Tottenham Hotspur’s title tilt continues on Sunday when they travel to free-scoring Everton.
Spurs won three successive games over the Christmas period to climb to within four points of the Premier League summit and have been tipped to sustain their position near the top of the table.
Everton are the third-highest scorers and represent a stern test for Mauricio Pochettino’s side. Here, CaughtOffside predicts what lineup the Argentine will go with for the trip to Goodison Park.
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GK: Hugo Lloris
Twenty-sixteen is set to be a huge year for the Frenchman. He is captain of a title-contending team and will also skipper his country at a home European Championship.
RB: Kyle Walker
Given a rest for the 2-1 win over Watford as Kieran Trippier made his full league bow for Spurs, but has started every other top-flight game and should be restored.
CB: Toby Alderweireld
Was one of the Premier League’s best centre-backs throughout 2015. Impressed on loan at Southampton and has made a huge difference to Tottenham’s defensive fortunes.
CB: Jan Vertonghen
Could be in for a very tough afternoon against the red-hot Romelu Lukaku. Vertonghen will know his Belgian colleague well but may still struggle against his power.
LB: Ben Davies
Helped Tottenham to two clean sheets in successive games before he was rotated for Danny Rose against the Hornets. The Welshman would be unfortunate not to get a recall.
CM: Eric Dier
Switched to his old position of centre-back as Pochettino deployed a back three against Watford, but should be protecting his defence again as Spurs revert to 4-2-3-1.
CM: Tom Carroll
An injury to Mousa Dembele, who will miss three weeks with an ankle knock according to the Daily Mail, will likely give the 23-year-old another starting chance in midfield.
AMR: Erik Lamela
Scored his third league goal of the season at Vicarage Road – he has eight in all competitions. Has been Tottenham’s most creative player while not sacrificing hard work.
AMC: Dele Alli
His attacking qualities have been lauded of late, but the teenager’s most important task on Merseyside could be to help out a midfield which will miss Dembele’s physicality.
AML: Christian Eriksen
Son Heung-Min’s late winner against Watford might not be enough to earn him a starting spot because Eriksen was probably rested for that game with Everton in mind.
ST: Harry Kane
Was the Premier League’s leading goalscorer throughout 2015 with 27 goals. Fifteen more between now and the end of the season and Tottenham might just be champions.
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