Gylfi Sigurdsson believes Tottenham Hotspur must score early against Maribor in the Europa League on Thursday night.

Andre Villas-Boas' team have drawn all three of their Group J games so far this season and could only manage a 1-1 draw against the Slovenian champions last time out.

But the Tottenham midfielder is hopeful that an early lead will open the game up and encourage the White Hart Lane crowd to get behind the team.

He told Tottenham's official website: "It would be ideal if we get an early goal. That means Maribor cannot just sit there and defend and it would the game up.

"That would also get the crowd right behind us and it will be a great atmosphere. That is important for us."

Sigurdsson, who scored the equaliser at the Ljudski vrt Stadium two weeks ago, also believes the size of the White Hart Lane pitch will work in their favour and that Spurs still have a realistic chance of progressing in to the knock out stages.

"It's a big pitch at White Hart Lane so hopefully we will get wide, get some crosses in and break them down this time," he added.

"It is still in our hands and we now have the advantage of playing at home. Hopefully we will use that advantage and take the three points.

"We want to progress to the knockout stage, so it is important for us."

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