Redknapp sees rotation need

Redknapp: To make regular changes

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Harry Redknapp admits he will have to rotate his squad more if Tottenham are to challenge on all fronts this season.

Spurs beat Young Boys 4-0 last month to book their place in the UEFA Champions League group stage and Redknapp made just two changes for the Premier League match against Wigan three days later.

But Tottenham suffered a shock 1-0 home defeat and their manager claims he has learnt his lesson as his side prepare for a testing month ahead.

Redknapp said: "Obviously, we play Saturday; then we play Champions League Tuesday; then in the league on Saturday; then we play Arsenal in the Carling Cup; then the league and another Champions League. We've got a busy schedule.

"The one thing I did learn last week was maybe I should've changed the team that played against Wigan.

"We went to Stoke and had a great result on the Saturday, came back, won the Champions League qualifier with Young Boys.

"And then I really went with the same team, more or less, on the Saturday against Wigan.

Hindsight

"Maybe I should've rested one or two and changed a few around, and it might have worked better for us. It's easy, in hindsight, to look back on those things."

There could be a change in goal for Saturday's visit to West Brom, with Carlo Cudicini under pressure from loan signing Stipe Pletikosa after a costly error against Wigan.

Ledley King may not be risked ahead of Tuesday's Champions League Group A opener at Werder Bremen, which would mean a recall for Sebastien Bassong.

And Redknapp could also hand debuts to new signings William Gallas and Rafael van der Vaart at the Hawthorns.

Gallas is set to start in defence after Michael Dawson was injured playing for England and Redknapp has no qualms about throwing the former France international in at the deep end.

He said: "You don't play in teams that win championships, like he did at Chelsea, you don't play for your country as many times as he has - been there and done it all - unless you're a top player.

Big asset

"He's got a bit of pace, he's a great defender, and he'll be a big asset. I think he'll be a great signing for us."

Jermain Defoe was also injured on England duty and is expected to be out for around three months but Redknapp is confident he has the strength in depth to cover his absence.

"Competition in every position is what you what, and we've got that at the moment," he added.

"We've just lost two key players but, otherwise, we're still very strong. We've got a good squad."