Harry Redknapp's men are still smarting from a 1-0 home defeat to Stoke a fortnight ago and then a 3-0 derby loss at bitter rivals Arsenal last weekend.

"Spurs will be sore and hurt after losing two games in a row, especially after being comprehensively beaten by Arsenal," said Bruce.

"I watched that game and there was nothing in it, but all of a sudden Spurs found themselves two goals down in the space of 30 seconds – that's what it is like in the Premier League.

"Make no mistake, Harry doesn't lose many games and he certainly won't want to lose three on the trot.

"Harry will have Spurs up for our visit and we will have to play well on the day and be disciplined, like we were at Man U and Bolton, to make sure we get something out of the game.

"We can expect some kind of backlash, and it will be a difficult game because they have a very, very good team."

Fit-again George McCartney is likely to be drafted in at left-back tomorrow, which would allow Kieran Richardson to take the suspended Lorik Cana's place in midfield.

And Fraizer Campbell – who spent last season on loan at White Hart Lane – is set to replace the banned Kenwyne Jones in what could be in a 4-5-1 formation.

The recovering Bolo Zenden (hamstring) has a slim chance of starting, but is likely to make the bench at best.