Source: Telegraph
Rafael van der Vaart and William Gallas set for Tottenham debuts against West Brom
Tottenham manager Redknapp admits he may have blundered in not making changes for the shock 1-0 defeat to Wigan last time out following the club's historic European victory over Young Boys. [LNB]And with their hectic schedule set to continue between now and at least December, Redknapp is ready to make full use of his squad, starting at the Hawthorns. [LNB] Related ArticlesDefoe out for three monthsVan der Vaart happy to earn SpursWest Brom v Tottenham: previewJermain Defoe out for six weeksKing: Spurs can compete on both frontsJermain Defoe set for six-week lay-offHe said: "Obviously, we play Saturday; then we play Champions League Tuesday; then in the league on Saturday; then we play Arsenal in the Carling Cup; then the league and another Champions League. We've got a busy schedule. [LNB]"The one thing I did learn - a lesson - last week was maybe I should've changed the team that played against Wigan. [LNB]"We went to Stoke and had a great result on the Saturday, came back, won the Champions League qualifier with Young Boys. [LNB]"And then I really went with the same team, more or less, on the Saturday against Wigan. [LNB]"Maybe I should've rested one or two and changed a few around, and it might have worked better for us. [LNB]"It's easy, in hindsight, to look back on those things." [LNB]Redknapp has selection dilemmas all over the field this weekend, starting in goal. [LNB]With Heurelho Gomes likely to miss out again with a groin injury, Redknapp must decide whether to hand a reprieve to Carlo Cudicini following the latter's costly error against Wigan or give a debut to Stipe Pletikosa. [LNB]Gallas appears certain to start at the heart of defence following Michael Dawson's injury playing for England. [LNB]And Redknapp has no qualms about throwing the former Arsenal captain in at the deep end. [LNB]He said: "You don't play in teams that win championships, like he did at Chelsea, you don't play for your country as many times as he has - been there and done it all - unless you're a top player. [LNB]"He's got a bit of pace, he's a great defender, and he'll be a big asset. I think he'll be a great signing for us." [LNB]Redknapp may not risk skipper Ledley King's notoriously-fragile knees ahead of Tuesday's Champions League Group A opener at Werder Bremen, which would mean a recall for Sebastien Bassong. [LNB]Midfield and attack pose the most interesting conundrum for the Spurs manager. [LNB]With Luka Modric now fit, Redknapp could choose between the Croatian and Van der Vaart. [LNB]Or he might field both and play a lone striker, especially as his forward options have been depleted by the loss of Jermain Defoe for around three months. [LNB]Sandro may also be handed his debut at some stage, with Redknapp having left the Brazilian out of his Champions League squad in order to get him up to speed in the Premier League. [LNB]Whatever he decides, the Spurs manager is confident the squad he has is capable of competing on multiple fronts. [LNB]"Competition in every position is what you what, and we've got that at the moment," he said. [LNB]"We've just lost two key players but, otherwise, we're still very strong, got a good squad." [LNB]Saturday's game could see Holland midfielder Van der Vaart come face to face with referee Howard Webb for the first time since the World Cup final. [LNB]But it seems it is Redknapp, rather than Van der Vaart, who is not looking forward to the reunion. [LNB]The Spurs manager said: "Howard Webb's a top referee. I just don't ever seem to have any luck with him. [LNB]"He's had a great career and was a credit in the World Cup. But some referees never seem to work out right."[LNB]
