Having watched every other Premier League team get their festive campaigns underway, Tottenham get their one started away at Southampton on December 28.
Manchester United now sit level on points with Spurs, while rivals Arsenal are now four clear of them in fourth place, meaning a win is vital against a tough Saints side.
Mauricio Pochettino has been boosted with the return of Toby Alderweireld and Vincent Janssen to his squad, but he remains without the progressing Erik Lamela.
Meanwhile, the Argentine may wish to rotate some of his players ahead of clashes with Watford and Chelsea, which could throw up some surprise selections.