Royal Antwerp v Spurs – how to watch, team news, key information
Wed 28 October 2020, 17:33|
Tottenham Hotspur
It’s second v first in the early stages of Europa League Group J on Thursday as we travel to take on Belgian side Royal Antwerp.
We haven’t won away to a Belgian team in five attempts, but we’ll be aiming to put that right as we seek to build on last week’s excellent 3-0 home win over LASK.
Antwerp won their opening match in Ludogorets, coming back from a goal down to secure a 2-1 victory.
Here’s all the key information you need to know ahead of the game, which kicks-off at 5.55pm UK (6.55pm local time)...
How can I watch the game?
Thursday’s match is being televised live in the UK on BT Sport 2. Live radio commentary is also available on talkSPORT 2. You’ll find full worldwide broadcast listings here.
Remember, you can also follow the action during the game on Club channels via our live Match Centre, complete with live text and audio commentary, goal alerts and stats. The Match Centre is available on the Spurs Official app and here on tottenhamhotspur.com.
Following the Belgian government's tightening of the country's COVID-19 restrictions in recent days, supporters are reminded that Thursday’s match is strictly behind closed doors. Fans should not travel to Belgium or attempt to gain access to the stadium in Antwerp.
How will the teams line up?
Jose Mourinho will rotate his starting XI in the wake of Monday night’s Premier League win at Burnley.
Gareth Bale is in line to start – as he did last week against LASK – with defender Toby Alderweireld also expected to feature in his home city.
Japhet Tanganga remains out, while Gedson Fernandes, Paulo Gazzaniga and Joe Rodon are ineligible for the group stage of the Europa League.
The players trained at Hotspur Way on Wednesday before flying out to Belgium – check out the photos in our gallery here.
Who is the referee and what colours will the teams be playing in?
Thursday’s match officials are from Italy. Maurizio Mariani is the referee, assisted by Fabiano Preti and Daniele Bindoni. Federico La Penna will serve as the fourth official.
For the first time on our travels on the continent this season, we’ll be in our traditional European all-white kit for the game. Our goalkeeper will be in green.
Royal Antwerp, meanwhile, will line up in all red, with their goalkeeper in yellow.
What will the weather be like?
It’s forecast to rain in the afternoon and into the evening after a dry, bright morning in Antwerp on Thursday.
Temperatures are expected to be at around 13 degrees at kick-off, with light rain and a moderate breeze.
