Spurs vs Sunderland Preview, Team News, Likely Line-Ups, Key Man + Predicted Score

Tottenham entertain Sunderland at White Hart Lane this evening looking to cut at the gap on the top four of the Premier League.

A run of four defeats in their last six games sees Spurs head into tonight’s game sitting seventh in the table after Manchester United leapfrogged them on Saturday.

However, a similar poor run by fourth-placed Arsenal has left the door open to the chasing pack and Tim Sherwood’s men can close the gap on their north London rivals to just five points with victory over Sunderland.

The visitors on the other hand are fighting for their lives at the foot of the table and are now seven points from safety – although they do have three games on hand over their relegation rivals.

Gus Poyet will be desperate to stop a disastrous run that’s seen the Black Cats take just one point from their last six games and with tough fixtures against the likes of Chelsea, Man City, Man Utd and Everton also to come, they are going to need to start picking up points quickly if they’re to avoid the drop.

Team News

Tottenham are expected to welcome back Emmanuel Adebayor to the squad after he missed the last three games with a heel injury. Roberto Soldado has been ruled out after being forced off against Liverpool last week so the Togolese striker should start up front.

Jan Vertonghen is also out after suffering an ankle injury at Anfield last week but Vlad Chiriches and Paulinho are back in contention after recovery from knocks.

However, Kyle Walker, Erik Lamela and Etienne Capoue remain on the sidelines through injury.

Sunderland have no fresh injury worries to contend with but Adam Johnson will be restored to the starting eleven after being left on the bench against West Ham last week.

Key striker Steven Fletcher is likely to miss the rest of the season with an ankle injury so he joins goalkeeper Keiran Westwood on the sidelines.

Likely Line-Ups

Key Man

Emmanuel Adebayor: Spurs sorely missed his presence against Liverpool last week and his return will be a welcome boost for Sherwood. Sunderland are going to have to keep him quiet if they want to take anything from the game.

Predicted Score

Tottenham 2-0 Sunderland: The hosts haven’t lost to Sunderland in the last seven games and I see no reason why that run should be ended tonight. Spurs may not be playing well of late, but surely they’ll have too much for the leagues bottom side at home.

What team would you like to see start the game and what’s your predicted score for the game? Share your views below.