Antonio Conte explains how hidden weapon gained from postponement will be put to use against Sporting Lisbon
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Tottenham will hope to continue their brilliant start to the season when they take on Portuguese champions Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
The Lillywhites are just a point off the top of the Premier League and have fought well to convert defeats into draws and potential draws into victories.
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Hide AdThey showed incredible resilience to beat Marseille in the first game of their Champions League-and were billed to travel to the Etihad where they would have taken on English Champions Manchester City.
The passing away of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II halted all football matches in Britain and Tottenham manager Antonio Conte revealed the extra days of recovery will be put to good use in Lisbon.
He told a group of reporters ahead of the game on Tuesday night: “For sure, not playing on Saturday gave us the possibility to recover better and the situation has changed.
“When you play every two to three days, it’s difficult. You need to make rotation because the players need to rest otherwise you risk injuries.
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Hide Ad“At the same time in two to three days you need energy. In this case the game against Manchester City was postponed and gave us the possibility to recover well and gave me the possibility to pick up the starting XI more relaxed.”
Tottenham will hope that they can add to their eight game unbeaten run but Sporting have strung together a three game winning streak and sit top of the Champions League group after the first round of games.
Spurs have gone with all ammunition- only Brazilian Lucas Moura was left at home to continue his recovery.
He is expected back after the international break and the in-form Richarlison will now hope that he retains his spot in the starting eleven after grabbing the brace against Marseille.
The Brazilian will become only the second player to score a double brace since Diego Simeone in 1996- if he can grab two more goals in Portugal.
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