Only goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes is expected to start in both the UEFA Cup clash against the Ukrainian champions tomorrow and the Carling Cup final against Manchester United on Sunday - and that is because Carlo Cudicini has picked up a knee injury.

Being rested for the last-32 tie against Shakhtar appears to be good news for David Bentley, who had provided one of the selection dilemmas for Redknapp as he looks to keep his players fresh for the United showpiece.

To emphasise his priorities, Redknapp is adamant that his side are playing United for the glory of winning a cup - not for entry to the revamped Europa League next season.

"It's just about winning a trophy," he said. "If there was no Europe I wouldn't be bothered, that is what I said last season with Portsmouth."

Spurs trail 2-0 from the first leg in Donetsk but Redknapp simply cannot afford injuries while chasing the tie.

"I hear criticism after not putting my best team out against Shakhtar but Martin O'Neill has left nine out of his Aston Villa team to go to Moscow," Redknapp said.

"He has his priorities right because he wants to finish high in the Premier League. We want to stay in the Premier League so you have to prioritise. (Blackburn manager) Sam Allardyce picked half a team to face Coventry - people don't understand the job.

"Going back to Wembley is a big day for the club. You're playing against the best team in Europe."

He added: "Have we got a divine right to have European football? Should we put our best team out and forget about Sunday?

"Even if we were in the top half of the league, would we have a go?"

Vedran Corluka and Roman Pavlyuchenko are cup-tied for the UEFA Cup, while the likes of Ledley King, Jonathan Woodgate and Luka Modric will be rested.

Also, Redknapp has not been helped by Adel Taarabt and Ricardo Rocha not being registered to play in Europe by former boss Juande Ramos.

Jamie O'Hara is back from a hip problem and is one of the players who will be looking to impress to earn a place in the matchday squad for Wembley.

"Even the bench on Sunday could be young, and there could be one or two youngsters among them because we're struggling," Redknapp said.

"Tom Huddlestone may think maybe I'm going to start (Jermaine) Jenas and (Didier) Zokora but Tom will play a part on Sunday because he deserves to, he's been excellent. Same as Jamie O'Hara."

Full-back Chris Gunter was cup-tied for last season's Carling Cup triumph, so he is desperate to play his part this time around.

"With a game like that on Sunday, you need to take any chance to impress," said the Wales youngster.

Although his starting XI will be fresh for United, Redknapp still has to decide whether to field a five-man midfield, with Modric supporting a lone striker, or Pavlyuchenko and Darren Bent in a two-man attack. Factored into his thinking will be Pavlyuchenko carrying a groin injury this week.

Playing three days before Wembley is not ideal preparation but at least Redknapp has had his cup final suit measured up.

"You used to go up to Blackpool and have a jog on the beach or a stroll on the prom," Redknapp said.

"That's what we used to do in the old days.

"To play on a Thursday is very difficult but we've worked very hard and qualified for the knockout round from a difficult position. But we wouldn't swap a cup final for anything."