Every game is a must win for Tottenham Hotspur, but Sunday's road trip against Sunderland, in particular, is a chance to make a statement. For the first time, Roberto De Zerbi will roll up as the Spurs manager, and he has a lot of work to do, seeing as how Spurs are just one point above the Premier League relegation battle and coming off a horrendous 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest to go behind their opponents in the relegation race.
In a stroke of fortune for Spurs and a stoke of misfortune for the Black Cats, De Zerbi will not have to face two defensive stalwarts who have helped pull up Sunderland to being one of the Premier League's biggest overperformers as a promoted EFL Championship side that is nowhere near the same relegation fight Spurs find themselves in.
According to a report from the Sunderland Echo's Phil Smith, goalkeeper Robin Roefs - once rumored as a possible Spurs transfer target to replace Guglielmo Vicario - and another breakout star in center back Dan Ballard are seen as doubts for the Tottenham game. In fact, Smith terms Ballard as a "major doubt" for the match. He does believe that Roefs could be in play this weekend and has optimism for the Dutch shot stopper, but when it comes to Ballard, even he does not think it is worth it for Sunderland to risk him.
Tottenham's attack needs to wake up
As evidenced by the Tottenham Hotspur transfer interest in him, Roefs has been one of the top goalkeepers in the Premier League this season and at the heart of Sunderland impressing. He has one of the best save percentages in the English top flight and has already been a leader for them.
Meanwhile, Ballard is a towering presence and just as impressive, defending at a high level alongside the likes of Nordi Mukiele. And he has proven useful on offense, too, good for the occasional decisive goal to aid the cause.
With Mohammed Kudus potentially coming back for Tottenham, even if only in a bench role as he eases his way back from a hamstring issue, the Spurs attack could be in for a real treat on Sunday and no excuse for Roberto De Zerbi to not get a point. Though Sunderland are better than Spurs this season, Tottenham have a more expensive squad, a fancy new manager, and now may not have to face two of Sunderland's best players.