At the end of a week rife with speculation about
stadium moves and changes in ownership, Mauricio Pochettino's men will
look to bounce back from their Liverpool humbling
As doubts linger over the future of their own home, Tottenham hit the road to face Sunderland in the Premier League on Saturday.Spurs announced on Wednesday that they would likely have to play home games away from White Hart Lane in the 2017-18 season as plans for a new stadium on the site are subject to a High Court challenge.
Complications surrounding a compulsory purchase order have held up the project, meaning Tottenham have been left exploring their options with regards to a temporary home, with Wembley, the Olympic Stadium and MK Dons' stadium:mk all believed to be possibilities.
The off-field distractions continued on Thursday as the club were forced to deny newspaper reports that the club was the subject of an imminent change of ownership, and head coach Mauricio Pochettino will be eager to see the focus switch back to footballing matters at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
The Argentine could hand a debut to new signing Benjamin Stambouli, who arrived from Montpellier for an undisclosed fee on transfer deadline day, and the 24-year-old says he is struggling to contain his excitement ahead of a potential Premier League bow.
"I have a lot of energy and I have to be focused on my work to play well and not to be too excited like a child," Stambouli told the club's website. "I'm very happy. The training has been hard and we've worked a lot with a lot of intensity.
"It’s been good for my preparation to play for Spurs. I have to continue to work hard to be ready and to be at the same level as the rest of the team."
Should he feature on Saturday, Stambouli will find himself confronted with a side managed by a man who once distinguished himself in the Tottenham midfield.
Poyet spent three seasons at White Hart Lane before calling time on his playing days in 2004, but insists there will be no time for sentiment as Sunderland go in search of their first win of the season.
"It is a massive game against one of my old clubs," he told reporters. "They have great players and one of the best squads in the Premier League with plenty of options.
"They also have a new manager who is a good friend which gives it something special, but it is big game for us and it will be very challenging."
After picking up draws against both West Brom and Manchester United, Sunderland suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of QPR before the international break.
It took the Black Cats until October 27 to record their first win of the 2013-14 campaign and Poyet will be keen to avoid waiting so long this time around, but the Uruguayan will be well aware that his side have not beaten Tottenham in their last 10 attempts.
Roberto Soldado (neck) is a doubt for Tottenham, while Kyle Walker remains sidelined after undergoing abdominal surgery earlier this month. Sunderland have no reported injury concerns.
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