Former Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov has warned Spurs not underestimate tonight’s Europa League opponents, Lokomotiv Plovdiv.
Berbatov reached the quarter-finals of the completion – then named the Uefa Cup – in his first season at the club (2006-07), and the Last 16 in the following campaign.
The Bulgarian believes that Plovdiv will present a test to Jose Mourinho’s side, warning his former club not to expect ‘long ball football’ when they face a side full of confidence.
And Tottenham’s saving grace, according to Berbatov, is that the match will be played behind closed doors.
“Spurs' Europa League opponents on Thursday, Lokomotiv Plovdiv, are a decent side who are playing good football,” warned Berbatov, in his Betfair column. “They've won the cup back-to-back now, so they have shown consistency. For Bulgarian football, they have good players who've been together for a while now and have chemistry.
“Spurs can't underestimate Plovdiv. The stadium being empty helps Spurs, as a full stadium would inspire Plovdiv big time. Everyone expects them to be beaten, so they have little pressure and can just enjoy themselves, it's maybe even a chance for one player to make a career for himself by having a great game.
“If Spurs underestimate Lokomotiv Plovdiv, they will regret it.”
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Berbatov won’t be in attendance to watch him club in action in his homeland, but will be following proceedings from the TV.
“My one regret is not being able to see Spurs in person in my home country given this situation, but I'll look forward to watching them on TV.
“Plovdiv have the players to hurt Spurs - they are technically gifted, they play really nice football at times. If Spurs are expecting long ball, they could be surprised. Plovdiv are also a big team and very dangerous from set-pieces.”
Click here for more from Betfair Ambassador Dimitar Berbatov.
