Tottenham manager believes his side face a Champions League test as they prepare to host French side Lyon in the first leg of their round of 32 Europa League game.

Lyon have been perennial participants in Europe's elite competition, but currently find themselves in the second-tier tournament following a relatively poor last season.

Villas-Boas, whose side are challenging for a top-four spot in the English Premier League, believes the tie against Lyon will prove whether Spurs are capable of cutting it in the Champions League.

"This could be a test of whether we're good enough to play in the Champions League," Villas-Boas said.

"I think we've been handed the most difficult draw. This is like a Champions League tie. Lyon represent a club with tremendous Champions League experience in recent years.

"It will be a good test. It's always going to be a learning experience for us and it can serve that purpose towards the future.

"It's a big game and there is big motivation. "They have lots of young players coming through, particularly (Maxime) Gonalons and (Dejan) Lovren. They also have experienced players like (Steed) Malbranque, who can give them the extra edge.

"They sit second in the (Ligue 1) table at the moment but have massively improved since last year."

Spurs' No. 1 goalkeeper Hugo Lloris will face his old side, but is unlikely to take part in the game with Brad Friedel set to be given a start.

"Most likely Brad is going to be in goal," Villas-Boas added. "It's a decision we've already taken. We know this tie represents a lot to Hugo on a personal level but, out of respect ad confidence to Brad, we will continue to apply the same principle we have in the past and rotate the goalkeepers."

Jermain Defoe remains sidelined for Spurs along with Younnes Kaboul and Sandro, while Tom Huddlestone is ruled out with a minor knee problem.

"Defoe is going to be out, further to our long-term injuries with Younes and Sandro," Villas-Boas said.

"Tom Huddlestone is going to be out of the game due to some minor pain in the knee. We hope to have most of the players available and free for selection."

To watch Tottenham vs Lyon Live Stream, click here.

Expected lineups: Tottenham: Friedel; Walker, Dawson, Vertonghen, Assou-Ekotto; Parker, Dembele; Lennon, Bale, Dempsey; Adebayor.

Lyon: Vercoutre; Reveillere, Dabo, Bisevac, Umtiti; Grenier, Malbranque, Gonalons, Ghezzal; Lopez, Gomis.

Prediction: 2-1 to Spurs