Preview: Ange's Lilywhites Take On Amorim's Devils In Bilbao

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 Postecoglou's second season in North London has been nothing short of a nightmare. From injuries, cup exits and the worst league campaign in Tottenham's history, the Europa League run has been a shining light in a dark season.

Fans remain divided as to whether the Aussie should keep the keys to the club next season, but one thing is clear, 90 minutes is all that's in the way of Postecoglou becoming our most successful manager of the 21st century. 

Spurs' road to Bilbao

A red card in the 8th minute for Radu Dragusin didn't prevent Spurs' demolition of Qarabag in the opening Europa League match. Goals from Johnson, Solanke and Son ensured a perfect performance kick-started our campaign in Europe.

Johnson continued his fine goal-scoring form with another goal in our next game versus Ferencvaros, Sarr joined Johnson on the goalscorers list. Our third game versus AZ saw Mikey Moore show a glimpse of the player he could become, leaving fans drooling at the mouth at his skill, pace, and direct approach. 

Poor form struck the side at the mid-way point, losing to Galatasaray at a very hostile stadium, followed by draws to Roma at home and Rangers away in Scotland. Pressure began to mount on the side, with results needed straight away. 

A huge performance, accompanied with a brace by captain Son and James Maddison saw the Lilywhites defeat Hoffenheim in Germany, followed by a dominant 3-0 win against Elfsborg in North London filled with bright performances from academy graduates Moore, Scarlett and Ajayi. 

The round of 16 saw Tottenham match against AZ, who we had previously faced in the league format. Despite getting the better of the Dutch side earlier on in the competition, AZ took a narrow lead into the second-leg courtesy of a Bergvall own goal. 

1-0 down into the second-leg, Ange and co produced a massive performance at home which saw Wilson Odobert score his first ever goals for the club, and what a time to do it. Maddison also added to the score sheet, ending the game 3-1, and 3-2 over aggregate. 

The quarter-finals awaited, and Frankfurt were the favourites over the two games, an early wonder strike by Hugo Ekitike silenced the London crowd, however, a piece of magic from Pedro Porro who back heeled his effort into the net left it all to play for heading to Germany in the second leg. 

Facing his critics for his lack of defensive organisation, Postecoglou produced a defensive masterclass, keeping a clean sheet away in Frankfurt, whilst Dominic Solanke converted his penalty on the stroke of half-time. As the full-time whistle blew, sighs of relief echoed around the stadium, Tottenham had survived. 

Bodo/Glimt were this years underdogs in the competition, but they were no pushover. The Norwegian side had knocked out Lazio prior to this, and with a remarkable home record paired with cold conditions, Tottenham were up against an unfamiliar opponent. 

Our league form didn't compare to our form in Europe, for we were dominant across both legs once again. A 3-1 result meant a two goal advantage was in play when we travelled to Norway, where conditions were expected to be as cold as 4 degrees whilst playing on an artificial pitch. 

Two goals in the last 30 minutes, one by Solanke and the other a wonder strike by Porro booked Tottenham's spot in the final of the Europa League for the first time in more than 40 years. 

Team News

Tottenham

Ange Postecoglou has confirmed the injury sustained to Lucas Bergvall a few weeks ago was too serious of an injury for him to play tonight. Tottenham will also be without James Maddison, who has played a crucial role in our campaign in Europe, as well as fan favourite Dejan Kulusevski, who underwent surgery last week. 

Manchester United

Manchester United face a huge boost, with Diogo Dalot, Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yorro named in the 26-man travelling squad, after training at Carrington on Tuesday morning. 

Matthijs de Ligt was not in the squad but like the injured Spurs players, has travelled with the squad to offer support. Lisandro Martinez is the only other first team player sidelined, as well as Jonny Evans deemed not fit enough to play. 

Can Tottenham end the trophy drought?

Tottenham have shown over the course of the European competition, that they are more than capable of beating teams deemed to be the stronger side. As well as this, Manchester United have lost all three games against Tottenham this season. 

One of the biggest factors as to whether Tottenham will finally lift silverware will be if Yves Bissouma steps up to the task. With the midfield light as it is, Bissouma will have to be excellent in transition as well as when in possession, which he has shown a few times that he is capable of doing. 

One thing is for certain, Tottenham never do it the easy way, so expect the unexpected. 

Come on you Spurs.