Tottenham Hotspur will attempt to consolidate their place in the top four of the Premier League when they welcome a struggling Reading outfit to White Hart Lane on Tuesday.

Spurs' 2-1 success over Sunderland last time out temporarily moved the club into third spot in the table, but Chelsea's victory over Everton on Sunday dropped the side into fourth position.

They have lost just one of their last five matches in the Premier League and currently sit three points higher than London rivals Arsenal, although Arsene Wenger's side have a game in hand.

Reading, meanwhile, currently occupy 19th spot in the table, but three points against West Ham United on Saturday moved them off the bottom and within five points of safety.

They have lost three of their last five matches in the league, but have shown recent signs of improvement with their performances against Manchester City and Swansea City, where they gained a point.

Spurs are expected to name the same side that started against Sunderland last time out, meaning that Scott Parker and Clint Dempsey will have to settle for a spot on the bench once more.

Reading could also name the same team that beat West Ham, but Sean Morrison is expected to be recalled to the defence at the expense of Adrian Mariappa.

Recent form:

Tottenham: LWDWW
Reading: LLLDW

Possible lineups:

Tottenham: Lloris; Walker, Dawson, Caulker, Naughton; Lennon, Dembele, Sandro, Bale; Defoe, Adebayor

Reading: Federici; Gunter, Pearce, Morrison, Harte; Karacan, Leigertwood, McAnuff, Guthrie, Kebe; Pogrebnyak

Sports Mole says: 3-0

Previews by email