Tottenham Hotspur vs Barcelona: 3 talking points ahead of Wembley showdown

#3 Tottenham's true test of mettle

Tottenham were beaten by Inter Milan in their first match

Regardless of Barcelona's domestic struggles, Tottenham can expect testing circumstances. A repeat of the San Siro disaster could prove to be catastrophic against Messi and co. Mauricio Pochettino's side deserved to lose after what was a thoroughly unconvincing performance, but another setback would seriously dent hopes of reaching the next round. Recent results are positive heading into this fixture, but Spurs aren't in a blistering form either, and this is set to be a true test of their mettle.

Tottenham caused problems for some of the top sides in Europe last season, and it's imperative to replicate some of those heroics here. They haven't progressed to the last eight since 2011, and having been drawn in another group of death, fate isn't being any kinder to their cause. Plus, there's no Dele Alli to pull the strings upfront. So the onus is on Pochettino to pull another rabbit out of the hat.

It's Tottenham's grit against Barcelona's might. Brace yourselves for a feisty affair.