AVB sees Lyon as big test of Spurs ambition

Andre Villas-Boas has challenged Tottenham to show they are capable of cutting it in the Champions League by beating Lyon tonight (8.05pm, live on Setanta, ITV).

Villas-Boas will take one more step towards securing his second Europa League trophy if Spurs overcome Lyon in their second round first leg against the French club at White Hart Lane.

Given that Lyon possess such stars as Lisandro Lopez, Yoann Gourcuff and Bafetimbi Gomis, Villas-Boas believes Lyon should be playing in the Champions League. For that reason, he thinks the two fixtures could go a long way towards proving whether his men should also be competing among Europe’s elite.

“This could be a test of whether we’re good enough to play in the Champions League,” Villas-Boas said.

“I think we’ve been handed the most difficult draw of this knockout phase. This is like a Champions League tie.

“It will be a good test for Tottenham. It’s always going to be a learning experience for us and I think it can serve that purpose towards the future, that’s for sure.”

Villas-Boas will name a full-strength line-up for the visit of Lyon, who are second in Ligue 1, but with one exception. Hugo Lloris is likely to be on the bench for the visit of his former club as Villa-Boas wants to give former No 1 Brad Friedel a run-out in goal.