How Tottenham Hotspur could line up against Arsenal

Tottenham Hotspur could find themselves being dragged into the battle for a top-four race unless they return to winning ways in the North London derby against Arsenal on Saturday.

Just a week ago Mauricio Pochettino's side were still regarded as title contenders, but successive defeats at Burnley and Chelsea have put paid to those hopes and left them looking over their shoulders.

Spurs know that a third straight defeat would leave them just a point above their most hated rivals, and possibly within the reach of fifth place too.

Here, Sports Mole looks at how the hosts could line up for the crunch match at Wembley.

Out: Eric Dier (tonsillitis) Doubtful: Dele Alli (hamstring), Jan Vertonghen (hip)

> Click here for Tottenham's latest injury and suspension news

Spurs could be boosted by the return of Jan Vertonghen after he missed the defeat to Chelsea with a hip injury, which could in turn prompt Pochettino to change to a back three.

Erik Lamela is the most likely casualty should that be the case, with Harry Winks and Moussa Sissoko having established themselves as the favoured midfield partnership and Christian Eriksen and Son Heung-min surely undroppable for a game of such magnitude.

Dele Alli is expected to miss this one, though, after Pochettino suggested that the focus was instead on the upcoming games against Borussia Dortmund and Southampton for the midfielder to make his return.

Kieran Trippier may face a battle to keep his place in the starting lineup following his calamitous own goal against Chelsea, although he does remain above Serge Aurier in the pecking order.

Harry Kane will lead the line once again, meanwhile, having scored eight goals in eight Premier League games against Arsenal.

> Click here to see how Arsenal could line up for this match