Tottenham predicted XI vs Chelsea: Roberto De Zerbi to axe Archie Gray, fringe player starts in three changes
Ben Davies could start when Tottenham face Chelsea on Saturday.
The Welshman is firmly at the lower end of Roberto De Zerbi's depth chart at both centre-back and left-back.
However, the 33-year-old may be thrust into the limelight at Stamford Bridge.
Spurs have seven players who are expected to be sidelined, but others may also miss out.
Xavi Simons, Wilson Odobert, Destiny Udogie, Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Bergvall, Mykhailo Mudryk and Savio are all injured or suspended.
Several players picked up knocks last time out, which may open the door for Davies.
How Tottenham could line-up against Chelsea
Antonin Kinsky is expected to continue between the sticks, after his 71 per cent pass accuracy against the Sky Blues.
Pedro Porro might return at right-back, with Jan Paul van Hecke returning to a more familiar centre-back role alongside Micky van de Ven, and Tosin Adarabioyo dropping out of the side.
Davies may be forced into the starting line-up with Udogie out and Andy Robertson picking up a knock against Frank Lampard's side.
The 104-cap Wales international has started once this season, in the Carabao Cup clash with Charlton in August, so it would be a rare start.
Sandro Tonali and James Maddison are predicted to retain their places in the engine room after great performances last time out.
Archie Gray, who's started all but two games in all competitions this season, might be dropped out of the line-up, with Mateus Fernandes replacing the 20-year-old in the side.
The latter was the most impressive, with the goal and nine line-breaking passes on Monday evening.
Omar Marmoush is expected to continue on the left-flank after opening his account, while Mohammed Kudus should maintain his place on the right, with Dejan Kulusevski only just returning to fitness.
Dominic Solanke is predicted to lead the line again for Spurs when they travel to face the Blues.
Why Davies may prove to be a problem for Tottenham
The potential absence of Robertson and Udogie will be a concern as Davies did not prove that he still has what it takes at the top level against Coventry.
He was once brilliant, as Micah Richards described as "outstanding" after the 4-0 victory over Manchester City in November 2024.
The Sky Sports pundit said: “He dropped off, he used his brain, that’s exactly what he did.
"He got tight when he needed to, I just thought he was outstanding."
He completed 100 per cent of his 13 pass attempts in the contest after coming off the bench in the 69th minute.
He made just two defensive contributions, with one tackle and one clearance in the victory.
One area of concern will be his ground duels, as he won just one of the three that he attempted, for a 33 per cent success rate.
Pedro Neto scored twice against Everton, so he will fancy his chances if Davies continues like that when he is one-on-one with him.
De Zerbi may have no choice but to start him, though, given his situation on the left side of defence.
Tottenham predicted XI vs Chelsea: Kinsky; Porro, Van Hecke, Van de Ven, Davies; Tonali, Fernandes, Maddison; Marmoush, Kudus, Solanke