Paulinho expects tough test in Turkey

Hard work is the key to achieving a positive result at Besiktas on Thursday, according to Paulinho.

We sit top of the Group C standings with 11 points heading into the final round of matches at this stage of the competition, with our Turkish hosts two points behind in second place.

Consequently, we only need to avoid defeat in order to consolidate first place – but midfielder Paulinho knows that’s easier said than done against a tough Besiktas side that took a point away from White Hart Lane in the reverse fixture at the start of October.

“We can win at Besiktas if we play well, if we work hard and if we help each other,” said the Brazilian, who started in our 1-0 win over Partizan Belgrade on matchday five and has been introduced off the bench in our last four consecutive Premier League games.

“If we perform like we have done in the other games in Europe than we have a good chance of getting a result.

“Of course, we want to finish first in the group, but it’s important to play well on Thursday so we can achieve that.

“Finishing top of the table would be very good for us and after that we will see which team we will play against in the next round.”