Tottenham Hotspur will face Anderlecht, Monaco and FK Qaarabag in the Group Stage of this year’s Europa League.
Mauricio Pochettino would’ve been hoping for generous draw having been placed in Pot One ahead of Friday’s draw, but lady luck was not on the Argentinian’s side this time around in Monaco.
Belgian side Anderlecht have been the country’s most dominant side in recent years having racked up six domestic league titles in ten years, whilst mega-rich Monaco are becoming increasingly influential in the European game.
Having finished third in Ligue One last season, Leonardo Jardim’s side qualified for the Champions League but succumbed to Valencia in their play-off tie and – along with Fenerbahce – would’ve been the side Pochettino would’ve liked to have avoided from Pot Three.
Likewise, a trip to face Azerbaijan’s champions FK Qaarabag is unlikely to sit too well with the Spurs hierachy, and it it is they who Pochettino will start this year’s campaign against.
The Baku-based side will visit White Hart Lane on September 17, before Pochettino takes his men to Monaco on October 1.
A trip to Anderlecht will follow on October 22, before the Purple and White come to North London for the return fixture on November 5.
The trek to Azerbaijain will take place on November 26 – three days before a match against Premier League champions Chelsea – before Spurs end their group with what could be a massive game at home to Monaco on December 10.
