Inter-Tottenham, probable line-ups

Inter's adventure against Tottenham starts with a positive surprise. Goran Pandev returns amongst the players available to Rafa Benitez after a month-long ankle injury following a tackle against Francesco Totti. The Macedonian is destined to form with Sneijder and Coutinho, who seems advantaged over Biabiany, the offensive trident that is to support Samuel Eto'o. Another spectacular recovery has been that of Esteban Cambiasso, although he is now to be considered match fit, Benitez will most likely not risk him from the start. In the centre of the park in fact, the Madrid coach is looking to field those who played on Sunday in Cagliari, Stankovic and captain Zanetti. On the bench next to the Cuchu will sit Thiago Motta who also need a little time before he can be considered completely recovered. The defence on the other hand is to be the same one that has conceded a record-low three goals in seven league matches so far, in front of Julio Cesar will play Maicon, Lucio, Samuel and Chivu.

Opposition coach Harry Redknapp, who has openly announced his intention to achieve at least a draw, has a long list of injured and unavailable players to deal with. The most important of these is probably Van der Vaart, who picked up a red card in the last match against Twente. Other players that will not be part of the fixture tonight are Ledley King, Jermaine Defoe, Dawson, O'Hara, Woodgate, Kaboul. The Englishman will most likely count on Peter Crouch supported by Modric to pose a threat to the Inter defence. The rest of the midfield is to be composed by Bale and Lennon on the outsides and Huddlestone and Jenas in the middle. Basson and Gallas are looking to find space in the middle of the defence, with the latter returning from a injury.

Hence, here are the probable starting eleven for each side:

Inter: (4-2-3-1)- J.Cesar; Maicon, Lucio, Samuel, Chivu; Zanetti, Stankovic; Pandev, Sneijder, Coutinho; Eto'o. Trainer: Benitez.

Tottenham: (4-4-1-1)- Gomez; Hutton, Bassong, Gallas, Assou-Ekotto; Lennon, Jenas, Huddlestone, Bale; Modric; Crouch. Trainer: Redknapp.

Referee: Stancin (Slovenia).