- Jul 27, 2004
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Not quite must win but, if we are to continue in the Uefa Cup we need to continue the progress seen under Ramos and Poyet. Here's hoping our somewhat injury ravaged defense can keep a clean sheet. ray:
The Official Site Team News:
Younes Kaboul and Jermain Defoe are out of Thursday night's UEFA Cup clash against Aalborg at the Lane.
Head Coach Juande Ramos reported this afternoon that defender Younes is struggling with a groin problem and striker Jermain suffering from illness.
Otherwise, the same players remain out - all defenders - in Ledley King, Benoit Assou-Ekotto (both knee injuries), Anthony Gardner and Ricardo Rocha (both ankle).
Skysports.com Preview:
Spurs currently lie second in Uefa Cup Group G with three points from their opening two games.
In their last game, goals from Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov helped them to a 2-0 victory over Hapoel in Tel Aviv, which followed a 2-1 reverse to Getafe at White Hart Lane in October.
That game was over-shadowed by drama off the pitch - it was Martin Jol's last in charge of the club.
But the team are now unbeaten in five matches under new boss Juande Ramos.
Winning
The Spaniard knows all about winning the Uefa Cup - having guided old club Sevilla to lift the silverware in each of the last two seasons.
But he will be missing striker Jermain Defoe, as he is ruled out with a cold.
Defender Younes Kaboul is also out with a groin injury and so the pair join defenders Ledley King, Benoit Assou-Ekotto (both knee injuries), Anthony Gardner and Ricardo Rocha (both ankle) on the injury-list.
But on a more positive note, Ramos can select the previously injured Gareth Bale and Steed Malbranque, who suffered no ill-effects after returning in the West Ham game.
Unbeaten
Spurs' opponents, Danish outfit Aalborg, lie unbeaten in fifth place in Group G.
They have only played one game so far when they drew 1-1 at home with group leaders Anderlecht.
No injury news has been reported ahead of the game and coach Erik Hamren remains upbeat.
He told Uefa's website: "My philosophy is that everything is possible. If you believe it, if you really believe it, and you're working really hard for it together, then it's possible.
"We are the lowest ranked team and I don't think many expect us to go further. But if you have this belief then there is a possibility, so in my mind we have a chance."
BBC Match Squads (take with a pinch of salt):
Tottenham Squad (from): Robinson, Cerny, Chimbonda, Stalteri, Lee, Dawson, Tainio, Jenas, Zokora, Lennon, Malbranque, Boateng, Bale, Huddlestone, Taarabt, Routledge, Bent, Berbatov, Keane, Archibald-Henville.
Predictions:
Sky Sports Predicted Score: Spurs 4 AaB 0
Setanta Sports Predicted Score:Spurs 3- AaB 1
Nidge's Predicted Score: Spurs 2 - AaB 0
Lineup:
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Right, that's enough fuel for this fixture, don't forget to check [thread=23553]Geez's Media Coverage Thread[/thread] for watching and listening options.