Tottenham just came short of a miraculous fightback against Arsenal over the weekend and will hope to bring an end to a two-game winless run when they make the short trip to Stamford Bridge on Thursday night.
The Lilywhites were excellent in the second half against Arsenal and will feel that they can get something from Stamford Bridge if they replicate such performance levels against Chelsea.
Chelsea themselves were products of a remarkable comeback against Aston Villa, they first fell short 2-0 but then showed so much determination and skill to get back and pick a point against Unai Emery’s Champions League-chasing side.
On the injury front, Spurs will be without both left-backs Destiny Udogie who has been forced to take surgery and Ben Davies who replaced him over the weekend. The Welsh left-back has picked up a groin problem and is out for what is left of the campaign.
Chelsea will also miss as many as 14 players including defender Thiago Silva and Axel Disasi, both played in the game at Villa Park but have picked up knocks and will watch from the stands for this one.
Absence creates a void that must be filled by players who don't normally play, so Emerson Royal is likely to be the one who benefits from the left-back problem even though the electric Micky van de Ven can move there if manager Ange Postecoglou wants to.
There is so much at stake in this game with both teams chasing European football. So in a game that is vital for both managers, this is the team we anticipate Postecoglou will put out.
1. Guglielmo Vicario
Had a great start to the season but has suffered a dip in form lately. | Getty Images
2. Micky van de Ven
Finished the Burnley game at left back and could start there against City. | Getty Images
3. Cristian Romero
Top performer for Spurs this season. | Getty Images
4. Radu Dragusin
He is expected to come into the centre of the defence and push Van de Ven out wide. | Getty Images