Murphy: Tottenham can beat Juventus if players are fit

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Tottenham have been drawn against Juventus in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Danny Murphy has told TalkSPORT that he believes his old side can knock Juventus out of the Champions League if all of Mauricio Pochettino’s stars are fit.

Spurs have been drawn against Juventus in the last 16 of the Champions League after finishing top of Group H in the elite competition, while Massimiliano Allegri’s side finished second behind Barcelona in D.

Spurs are currently without Toby Alderweireld until the new year and fans will be desperate for his return before they go up against Juve, while Kenya skipper Victor Wanyama is expected to return before the end of the month.

Nevertheless, ex-Spurs ace Murphy stated that Tottenham must look to keep their “core” fit to play against Juventus if they are to stand any chance, before describing the Serie A champions as “a hell of a good side”.

“Two very well-organised teams, always have a nice balance, good work ethic, both have lots of quality,” Murphy said. “For Tottenham, it is about having their best players fit at that time.

“What we’ve seen with Tottenham this season is that when they don’t have the best players on show they’re not as formidable. I’m talking about Toby Alderweireld, Harry Kane, Mousa Dembele, Victor Wanyama – the core.

“Juventus are a hell of a good side. Being away from home first is key.”

Spurs could have been drawn against the likes of Bayern Munich, Shakhtar Donetsk, Sevilla, Basel and Porto, but instead will have to go up against the Italian giants on February 13 in Italy before the return leg at Wembley on March 6.

Manager Mauricio Pochettino’s focus will quickly turn to Wednesday night’s clash at home to Brighton, as he looks to build on Spurs’ impressive 5-1 win over Stoke City on Saturday.