Sunderland v Spurs preview

By foxsports
Published

Sunderland left-back Danny Rose, on a season-long loan from Tottenham, is ineligible to play against his parent club.

Fellow defender Phil Bardsley could replace Rose in a straight swap or Black Cats boss Martin O'Neill may opt to drop back Jack Colback from midfield.

Central defender John O'Shea looks set to return after missing the Boxing Day win against Manchester City through illness.

Forward Clint Dempsey and midfielder Tom Huddlestone may return from their respective groin and knee injuries for Tottenham.

Defender Benoit Assou-Ekotto could make his long-awaited comeback from a knee injury, while midfielder Scott Parker could also make his first start of the season after an Achilles injury.

Midfielder Mousa Dembele should be fit despite coming off against Aston Villa with his niggling hip injury, but defender Younes Kaboul (knee) remains out.