Ramos opts for Defoe and Bent for clash with 'Boro

Middlesbrough v Tottenham

Tottenham manager Juande Ramos made the surprise decision to change his strikeforce for his first Barclays Premier League in charge, against Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium.

Three changes were made to the side which beat Blackpool in midweek, with Jermain Defoe and Darren Bent preferred to Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov up front and Kevin-Prince Boateng replacing Didier Zokora in midfield.

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate was forced into one change after Jonathan Woodgate was ruled out with a leg injury, so Chris Riggott deputised. As expected, former Spurs striker Mido was not included in the 16-man squad.