Bale to strike first in Cyprus

A week may be a long time in politics but it can seem even longer in football, especially when serious doubts remain over your role and Martin Jol will be looking forward to his side's trip to Cyprus to escape the media spotlight in England.

The Dutchman knows that results are the best escape route for both him and his club and with the Premier League campaign over before it has even begun (they are currently third from bottom with just six points from eight games) suddenly the Cup competitions become even more important.

Tottenham last won the Uefa Cup in 1984 when Tony Parkes saved to win the penalty shoot-out after they had drawn over two legs against Anderlecht and Jol knows that he must achieve a similar result this time to save his job. However doubts remain whether he will be given the chance as rumours still persist that he will be out of a job by Christmas or earlier if we are to believe reports that he has been told to win at Anfield on Saturday or face the consequences.

Tonight's opponents A Famagusta are part-timers and a 6-1 scoreline probably flattered them at White Hart Lane. Usually the second leg of such games would be used to try out parts of the squad who don't usually get to play, especially with a big Premier League game coming just two days later, and within reason Jol will shuffle his squad with 18-year-old midfielder Abel Taarabt in line for a debut.

Tottenham will be without midfield man Jermaine Jenas, who is struggling with an abdominal strain and Dimitar Berbatov, Aaron Lennon, Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Pascal Chimbonda did not travel with the squad with Saturday's game in mind.

Even with those players missing Spurs should still coast to victory and while there is little value on any of the match markets, one punt does catch the eye. Gareth Bale is Spurs' top scorer this season as Jol continues to experiment using him as a left midfielder instead of his more usual role at left-back. Because of that and the fact he takes charge at dead ball situations, he looks the value to open the scoring at 15/2 with SportingBet.

Verdict: 1pt Bale first goalscorer @ 15/2 (SportingBet)

(Editor's Note: Tottenham need to win and keep winning if Martin Jol is to have any chance of staying in his job. Follow all the latest football prices on SportingBet!)