Spurs vs Liverpool: Match Preview, Team News & Likely Line-Ups

Tottenham Hotspur can move level on points with opponents Liverpool by winning at White Hart Lane on Sunday. Andre Villas Boas's side have found their shooting boots in December after netting ten times in their last four outings.

Much-maligned Spanish striker Roberto Soldado silenced his critics by hitting a hat-trick in the midweek Europa League win over once wealthy Russian outfit Anzhi Makhachkala. That ensured Spurs made it a perfect six wins in the group stage.

Brendan Rodgers meanwhile takes his Reds to Tottenham knowing they have lost on each of their last five Premier League visits. There is every incentive to change that losing habit at the Lane as three points will restore the Merseysiders to second spot behind Arsenal.

Liverpool have not won an away from Anfield since the end of September, however, and have picked up just two points from the last dozen available on the road. When these sides meet in North London we get goals €“ 16 in the last five.

Team News

Hotspur head coach AVB must check on the fitness of left back Danny Rose and attacking midfielder Christian Eriksen after both players made their comebacks from injury in midweek. He also hinted that Soldado may not keep his place up front despite scoring a hat-trick.

Tottenham also remain short of options at the back. Belgian Jan Vertonghen is still missing with ankle problem whilst Frenchman Younes Kaboul (thigh) and Romania captain Vlad Chiriches (knee) are rated doubtful. Etienne Capoue could thus continue as club captin Michael Dawson's partner in central defence.

Regular right-side pair Kyle Walker and Aaron Lennon, Brazilian duo Paulinho and Sandro, and Jermain Defoe are all expected to return to the squad after being rested for the Anzhi game.

Liverpool will be without inspirational skipper Steven Gerrard, who will be out for at least a month with a hamstring injury picked up in the 4-1 win over West Ham last weekend. He joins centre half Sebastian Coates, left back Jose Enrique and striker Daniel Sturridge on the Reds treatment table.

Danish defender Daniel Agger is back from illness and midfielder Jordan Henderson has recovered from a bruised ankle. Academy graduate Jon Flanagan is likely to continue his run on the left side of the back four and Lucas Leiva may replace Joe Allen in the centre.

Likely Line-Ups

Spurs: 25 Hugo Lloris, 2 Kyle Walker, 20 Michael Dawson, 15 Etienne Capoue, 3 Danny Rose/16 Kyle Naughton, 8 Paulinho, 30 Sandro, 7 Aaron Lennon, 19 Mousa Dembele, 21 Nacer Chadli, 9 Roberto Soldado/18 Jermain Defoe 4-2-3-1

Liverpool: 22 Simon Mignolet, 2 Glen Johnson, 37 Martin Skrtel, 5 Daniel Agger/17 Mamadou Sakho, 38 Jon Flanagan, 14 Jordan Henderson, 21 Lucas Leiva/24 Joe Allen, 31 Raheem Sterling, 10 Philippe Coutinho, 12 Victor Moses, 7 Luis Suarez 4-2-3-1