Tottenham approach their home clash with Sunderland in something of a lull and the visitors to White Hart Lane this weekend will fancy their chances of returning to Wearside with a positive result.
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has refused to criticise his players despite an unimpressive run of form during October, insisting his squad has what it takes to remain at the top end of the table throughout the season.
But their confidence, and indeed pride, will have taken a huge dent after a miserable derby day outing at the Emirates last week, when they were thoroughly outclassed by Arsenal in a 3-0 defeat.
To compound Redknapp's misery, centre-half Sebastien Bassong could be out for over a month with a hamstring problem sustained against their bitter local rivals.
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But in comparison to most of the Premier League, Spurs do have largely clean bill of health which could be boosted further if form winger Aaron Lennon recovers from an ankle injury in time to reclaim his place in the starting XI.
Giovanni dos Santos (ankle) and Luka Modric (broken leg) remain a few weeks away from fitness.
Sunderland have enjoyed a rare stint at the right end of the table under the stewardship of Steve Bruce but have failed to pick up any points on the road since the opening day of the season.
However, the Black Cats' confidence will be boosted after emerging from October with four points from clashes against Manchester United and Liverpool, before clawing themselves from 2-0 down to salvage a draw against West Ham United with ten men.
As a result of his sending off against the Irons, Kenwyne Jones will begin a three-match ban with this week's trip to north London.
Lee Cattermole is a long-term absentee from Bruce's figuring with knee ligament damage, though Fraizer Campbell, Bolo Zenden and John Mensah could come into contention after injuries.
Source: DSG
