Van der Vaart dismissal makes it easier for Redknapp at Inter
Published:Home form is going to be especially vital if Tottenham are to reach the latter stages of the Champions League and their performances at White Hart Lane in Europe so far this season make it appear that they have little to worry about.
Tottenham have now scored four times in each of their home games as they followed up on their 4-0 win over Young Boys during the final qualifying round of the Champions League with a 4-1 trouncing of FC Twente.
Spurs headed into the game with their Dutch opponents with a fabulous European record at home, losing just three times in 63 games, and despite being reduced to ten men, had little trouble extending this run.
The result leaves them joint top of Group A with last season’s Champions League winners Inter Milan, who they face away in their next game, before a quick return at White Hart Lane.
Tottenham are 12/5 to win Group A and whether they do so, or even qualify for the knockout stages by finishing in the top two, will be largely dependent on the results they gain over the two meetings.
One thing they will have to contend with is the loss of Rafael Van der Vaart, who perhaps has the most European experience out of all of the players in the Tottenham squad.
The Dutch playmaker had an entertaining night against Twente by scoring, missing a penalty and then getting sent off for two yellow cards, which means he will be suspended for the clash at the San Siro.
His suspension should give manager Harry Redknapp less of a selection headache as it is likely that he would opt for a more defensive set-up in Italy.
Van der Vaart, Luka Modric and Gareth Bale were all selected in an attacking line-up against Twente, but at least one of these would have probably been left out against Inter to allow more protection in the middle of the midfield alongside Tom Huddlestone.
Tottenham have now been cut from 33/1 to 25/1 to win the Champions League. See the full Champions League winners market.
