Tottenham Hotspur will welcome Everton to north London on Saturday. Spurs are on a two-game winning streak in the Premier League and are back in the title race.
The Londoners will begin the round just six points off first-place Arsenal.
With the Gunners playing second-place Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday night, Spurs, as well as the rest of the title challengers, can make up some room.
Everton may have been deducted 10 points by the league, but their excellent form has them moving up the Premier League standings.
The Toffees are 16th in the league and seven points above the relegation zone.
Sean Dyche’s team won their last four matches and five of the last six league games. Everton are the league’s second-most in-form team ahead of this weekend’s matches.
The defence conceded just five goals in the last six games, and the attack scored 11 times.
Tottenham only took seven points from the last 18 points on offer in the league. They scored 12 goals and conceded 10 times to their last six opponents.
Spurs won three of their last six home matches. However, they recently suffered three straight defeats playing at home.
Everton, on the other hand, are one of the league’s best away teams. The Toffees are on a four-game winning streak in matches played away from Goodison Park.
Spurs posted a record of 2W-3D-1L against Everton in their last six head-to-head encounters. Indeed, Spurs went unbeaten in 14 of their last 15 games versus Everton in all competitions.
Tottenham kept three clean sheets in their last four meetings with Everton. The clubs combined for three red cards in their last six matches.
Dyche is unlikely to have full-back Vitalii Mykolenko available due to a groin injury.
Abdoulaye Doucoure has a thigh injury and may not make the squad. Seamus Coleman, Ashley Young, and Andre Gomes are also major doubts to make the squad.
Ange Postecoglou will still be without Micky van de Ven. Rodrigo Bentancur is also still sidelined with a leg injury. Midfielder James Maddison remains out with an ankle injury.
Midfielder Yves Bissouma will miss the game due to a suspension. Full-back Destiny Udogie will also be suspended.
Brennan Johnson could be fit for the match following a head laceration.
Spurs have a strong head-to-head record against Everton, going unbeaten in 14 of the last 15 matches.
Tottenham should squeeze by Everton, with a 2-1 win at home. Heung-min Son has 10 goals this season and could get on the scoresheet once more.