Tottenham Hotspur make their return to Champions League action after two years away later this evening as Antonio Conte's side host Ligue 1 outfit Marseille in north London.

The Italian has plenty to ponder heading into kickoff amidst what he has described as a "crazy" schedule. This weekend's Premier League clash with defending champions Manchester City will surely be on the mind, so we should be expecting some rotation.

Only winger Lucas Moura is unavailable due to injury, so the 53-year-old head coach certainly has the tools available to rejig his starting XI, just a few days after their 2-1 win over Fulham in the English top-flight.

One player who is surely in contention to start is Ivan Perisic, 33, who would replace Ryan Sessegnon at left wing-back. The Croatian veteran certainly has the tools to cause the French side serious damage.

Spurs are likely to come up against a wing-back system themself, so the former Inter Milan and Bayern Munich star could be afforded plenty of space in behind his opposite number to provide someone like Harry Kane with his pinpoint delivery into the box.

He'll also be able to take advantage of one of Les Olympiens' biggest weaknesses in the form of set-pieces as Perisic can certainly whip in a delightful ball from the corner, largely thanks to his ambipedal ability.

33% of Marseille's conceded goals in Ligue 1 have come from set-pieces, too, so the 6 foot 1 dynamo really could feast at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium tonight.

The 33-year-old wing-back currently leads the Lilywhites for assists (tied with Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison) on two assists, whilst his efforts of 2.6 key passes created per 90 sees him second to the Brazilian attacker and he can also chip in defensively, having managed 3.2 tackles per 90, too (as per WhoScored).

It's no surprise to have seen Perisic dubbed a "monster" by i journalist Oliver Young-Myles, whilst ex-striker turned Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson believes the £18m-rated ace "makes things happen on the pitch.

As such, Conte would be foolish to not start Perisic this evening. There may be plenty of matches coming thick and fast over the next couple of weeks but the Croatian clearly has the skillset to rip Igor Tudor's men apart.

It could well be the perfect start to their Champions League return.

AND in other news, Paratici has sealed a Spurs masterclass on £20m talent who is "tailor-made" for Conte...