This is a hugely significant encounter for the home side after they were unable to take anything against Arsenal on Wednesday evening despite a positive first half performance. After falling on the back-foot in the second and going two goals down, a Charlie Austin strike was not enough to inspire a comeback.
Midfielder Sandro returned from injury in that game and will undoubtedly feel that he has something to prove here against his former club after complaining of a lack of first-team football last season. Defender Steven Caulker and playmaker Niko Kranjcar will also be keen to impress having represented the visitors earlier in their careers.
After a slight dip in form which saw them go five games without a win including defeat in the Capital One Cup final, Tottenham responded in ideal fashion by scoring three goals of immense quality to see off Swansea City, although it was never a comfortable game and they needed a fine late stop from Hugo Lloris to preserve their victory.
Nacer Chadli has been something of an unsung hero this season, taking his goalscoring tally to double figures, while Ryan Mason deserved his first Premier League goal after a series of tenacious performances in midfield since being given his chance by Mauricio Pochettino. This game represents a tough test for Spurs, but they must win to keep in touch with the top four.
The home side have some injury concerns at the back with Nedum Onuoha likely to miss out along with Mauricio Isla and promising youngster Darnell Furlong. Meanwhile, Joey Barton is suspended.
Tottenham have no new injury worries, but a crowded recent fixture list could see Pochettino choose to rotate his squad.
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