Premier League preview: Norwich v Tottenham

A trip to Carrow Road to take on Norwich City marks the start of a very winnable period of games for Tottenham.

Harry Redknapp’s men sit third in the English Premier League, but they are nine points adrift of first-placed Manchester City – albeit with a game in hand.

They visit Norwich on Tuesday and will be hopeful they have tightened the gap on City before their next clash against Roberto Mancini’s side on January 22.

Before the trip to Etihad Stadium, Tottenham have Premier League outings against Norwich, Swansea City, West Bromwich Albion, Everton and Wolverhampton.

None of those teams are currently in the top eight, with ninth-placed Norwich their highest-placed opponent.

Emmanuel Adebayor and Gareth Bale, who have starred this season, will again need to lead the way in the probable absences of Rafael van der Vaart and Jermain Defoe.

Togo striker Adebayor, on loan from Manchester City, has been vital, having netted nine goals and assisted five others.

Van der Vaart is likely to miss the encounter after injuring his hamstring in Thursday’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea.

Defoe and defender Younes Kaboul will have to pass fitness tests if they are to make the trip, while Ledley King, Aaron Lennon, Michael Dawson and Tom Huddlestone are all out.

An undermanned Tottenham side will need to contain an in-form Norwich attacking pair.

Grant Holt and Steve Morison have combined to score 13 of Norwich’s 27 goals this season, with the latter also assisting four times to go with his six strikes.

Paul Lambert has no fresh injury worries since his side’s 2-2 draw with Wolves on Tuesday, although defender Kyle Naughton will miss through suspension.

Former Everton striker James Vaughan is likely to return in the New Year, while defender Elliott Ward could do likewise.

While Lambert’s men have had few worries up front, they have conceded 31 times and are one of two teams – Blackburn being the other – yet to keep a clean sheet in the Premier League.

Tottenham have a strong record against Norwich, having won nine of their past 12 meetings, and this shapes as an opportunity to start a winning run.