Milanic hoping to upset odds

NK Maribor boss Darko Milanic knows his side face an uphill battle against Tottenham on Thursday but believes they can pull off a shock result.

The Vijolicasti head into the Group J encounter second in the group table with three points, having thrashed Panathinaikos 3-0 at home on matchday one.

Milanic knows his side will have to put on a similarly impressive performance when third-placed Spurs visit the Stadion Ljudski vrt.

Andre Villas-Boas' side are looking for their first win in the group after two draws and will be hoping to repeat the success of Birmingham, who last season beat Maribor home and away in the competition.

"We have played against three clubs from the island in recent years - Hibernian, Rangers and Birmingham - but Tottenham have more qualities and are different," Milanic said.

"They have speed and skill. From our side, it is clear that we want to attack, but in these moments we must pay attention.

"Our competitors have a quick transition from defence to attack so that even in moments when one of our players will not be involved in play, he will have to think two moves ahead.

"Ahead of us is an important and difficult ordeal, we will have to be great if we want to achieve a positive result.

"With the great support from the stands we are capable of this."

Maribor will be without Nejc Potokar and Rajko Rep through injury, while Jovan Vidovic is ineligible.