Sunderland vs Tottenham team news: Ricky Alvarez makes Black Cats debut as Spurs retain Erik Lamela and Emmanuel Adebayor

Spurs boss Pochettino wants to see a better performance from his side

Tottenham defender Eric Dier (C) celebrates scoring the second goal against QPR with Argentinian midfielder Erik Lamela (GETTY IMAGES)

Sunderland manager Gus Poyet has handed a debut to star signing Ricky Alvarez ahead of this afternoon's Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur.

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The Argentine looks set to play alongside Connor Wickham up front for the Black Cats at the Stadium of Light.

Spurs, on the other hand, are looking for a positive result after the 3-0 defeat to Liverpool a fortnight ago.

Mauricio Pochettino was relatively quiet during the transfer window and has remained loyal to his troops. Erik Lamela and Emmanuel Adebayor, who had impressed before the defeat to the Reds, keep their places in the starting eleven.

Sunderland: Mannone, Vergini, van Aanholt, Brown, O'Shea (c), Cattermole, Larsson, Rodwell, Johnson, Alvarez, Wickham.

Subs: Pantilimon, Jones, Bridcutt, Gomez, Giaccherini, Buckley, Altidore.

Tottenham Hotspur: Lloris, Dier, Kaboul, Chiriches, Rose, Dembele, Capoue, Lamela, Eriksen, Chadli, Adebayor.

Subs: Vorm, Fazio, Naughton, Lennon, Stambouli, Townsend, Kane.