Tottenham Hotspur Team News: No Rafa, And A Surprise In Defense

Tottenham Hotspur might not play their absolute strongest team in the FA Cup against Stevenage this weekend, but we can expect to see a very strong side. Harry Redknapp seems to be taking them seriously and the fans will be expecting progression to the quarterfinals for Spurs.

Rafael Van der Vaart is still injured, but Redknapp is hopeful that he can return for next week's North London Derby against Arsenal. Younes Kaboul is a doubt. Here's what the man himself had to say.

"I've got one or two I'd like to play. Ryan Nelsen has come in, the lads have said that he's trained great this week. I've always been a big fan of his, I think he's a great competitor. It'll be a very strong team. Rafa's still injured, we'll have to see how he is next week (for the Arsenal match. William is a week or two away, Younes will train today and we'll see how he is, he's had problems with his knee. Unfortunately, Tom Huddlestone is out for the season and we wish him well."

I presume that we'll see a central defense partnership of Michael Dawson and Ryan Nelsen for this one. I'd like to see Danny Rose at left back, just to give Benny a rest before the derby. Additionally, a start for Sandro would be great. Otherwise? First choice team and full speed ahead.