UEFA.com works better on other browsers
For the best possible experience, we recommend using Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge.

United example spurs Jol on

Martin Jol believes Tottenham Hotspur FC can follow the example of Manchester United FC as they look to eliminate holders Sevilla FC and reach the semi-finals.

Tottenham Hotspur FC manager Martin Jol believes his side can follow the example of Manchester United FC as they look to eliminate holders Sevilla FC and reach the UEFA Cup semi-finals.

'High tempo'
Like United, Jol's team must overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit if they are to make the last four and, although the Dutchman does not expect a repeat of the 7-1 dismantling of AS Roma that took Sir Alex Ferguson's men into the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, he says United have shown how the match should be approached. "People in the know thought Roma were dark horses, so for United to beat them like that is probably the best result of the last five years," he said. "It was unbelievable, but it shows if you start at a high tempo and use the space behind them, you can cause European teams problems."

Return of King
The Tottenham boss, whose side lost 1-0 at Chelsea FC on Saturday, is without Lee Young Pyo due to a knee complaint while Paul Stalteri has succumbed to a hip problem. Pascal Chimbonda is expected to move to left-back, Teemu Tainio to right-back, allowing Steed Malbranque to come in on the left of midfield. Ledley King, meanwhile, should start for the first time since 26 December after long-term foot injuries and Jol is delighted to welcome back his captain. "Ledley's a positive influence in the dressing room and has probably been our best player in the last two or three seasons. He's mentally focused, and he and I feel he's ready."

'Our moment'
Tottenham, bidding for a third UEFA Cup triumph, have lost both their previous two-legged ties with Spanish opposition and had their eight-game winning streak in this term's competition ended by the holders last week, but Jol has faith his team will bounce back. "Sevilla are a great side who have good players - but so do we," he said. "We can come up with the answers and stop them where they're strong, particularly down the flanks. On our day, when everyone's on top of their game, we have a good chance. This is our moment."

Cobeño comes in
Sevilla coach Juande Ramos has injury worries of his own, with first-choice goalkeeper Andrés Palop sidelined by a calf complaint while Uruguayan striker Ernesto Chevantón, the Andalusians' four-goal top scorer in the UEFA Cup, picked up a leg muscle injury during Sunday's goalless home draw with Real Racing Club Santander. David Cobeño, who has kept clean sheets in his last four appearances, will therefore begin in goal and Ramos has no doubts about his ability, saying: "It's a perfect stage for him, he's a very good goalkeeper and the team have every confidence in him."

'Backs to the wall'
Ramos went on: "Both sides will have to work very hard if they want to reach the semi-finals. We know Tottenham will attack with the crowd behind them, but Sevilla play their best football with their backs against the wall. It's 50/50 - we have a one-goal advantage and they are at home. The teams play in similar styles so it should be a spectacular match to watch, and I hope we're celebrating at the end."

Probable teams
Tottenham: Paul Robinson; Teemu Tainio, Michael Dawson, Ledley King, Pascal Chimbonda; Aaron Lennon, Didier Zokora, Jermaine Jenas, Steed Malbranque; Dimitar Berbatov, Robbie Keane.

Sevilla: David Cobeño; Andreas Hinkel, Javi Navarro, Julien Escudé, David Castedo; Daniel Alves, Christian Poulsen, Enzo Maresca, Adriano Correia; Renato; Frédéric Kanouté.

Selected for you