Tottenham Hotspur vs Swansea City

When Spurs and Swansea take to the field on Sunday it could officially be the start of life without Gareth Bale for the hosts, as the Welshman’s move to Real Madrid appears imminent. Despite the saga, Spurs have won both of their competitive fixtures so far this season: record signing Roberto Soldado scored the only goal away at Crystal Palace, and scored a brace as Andros Townsend impressed in the 5-0 thrashing of Tbilisi. Jan Vertonghen and Aaaron Lennon are likely to return to Andre Villas-Boas’ starting XI having missed the game in Georgia.


Swansea, too, put five past their midweek Europa League opponents, Petrolul Ploiesti, but had the unfortunate task of facing an inspired Robin van Persie performance last weekend. Marquee signing Wilfried Bony scored the Swans’ only goal in a 4-1 home defeat to the Champions, but is again unlikely to make his full Premier League debut this Sunday. Swansea’s only major injury doubt is Nathan Dyer, meaning Pablo Hernandez could take his place.

Tottenham (4-4-1-1, probable): Lloris; Walker, Dawson, Vertonghen, Rose; Lennon, Paulinho, Dembele, Chadli; Sigurdsson; Soldado.
Out: Bale (ankle/foot), Holtby (hip/thigh).
Test: Lennon (ankle).

Swansea (4-4-1-1, probable): Vorm; Rangel, Williams, Chico, Davies: Routledge, Britton, Shelvey, Hernandez; Michu, Bony.
Test: Dyer (hamstring)