How Tottenham Hotspur could line up against Chelsea

Following a costly 2-1 loss at Burnley on Saturday that saw them lose further ground on the Premier League leaders, Tottenham Hotspur face a difficult trip to sixth-placed Chelsea.

Despite Harry Kane's goalscoring return to action following a six-week layoff, Tottenham came unstuck at Turf Moor through goals from Chris Wood and Ashley Barnes.

Spurs must quickly pick themselves up, however, as they face Chelsea on Wednesday evening and then welcome bitter rivals Arsenal to Wembley Stadium three days later.

Ahead of the first of those crucial London derbies, Sports Mole looks at how Tottenham could line up.

Out: Dele Alli (hamstring), Vincent Janssen (knee) Doubtful: Eric Dier (virus)

> Click here to see the latest Tottenham Hotspur injury and suspension news

Pochettino's injury list is starting to clear up following Kane's welcome return to action on Saturday. The England international lasted the full 90 minutes in Lancashire and should retain his place up top for the trip to Chelsea.

Dier was absent through illness, while defenders Kieran Trippier and Davinson Sanchez were given the day off entirely with this match in mind, so the defensive duo are expected to return on Wednesday.

Mauricio Pochettino must decide whether to go with four at the back or three, knowing that Chelsea's major threat will likely come down their left-hand side through Eden Hazard. A three-man backline would see Sanchez partnered with Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen.

A hybrid 3-4-3 formation may also get the best out of Christian Eriksen, who has been involved in 15 goals in 17 Premier League games played on a Wednesday (seven goals, eight assists), including two assists against Chelsea in January 2017.

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