Spurs expected XI for the North London derby against Arsenal at White Hart Lane.
Hugo Lloris
Like the rest of the Spurs squad, the Frenchman looks short of confidence at present and was almost guilty of a dreadful error against Benfica. But he remains a guaranteed starter and is crucial to the success of the defensive high-line favoured by Tim Sherwood.
Kyle Naughton
The talented Kyle (Walker) is struggling with a long-term calf injury so the abysmally bad Kyle (Naughton) is likely to fill in at right back. The 25-year-old is a hard worker but he’s not Spurs quality, and is likely to face a tough afternoon against the Ox, Rosicky and co.
Danny Rose
Rose did not start against Benfica after returning from injury but should be restored to the line-up in Walker’s absence. The 23-year-old made a dreadful mistake in the FA Cup defeat at Arsenal and will be looking to compensate on Sunday.
Jan Vertonghen
The Belgian looks more disinterested than Tim Sherwood faced with a pair of sleeves but, with Michael Dawson and Vlad Chiriches still injured, Vertonghen will have to play against Arsenal.
Younes Kaboul
It’s tough to see the Frenchman excelling in a third game in a week given his horrendous injury problems of late, but Spurs have very little choice but to play Kaboul given the lack of credible alternatives. The 28-year-old will probably be risked unless he’s really struggling.
Aaron Lennon
The flying winger has been one of the first names on the team-sheet under Sherwood and is likely to retain his place on Sunday, despite another abject performance against Benfica. Lennon’s work-rate and tracking back will be important with the suspect Naughton playing behind him.
Mousa Dembele
The Belgian has missed the last few games through injury and Spurs have looked worse for it. Paulinho failed to make an impact on Sunday, so expect to see Dembele reinstated to the XI, if fit.
Nabil Bentaleb
Teenage Bentaleb is a big favourite of Sherwood and appears to be exempt from the ‘lack of guts/character’ rhetoric spouted by the Spurs boss of late. The Algeria international will almost certainly start this one, because Sandro is struggling when yet another injury.
Christian Eriksen
Eriksen was the only bright spot in an otherwise dismal night against Benfica and the Dane is likely to play from the left flank against Arsenal again. His free-kick goal against the Portuguese outfit was brilliant.
Roberto Soldado
Sherwood has bizarrely chosen to ignore the Spaniard since his Premier League winner against Cardiff, with Soldado benched in favour of Harry Kane against Benfica. But with the head-coach likely to adopt a gung-ho approach against the Gunners, Soldado should be returned to the XI to partner…
Emmanuel Adebayor
The Togolese striker’s purple patch appeared well and truly over against Benfica and he missed a glorious chance at the start of the second half. But Adebayor loves playing against his former club Arsenal and a big performance could be crucial to Spurs’ chances.