Lokomotiv Plovdiv is the name on every Tottenham fan’s mouth right now as the next opponent the Lilywhites face in the Europa League.
It may be true to say not many of us were too familiar with the Bulgarian outfit until they were drawn out of the hat in the second qualifying round of this year’s competition.
The draw has only gone to increase the Lilywhites odds in the betting markets making it a good time to take advantage of free bet offers in this seasons Europa League.
However, Lokomotiv Plovdiv are not the only ‘less-than household name’ Spurs have faced in Europe’s second tier club competition, here are three more that when there were drawn caused us all say ‘who?’
Asteras Tripolis F.C.
During the 2014/15 Europa League campaign Tottenham faced Greek outfit Asteras Tripolis after the Greeks made it through numerous qualifying games after ending the previous season 5th in Greece’s topflight.
In fact, the 2014/15 season has so far proven to be Asteras’ best ever season after ending the Greek Super League in third place.
However, domestic form did Asteras little good in Europe as Tottenham hammered them 5-1 at White Hart Lane before recording a 2-1 win in Greece.
Tromso
Norwegian side Tromso earned their slot in the 2013/14 Europa League campaign as winners of Norway’s fair play award and earned passage to the group stage after Besiktas were disqualified.
In the first match at White Hart Lane, the game was notable as Cristian Eriksen scored his first goal for the club in a routine 3-0 win for the Lilywhites.
Jermain Defoe also scored a brace in the game and in Norway, Spurs again breezed to a comfortable three-points thanks to an own goal and strike Dembele to hand Tottenham a 2-0 victory.
Sheriff Tiraspol
In the same season as Tottenham played Tromso, they were also drawn against Moldovan outfit Sheriff Tiraspol.
Since the 2000/01 season, Sheriff have won eighteen domestic titles but had no answer to Tottenham in the Europa League.
In Moldova, goals from Jan Vertonghen in the first half and Jermain Defoe in the second half ensured Tottenham’s first trip to Moldova ended with three-points in their back pocket.
The return fixture at White Hart Lane was not quite the walk in the park it was expected to be for the home side.
Erik Lamela and Defoe put Spurs 2-0 up in the second half but a Isa strike in the 72nd minute for the visitors ensured a nervy end to the game which Tottenham would end up winning 2-1.