Matt Dunham/Associated Press

Tottenham vs. Chelsea: Starting XIs, Teams from 2015 Premier League Match

Rob Blanchette

Diego Costa is on the substitutes' bench for Chelsea's visit to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Sunday.

The Blues confirmed their team for the clash at White Hart Lane on their official Twitter account:

Chelsea team v Tottenham: Begovic; Ivanovic (c), Zouma, Cahill, Azpilicueta; Fabregas, Matic; Willian, Oscar, Pedro; Hazard. #CFC

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) November 29, 2015

Spurs are without the suspended England international Dele Alli for the contest, per their official Twitter account:

Costa has been out of form for Chelsea this term after a great campaign last season, and it appears manager Jose Mourinho has fresh ideas for his attack.

The Guardian's Dominic Fifield said tensions are brewing between the Special One and Costa, and the coach will consider replacing the Spain striker with a new capture in January. Sunday's team news reinforces the idea that the former Atletico Madrid player has fallen out of favour with Mourinho. 

The Chelsea boss opted for a fluid front four against Spurs, allowing Eden Hazard to interchange with Pedro Rodriguez at the point of the attack. He will also hope to have fixed the weaknesses in midfield that have been present this term.

Tim Ireland/Associated Press

The hosts are in a rich vein of form at present, Harry Kane recapturing the scoring touch that lit up the Premier League last season.

The England striker has 10 goals in 16 starts in the league and Europe combined this term, according to WhoScored.com, and he will be the man most likely to cause Mourinho and his players further misery. 

The champions will be provided with a litmus test at the Lane, and defeat will see Mourinho's position put under further scrutiny. 

However, a surprise victory would reinvigorate the Blues before the busy Christmas period kicks in and would bolster Chelsea's chances of a top-four finish in the league.

   

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