Inter Milan must overcome a three-goal deficit against Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday if they are to book their spot in the quarter-finals of the Europa League.

Gareth Bale was once more on the scoresheet as Spurs recorded a 3-0 win at White Hart Lane in the first leg last week, leaving the Italian outfit with a mountain to climb at the San Siro.

The last time the two sides met in Italy was in the group stages of the Champions League in October 2010, when Inter recorded a 4-3 win despite a hat-trick from Welsh winger Bale.

Both teams enter the match on the back of defeats, however, with Inter losing 1-0 at home to Bologna at the weekend, while Spurs' unbeaten run in the Premier League came to an end with a 3-2 loss to Liverpool.

Inter's disappointing league campaign has left them in fifth position in the Serie A table, but they are just four points behind third-placed AC Milan.

Spurs, meanwhile, sit third in the Premier League table, seven points ahead of fifth-placed Arsenal with nine matches remaining.

Inter could recall Dejan Stankovic to their midfield alongside Esteban Cambiasso, while Cristian Chivu should also return at the heart of their defence.

Spurs, meanwhile, will be without the suspended Bale, but Jermain Defoe is expected to make his European return as the lone striker. Brad Friedel should also start between the sticks.

Recent form:

Inter: WDWLL

Tottenham: DWWWL

Possible lineups:

Inter: Carrizo; Zanetti, Juan, Chivu, Ranocchia; Stankovic, Cambiasso, Guarin, Gargano; Palacio, Cassano

Tottenham: Friedel; Walker, Gallas, Dawson, Assou-Ekotto; Parker, Dembele, Livermore; Lennon, Defoe, Sigurdsson

Sports Mole says: 2-2