Match Previews

Returned to winning ways with a 2:0 win at Hapoel Tel Aviv ... Still unbeaten under Ramos ... King (k)(def), Assou-Ekotto (sp)(def), Gardner (sp)(def) and Rocha (sp)(def) remain sidelined; Defoe (sp)(att) and Kaboul (r)(def) ruled out as well ... Tottenham will look to make an important step into sealing their passage to the next stage in the UEFA Cup as they host Danish outfit Aalborg on Thursday. The hosts overcame their defeat in the first matchday against Getafe and strolled to a convincing 2:0 victory away at Hapoel Tel Aviv in the next game. That win was very important in psychological terms as the team regained their confidence after the early setback and now has their faith in their own hands. Juande Ramos is still to taste a defeat after taking charge and the team is looking much more organised and confident in the games. The manager will look for another lively display by his men on Thursday and looks set to keep faith with his regular starting 11 despite the obviously inferior opposition. Gareth Bale (r) handed the team a major boost by returning to action on Sunday against West Ham and looks certain to continue at the left-back after showing no after-effects. Another four defenders remain sidelined though. Ledley King and Benoit Assou-Ekotto remain out with knee injuries. Ricardo Rocha resumed light training following an ankle injury but is still well behind in terms of fitness. Anthony Gardner is also troubled by ankle problems and is not expected to be back in the next few weeks. The manager is likely to stick with Didier Zokora (r) and Jermaine Jenas (r) in midfield even though Teemu Tainio (sp) and Tom Huddlestone (sp) are hoping to earn a recall. Jermaine Defoe's quest for a regular starting slot was not helped by his last-minute penalty miss against West Ham while Darren Bent (sp) is also not likely to be handed a role. Therefore, Dimitar Berbatov (r) and Robbie Keane (k) should keep their partnership up front. Defoe has been ruled out of the game after picking a knock in training. Younes Kaboul is also out of the game after sustaining  a thigh strain during the West Ham game. As a result. Paul Stalteri (sp) will step in defence.