Eric Dier tipped to play at centre-half.
The big team news at White Hart Lane on Saturday afternoon will be whether or not former Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermain Defoe makes his Sunderland debut, having signed from Toronto at the start of the weekend.
However, we are focusing on the Spurs team, which could feature many changes due to illness.
Here’s how we reckon Mauricio Pochettino’s side will lineup…
GK: Hugo Lloris
Sat out Wednesday’s FA Cup win over Burnley, but has not missed a minute of Premier League action this season.
RB: Kyle Walker
Also set to return after being rested against Burnley.
LB: Danny Rose
Rose was deployed as a winger in midweek, with Ben Davies at left-back. The Englishman thrived in a more advanced role, getting on the scoresheet in the process. However, he is likely to return to his usual role against Sunderland, with Davies dropping to the bench.
CBs: Eric Dier and Jan Vertonghen
Spurs have problems at centre-back. Younes Kaboul and Federico Fazio have both been struggling with illness in recent days, while Vlad Chiriches has a back injury. Vertoghen is a definite starter, but it is tough to predict who will partner him. If Kaboul, Fazio and Chiriches all fail to prove their fitness, Dier should get the nod.
CMs: Etienne Capoue and Mousa Dembele
Ryan Mason’s hamstring injury will keep him out, while Nabil Bentaleb is away with Algeria for the Africa Cup of Nations. Dembele is a very likely starter, as he will be fresh, having remained on the bench throughout Wednesday’s FA Cup game. The Belgian’s potential partners are Capoue, Paulinho, and Benjamin Stambouli, all of whom played the full 90 minutes in midweek. Capoue was the star performer, capping a fine display with a goal, so he seems to be the most likely candidate.
AM: Andros Townsend
The England winger was very bright during a 76-minute stint on Wednesday. He has started Tottenham’s last three Premier League games, and he should continue his run in the first XI.
AM: Christian Eriksen
With fellow playmaker Erik Lamela injured (calf problem) once again, Eriksen will be tasked will providing most of Tottenham’s flair. The Dane has scored in his last two appearances against Sunderland.
AM: Nacer Chadli
Chadli is just one goal short of breaking into double figures for the season. He will fancy his chances of adding to his tally against an old and rather immobile Sunderland defence.
ST: Harry Kane
Spurs managed to score four goals without Kane on Wednesday, but do not think for a second that the 21-year-old will remain on the bench for this one. He will start.
