Tottenham take a trip to East Anglia to take on Norwich City in a crucial game for both sides.
Norwich sit precariously outside the relegation places by two points while Spurs are five points clear of fifth place.
A win for either side would be most welcome, but with The Canaries fighting for their lives at the wrong end of the table, they need points thick and fast to avoid being dragged further into the mire.
Tottenham’s win against Colchester in the FA Cup made it four wins in a row and wouldn’t they love to make it five on the trot to keep the pressure on the sides above them.
Norwich
The second-worst defence in the league showed why that was the case last weekend with an abysmal defending display at home to Liverpool.
A 3-1 lead let slip and a heartbreaking injury time winner from The Reds’ Adam Lallana was enough to put Norwich on the wrong end of a 5-4 scoreline.
11 goals conceded in their last three league games has certainly given Alex Neil something to ponder, as Norwich must tighten up at the back or else the only way they’re heading is back down to the Championship.
Ivo Pinto and Timm Klose are the defensive duo tasked by the Scotsman to bolster their faltering backline, but time will tell if they prove to be inspired signings.
Up front, Steven Naismith burst into life with a goal on his debut and the former Everton forward represents The Canaries’ best chance at regular goals with his pace capable of causing many sides problems.
And new boy Patrick Bamford will be hoping to prove a point having failed to shine at Crystal Palace.
But there’s no getting away from the fact that Norwich are capable of shooting themselves in the foot when the ball is in their half.
Sloppy decision-making at the back has been a major factor in their slide towards relegation and they need to shape up fast.
Before losing to Manchester City and Liverpool on the bounce, Norwich had been unbeaten in their last five home games.
Tuesday night will be a tall order to stop it being three losses at Carrow Road on the spin.
Tottenham
Saturday’s efficient 4-1 win over Colchester United puts Spurs in good shape for a favourable run of fixtures, with the exception of a tough trip to Manchester City.
Four wins in a row for the first time this season has given Spurs not just a great chance in the league, but a very realistic chance of FA Cup success for the first time since 1991.
With strength in depth and even the fringe players stepping up to the plate and impressing, Mauricio Pochettino will be pleased his players show no sign of fatigue in what’s been a hard slug for most of the season.
Maybe Spurs should take more breaks to Barcelona more often.
However, on paper Norwich looks like it should be a winnable match, but Spurs haven’t beaten Norwich at Carrow Road in the last three attempts.
These are the sort of games Spurs can easily stumble in and lose, especially with Norwich enjoying the weekend off due to their early exit in the FA Cup.
It will be a test of the new-look resilient Tottenham to be able to balance a hectic schedule and still be able to turn over teams like Norwich who will be fighting for survival.
Spurs have shown a ruthlessness this season, but must avoid falling back into old habits and failing to kill off games against weaker teams that could come back to haunt them come May.
Last time out
26th December 2015 – Tottenham 3-0 Norwich
The Tottenham view: Nacer Chadli, midfielder
“It’s never easy to play away but we’re in great form, playing with a lot of confidence and I think the group is ready for the game.
“We focus on every game and we’re mentally prepared.” (Tottenham Hotspur)
The Norwich view: Patrick Bamford, striker
“I’ve watched the team a few times this season and they’ve been playing really well while creating a lot of chances.
“For me, that was a key thing; sticking to their motto of how they want to play.
“Most of the boys probably already know me, having played against them three times last year.
“Things like that always help with the settling in process, and the quicker I’m able to bed in the easier it will be start contributing to the team.” (Norwich City)
Prediction
Tottenham are playing well and Tuesday night should be a straightforward victory. But Bamford and Naismith will be a handful upfront.
Norwich 0-2 Tottenham
