Match Previews

Lost their opening game in the group .. Assou-Ekotto (sp)(def), Gardner (sp)(def), Bale (r)(def), Rocha (sp)(def) and King (k)(def) remain out .... Bent (sp)(att) a likely starter but Berbatov (r)(att) to be left on the bench as he faces uncertain future ... Tottenham travel to Israel for a second game in their group in UEF Cup aiming to make amends after a losing start. The Spurs have lost at home to Getafe a fortnight ago and made it hard for themselves now. They need a good result in the upcoming game or will put their progression past this seemingly easy group in serious doubt. New manager Juande Ramos already took charge of two games and is still unbeaten. He will now look for three points that will boost the confidence of the struggling team and put them in a better position. The Spaniard looks set to miss a few important players again. Gareth Bale needs a little bit more time to overcome a metatsrsal injury and is not expected back. The same applies to Anthony Gardner and Benoi Assou-Ekotto who are struggling with ankle and hamstring injuries respectively. Ledley King and Ricardo Rocha are out for the long term and need more time to get back to fitness. Ramos showed his inclination to rotating the line-up early in his tenure and made four changes in his second game on Saturday compared to the midweek game at home to Blackpool. Darren Bent and Jermaine Defoe (sp) were partnered up front and the former scored a goal which makes him a probable starter again. Robbie Keane (k) is likely to be restored up front as he is in hot form lately. Dimitar Berbatov , though, is finding the target much harder this season as speculations over his future are surfacing around the media. Kevin Prince-Boateng (sp) was handed a rare chance on Saturday as well but now Didier Zokora (r) or Tom Huddlestone (sp) looks likely to come in for him. No changes are expected at the back where the options are limited anyway. Ramos will expect a more powerful and aggressive performance from his team as only a win will suit the Spurs.