Postecoglou on the brink

Tottenham, 13th in the Premier League, also desperately need Europa League glory to save their season. Rumours suggest manager Ange Postecoglou’s job depends on turning around a 1-0 first leg deficit against AZ Alkmaar in London.

Postecoglou has been hampered by a lengthy injury list for most of the campaign, but has few excuses with Spurs finally approaching full strength.

First-choice centre-backs Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven made their return in Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Bournemouth, while record signing Dominic Solanke played 90 minutes for the first time in nearly two months.

“We need everyone. From the supporters, players, staff, from the club, we need everybody with that game to turn it around,” said Spurs captain Son Heung-min.

“Quality doesn’t bring the wins. The games always need a mentality and the care and the performance. Hard work always matters. We need to be focused, take it seriously, respect our opponent and do everything we can to turn it around, especially at home,” he added.

Rangers already have one foot in the last eight after a stunning 3-1 first leg win away to Fenerbahce.

“I don’t think it’s over,” said Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho.

“The only thing I tell them is, don’t celebrate too much. Because there is a second match. It’s my only advice.”

Athletic Bilbao must overturn a 2-1 first leg deficit against Roma to maintain their dream of playing the final in their home stadium.

Lazio, Lyon and Eintracht Frankfurt are strong favourites to make the quarter-finals after away wins at Viktoria Plzen, FCSB and Ajax respectively last week.