Tottenham 2-0 Middlesbrough [Carling Cup] (26.09)

[Mighty T.A.L.]

A home tie against an injury-hit Middlesbrough side could be just what the doctor ordered for Martin Jol's Tottenham Hotspur.

Gareth Southgate's men travel to White Heart Lane on Wednesday for the third round Carling Cup game against Spurs with three key strikers unavailable.

Speculation about Jol's future has shown no sign of ceasing, but the Dutchman continues to soldier on, demonstrating his grin to the ever pestering press.

Invaluable

The Spurs boss has Younes Kaboul available after the French Under 21 international missed Sunday's 1-1 draw at Bolton with a knee injury.

The invaluable Ledley King is still out and Jol will be hoping his side can resolve their defensive frailties on set-pieces.

Paul Stalteri has recovered from a heel problem but Anthony Gardner remains sidelined (ankle)

Jol has confirmed he will rest Benoit Assou-Ekotto, while Aaron Lennon, Jermain Defoe and Gareth Bale are all likely to start.

Short on options

Middlesbrough are short on options up front with strikers Tuncay Sanli (ankle), Mido (hamstring) and Jeremie Aliadiere (hamstring) all ruled out.

Lee Dong-Gook is likely to take on the role as the lone forward, while youngsters Tom Craddock and Ben Hutchinson are in the squad.

Skysports

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Tottenham – Middlesbrough 2-0

T: Bale (72), Huddlestone (75).