Harry Redknapp's Spurs side were extremely unlikely to lose their 11-match unbeaten run last Sunday at Stoke after countless infuriating referring decisions but they must pick themselves up for the game today against Sunderland if they have ambitions to stay with the leading pack. Some say they won't be able to sustain their fabulous form but here we are a week before Christmas and if they get three points today, they are still realistic dark horses for the title. They welcome Martin O'Neill's new side to White Hart Lane where the Black Cats have only won once in their past twenty visits (a run that stretches back to 1978) but the North East club will feel like they have somewhat turned the corner after last week's comeback victory against Blackburn Rovers. As often happens when a new manager arrives and lifts a club, they will believe their fortunes have changed. Spurs play entertaining football and O'Neill's sides are always adventurous. Should be a good match and it's a shame it's not on live telly.
Team News
Younes Kaboul is suspended, though shouldn't be really after last weekend's farce. He is a huge blow with Ledley King and Michael Dawson out injured (though late reports said King was desperately trying to get himself fit), but an opportunity has arisen for Sebastian Bassong to get a game. Striker Roman Pavlyuchenko is a doubt with a back complaint. The players rested on Thursday as they crashed out of the Europa League - Scott Parker, Emmanuel Adebayor, Gareth Bale, Kyle Walker and Luka Modric will return. For Sunderland, Lee Cattermole retains after suspension. Nicklas Bendtner and Craig Gardner are back in training and could feature. Goalkeeper Craig Gordon played in a training ground match earlier in the week, though even if he was fit he probably wouldn't boot Kieran Westwood out of the sticks. Their other keeper Simon Mignolet is also out with a fractured nose and eye socket. Frazier Campbell is on the comeback trail from his knee injury but won't play until next year. Michael Turner (knee) remains on the treatment table.