When Liverpool brought an unspectacular end to a dismal 2009-10 campaign when drawing 0-0 against Hull City in May, Rafael Benitez could hardly have anticipated that his next match in England would be as Inter Milan boss, with the chance of securing a place in the knockout stages of a competition that the Italian club were seeking to defend. Such is the unexpected turn of events that has led to the Spaniard coaching the reigning Treble-winners. Benitez's return to England will inevitably invite analysis of his six years as Liverpool manager - a period in the club's history that remains contentious and divisive - but his only focus on Tuesday will be securing the win that would see Inter safely through to the last 16. Tottenham, meanwhile, know that a failure to win at White Hart Lane would give Werder Bremen and FC Twente hope of catching them in second place. Spurs are still fuming over the goal awarded to Manchester United winger Nani in controversial circumstances on Saturday, with Harry Redknapp threatening a media blackout if he is punished for his comments about Mark Clattenburg, but the visit of the European champions to White Hart Lane should provide a welcome distraction. A visit to Italy started disastrously two weeks ago when Spurs found themselves 4-0 down after 35 minutes, but Gareth Bale's hat-trick ensured a more respectable scoreline, and Redknapp will hope momentum is still with his side on Tuesday. Heurelho Gomes is suspended after his red card at San Siro, but better news arrived on Monday as both Rafael van der Vaart and Tom Huddlestone were involved in training, suggesting they may be in contention despite fitness concerns. Michael Dawson, Ledley King and Jermain Defoe will miss out though, meaning Spurs do have problems, particularly in defence. Inter are expected to be without midfielder Esteban Cambiasso, who missed the weekend's 1-0 win over Genoa due to a thigh problem, while goalkeeper Julio Cesar is also a major doubt. If Gomes' Brazilian compatriot is missing then Carlo Cudicini and Luca Castellazzi - two former rivals from both Serie C1 and Serie B - will play in goal. Tottenham player to watch: Luka Modric. The eyecatching performances of Rafael van der Vaart this season have somewhat obscured the wonderful talent that is Modric, but Inter will underestimate the Croatia star at their peril. Modric was linked with a possible move to Barcelona at the weekend - a glowing endorsement of his technical quality - and whether Van der Vaart features or not, the unassuming midfielder will be key to prising open a parsimonious Inter defence. He rarely scores, but Modric will relish the chance to outshine the likes of Wesley Sneijder. Inter Milan player to watch: Philippe Coutinho. Though Gareth Bale's brilliance marked him out as the outstanding player at San Siro, another young talent also made a lasting impression that night. Coutinho, 18, only completed his move from Vasco da Gama to Inter over the summer but has already become a lively presence for the Italian club, operating wide of central striker Samuel Eto'o. With impressive pace, technique, poise and vision, the Brazilian is surely one of the most talented teenagers performing in world football and has already earned international recognition. Key Battle: Gareth Bale v Maicon. There was one clear winner in this contest in the first leg as Tottenham's Welsh wizard produced a wonderful individual display, despite his side losing 4-3. Brazil right-back Maicon is usually the player seen dominating his flank, blessed as he is with formidable stamina and an admirably adventurous streak, but Bale forced him onto the retreat in Italy. Javier Zanetti, in midfield, was also torn apart by the Spurs man, but it is Maicon's responsibility to neutralise danger from the left wing and he will seek to make amends in London. Tuesday's tussle between two dynamic players should be fascinating. Tottenham vs. Inter Milan is live on Joy Sports and Adom TV (with commentary in Twi) at 7:45 PM. Pre-match discussion starts at 7:15 PM. Credit: Multi TV Sports Desk/Espn.com