Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp insists they cannot afford defeat to Champions League opponents Inter Milan.

Spurs go into their fourth Group A game three points adrift of their opponents following a dramatic 4-3 defeat at the San Siro 11 days ago.

Redknapp's men are still two points clear of Werder Bremen and FC Twente and, on the face of it, defeat would not spell the end of their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stage.

However, should defending champions Inter win and all but seal their own progress, the Italians may see fit to rest players for their final two group matches against Bremen and Twente.

And if Bremen beat Twente on Tuesday night, the Germans would then be in pole position to join Inter in the last 16.

Redknapp said: "We need some points, I think, because Werder Bremen play Twente and could beat Twente. It's massive for us to get something out of the game."

Tuesday night's game is arguably the most glamorous fixture to have taken place at White Hart Lane since Spurs' only previous European Cup campaign almost half a century ago.

"Obviously it's great for the fans as well," Redknapp said. "You want to be involved in these games. What a great game for us to look forward to."

Redknapp knows the Italian champions are capable of being just as formidable away from home after watching them win at Chelsea last season en route to winning the Champions League.

"We're at home but they'll be hard to beat on Tuesday," said Redknapp, who was at Stamford Bridge for the last-16 clash back in March.

"I saw them at Chelsea last year and saw them go and shut Chelsea down and knock Chelsea out.

"Italian teams, they know how to go away from home and be difficult to beat.

"That'll be a tough game but we're home and we've got a chance."