Newcastle Hub: Chelsea, Tottenham and Newcastle prepare for Europa League quarter finals

PUBLISHED: 13:09 EST, 3 April 2013 | UPDATED: 13:33 EST, 3 April 2013

There may not any Premier League clubs in the Champions League but there are still three sides flying the flag for England in Europe.

Chelsea, Tottenham and Newcastle are preparing for their quarter-final clashes in the Europa League and seem to be loving being in the competition.

Chelsea face Rubin Kazan, while Spurs face Basel and Newcastle take on Benfica as all three teams look to progress to the semi-final stage.

Larking around: Chelsea's John Terry and Juan Mata tussle during training

Getting close: Fernando Torres and Yossi Benayoun hold hands during training

Rafa Benitez has already guided Chelsea to the FA Cup and he would love to guide his side to another last four clash.

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has tapped up Celtic counterpart Neil Lennon for advice on how to get past Portuguese side Benfica.

Speaking in Lisbon, Pardew said: 'We have good contacts regarding this team. I know this city quite well and I have some contacts here who know Benfica well.

Sticking together: Newcastle's Steven Taylor, James Perch, David Santon and James Gutierrez joke during their training session

Fun times: Yohan Cabaye and Gael Bigirimana share a joke ahead of the Benfica game

‘There is also Neil Lennon who we have been in contact with. I think it is important to get as much information as you can - as I'm sure Benfica have done with us.’

Chelsea know that Rubin Kazan's record in Europe this term is formidable, drawing and beating Benitez's former team Inter Milan in the group stages and eliminating Europa League holders Atletico Madrid courtesy of a 2-0 win in Spain.

Chelsea have won seven in an unbeaten nine-match run at Stamford Bridge and will be seeking a first-leg advantage.

Getting stuck in: Tottenham's Gareth Bale, Mousa Dembele and German midfielder Lewis Holtby share a joke during a training

Having fun: Tom Huddlestone and Jake Livermore joke around flanked by Michael Dawson, Holtby and Aaron Lennon

‘They can score goals away, they will try to do that,’ Benitez said.

‘It will be tough. It's important to score and to do well.’

While across London Spurs boss Andre Villas Boas is not taking Basel lightly as he looks to lead Spurs to their first piece of silverware since the League Cup triumph of 2008.

‘Obviously they have recent European experience that we don't have," he said.

‘They have got tremendous results in the past year with Man United and teams like Bayern - teams they have surprised. They are extremely successful and one of the best teams in the country.

‘I'm sure that the key to the game will be both team's motivations and the quality of the individuals - we have to admit that we have superior players but, on the other hand, the experience Basle have and the fact they have played in the Champions League and are regular trophy winners, makes them also one of the favourites.’

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Chelsea, Tottenham and Newcastle prepare for Europa League quarter finals - Daily Mail

No comments:

Post a Comment