Tottenham have the opportunity to open up a four-point lead over Newcastle United on Sunday in the race for the final Champions League spot. Now one point ahead of the Magpies after capitalising on their recent struggles to win, Spurs take on Chelsea at home while Eddie Howe's men are in Carabao Cup final action against Manchester United.
As inconsistency has plagued Tottenham since October, it is vital that they get the better of their London rivals in the 1.30pm kick-off at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium if they are to finish the season in the top four. Tottenham's Premier League record against Chelsea leaves a lot to be desired but this is perhaps the perfect opportunity to get one over on them.
Confidence is certainly low at Stamford Bridge with Graham Potter's team currently in 10th having won one of their last eight league fixtures. Tottenham, on the other hand, come into the encounter on the back of an important 2-0 win over West Ham last time out.
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So could Antonio Conte and Cristian Stellini make any changes to the Tottenham XI that beat the Hammers last Sunday? football.london takes a look below.
Ivan Perisic for Clement Lenglet
There could be one possible change to the backline which could come at the expense of Lenglet. However, it may all depend on whether or not the Italian duo want to make an alteration at left wing-back as Ben Davies thrived in the role last weekend, notably teeing up fellow wing-back Emerson Royal for the opener.
Due to a lack of left wing-back options with Ryan Sessegnon on the sidelines through injury, Perisic was given a surprise rest and that resulted in Davies moving into a more attacking role. As the Croat should now be fit and raring to go after a rest following a hectic schedule, he could quite easily come back into the side to face Chelsea and give the Lilywhites some more attacking quality.
That may be bad news for Lenglet, with Davies then slotting back into his usual role on the left of the three-man defence alongside Cristian Romero and Eric Dier.
Pape Matar Sarr for Oliver Skipp
Skipp has excelled in the Tottenham team in the past two games with Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma facing time in the treatment room. Following a tough year with a couple of injury issues really impacting his minutes, the England Under-21s international has looked more like his old self following his recent run.
He will be intent on making it three successive starts, although Conte and Stellini do also have the option of bringing Sarr into the side after he dropped down to the bench against West Ham after his top performance in the San Siro a few days earlier. With a midweek FA Cup match at Sheffield United to come after the Chelsea game, Spurs have a decision to make over the pair.
Son Heung-min for Richarlison
Son once again responded to dropping down to the substitutes' bench with Tottenham's second goal against West Ham. Far from his best this season, his cameo against the Hammers could result in him coming back into the team in place of Richarlison.
Handed a rare start in the league after his injury woes prior to and just after the World Cup, the Brazilian put himself about as ever but nothing came off for him in the final third. The 68 minutes he got will have done him the world of good, though, but Son's goal may mean he drops back down to the bench as a result.
If that is to be the case, Richarlison will likely be handed another start against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane next Wednesday.
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