Match Previews

Have a slender lead to protect after the first leg ... The dreadful league form continued after the latest defeat at Portsmouth ... Bale (r)(def) remains a doubt ... Pavlychenko (r)(att) and Corluka (r)(def) are cup-tied while Hutton (sp)(def) remains out ... Tottenham face a crucial trip to Poland as they look to secure a place in the UEFA Cup groups. The English outfit are struggling so far this season and will need a solid performance to hold the challenge of the Polish champions. The first-leg ended with a narrow 2:1 victory for Juande Ramos' men and they cannot be certain for their progress. David Bentley and Darren Bent scored the goals two weeks ago in what was a hard-fought win and now the players can expect the same sort of challenge by the gritty Polish team. The Spurs sunk into even more trouble in the Premiership where they suffered a demoralising 2:0 defeat at Portsmouth. The played turned in another tame display and they will need to really improve in the upcoming game. The players did not pose any threat up front and looked sluggish at the back. The defeat leaves them rooted at the foot of the table in their worst start in 53 years and there are even rumours that Ramos could be given the sack soon. An European exit will definitely shake his positions but he will hope that his men will manage their way through to the groups. Ramos will hope to have Gareth Bale back in the squad after he missed the weekend game with a foot injury. Glberto came into his role for his first start of the season but is unlikely to keep his place. Giovanni dos Santos will hope for a start now at the left wing. Luka Modric is pushing for a start after recovering from a knee injury and may replace Jamie O'Harra even though Didier Zokora may move at the right-backl, thus making space for the Croatian. However, Chris Gunter is expected to start as a right-back in the absence of Alan Hutton and Vedran Corluka. The Scott is still recovering from a foot injury whil Corluka is cup-tied after having played for Manchester City already. Roman Pavlychenko is ineligible as well and Bent will be recalled as a loan man up front after sitting on the bench in the last two games. Ledley King should be back in the starting 11 after being rested for the Sunday game with Michael Dawson making way. Ramos will need to see a good display by his men as they aim to hold firm and progress further.