Source: SKY_Sports
Shakhtar v Tottenham preview
Tottenham Hotspur embark on the first of six games in 17 days when they tackle Shakhtar Donetsk in the last 32 of the Uefa Cup.[LNB] A hectic fixture schedule awaits Spurs, with manager Harry Redknapp describing the pile-up as "crazy".[LNB]Redknapp has also bemoaned the state of the playing surface in Ukraine, dubbing the pitch at RSK Olimpiyskyi unfit for non-league football.[LNB]Furthermore, Spurs will have to make do without a number of key players, as Redknapp looks ahead to a number of vital outings, including the Carling Cup final on 1st March.[LNB]Jonathan Woodgate, Luka Modric, Carlo Cudicini, Wilson Palacios and Aaron Lennon have all been rested for the clash.[LNB]Eight youngsters have travelled to Donetsk and 17-year-old Dean Parrett could start against the Ukrainian champions.[LNB]Team newsPascal Chimbonda is in the frame to make his first start since rejoining Spurs from Sunderland in the January transfer window.[LNB]Robbie Keane, Roman Pavlyuchenko and Vedran Corluka are cup-tied, as is injured striker Jermain Defoe.[LNB]Ledley King (hamstring) and Jamie O'Hara (hip) are out and Alan Hutton (foot) is out long-term so boss Redknapp has turned to his youngsters.[LNB]Mircea Lucescu's Shakhtar have been on their winter break and have not played since their 3-2 victory at Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League on 9th December.[LNB]Shakhtar have since lost striker Brandao to Marseille and defender Tomas Hubschman will be absent against Spurs through suspension.[LNB]
