A quick look at the draw for the Europa League quarter-finals

Chelsea v Rubin Kazan

Tottenham Hotspur v Basle

Fenerbahce v Lazio

Benfica v Newcastle United

1st leg on April 4th, 2nd leg on April 11th

Basle. What do we know about Basle? Well firstly, we know that they're from Switzerland, so the away trip won't be too much hassle for our fans. We also know that they're second in the Swiss Super League. And we know that they've recorded big wins over Bayern Munich and Man United in the last couple of years. Looking at the eight remaining teams, the draw's been pretty kind to us, but they'll be no pushovers. AVB said,

"Basle have enjoyed some amazing results in Europe in the last three years. This is a team that has put out Zenit, who in turn had beaten Liverpool in the previous round, so that shows the quality of the side. I'm happy that it's a short trip for our fans and their stadium is magnificent."

FACT: The only other time Spurs have faced Swiss opposition was in the 1974 UEFA Cup, when we hammered Christian Gross' Grasshoppers 9-2 over two legs. 

I just felt this post needed a picture of Christian Gross...useless.

The best part of the draw was learning that Chelski will have to make the long journey back to their homeland for their all-Russian tie with Rubin Kazan. And just 3 days after making that ridiculous trip they could be playing us in a potential 6-pointer, depending how they get on in their FA cup replay with Man United. However, if they beat United, it will be Man City they're playing 3 days later in the semi-final, so either way this draw is bad news for the Chavs.

In terms of our own fixture congestion, the quarter finals will take place in between crucial games with Swansea, Everton and possibly Chelsea. Yes, it will require a great deal of concentration to get the results we need in a busy period. No, I don't think AVB should rest his best players for ANY big game. A three day turn-around isn't that bad, unless you're Chelski and you're stuck out in far-flung Russia. HA! Anyway, it's going to be reasonably tough act to juggle both competitions, but they're BOTH hugely important. Maybe  qualifying for next year's Champions League is the priority, but we've come this far in the Europa League, and I will be disappointed if we finish this season without that trophy.

According to the 'papers', we should all be thankful (all the English clubs that is) that we avoided Nazio, cough, I mean Lazio, who are probably the strongest non-Premier League left. I must say, I was secretly hoping we'd get them and absolutely hammer the scumbags. Anyone else? I suppose the biggest news story is that none of the English teams drew each other, which has massively increased the likelihood of an all-English final. Looking at a certain controversial Irish bookie's website, Chelsea are favourites for the trophy at 9/4 despite their tough quarter-final draw and we're next at 11/4.

Anyway, enough about that for the moment. Focus is back on the Premier League this weekend, and in my opinion, a MUST-WIN London derby at Foolham. Look out for my preview tomorrow morning.

Until then,

COYS!

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