumors of Dele leaving the club has started and many clubs are considering the situation of the midfielder.

Dele was not part of the team that travelled to Bulgaria and the team that faced Southampton on Sunday. His absence from the team also supported the rumors circulating.

But in the press conference before the match against Shkendija Jose has clearly stated that Dele will travel to Macedonia and will not be leaving the club this transfer.

Recently the form of the midfielder has declined and on regaining the declined form Jose said : I always feel that 99 per cent of the responsibility is the player. I have 1 per cent. Me and my staff and the people that work with the players everyday. We have 1 per cent of that responsibility. 99 percent of that belongs to them.

Humble Jose
After the press conference finished, Macedonian journalist Igor Aleksandrovic was upset in the Zoom conference call because he had not understood the process of how to put questions to Mourinho and he had made a promise to his late father to do so. After the club were made aware of what had happened Mourinho returned to answer his questions .

After asking the questions related with the game, Journalist added: I have to ask you something on behalf of my father. First greetings to you from him but he’s now in heaven. On one occasion when he was very sick, he told me if I ever have the opportunity to see you, to ask a picture with you because he always told me to be like you and raised me like you, to coach any team. Psychological, like winning and losing like that. And he had massive respect, my father with you, and if you allow me a picture with you, I will frame it and put it on his eternal resting place. So if the match goes good for you and your team, would you allow me to do that?”

Mourinho: “Thank you so much. The picture has nothing to do with the result. The picture is done, let’s do it. If you can meet us before the game, or maybe in the hotel is easier. If it’s after the game, it’s after the game. It’s nothing to do with results. My pleasure to do the picture with you. And my honour to your father and respect that he feels so strong about me. I don’t deserve that.

This was lovely and humble from the Tottenham Manager who has history of being harsh during his press conference.

Team News
Tottenham Hotspur

Absent:
Japhet Tanganga – Thigh
Sergio Reguilón – Registration
Gareth Bale – Registration/Knock

Predicted Lineup
Hart
Aurier, Alderweireld, Dier, Davies
Sissoko Winks Dele
Lamela Kane Bergwijn

Shkendija Predicted Line Up
Zahov; Alimi, Krivak, Pavic, Murati, Ibraimi, Bejtulai, Ahmedi, Totre, Ramadani, Nafiu.