Cup or league is dilemma for Harry

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp says he is on the horns of a dilemma as the FA Cup third round match against Wigan approaches at a time when his thoughts are on Premier League survival.

Spurs face Wigan Friday night but Spurs have to think of climbing the table and also are still in the Carling Cup.

In addition, wheeler-dealer Redknapp, who lifted the FA Cup with Portsmouth last season, is trying to sign new players in the transfer window after showing interest in the likes of Pompey's former Spurs man Jermain Defoe, Stewart Downing and Craig Bellamy.

“There are lots of games, too many in all honesty,” Redknapp said. “They are coming thick and fast and there is not time to get your breath.

“With a squad of this size, we're fighting on too many fronts. If we were sitting in the top half maybe we wouldn't be bothered but when you are where we are, you could do without all these games.”

Redknapp has had a love affair with the FA Cup since his former club Bournemouth knocked out Manchester United in 1984 as well as lifting the old pot at Wembley last May.

“I hate to say that we could do without it (the Cup) because I've always put my best teams out and had a go,” Redknapp said.

“I'd rather have a run in this than the UEFA Cup – there are so many games left in that.

“For me the Carling Cup is very important but the most important thing is the league.”

After his success at Pompey Redknapp said: “It would be lovely to win the FA Cup this year (but) most important of all we're still scrapping away for league points, like 14 other teams in the division.”

Given a looming fixture pile-up Redknapp, who said he could not bear the thought of a replay being necessary, will rest Ledley King against Wigan while Jermaine Jenas is a doubt with a calf problem.

Tom Huddlestone and Alan Hutton are on the sidelines.