Tottenham’s Champions League group stage verdict: Mauricio Pochettino will fancy his chances

Tottenham’s Champions League group stage verdict: Mauricio Pochettino will fancy his chances against Bayern Munich but they face tricky trips to Olympiacos and Red Star Belgrade

  • Tottenham face some tricky away trips in their Champions League group
  • Bayern Munich will be favourites but are a side in transition after summer exits
  • Olympiacos and Red Star Belgrade will not be easy places to go to for Spurs 

Last year’s Champions League finalists Tottenham have been handed a tricky group stage draw in their bid to go one better in 2019-20.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side face European giants Bayern Munich while Olympiacos and Red Star Belgrade also make up their group.

While they stand a good chance of making it through, it won’t be easy for Spurs in Group B. Sportsmail assess their chances of making it through.

Tottenham were drawn into Group B of the 2019-20 Champions League group stage

Mauricio Pochettino's side have a good chance of making it to the last-16 of the competition

Mauricio Pochettino’s side have a good chance of making it to the last-16 of the competition

Group B Opponents

Bayern Munich 

The retirement of Arjen Robben and departure of Franck Ribery mean Bayern Munich are a side in transition heading into this season’s competition. 

The arrival of Philippe Coutinho should ensure Robert Lewandowski has a consistent supply line but the failure to replace Robben and Ribery following their failed pursuit of Leroy Sane could harm their chances of success in Europe this season.

Star man

Robert Lewandowski

If Lewandowski doesn’t fire, Bayern could struggle for goals in Europe.  

European pedigree

Bayern have lifted the European Cup five times – the last coming in 2013.  

Danger rating 

A weakened attack means Bayern aren’t the force they were with Robben and Ribery.

Distance 

642 miles

Bayern Munich are a strong outfit but will be a side in transition after summer departures

Bayern Munich are a strong outfit but will be a side in transition after summer departures

Olympiacos   

There have been wholesale changes at Olympiacos. Eleven players in and seven out the door. Their record in England is pitiful over the years, though they did spring a surprise at the Emirates in 2015 and their home form is daunting.

Star man

Youssef El Arabi

The 32-year-old has three in four games this season, two of which were crucial in qualifying for the group stages. 

European pedigree

The Greek runners-up’s best finish in the Champions League was when they reached the quarter-finals in the 1998-99 campaign.  

Danger rating 

No opposition teams like facing the hostile atmosphere at the Karaiskakis Stadium but that is unlikely going to be enough to help them reach the last-16.

Distance

1,733 miles 

Olympiacos have a dire record in England but will be formidable opponents at home

Olympiacos have a dire record in England but will be formidable opponents at home

Red Star Belgrade

Returned to the Champions League last year after a long exodus. They weren’t quite the whipping boys everyone expected them to be in a group comprising PSG, Napoli and Liverpool. They took points off Napoli at home and beat Liverpool 2-0. Spurs cannot afford to take a trip to Belgrade for granted. 

Star man

Marko Marin

Remember him? The winger who signed for Chelsea but never really played? Well he is the shining light for Belgrade now.  

European pedigree

They won the European Cup in 1991. 

Danger rating 

Beat the holders Liverpool last season at home. Their away record let them down. The hostile atmosphere at the Red Star Stadium is something to be wary of. 

Distance  

1,209 miles 

Spurs will travel 3,584 miles during group stage 

Red Star Belgrade have secured successive qualifications for the Champions League

Red Star Belgrade have secured successive qualifications for the Champions League

Where will Tottenham finish in group?

Tottenham’s away form will be critical. They are good enough to beat both Olympiacos and Red Star Belgrade both home and away but it is by no means a given. But if they can take at least three points off Bayern Munich then that will surely be enough to secure them runners-up spot.

Verdict: 2nd 

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