10 reasons why Tottenham Hotspur are Champions League contenders this season

#9 The manager

Mauricio Pochettino, humble as ever.

Mauricio Pochettino is one of the best young managers in the world right now and seems committed to the Tottenham project and to the players. The mutual faith between the squad and him have been a massive boost to the Spurs side.

Unlike the more dramatic counterparts Pochettino has, the Argentine is more reserved in the press room and brings a subtle confidence to Tottenham on and off the pitch. His emphasis on youth and astutely made signings has seen him build a squad capable of winning many trophies but of course, as I mentioned at the start, this has yet to be proven.

Pochettino has nevertheless produced a golden age of Tottenham as they head into their new stadium and any success will be in huge part a credit to their wonderful manager.

#10 The draw - Juventus

Juve's dynamic Argentine duo

When Spurs were confirmed as group winners of Group H, they were confident of getting a good draw, as they would face second-placed sides, but with the likes of Basel and Sevilla available, Spurs drew last year's runners-up, Juventus. Whilst the draw could have been better, Juventus aren't the team they were last year.

After years of dominance domestically, they trail Napoli by one point. Whilst still clear of the pack, but Juve had galloped to the title in most years of their current period of dominance in Italy's Serie A.

They are still, without a doubt, a quality side, with a deadly strike partnership (pictured above) and quality like Miralem Pjanic, Sami Khedira, Blaise Matuidi and Alex Sandro, all have been at one time or another touted as one of the best in the world in their positions. Not forgetting Georgio Chiellini and Gianluigi Buffon, the two Italians have led Juventus to many a title over their years with the club.

Juve's philosophy has a heavy focus on solid defence, but as Spurs are one of the best attacking and creative teams left in the competition, it will be difficult to see Spurs not scoring over the two legs. As long as Vertonghen and Sanchez keep Dybala and Higuain at bay, Tottenham have a real chance to advance.

With Alli, Eriksen and Son attempting to pierce Juve's defence and a dynamite finisher like Harry Kane ready to take that one chance, Tottenham have a real chance in this encounter.