Wisla Krakow v Spurs preview

Spurs look to put their domestic problems behind them in Poland

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 2nd October 2008

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Ramos: Under pressure

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Tottenham go in search of some much-needed confidence when they face Wisla Krakow in the Uefa Cup.

With their domestic woes showing no sign of abating, Spurs will be desperate to avoid a humiliating first round exit in Europe.

Their position at the foot of the Premier League table would suggest they are there for the taking, but they will take a slender first leg advantage with them when they travel to the Polish champions.

Tottenham have claimed just two victories this season, both in cup competitions, and ground out a 2-1 success at White Hart Lane a fortnight ago.

The problem for Juande Ramos' side could be that they are set to go head-to-head with a Wisla side which has reignited since their trip to North London.

While Spurs have stagnated, slipping to back-to-back defeats in the league, the Poles have looked mightily impressive in claming consecutive victories.

They have scored six and conceded none in the intervening period, with star man Pawel Brozek continuing to top the Ekstaklasa scoring charts.

The Poland international striker bagged a brace in a 4-0 romp over Arka Gdynia at the weekend and now has Tottenham firmly in his sights.

Hostile

The hosts can also call upon the support of a hostile crowd, which could act as a 12th man as they look to pile the pressure on a fragile Spurs outfit.

Wisla captain Marcin Baszczynski has already declared that confidence within the camp is high, and his side are optimistic of booking a safe passage through the group stages.

Having already kept six clean sheets this season, and with a single goal all they need to go through, it is no surprise the Poles are upbeat ahead of the contest.

Tottenham, though, have a manager in Ramos who has gone all the way in the Uefa Cup on two previous occasions, claiming the crown with Sevilla in 2006 and successfully defending the trophy 12 months later.

The Spanish coach will also be boosted by the possible return of skipper Ledley King to his starting line-up.

The England international was rested during the 2-0 defeat at Portsmouth on Sunday, but is ready and willing if called upon.

Left-back Gareth Bale has trained ahead of the European encounter, but will still require a late test on a foot injury.

Meanwhile, deadline day arrivals Roman Pavlyuchenko and Vedran Corluka are cup-tied and Scottish full-back Alan Hutton is still out with a foot complaint.