Champions League: Tottenham's 5 Keys to Beating FC Twente

Tottenham takes on FC Twente in the Champions League on Wednesday, and Spurs will need a good result at home to stay in the hunt. But after some poor performances domestically, how can Redknapp get his team back on track during European Competition at White Hart Lane? There are plenty of things the club can do better, but here are the 5 biggest keys to Tottenham's success vs. Twente.

Get The Ball Out Wide

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LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 25: Aaron Lennon of Spurs crosses the ball as Danny Gabbidon of West Ham closes in during the Barclays Premier League match between West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur at the Boleyn Ground on September 25, 2010 in London, En

One of Tottenham's recent struggles has been the relatively poor form of Aaron Lennon. The nimble winger creates countless opportunities when playing well, and has the ability to completely change games. But for Lennon to have his full impact, Spurs must get the ball to him with space on the wings.

Obviously this is easier said than done, but Redknapp should make it a point of emphasis to focus on attacking from the flanks. After all, it can't hurt when you've got someone like Peter Crouch to cross to. Speaking of Crouch, that brings me to my next point...

Vary The Attack

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LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 25: Peter Crouch of Tottenham Hotspur scores their third goal during the UEFA Champions League play-off second leg match between Tottenham Hotspur and BSC Young Boys at White Hart Lane on August 25, 2010 in London, England. (Pho

Tottenham has no shortage of forwards, that's for sure. Between Crouch, Pavlyuchenko and Keane (and plenty of potential others), Spurs have several strikers (with several styles) to choose from. Unfortunately, that depth hasn't been necessarily showing up on the scoresheet. This is why Tottenham needs to keep defenses on their toes by varying attacking strategies mid-game and with proper substitutions. 

For example: Tottenham can play the crossing game by hurling balls toward Crouch in the middle. When the defense responds, Spurs can switch it up by playing Keane with his back to the goal to set up cutting runs. And when all else fails, a late-game substitution for the powerful Pavlyuchenko can put a defense on its heels for the final push.

That's just an example — Redknapp can start and sub whichever forwards he likes with no real drop-off in talent — but what's important is showing the defense different looks. That's where Tottenham's strength lies and that's how it can put up big numbers against Twente.

Control The Midfield

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LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 18: Rafael van der Vaart of Spurs takes a shot on goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers at White Hart Lane on September 18, 2010 in London, England. (Photo by Mike

This one is pretty straightforward. Tottenham's defense had been questionable before a recent rash of injuries, and Dawson's absence just makes it all the worst. Thus the key to defending for Spurs is to be constantly attacking. That's where the midfield comes in. Between Modric and Van der Vaart, Tottenham has a lethal combination that can give fits to any team. The key for that duo will be gelling together and maintaining possession.

If the midfielders keep the ball well, Tottenham can use its depth at forward to dominate the flow of the game. If not, Spurs' back line will be exposed and very vulnerable. On a side note, it would bode very well for the rest of the year if Van der Vaart and Modric click as a pair. 

Get a Hot Start

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LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 21: A dejected Robbie Keane and teammates look on after conceding four goals during the Carling Cup third round match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at White Hart Lane on September 21, 2010 in London, England. (Photo b

Against Wolverhampton, Tottenham gave up the first goal before coming back to win. Against Arsenal in the Carling Cup, Tottenham gave up the first goal and eventually leveled before blowing it in extra time. And against West Ham, Spurs conceded first and never drew even. Plain and simple, this is not how successful teams start games.

So what must Redknapp's squad do? Whatever they did against Werder Bremen. After all, Spurs came out of the gate swinging in their Champions League debut, scoring two quick goals to build an early lead. Tottenham eventually came away with a successful road point, but the inability to hold onto the lead brings me to my final point...

Play The Whole 90

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LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 21: Empty seats as Spurs fans leave the ground before the end of extra time as their team heads towards a 4-1 defeat during the Carling Cup third round match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at White Hart Lane on Septembe

No matter what, this is the most important key to the game. If Tottenham plays hard all game, a good result is all but assured in the friendly confines of White Hart Lane.

If Twente scores first, don't give up. With such an offense-minded team, goals can come in spurts when you least expect it — and even a two or three goal comeback is possible. 

If Tottenham takes an early lead, don't sit on it. Spurs got complacent and defensive at Bremen and nearly gave away the game because of it. Keep up the intensity that got you the lead, and you'll be better off because of it.