Mauricio Pochettino’s side are slowly but steadily getting closer to their London rivals at the top of the table and although the stalemate at the Etihad in the previous round was a blip, they have a decent chance to keep up the pressure when they face David Moyes’ Sunderland side in yet another away fixture in the league this week.
The Black Cats picked up a point against Liverpool and will hope to put in a similar performance on the night in front of their home crowd but the visitors are in decent form at the moment and are expected to take all three points. Pochettino will go for the kill on the night and will field his strongest side.
Here is the predicted lineup the Spurs might play against Sunderland this week:
Team News:
Jan Vertonghen and Erik Lamela remain sidelined for this clash but first team duo Danny Rose and Harry Kane are expected to be back in action for this game. Toby Alderweireld, who limped off at the Etihad, is also fit for this tie.
Expected lineup (4-2-3-1):
Hugo Lloris:
The French shot-stopper has been immense in-between the sticks for Pochettino’s side and he should keep his place in the starting XI for this game.
Kyle Walker:
The English defender is the first choice right-back for Spurs and he will hope to have a joyful game on the wing this week.
Toby Alderweireld:
Though limped off in the previous round of the competition, the Belgian is back fit and is expected to be drafted back in the starting XI straight away.
Eric Dier:
In the absence of Vertonghen who is injured, versatile Englishman Eric Dier is expected to deputize for this trip to Sunderland.
Danny Rose:
Though missed the FA Cup clash, Rose is back in training and should start completing Spurs’ back-line for this tie.
Victor Wanyama:
Putting in some consistent performances, Wanyama has cemented a place in the first team under Pochettino this season and is a sure starter for this game.
Mousa Dembele:
The Belgian has not been at his best in the last few game but he is an important player for the side and will hope to have a decent outing this week.
Christian Eriksen:
The Danish playmaker is having an influential time lately and Pochettino will hope that he can have a productive game against the Black Cats.
Dele Alli:
The English attacker will be one of the biggest threats for Sunderland as he will be playing a free flowing attacking role to break down the defensive-minded hosts on the night.
Heung-Min Son:
Though not at his best recently, the winger has the ability to create things happen and the manager will hope that he can have an impact on this game.
Harry Kane:
The English striker is currently the top goal scorer for Spurs and Sunderland will have to keep him quite to stand a chance in getting even a point from this game.