Gent
The last few years have been a golden era for Gent. The Buffaloes won their only Belgian league title in 2015, and they reached the knockout stage of the Champions League in the following season. KAA were third in the Belgian top flight last season, and in this campaign they are currently eighth, only a point adrift of the playoff spots.
Their group-stage campaign came to a dramatic conclusion. They needed to beat Konyaspor in Turkey, and needed qualification rivals Braga to slip up against group winners Shakhtar Donetsk. Shakhtar duly won, and a Kalifa Coulibaly winner deep into stoppage time gave Gent a 1-0 victory.
Boss Hein Vanhaezebrouck has no fresh injury concerns, and is expected to field his strongest line-up.
Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs hit something of a brick wall at the weekend, as they lost 2-0 at Liverpool in a poor, timid display. Manager Mauricio Pochettino cut a frustrated figure, questioning his team's desire to really push for the Premier League trophy.
Tottenham are now at the stage where they need to become more ruthless, and they need to disabuse observers of the notion that they are merely entertaining nearly-men. A long run in the Europa League may help, especially if Tottenham end up taking on some European heavyweights. After a frustrating Champions League campaign, it's clear that a young group needs more European experience.
Pochettino can't call upon injured trio Erik Lamela, Jan Vertonghen and Danny Rose, but he may still field a strong team, as there is no Premier League action this weekend.
Match Odds
Gent have only won two of their last five home games in all competitions, and they only won one of their three home matches in the group stage. They have some talented players, but as a collective they aren't really in Spurs' league.
Much depends on how strong a side Pochettino picks, but I must admit I'm not massively excited by the price of 1.88 for the win. I'm pretty sure Spurs will progress over two legs, but poor performances in Monaco and Leverkusen are a slight cause for concern. I'll be looking elsewhere for my recommendation.
Over/Under 2.5 Goals
If you look at Gent's recent record, a lack of goals stands out. Their last six matches have featured fewer than three goals, and an unders bet has landed in 11 of their last 13 matches in all competitions.
Spurs have only netted one goal in their last three games, and after that shock to the system at Anfield, it may take them a little while to get going here. Spurs may well get a positive result, but they'll have to work hard to do it. I'm backing unders.
Recommended Bet Back Under 2.5 Goals at 1.87
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