Good evening! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for tonight's midweek Premier League clash between Champions League hopefuls Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur. Both sides come into this game off the back of a local derby and now face one of their big rivals for a top-four spot to complete an important few days. A win would do wonders for either side, so we should be in for an intriguing encounter here. Let's start with a look at the hosts...

Liverpool's hopes of claiming a second consecutive season back in the Premier League have been steadily growing over the past month or so, and they come into this match with the chance to move within two points of fourth-placed Manchester United for 24 hours at least. The Reds have improved as the campaign has gone on and, just as a strong second half to last season saw them launch a title bid, a good second half of this term could see them clinch that lucrative place in the top four.

Indeed, they come into this match as the Premier League's form team having picked up more points (14) in their last six outings than any other side in the top flight. They are eight games unbeaten in the league now - the longest current run in the division - during which time they have won five games and drawn three. They are also the only team still yet to taste a Premier League defeat in 2015.

Perhaps the most pleasing aspect of that eight-game unbeaten run in the league will be Liverpool's vastly improved defensive record in recent weeks. Saturday's 0-0 draw with Everton provided Brendan Rodgers's side with their fourth consecutive clean sheet, a far cry from the earlier stages of the campaign. In fact, it is a long time since they have boasted such a good record, and tonight they are bidding to make it five league clean sheets in a row, something they haven't managed since 2007.

Liverpool have also been involved in a lot of cup action recently, narrowly missing out on a place in the final of the League Cup and progressing to the FA Cup fifth round by the skin of their teeth. Their record in all competitions now stands at just one defeat in their last 14 games, a run that stretches back to December 14, when they lost to Manchester United at Old Trafford. The solitary defeat since then came against Chelsea after extra time too, so that loss to United is their only one inside 90 minutes since November, a run of 20 games.

The most recent of those games came just three days ago as Liverpool made the short trip to Goodison Park for the Merseyside derby. In truth, it was something of an anti-climax in the end as the Reds played out a goalless draw with Everton in what was certainly not a derby for the ages. Jordon Ibe came closest to breaking the deadlock having been handed a surprise start, but his 30-yard piledriver came back off the post.

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Liverpool are back in the red half of Merseyside tonight, though, and it is fair to say that they have had a rather mixed time of things at Anfield in recent weeks. On the one hand, their run of nine matches without defeat in front of their own fans is a good one, but no fewer than six of those games have ended as draws. They are certainly a tough team to beat at Anfield - only Chelsea and Real Madrid have managed it since September, a run of 17 games - but Rodgers will want his side to pick up more points at home.

Rodgers celebrated his 100th Premier League game in charge of Liverpool during the Merseyside derby, and the draw provided him with his 184th point at the helm. Victory would have made him the joint most successful manager to reach 100 Premier League games at the Anfield helm, but as it is his tally is two behind Rafael Benitez, who picked up 186 points in his first 100 matches in charge.

The Liverpool boss has certainly enhanced his reputation since taking the Anfield job, and Mauricio Pochettino is beginning to do the same at Tottenham Hotspur having seemingly overcome a tricky start to life at White Hart Lane. The Argentine received lots of plaudits for his stint at Southampton, but things were not entirely straightforward for him during his opening months at Spurs, including a 3-0 home defeat to tonight's opponents back in August.

Spurs have turned a corner over the past month or so, though, and currently sit in pole position when it comes to the chasing pack for the top four. Southampton are the surprise contenders this season but, of those expected to launch a bid - Spurs, Arsenal and Liverpool - it is Pochettino's side who are currently best placed. Indeed, victory tonight would lift them up to third in the table for 24 hours at least - remarkably just two points adrift of Manchester City in second.

They will be full of confidence that they can get the result too having already beaten Chelsea and Arsenal in 2015. Only Liverpool sit above Spurs in the form table thank to just one defeat in their last 10 Premier League outings, a run that has seen them win seven of those games. That solitary defeat came at the hands of a Pardew-inspired Crystal Palace, but that is the only blotch on an otherwise perfect copybook over their last five games.

The victories against Chelsea and Arsenal both came at White Hart Lane, but Spurs have actually been better on their travels so far this season. They average more points per game away from home than they do in front of their own fans and have won five of their last seven league games on the road. In all competitions they have only lost one of their last six away games, but their recent 3-0 win at West Bromwich Albion is also their only victory in their last four.

One of the features of Tottenham's side this season has been their ability to rescue points from losing positions. It isn't a trait Pochettino will want to be necessary, with his side having fallen behind in games too often for his liking, but it has certainly helped them to launch a bid for the top four. They have picked up 15 points from games in which they have been losing so far, and the crucial goals have often come late in games. They have picked up 12 points with goals in the final five minutes of games, which is twice as many as any other side.

The most recent of those was, of course, Saturday's dramatic North London derby. Mesut Ozil's goal put the Gunners into the lead at White Hart Lane, but Harry Kane's brace - including a fabulous winning header in the 86th minute - clinched all three points for Spurs. They will be full of confidence after that victory, which saw them leapfrog Arsenal in the table.

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Incidentally, Tottenham's record on Tuesday's in the Premier League is not great. They have only won one of their last eight away league games on a Tuesday night, losing six of those. Liverpool, on the other hand, have only lost one of their last 14 Premier League home games on a Tuesday, winning nine and drawing four.

TEAM NEWS: The teams are in for both sides, and the headline news is that Daniel Sturridge returns to the starting lineup for the first time since the reverse fixture between these two sides in August. He replaces the injured Sterling, while Ibe continues in the side as Lallana once again misses out. Spurs, meanwhile, are unchanged from the side that beat Arsenal on Saturday. Full teams for both sides coming right up...

LIVERPOOL STARTING XI: Mignolet; Can, Skrtel, Sakho; Moreno, Gerrard, Henderson, Markovic; Coutinho, Ibe; Sturridge

LIVERPOOL SUBS: Ward, Johnson, Lovren, Lambert, Lallana, Allen, Balotelli

SPURS STARTING XI: Lloris; Walker, Dier, Vertonghen, Rose; Bentaleb, Mason; Lamela, Dembele, Eriksen; Kane

SPURS SUBS: Vorm, Davies, Fazio, Chadli, Paulinho, Townsend, Soldado

What can we make of those two teams, then? Well, the obvious place to start is with Daniel Sturridge, whose return to the starting lineup is a huge boost for Liverpool. He has made three sub appearances since coming back from a five-month injury layoff, scoring one goal in that time, and tonight's first start is another milestone in his long-awaited recovery. His last start for the Reds came against Spurs back in August, when he terrorised the defence at times as the Reds ran out comfortable 3-0 winners. That was also Mario Balotelli's debut for Liverpool and, while it hasn't worked out for him since, he enjoyed a good game himself then. The Italian is back on the bench tonight, with Raheem Sterling missing through a foot injury.

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Coutinho has shaken off an injury to start tonight and, with the exception of a rather subdued performance against Everton on Saturday, the Brazilian has been in brilliant form in recent weeks. Both Rodgers and compatriot Neymar have tipped Coutinho to fill the void left by Suarez, and he will once again be key tonight. Alongside him, Jordon Ibe moves further forward having played in the right wing-back role on Saturday, and the youngster will be looking to impress again following a good performance against Everton in which he so nearly scored a wonder goal.

An injury to Lucas that forced him off early against Everton means that Gerrard drops back into midfield, playing this third game in the space of a week. If it counts for anything, the skipper has scored five goals in his last three Premier League appearances on a Tuesday, scoring in each one of those matches too. He is joined in the middle once again by Henderson, while Markovic returns to the starting lineup on the opposite flank to Moreno.

There are no changes at the back as Liverpool again opt for the three central defenders that have served them well so far since their change of formation. They are bidding for a fifth consecutive league clean sheet, a clear indication of their recent improvement in defence. That also applies to Mignolet, who is looking increasingly confident since his return to the starting lineup and is beginning to show the sort of form that Liverpool expect from him.

Liverpool's clean sheet record won't have come up against a player in the sort of form that Harry Kane finds himself in this season, though. The young striker has been a revelation since breaking into the first team, with his brace against Arsenal taking him to 22 goals in all competitions this season - more than any other Premier League player. Twelve of those have come in the top flight, which is already more than Tottenham's top scorer from last season (Adebayor, 11), while 10 of those 12 have come in nine starts. His recent form stands at 11 goals in his last 14 appearances, while he is the top Premier League scorer in 2015 with seven.

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Of course, if Kane doesn't get you, the chances are that Christian Eriksen will. The Dane has also been in tremendous form this season and, along with Chelsea's Eden Hazard, is the top scoring midfielder in the Premier League with nine. Kane and Eriksen have contributed 21 goals between them in Tottenham's last 21 Premier League games, while Spurs have not won a match without at least one of them getting on the scoresheet since August.

Further back, Lamela and Dembele both continue in the side despite Chadli pushing for a recall having spent the last two matches as a sub since his return from compassionate leave. Dier also retains his place at the back despite rumours that Fazio may be recalled, while Lloris - every bit as important as Kane and Eriksen at the other end - captains the team from in goal once again.

PREDICTION: We're 10 minutes away from kickoff at Anfield, which leans that it is time for a prediction! Both of these sides are in such good form and there is so much riding on this game that it is a very tough one to call. The presence of Sturridge is a huge boost for the hosts, but his potential future England striking partner Kane is always a danger in this form. It really could go either way, but I'm going to lean towards the hosts and go for a 2-1 victory for Liverpool.

It certainly is an intriguing encounter tonight and could very well have a big say on the race for a Champions League place. Find out what the Sports Mole sofa had to say about the match in our video preview below:

In addition to their Champions League ambitions, Tottenham could be forgiven for having revenge on their minds as well tonight. They have been on the end of some thumpings by Liverpool recently, with the aggregate score in their last three meetings being 12-0 to the Reds. They won 5-0 at White Hart Lane and 4-0 here at Anfield last season in addition to their 3-0 victory earlier this season. Indeed, the Reds are looking for their fifth consecutive win over Spurs tonight.

Tottenham's record at Anfield alone makes for even worse reading for those of a Spurs disposition. They have only won one of their last 20 league trips to the red half of Merseyside, losing 13 in that time, while from 71 visits to Anfield in the league over the years they have only emerged victorious six times. Can they make it lucky number seven tonight?

There are three other Premier League fixtures taking place tonight, including Arsenal hosting Leicester and a couple of big games at the bottom of the table. I will keep you up to date with major events from those games - which are all already underway - as and when they happen.

KICKOFF: Here we go then! Liverpool get us underway in this huge match in regards to the Champions League places. Who will steal a march over one of their top-four rivals?

One early thing to note is that Ibe appears to once again be playing in a right wing-back role, while Markovic is the man filling in behind Sturridge. We expected that to be the other way round, but Rodgers was obviously impressed by the youngster's performance in that position on Saturday.

UPDATE: The first goal in the Premier League games tonight has gone in at the Stadium of Light, where QPR could be on course to finally improve their woeful away form. They have taken the lead against Sunderland through Leroy Fer.

Back at Anfield, Spurs have their first shot of the day, but it isn't one Rose will want to remember for long. Lamela plays the ball square to the full-back, who is put off by Ibe and subsequently shanks his effort a long way off target.

A minor penalty shout for Spurs as Kane runs down the right channel before going over the challenge of Mignolet, who had needlessly come off his line. There was contact between the keeper and Kane, but the ball was on its way out anyway and it would have been a very soft penalty to give.

CHANCE! The clearest chance of the night so far falls to Sturridge, who pounces on a loose pass and races through on goal. He easily has enough pace to stay in front of Dier, but he can't get enough power on his subsequent shot as Lloris makes the save.

CLOSE! Some bright play from Ibe wins Liverpool a free kick in a very dangerous position, and it is Gerrard who steps up to take it. His shot is a good one, but it flies narrowly over the crossbar. I'm not sure Lloris would have been getting to that one!

A hint of a chance for Liverpool as Sakho plays Moreno in down the left before cutting the ball back for Markovic. It arrives at the winger quickly, though, and he can't steer his effort on target as it flies over the top.

CHANCE! Another chance for Sturridge to mark his first start back with a goal! The ball drops to the striker inside the box after good work from Ibe and Markovic, and he fires an instinctive left-footed strike towards the bottom corner. However, Lloris gets down quickly to make a superb reaction save.

First blood goes to Liverpool! Moments after Mason draws a save from Mignolet, Liverpool break up the other end with Sturridge finding Markovic. From that point on, the summer signing goes himself and, despite his final shot not being the best, it finds its way past Lloris and into the bottom corner. Lloris is one of the best keepers in the league, but he really should have done better with that one.

Yet again Tottenham find themselves behind, then. They have been the comeback kings of the Premier League so far this season and look to launch a quick response here as Vertonghen strides out of defence before finding Eriksen, whose shot is well blocked by Can.

UPDATES: It has been a cracking game here at Anfield, and the goals are flowing elsewhere too. Hull have taken the lead against Aston Villa through Nikica Jelavic in what is a huge match at the bottom, while Laurent Koscielny has given Arsenal the lead against Leicester.

CHANCE! Yet another gift for Sturridge! This time it is Bentaleb who plays the loose ball that sets Sturridge through on goal, but Dier tracks him all the way and makes a vital last-ditch challenge to block the striker's effort. Spurs can't afford to keep giving him those chances, though.

It really has been a good opening 20 minutes or so to this match. Both teams are looking to get on the front foot whenever possible and it has been very open so far. I would be very surprised if we had seen the last of the goals in this one.

The confidence is clearly flowing through Kane at the moment, and he has just gone for goal from the halfway line, trying to catch Mignolet out. It doesn't come off, but that is just a sign of how he is feeling right now. You wouldn't put anything past him.

YELLOW CARD! The first card of the evening is shown to Mason for an untidy challenge on Markovic in midfield.

The man just can't stop scoring! Kane levels things up for Spurs following some fine build-up play between Eriksen and Lamela. The latter finds the striker with a lovely reverse pass that leaves Sakho on the floor, and Kane takes it in his stride well before firing a low effort under Mignolet, who perhaps could have done better.

YELLOW CARD! Eriksen is the second name in the referee's book tonight for dragging down Ibe following a tussle between the two midfielders.

Liverpool break forward through Markovic, who finds himself in plenty of space down the right flank. He plays the ball across to Henderson, who in turn finds Coutinho, but the Brazilian sees his 20-yard effort blocked. The ball bounces back to Henderson, but he too sees a shot blocked before it can test Lloris.

Decent chance for Markovic as yet another loose pass almost gifts Liverpool a clear sight at goal. This time Eriksen is the guilty culprit and Markovic collects the ball with Lloris a long way off his line. However, his touch is poor and the opening goes begging.

UPDATES: News of a couple of other goals to bring you: Arsenal have doubled their advantage against Leicester through a Theo Walcott strike, while QPR are two up against Sunderland through Bobby Zamora. Could tonight be the night they pick up their first away points of the season?

The match has been played at a great tempo, with neither side interested in taking the sting out of things so far. Both are playing with confidence borne out of their recent good form and look dangerous almost every time they come forward.

SAVE! More bright play from Ibe as he picks the ball up on the right flank and drives infield towards the edge of the box. It opens up for the youngster to have a shot and he obliges, but Lloris is there to make the save.

YELLOW CARD! Skrtel becomes the first Liverpool player in the book for a trip on Kane on the halfway line.

Kane looks to be in again here as Mason pokes a lovely through-ball to him. The striker is thwarted by Mignolet, but it wouldn't have counted anyway as the flag was up.

Brilliant play from Kane as, having lost the ball, he races all the way back into his own area to dispossess Sturridge as he looked to cut inside onto his dangerous left foot.

There will be a minimum of two minutes added time at the end of what has been a really good first half.

YELLOW CARD! Sakho gets in a real muddle on the left touchline and, with Dembele having stolen possession off him, the Liverpool man almost rugby tackles him to the floor. No doubt about that booking.

OFF THE POST! Sturridge is inches away from giving Liverpool the lead back in spectacular fashion! Ibe does well down the right and fires his low cross into the middle. Tottenham's attempted clearance hits another white shirt and bounces to Sturridge who, with his back to goal, produces a back-heel that comes off the post. Almost a special goal for the Liverpool man.

Phil Dowd brings an end to a thoroughly entertaining first half at Anfield, and we're all square at 1-1 between Liverpool and Tottenham. Both sides have played the game at a really good tempo with the emphasis on free-flowing, attacking football. That has made for a very good game and, of the second half is anything like the first, it would be a big surprise if this game ended 1-1.

It was Liverpool who opened the scoring after just 15 minutes when Sturridge found Markovic, who worked a yard to shoot before picking out the bottom corner. In truth, it wasn't the best shot from the winger and Hugo Lloris, who had earlier made a fine stop, should have done a lot better as it trickled past him and into the net.

The lead lasted a little over 10 minutes before Spurs came up with a response, and there are no prizes for guessing who got the goal. Lamela's reverse pass found Kane inside the box, and he drilled his effort underneath Mignolet who, like Lloris at the other end, perhaps should have done better. It was Kane's 23rd goal of the season.

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Liverpool so nearly regained the lead in the dying stages of the first half as Daniel Sturridge hit the woodwork with one of the last actions of the opening 45 minutes. Spurs failed to deal with Ibe's cross into the middle and the ball fell to Sturridge, whose back-heel struck the post. Sturridge has been heavily involved so far and will feel that he should have his own name on the scoresheet having been gifted a few chances by errant Tottenham passing.

Sturridge's best chance of the match came from good build-up play, though, as Ibe and Markovic combined to tee up the striker inside the box. He hit a first-time effort with his stronger left foot from no more than 10 yards out, only to be denied by a superb Hugo Lloris stop.

The best chances of the half - with the exception of Tottenham's goal - have fallen to Liverpool, but the visitors have looked dangerous as well. Lamela has looked like a creative force, while Kane is a constant danger in and around the Liverpool box. At the other end, Coutinho hasn't quite been at the races so far, but this is the sort of match that he could really thrive in if he can produce his best form in the next 45 minutes. There is space for him to operate in as well as space behind the Spurs defence for Sturridge to run into.

KICKOFF: Spurs get us back underway for a huge 45 minutes in the race for a Champions League place. You'd say that a win is more important for Liverpool here, so expect the hosts to go for it in this second half.

UPDATE: Could there be a comeback on at the Emirates? Leicester have halved the deficit against Arsenal courtesy of Andrej Kramaric's first goal for the club. It is 2-1 there now.

Almost a chance for Kane as he times his run well to pick the ball up in the penalty area. He tries to hit it on the turn, but Sakho is there to make an important block and deny the young striker yet another goal.

Liverpool have their lead back, and it is Gerrard who gets his 10th of the season, two of which have now come from the spot against Spurs. It is Sturridge who wins the spot kick as he jinks in between a couple of challenges before tumbling over the leg of Rose. It looks like the assistant is the man who gives the decision, and it is the right one as replays show that Rose did not get the ball and tripped the player. Gerrard steps up and places it into the corner, with Lloris getting a touch.

SAVE! What a stop this is from Mignolet to maintain Liverpool's lead! Some good work from Mason eventually sees the ball fall for Lamela on the edge of the box, and the Argentine unleashes a thunderbolt of an effort towards the top corner. However, Mignolet responds brilliantly to tip the effort over the top with a world-class save.

Spurs have the chance to break as Coutinho gives the ball away in a dangerous area. The visitors have a two-on-one situation but Lamela chooses the wrong pass, partly due to Skrtel not committing to either player. Kane almost gets a sight of goal regardless, but it is well blocked.

Tottenham have piled the pressure on since that second Liverpool goal, and the hosts are needing to weather the storm a little here. A one-goal lead never really feels safe against this Tottenham side, so Rodgers will want his team to get another for a bit of breathing space here.

YELLOW CARD! Gerrard is the latest name in the book for a foul on Kane, and it is a harsh one as the Liverpool skipper got the ball. There may be more punishment to come as Eriksen is standing over this one...

It has been a good response from Spurs, and they have their second equaliser of the night as a result! Eriksen's free kick is a very good one and draws a save from Mignolet, who parries it away. Kane collects the rebound and fires a cross into the middle that Dembele bundles in from close range. There is a question over offside, however, as Kane looked to be a fraction off when the initial free kick was taken.

Liverpool have the chance to break quickly with Coutinho threading the ball through for Markovic, who only has Rose between him and the goal. Sturridge is on the far side and Markovic opts to try to find his teammate when he would have been better served going alone.

YELLOW CARD! Another yellow card, and another harsh one as Dembele goes into the book for a trip on Moreno. Phil Dowd has been very quick to his pocket tonight.

UPDATE: Hull have doubled their advantage against Aston Villa and it is N'Doye who has his first goal for the club. What a huge result that would be for the Tigers.

PENALTY SHOUT! Another big penalty shout for Liverpool as Coutinho threads a pass down the left channel for Sturridge, who goes down under the challenge of Dier. It is a risky tackle from the defender, who went in from behind, but he got the ball.

LIVERPOOL SUB: Gerrard seems to have picked up a slight hamstring injury and that spells the end of the Liverpool skipper's game. He departs to be replaced by Dejan Lovren, which should see Can move into midfield.

SPURS SUB: The visitors also make a change in midfield as Mason makes way to be replaced by Paulinho.

SAVE! Decent sight of goal for Liverpool as Coutinho pokes a pass through for Moreno, who scored in the reverse fixture between the two sides. He tries to beat Lloris at his near post this time, however, and Lloris gets down to make the save.

A little under 20 minutes remaining in this one and there is still the sense that we haven't seen the last of the drama here. Can either side find a winner?

YELLOW CARD! Walker goes into the book for a foul on Can, bringing him down from behind and then leaving a stray boot on the young Liverpool man.

LIVERPOOL SUB: Sturridge's evening is over as he continues to make his way back to full fitness. He is replaced by Balotelli, who is still searching for his first Premier League goal for Liverpool.

Walker requires treatment here as he goes down clutching his jaw following that earlier tussle with Can, who just caught the full-back in the face just before he was fouled. The Tottenham man will be fine to continue, though.

Liverpool have a chance to break as Ibe collects the ball on the right and drives forward, with Balotelli producing some good movement in front of him. The duo try to combine with a one-two, but Rose gets back to knock it behind for a corner.

LIVERPOOL SUB: A third and final Liverpool change as Adam Lallana comes on in place of Markovic, who opened the scoring tonight.

SPURS SUB: The visitors respond with a change of their own and it won't be Eriksen getting any late winner this time as he departs to be replaced by Nacer Chadli.

The wait is finally over! Mario Balotelli breaks his Premier League duck and he has done it at a crucial moment! Ibe pokes a clever ball through for Lallana on the right channel and he drills the ball right into the six-yard box, where Balotelli is waiting. The Italian simply can't miss from there, and he makes no mistake from close range. How big could that goal prove to be, both for Liverpool and Balotelli's season?

SPURS SUB: The visitors respond to going behind with their third and final change of the match as Roberto Soldado comes on in place of Dembele.

Can Spurs muster any response now? They have won 12 points from the final five minutes of matches, remember, so this one will not be over until the final whistle goes. Spurs have already come from behind twice tonight, and they will need to do it once more if they are to get anything out of this one.

YELLOW CARD! Paulinho is the latest player to see a flash of yellow for an attempt to impede Lallana.

Can bursts forward from midfield and it all opens up for him to have a shot, but he horribly shanks his effort and it is on the way out for a throw before Balotelli breaks his neck to keep it in. Great desire from Balotelli, who looks like a different player after that goal.

There will be a minimum of four minutes added time for Spurs to find a third equaliser. Meanwhile, Phil Dowd pulls play back after a ludicrously long advantage, giving Spurs a free kick on the other side of the field when Liverpool had won the ball back in a good position.

YELLOW CARD! Kane is the eighth man in the book for a few words out of place to Sakho and Skrtel.

Liverpool hold out after some heavy pressure to pick up a crucial victory in the race for the Champions League places. It was a cracking match from start to finish, with Liverpool taking the lead three times and eventually being able to hold on to it. Spurs played their part in a very entertaining game, but it is Liverpool who come away with the points.

The opening goal came through Lazar Markovic as his shot found a way past Hugo Lloris, who should have done better with the effort. Mignolet may also feel that he could have done more to keep out Harry Kane's equalising goal a little over 10 minutes later as the two sides went into the break all square. Steven Gerrard's penalty was then cancelled out by a Dembele's close-range finish in the second half, before Mario Balotelli stoke the headlines with his first league goal for Liverpool to give them the points.

Right, that is all we have time for this evening! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for what was a thrilling clash between two top-four rivals. It is Liverpool who come away with the spoils courtesy of Balotelli's late strike as they move to within three points of the Champions League places. I will leave you with our match report, and be sure to stick around for reaction, analysis and player ratings. There are more games on offer for you tomorrow, and you can find each one covered with us. From me, though, it is goodbye for now!