Capital delight in the premier league

What you need to know:

ENGLISH PREMIERSHIP. Following the embarrassing defeat to Burnley, Liverpool look to bounce back when they return to London where they beat Arsenal on the opening weekend, and where Jurgen Klopp’s men enjoyed huge success against the big teams last term.

Tottenham host Liverpool today aiming to secure their second win of the Premier League season.

Spurs edged past Crystal Palace last time out and while Mauricio Pochettino insisted he was happy with his team’s performance, he would probably have preferred to witness a greater margin of victory.

Making the difference up front no longer rests squarely on the shoulders of Harry Kane, with Vincent Janssen also vying for a place in the front line when Jurgen Klopp’s side come to town.

But it would be a bold move not to re-install Kane as Tottenham’s attacking spearhead against a Liverpool team boasting the worst defensive record in the Premier League, as it stands.

The Merseysiders have a point to prove after being beaten by Burnley last time out but so do Spurs, with some still seemingly convinced that a second successive title challenge will not be forthcoming.

Form guide
Spurs have enjoyed a solid start to the season. One win and a draw is not to be sniffed at, especially given that Everton appear to be a resurgent force under Ronald Koeman.

But the north Londoners are not yet in full swing, with several of their key players still building up their fitness after extended breaks in the wake of Euro 2016.

Pochettino will hope the hype surrounding Champions League draw does not distract his side. Klopp does not have such a problem as Liverpool will not play in Europe this season. But optimism that a title challenge could be on the cards after beating Arsenal on the opening day has waned since a disappointing defeat at Turf Moor.

The Reds are still not the finished article and their form could continue to be patchy until Klopp has his team pulling in the same direction.

Men to watch
Dele Alli: The 20-year-old was only fit enough for the bench against Palace but made an instant impact when he was brought on in the latter stages of the game. And that is expected to be enough for the England international to secure a starring berth ahead of Vincent Janssen this week. Alli makes Spurs tick and the extra competition for places at White Hart Lane may well see him take his game to another level. His every move will be scrutinised against Liverpool given that he came close to moving to Anfield.

Sadio Mane: The Senegal international is flavour of the month at Anfield and possesses the pace to blow away any defence in the division. Mane has made a cracking start to his Liverpool career, but that could make him a marked man from now on. Pochettino will be keen to see that his side keep the 24-year-old on the fringes of the game.

TODAY’s TV FIXTURES - PREMIER LEAGUE

Tottenham vs. Liverpool SS3, 2.30PM
Watford vs. Arsenal SS3, 5PM
Chelsea vs. Burnley SS5, 5PM
Southampton vs. Sunderland SS12, 5PM
Hull City vs. Man Utd SS3, 7.30PM
TOMORROW
West Brom vs. M’brough SS3, 3.30PM
Man City vs. West Ham SS3, 6PM