Former Arsenal midfielder expected to play against Spurs in Champions League ahead of appearance at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday

Tottenham kick off their Champions League campaign by hosting Villarreal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. These sides have never met in European competition. It is a night of firsts as Tottenham boss Thomas Frank makes his first foray into Champions League football in his managerial career and he is excited for a night he has described will be “special”.

Spurs need a lot more variety to their attacking patterns, but there is no need to panic just yet. Frank has been in charge for less than 100 days. Patience is required for the squad to adapt to his methods. The 51-year-old’s main focus throughout pre-season was on tightening up their overall structure.

James Maddison has poked fun at Manchester United's lack of Champions League football as he boasted about attending Tottenham's clash at the top table of Europe

Thomas Frank's maiden Champions League match as a coach got off to the ideal start just four minutes in, when Luiz Junior somehow bundled the ball into his own net

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Frank's predecessor famously said he was not in the business of grinding out 1-0 victories, but times have changed at the north London club.

Villarreal midfielder Thomas Partey was booed by Tottenham fans on his return to London for a Champions League game the night before he was due in court on rape charges

West Ham United welcomed Tottenham Hotspur at the London Stadium earlier this evening as they looked to earn a good result at home in the Premier League. The Hammers made a good start to the game and managed to get to the half-time interval with a goalless scoreline.