Tottenham v Lazio preview

Tottenham Hotspur face old friends when they take on Lazio in their opening match of Europa League Group J at White Hart Lane.

A host of players from opposing sides have worked together at previous clubs but a lot of the pre-match focus has also been upon Paul Gascoigne.

The ex-England international played for both Tottenham and Lazio during his career and the latter's general manager, Maurizio Manzini, has said: "There is always a corner of Tottenham in our hearts.

"He (Gascoigne) is a mythical figure for Lazio fans and very popular in general in Italy."

Having recorded his first win as Spurs boss last weekend in the Premier League victory at Reading, some of the pressure has eased on boss Andre Villas-Boas.

Priority

There will not be such scrutiny on the head coach in the Europa League and he is expected to make team changes as a result.

Villas-Boas' priority is to finish in the top four of the Premier League, which Harry Redknapp achieved last season and only Chelsea's UEFA Champions League win cost Spurs a place in Europe's leading club competition.

Striker Emmanuel Adebayor, who has had to watch Jermain Defoe make an excellent start to the season, will definitely not be involved against Lazio due to a hamstring problem.

France captain and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris could make his debut as one of the changes, while Scott Parker (Achilles), Heurelho Gomes (ankle), Jake Livermore (groin), Younes Kaboul and Benoit Assou-Ekotto (both knee) are out.

Vladimir Petkovic has made a good impact at Lazio since taking over and has inspired them to three victories from three outings in Serie A.

Legendary German striker Miroslav Klose is expected to lead Lazio's attack, with Stefano Mauri, Ederson and former Sunderland captain Lorik Cana in midfield.