Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham face another long wait to return to Premier League action for a third consecutive London derby. Spurs have beaten Fulham and Crystal Palace in the last 10 days and they will now welcome Chelsea and former manager Mauricio Pochettino to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Monday, November 6.
Following a 2-1 win at Selhurst Park, the Lilywhites went five points clear at the top of the table, however it was for less than 24 hours. On Saturday, Arsenal, who are also unbeaten in the league, picked up another three points after thrashing Sheffield United, with Manchester City and Liverpool also closing the gap after 3-0 wins over Manchester United and Nottingham Forest, respectively.
Heading into gameweek 11, just three points separates the top four and Tottenham could lose their spot at the summit with all three teams in action over the weekend where wins will take them above Postecoglou's side. However, Arsenal and Liverpool must first navigate the Carabao Cup fourth round while Spurs and Manchester City have a free week after being knocked out in the previous round.
The Gunners travel to West Ham before then facing a tough clash at Newcastle on Saturday evening. Liverpool meanwhile, head to Bournemouth with another away game then set for the weekend against Luton. Therefore, both teams have to play 90 minutes before their next Premier League encounters which could affect them in two ways.
Changes for the cup could be rife and therefore a loss for either side is plausible which would cause a setback to any momentum built. Alternatively, going strong and winning may result in some injuries or fatigue setting in to the important first-team players which might impact their weekend displays.
Ange Postecoglou
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