Spurs look to consolidate

Harry Redknapp is looking for Tottenham to cap a great week by getting into title contention with a win over Liverpool on Sunday.

Spurs confirmed their place in the last 16 of the Champions League on Wednesday by beating German side Werder Bremen 3-0, a victory which came just three days after they defeated arch-rivals Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

But they will face Liverpool with mixed news on the injury front. Dutch master Rafael Van der Vaart missed the win over Werder Bremen with an ankle injury, and Redknapp said on Friday: “At best he has a 50/50 chance of playing. He is not going to train with us today. Tomorrow is his last chance really to be fit.”

And although Michael Dawson returned to training for the first time after three months out with a knee injury, fellow England defender Ledley King is still struggling with a long-term groin problem and will visit a specialist in Denmark on Monday to see if he needs an operation.

“Ledley is progressing slowly and will see a specialist in Copenhagen on Monday. We need a decision about whether he can go on strengthening his groin or needs surgery.”

But the pair’s absence has given a chance for Younes Kaboul and William Gallas to prove themselves a formidable pairing in the centre of defence.

“They have done a great job, they have been fantastic,” said Redknapp.

“Younes has improved with experience. He has got everything to be a top player, it is all there. Only his concentration levels at times are a big problem, but William has helped him.”

Redknapp admitted Liverpool are still dangerous, despite being overtaken by Tottenham in the top four last season.

“I still think Liverpool are a big threat,” he said.

“This time last year they were favourites to make the top four, then ourselves and Manchester City came along and pushed them back a bit.” “But Fernando Torres is looking sharp again scoring goals, and Roy Hodgson has now had a chance to get them playing the way he wants them to.”

“I think we will see Liverpool get stronger and stronger as the season goes on.”