Spurs have struggled for form in the Premier League this season, as evidenced by their 4-1 defeat to Manchester City last time out, and have experienced similar problems in Europe.
After reaching the group stage, Spurs drew their opening two matches, held to a stalemate by Partizan in Belgrade before Demba Ba's late penalty snatched a point for Besiktas at White Hart Lane.
Mauricio Pochettino could have been forgiven for thinking his side had turned the corner after beating his old club Southampton before the international break.
But they were swept aside by City, despite a performance that promised much.
Midfielder Ryan Mason and his team-mates must now focus on three home matches in six days, with Newcastle United in the Premier League, and Brighton and Hove Albion in the League Cup to follow the visit of Asteras.
"We've got a massive game now on Thursday and then Newcastle at the Lane next Sunday – hopefully we'll put things right," Mason told the club's official website
Pochettino has opted to use two almost completely different teams for league and cup competitions this season.
Mason, however, is an example that it is possible to jump from one to the other, having started Spurs' previous three matches since he came off the bench to score a wonder-strike that helped secure League Cup success against Nottingham Forest.
Striker Roberto Soldado also scored in that game, but failed to do so from the penalty spot with the Saturday's match against Manchester City poised at 2-1.
That was his first league start of the season, but he can feel progress being made.
"We are producing some good performances and we need to keep this going. I am working hard and I think the goals are coming soon," the Spaniard told the club's official website.
Asteras top Group C having beaten Partizan, after Facundo Parra’s late strike earned them a point at Besiktas.
The Greek side have already played eight games in this season’s competition, having started in the second qualifying round, making this their longest European campaign.
They are yet to win in seven European away matches, however, they make take heart from the fact that Spurs' only defeat in 10 Europa League group stage home games came against another Greek club, PAOK in 2011-12.