Our next Europa League opponents

The Draw for the last 32 of this season’s Europa League has been made and as you all know by now, Spurs have will face French side Lyon for the right to progress to the final 16. There could have been easier ties and as France heads for the start of 2013, Lyon are in second place in Ligue 1, level on points with leaders PSG.

Lyon have an identical record to the league leaders, having played eighteen games, won ten, drawn five lost three but a significantly inferior goal difference sees PSG at the summit.

Despite that fact, goal scoring isn’t too much of a problem for OL and their dangerous leading scorer is a player we’ve seen linked to Spurs in next month’s transfer window – striker Bafetimbi Gomis who has ten goals so far in this campaign.

Lyon were also home to our first choice goalkeeper Hugo Lloris but unless AVB decides to play Hugo on sentimental grounds, it’s likely that Brad Friedel will be resuming his European role between the posts. Another Spurs connection sees Steed Malbranque resuming his career at the club after leaving football for personal reasons.

Spurs have been drawn to play the home tie first – on February 14 with the return in France a week later.