Tottenham Hotspur will seek to return to winning ways when they face Chelsea on day 15 of first division. After hammering city of manchester 4-0 at the Etihad Stadium a couple of weeks ago, the Lilywhites are winless in three games in a row and have picked up three points on just one occasion in their previous six games in all competitions.
Ange Postecoglou is already under a bit of pressure, but a successful result against the Blues could ease some of the tension around his job. Here's a look at Spurs' possible lineup for the derby against Chelsea.
goalkeeper – Guglielmo Vicario is still injured, so the position between the sticks could continue to go to Fraser Forster.
Defenders – Pedro Porro was rested against Bournemouth in the midweek league game and could return against Chelsea, replacing Archie Gray at right-back. Destiny Udogie could retain his place on the left side of the defense.
Cristian Romero was He is expected to compete in a training session. on Saturday, so the Argentine could be placed directly into the starting XI with the Spurs defense suffering in his absence. The World Cup winner could partner Radu Dragusin in central defence.
Kulusevski in midfield as Son starts
Midfielders – Yves Bissouma has been in good form in defensive midfield and could continue in the number six role with Rodrigo Bentancur suspended. James Maddison's prominence appears to have returned after he missed out on a few places in the starting XI in November, so the former Leicester City man could also start against Chelsea on the left side of midfield.
Pape Mata Sarr is likely to be replaced by Dejan Kulusevski in right midfield, after the Sweden international featured on the right wing last time out.
Forwards – Tottenham are likely to be bolstered by the return of Son Heung-min to the starting lineup after their captain was not in the lineup in the previous match. He could start on the left wing with Brennan Johnson possibly moving to the right.
Dominic Solanke could lead the line as he looks to overcome a run of slightly sub-par displays.
This is what Tottenham would look like on paper: