Young Boys v Tottenham preview

Redknapp: Faces crucial tie

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Tottenham face one of their biggest games in recent history when they take on Young Boys of Berne in the UEFA Champions League.

Spurs travel to the Swiss capital for their first leg qualifying fixture, looking to get the upper hand before the reverse tie at White Hart Lane next Wednesday.

The lucrative group stage is regarded by many clubs as the promised land of European football, and if Tottenham fail to reach it they will be bitterly disappointed.

Harry Redknapp's side clinched fourth place in the Premier League last season to earn themselves the chance of competing in Europe's elite club competition, pipping big-spending Manchester City to the post.

However, there have been occasions in recent years when English teams have broken into the top flight's qualifying places but failed to advance past the first stage.

Everton lost out to Spanish side Villarreal back in 2005 while Partizan Belgrade dumped Newcastle out on penalties in 2003, forcing both teams to settle for a place in the Uefa Cup.

The Europa League now waits for either Young Boys or Tottenham, and a good performance in the first leg on an artificial pitch in Switzerland could hold the key to avoiding that fate.

Spurs' opponents are currently seventh in the Swiss top flight after five games so far this term, while the North Londoners began their campaign with a 0-0 draw against Manchester City at the weekend.

Pedigree

Of all the sides in the qualifying round, Tottenham could have potentially been drawn against tougher opponents, but they should not underestimate Young Boys as they knocked out Turkish outfit Fenerbahce in the previous round.

The men from Berne finished second in the league last season, and will be no pushovers as they look to take the impetus in the Stade de Suisse.

Harry Redknapp has opted to leave captain Ledley King at home as the England international's knee problems would most likely be aggravated on the plastic surface.

Jermaine Jenas has also not travelled with a calf injury, with the midfielder having been recently linked with moves to Juventus, Galatasaray, Sampdoria and AC Milan.

Tottenham will also be without David Bentley, Jamie O'Hara and Jonathan Woodgate, who are all still sidelined with injuries.

One man who will be eager to impress is Young Boys defender Scott Sutter, as he was born in the London suburb of Enfield and grew up a Spurs fan, while Christoph Spycher is another player who could potentially be influential for the home side.