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WORLD FOOTBALL

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

    Rob Blanchette@@_Rob_BX.com LogoFeatured ColumnistNovember 29, 2015

    Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, right, speaks to Diego Costa during the Champions League Group G soccer match between Chelsea and Dynamo Kiev at Stamford Bridge Stadium in London, Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2015. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
    Matt Dunham/Associated Press

    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 FC @ChelseaFC

    Chelsea subs today: Amelia, Djilobodji, Baba Rahman, Mikel, Loftus-Cheek, Kenedy, Diego Costa. #CFC

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

    Tottenham Hotspur @SpursOfficial

    #THFC team: Lloris (C), Walker, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Rose; Dier, Mason; Dembele, Eriksen, Son; Kane #COYS https://t.co/oF2wMD169J

    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.

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