Tottenham can secure their spot in the Champions League knockout stages with a win against Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday evening.
Currently top of Group D with seven points, a win will guarantee Spurs qualification to the Champions League Round of 16 with a game to spare. But, Antonio Conte's side enter the clash in poor form having lost their last two games.
Their most recent came at home to Newcastle, with the 2-1 loss Spurs' third defeat in their last five league games. Conte's side lost the reverse fixture against Sporting in September, with the Portuguese side scoring twice after the 90th minute to win 2-0.
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Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison are both set to remain out on Wednesday night for Spurs, whilst Japhet Tanganga returning to the bench from injury in the defeat to Newcastle. Cristian Romero and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg both missed the game on the weekend, and neither were in training ahead of the clash with Sporting.
So, can Spurs confirm their spot in the Champions League knockout stages on Wednesday? We simulated the clash to find out.
Tottenham vs Sporting Lisbon score predicted by simulation
To complete this simulation, we used FIFA 23 and updated the squads with the latest injuries and suspensions.
We predict that Spurs will line up in a 3-5-2 formation, with the line-up looking as follows: Lloris; Romero, Dier, Davies; Doherty, Hojbjerg, Bissouma, Bentancur, Perisic; Kane, Son.
We predict that the visitors will line up in a 3-4-3 formation, with the line-up looking as follows: Adan; Inacio, Marsa, Reis; Porro, Ugarte, Morita, Santos; Trincao, Paulinho, Edwards.
Spurs started the game second best in every department, and it showed as Sporting took a huge step towards three points as they stormed into a 3-0 lead after just 30 minutes. Marcus Edwards opened the scoring when he cut in from the left and curled a great shot into the far corner.
Former Wolves loanee Trincao then grabbed goal number two after 12 minutes when he rounded Hugo Lloris following a bad back pass from Ben Davies, and the winger also grabbed the third 29 minutes in when he tapped Paulinho's cross in at the back post from close range.
At 3-0 down, Conte brought on Lucas Moura for Oliver Skipp and switched to a 3-4-3, and Spurs managed to pull a goal back before half-time.
Harry Kane did well to hold up play just inside the Sporting half when he won possession back on the halfway line, and with Heung-Min Son in support, the Englishman found the forward with a lovely through ball. One-on-one with the defender, Son cut in onto his right before firing a powerful strike into the top corner of the net.
Spurs came out in the second half a much better team, with Son starring as he tested the 'keeper multiple times. Conte's side were in full control, and they grabbed another with eight minutes to go to restore some hope.
Similar to the first goal, a counter-attack saw Kane play a ball through to Son on the halfway line, setting the South Korean international through on goal. A heavy touch invited a 50/50 challenge with a backtracking defender that Son evaded, and when in the box, the forward once again found the top corner to make it 3-2.
The chances kept coming for Spurs, and in the 89th minute, Lucas found the net to level the score at 3-3. A long-range strike from Yves Bissouma saw Adan tip his shot over the bar, handing Spurs a late corner.
Conte's side went short from the set piece, and as they slowly worked their way into the box, the ball fell to Lucas in the area. With his back to goal, the Brazilian quickly swivelled to take a shot at goal, slightly scuffing his effort which took the ball over the 'keeper and into the net.
Kane broke through on goal in the 94th minute with a chance to put Spurs ahead and complete an epic comeback, but as the striker attempted to chip the 'keeper, he missed the target, and Spurs had to settle for a draw in north London.
FIFA 23 score prediction: Spurs 3-3 Sporting Lisbon
Here are the full-time match stats.
FIFA 23 predicts that after an awful opening half an hour, Spurs fought from three goals down in the simulation to earn a 3-3 draw against Sporting Lisbon. Unfortunately, a draw won't be much help to Spurs, with a stalemate meaning Spurs' Champions League hopes will go down to the final game of the group stages.
What do you think the score could be on Wednesday night? Let us know in the comments below!
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