Tottenham face PAOK Salonika on Wednesday evening in what Harry Redknapp has described as a 'must-win' game in the Europa League.
Spurs ready for crucial Europa League encounter
Tottenham face PAOK Salonika on Wednesday evening in what Harry Redknapp has described as a 'must-win' game in the Europa League.
Redknapp has opted not to use his senior players in the competition in an effort to keep them fresh for domestic duty, instead giving opportunities to fringe men and youngsters.
The strategy has helped Spurs enjoy a fantastic run of form in the Premier League, with Saturday's 3-1 victory over West Brom leaving them third in the standings and just two points behind Manchester United.
Redknapp would nevertheless like Tottenham's European adventure to continue, and their hopes of making it through to the knockout phase are in the balance going into their final two group games.
Spurs are currently level with Rubin Kazan in second place in Group A, one point adrift of leaders PAOK.
Redknapp takes his troops to Ireland in a couple of weeks to take on pointless Shamrock Rovers, and is aware of the significance of beating PAOK at White Hart Lane.
"It is a must-win game. We are a point behind PAOK. You can see Rubin beating Shamrock, so we need to win," he continued.
"We don't want to go to the last game because Rubin could rest players for the last game and they will have already qualified."
Team news
While Redknapp will ring the changes following the win against West Brom, a knee injury to Roman Pavlyuchenko means Jermain Defoe may keep his place up front.
Giovani dos Santos is also rated as doubtful for the tie with a groin strain, while fellow midfielders Niko Kranjcar (thigh), Danny Rose (ankle) and Tom Huddlestone (ankle) and defender Michael Dawson (Achilles) all remain out.
Sandro, Tom Carroll, Harry Kane and Jake Livermore are all set to play, while the likes of Scott Parker, Luka Modric, Gareth Bale and Emmanuel Adebayor will be rested.
PAOK, who held Tottenham to a goalless draw in Greece, can clinch their place in the last 32 of the Europa League by winning in London.
Another point would also keep them in control of their own destiny ahead of a final clash at home to Rubin Kazan, and manager Laszlo Boloni is in confident mood.
"We know Tottenham very well but my players are special too. I am thinking more what we can do than what Tottenham can do to us," said Boloni.
PAOK are currently fifth in the Greek league and drew 0-0 with Kerkyra at the weekend.
