Morning all! Sports Mole's live Premier League coverage continues from White Hart Lane as Tottenham Hotspur welcome Liverpool. The hosts have collected four points from their first two league games of the 2016-17 season, while Liverpool have three after one win and one defeat, which came at Burnley last weekend. Let's hope for an entertaining match to start the Premier League weekend!

Incredibly, Tottenham are without a win in their last seven Premier League meetings with Liverpool, losing five times in the process. What's more, Liverpool have scored 19 times in their seven-game unbeaten run against the London club, averaging 2.7 goals per game. That said, last season, both league matches finished level – 0-0 at White Hart Lane and 1-1 at Anfield. That is some run of form!

In total, these two clubs have locked horns on 165 occasions. Liverpool have won 78 of those matches, Tottenham 47 and the remaining 40 have finished level. It is a rivalry that dates back to November 1909, when Tottenham recorded a 1-0 victory on home surf in League Division One. Anyone remember that one?! Recent years have belonged to Liverpool though and the Reds have not lost at White Hart Lane in the Premier League since November 2012. Will that run continue this afternoon?

Right, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news from White Hart Lane. Who have Mauricio Pochettino and Jurgen Klopp selected to start this match? Let's have a look at the two XIs!

TEAMS!

SPURS: Vorm; Walker, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Rose; Dier, Wanyama; Eriksen, Alli, Lamela; Kane

LIVERPOOL: Mignolet; Clyne, Matip, Lovren, Milner; Henderson, Wijnaldum, Lallana; Mane, Firmino, Coutinho

Still no Hugo Lloris for Spurs as the Frenchman battles to overcome a hamstring problem and as a result, Michel Vorm continues between the sticks. There is actually just the one change from the 1-0 win over Crystal Palace last weekend, with Dele Alli replacing Vincent Janssen, which sees Harry Kane return to the number nine position. Victor Wanyama continues in the absence of Mousa Dembele.

© Getty Images

As for Liverpool, Philippe Coutinho was a big doubt for the match due to a muscular problem, but the Brazilian has been passed fit to start. It is Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane once again alongside Coutinho in the final third, leaving Daniel Sturridge on the bench. Joel Matip will make his Premier League debut at the heart of the defence, while fellow summer arrival Georginio Wijnaldum is also in the XI.

So there we have it. The two teams are in and we are now just under 40 minutes from kickoff on this pleasant late morning in the English capital. I shall speak about Liverpool and their start to the season a little bit later, but let's first discuss Tottenham, who have collected four points from their two league games this season and would go to the top of the league table with victory here.

Pochettino's side opened their 2016-17 league season with a 1-1 draw at Everton after an Erik Lamela header cancelled out an early free kick from Ross Barkley. It was a solid start to the new campaign, but their first victory arrived last weekend as summer signing Victor Wanyama scored the winner in a 1-0 success. Seven points from three matches would be a good return for Spurs.

Match Day #COYS — Victor Wanyama (@VictorWanyama) August 27, 2016

It was not exactly convincing from Tottenham last weekend, but it was important that they put their first victory on the board and they will be looking to build on that performance this afternoon. Can they challenge for the Premier League title once again? It will be very difficult due to the amount of money that their challengers have spent, but they will surely be up there once again.

One look at the Premier League table from the 2015-16 campaign would suggest that it was a brilliant year for Tottenham. While third exceeded their target at the start of the season, there is a feeling that it was an opportunity missed to claim the league title, or at least finish above rivals Arsenal.

As it transpired, they managed neither. Leicester City finished 11 points clear of Spurs at the top of the table and Arsenal grabbed second on the final weekend after Pochettino's side lost heavily at already-relegated Newcastle United. It is difficult to ascertain what the targets are for this season, but Spurs might well be up against it as they battle to balance the Premier League and Champions League.

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As for Liverpool, the Merseyside outfit opened their league season with an impressive 4-3 victory at Arsenal on the opening weekend and they were the big favourites to make it six points from a possible six ahead of their trip to Burnley last weekend. Klopp's side had an incredible 80% of the possession at Turf Moor, but goals from Sam Vokes and Andre Gray saw them lose 2-0.

It was a big blow for the Reds after their impressive victory at Arsenal and another defeat this afternoon would leave them vulnerable ahead of clashes with Premier League champions Leicester City and an improving Chelsea after the international break. They are safely through to the next stage of the League Cup, however, after a 5-0 win at Championship side Burton Albion on Tuesday night.

✌ pic.twitter.com/kGh5mPglXo — Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 25, 2016

Liverpool might have reached the final of the League Cup and Europa League last season, but they finished eighth in the Premier League table after losing 10 of their 38 matches and drawing 12 times in the process. The board will expect improvement this time around and there will be no excuses for Klopp as the German has now had the summer to bring his own players to the club.

Liverpool's away record during the 2015-16 Premier League was pretty mixed – winning eight of their 19 matches, drawing four and suffering seven defeats. This is actually their fourth straight away fixture this season as they wait for the expansion work on their new Main Stand at Anfield to be completed!

A reminder of the two teams this afternoon...

SPURS: Vorm; Walker, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Rose; Dier, Wanyama; Eriksen, Alli, Lamela; Kane

LIVERPOOL: Mignolet; Clyne, Matip, Lovren, Milner; Henderson, Wijnaldum, Lallana; Mane, Firmino, Coutinho

Here we go then - the pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium this afternoon!

KICKOFF! Tottenham get the first period underway at White Hart Lane...

... you just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital in this type of match. Both sets of supporters are in fine voice in the early exchanges and as expected, there is a good tempo early on as both teams battle for possession of the ball. Should be a cracking game.

Spurs are very much on the front foot at the moment as they continue to work the ball into wide positions. Liverpool, as expected, have set up in a defensive shape and will play on the counter-attack this afternoon. Alli goes for goal from a wide position, but his effort was always too high.

SAVE! Oh my word what a save! Cracking chance for Liverpool as Mane plays through Firmino, who sets up Coutinho inside the box, but Vorm somehow gets down to make the save!

SAVE! Spurs come close this time as Eriksen whips a free kick towards the top corner, but Mignolet shows strong hands to push the ball away for a throw. Super pace to this game here!

I predicted goals in this match - 2-2 - and the early exchanges suggest that will be the case. Neither team has looked too secure at the back and we might have already had a couple of goals. Spurs again make ground down the left as Rose delivers, but Lovren is on hand to head down-field.

Not too much from Harry Kane in the opening 10 minutes and it is worth noting that the striker has never scored a Premier League goal in the month of August, some statistic that! Liverpool continue to sit deep and attempt to play on the counter, with Mane, Coutinho and Firmino all full of ideas.

There are a few players breathing heavily out there, which is an indication of what has happened in the opening 13 minutes. I am waiting for it to settle down because it has been full-throttle so far!

Half-chance for Spurs as the ball drops to Alli on the edge of the Liverpool box, but the midfielder's effort never had the direction to cause Mignolet a problem. It was a very fast counter from the home side that caused Liverpool problems and Kane showed his power against Lovren.

Mane smashes the ball towards the bottom corner and Coutinho looks to flick into the back of the net, but the Brazilian was in an offside position. End-to-end enthralling football at the moment.

Mane is full of running for Liverpool and the former Southampton attacker looks capable of causing problems each time he breaks into the final third. Vertonghen wins the battle this time though as he sees the ball out under pressure from the wide-man. Still goalless with 16 minutes on the clock.

Just a few signs that the match is starting to settle following an end-to-end start. Coutinho finds space outside the Spurs box before having a pop, but his effort rolls well wide of the post.

Again it is super work from Vorm as the Spurs goalkeeper comes out to slide challenge Mane, who seemingly had the pace to break away from the stopper. Another excellent moment for Vorm there.

The opening 22 minutes of this match have just flown past. Despite the nature of the contest, there have not actually been too many late challenges - the game has flowed very nicely indeed. The reason I mention that now is that Alli has just been chopped to the ground in a wide position.

VORM! Vorm again flies out to challenge Mane and gets it right for a second time!

Erm - Vertonghen has just pulled Matip to the ground? That is a penalty under the new rules! Mike Dean gave two decisions at Stoke last week that were very similar indeed. Inconsistencies!

CHANCE! Another chance for Coutinho as Mane finds the Brazilian inside the Spurs box, but again it is a smart save from Vorm, who has had a very busy 26 minutes here.

SPURS SUB! Early change for the hosts as Janssen replaces Walker.

BOOKING! Rose (Spurs) is booked for a late challenge on Firmino.

Little under 15 minutes of the first period remaining at White Hart Lane and it would be fair to say that Liverpool have been the better team here. It is incredible that the score is still goalless.

Alli has a couple of chances for the home side in quick succession, but Liverpool manage to block both of the England international's attempts. Better from Spurs though as they start to threaten. I said it before and I will say it again - the first goal could be absolutely vital in this type of match.

BOOKING! Mane (Liverpool) is booked for a late challenge on Alli.

Liverpool should be ahead at White Hart Lane, there is no doubt about that. However, Spurs have managed to survive and they will fancy their chances if they can open the scoring this afternoon.

Mane is a lucky boy as the Liverpool attacker flies into Rose, having already been booked. He has given the referee a decision to make and the official has decided to keep all 22 on the field.

Sometimes, at this stage of the season, there are games in the Premier League that are a little dull as teams build towards full fitness. Well, this is not one of them. It might be goalless, but the tempo has been brilliant and both teams have had chances to make the breakthrough. Very good game!

The tempo has been taken up an extra notch once again as both teams battle for possession in the middle of the park. Not too much to report in terms of clear opportunities at the moment though.

Liverpool have a penalty as Lamela brings Firmino to the deck inside the Spurs box.

Milner finds the bottom corner with a cool penalty to send Liverpool into a 1-0 lead.

Spurs have really struggled to get going in this first period and I am sure that there will be some choice words in that dressing room at the break. We are into first-half stoppage time in London.

BOOKING! Coutinho (Liverpool) is booked for delaying a free kick.

Spurs need more from Kane in the second period. He just has not been in this match.

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Liverpool leading Spurs 1-0 at White Hart Lane courtesy of a penalty from Milner in the 43rd minute. In truth, the away side have been superior all over the park and it might have been two or three after a strong performance.

STATISTICS! Liverpool have shaded the possession with 52%, while they have had six attempts, three of which were on target. Spurs, meanwhile, hit the target with just one of their four attempts in the opening half. Three yellow cards to report, with Rose, Mane and Coutinho all in the referee's book.

BENCH WATCH! Spurs have already been forced into one change this afternoon - Janssen taking the place of the unwell Walker. Pochettino, however, still has the likes of Davies, Son and Onomah on his bench this afternoon. As for Liverpool, Divock Origi and Sturridge are among those in reserve.

HT: Tottenham Hotspur 0-1 Liverpool. Milner's penalty separates the sides. 45 minutes to turn it round. #COYS pic.twitter.com/R7VLHsNuXD — Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 27, 2016

RESTART! Here we go then. Liverpool resume the action in London...

... no changes from either side at the break, which is not too much of a surprise. However, I suspect that both managers will be considering alterations as the second period develops in London.

Wijnaldum strikes one from distance as Liverpool work the ball to the edge of the Spurs box, but the midfielder's effort was always moving wide of the target. Liverpool on the front foot once again.

Mane gets away with another late challenge on Rose and the Liverpool attacker needs to be very careful having already picked up a booking in the first period. Spurs really need to wake up here.

Eriksen lets fly from outside the Liverpool box, but his effort was always wide of the post. You just get the feeling that the home side need to score the next goal in this match. The fans are restless!

BOOKING! Vertonghen (Spurs) is booked for a foul on Mane.

CROSSBAR! Matip's header clips the top of the crossbar and bounces over after the centre-back had met a corner from Milner. Another chance for Liverpool to register here!

Vorm has to get down to keep out a low Clyne cross as Liverpool continue to create openings at White Hart Lane and the home supporters are not pleased with what they are seeing here.

GOAL DISALLOWED! Mane fires home from close range after Lallana had found the Liverpool attacker, but the flag is raised and the celebrations are cut short!

Spurs are living a charmed life at the moment as they continue to concede possession in the final third of the field. The home side just have not been able to match Liverpool in the opening hour here.

Still more than 30 minutes remaining at White Hart Lane and Spurs are still very much in this game despite struggling for long spells. A second for Liverpool, however, could mean curtains. In truth, it could already be 3-0, 4-0 for the visitors, they have been that dominant in the capital this afternoon.

CHANCE! More better from the home side as Dier sets up Eriksen just inside the Liverpool box, but the attacker can only fire wide of the post. That was at least raised the noise levels!

BOOKING! Lovren (Liverpool) is booked for dissent.

SAVE! Mignolet tips a dipping Lamela free kick over the crossbar!

SAVE! Even better save from Mignolet as the Liverpool stopper somehow gets a hand to a thumping Alderweireld header. What a save from the Belgian international there.

Much better from Spurs in the last couple of minutes as they start to up the tempo in the final third. Still more than 25 minutes left at White Hart Lane and Liverpool are wobbling a little now.

Liverpool are preparing to make their first change of the match at White Hart Lane.

LIVERPOOL SUB! Origi replaces Coutinho for the away side.

Spurs level in the 72nd minute of action as Rose collects a loose ball inside the Liverpool box before finishing into the bottom corner, somehow sneaking the ball past Mignolet at the near post!

Suddenly it is the home side on the front foot as they seek to turn this game around. Liverpool should have been out of sight, but that is football. At 1-0, anything is possible.

BOOKING! Alli (Spurs) is booked for dissent.

Little over 10 minutes of football remaining at White Hart Lane and you just get the feeling that there is another big chance in this match. Firmino has space inside the Spurs box, but Rose is on hand to make a fine block and the ball bounces away from the danger-zone. How will this end!

SPURS SUB! Onomah replaces Kane for the home team.

Dier cushions the ball to Onomah and the youngster looks to turn away inside the Liverpool box, but the offside flag is raised and Liverpool will resume this game with a free kick from Mignolet.

It is super work from Onmoah as the youngster shows excellent feet in a tight area before feeding Alli, but the favour is not returned and Liverpool once again have the ball back with Mignolet.

Spurs are the team pressing forward as we enter the final moments of this match.

LIVERPOOL SUB! Sturridge replaces Mane for Liverpool.

SAVE! Vorm makes a save from Wijnaldum after the midfielder's effort had been deflected towards the Spurs goal. Liverpool want a penalty, but the referee is not interested.

We are into the second of three additional minutes this afternoon.

Spurs almost get caught on the counter-attack, but Alderweireld comes across to challenge Lallana, who must have thought that he would have a clear shot on goal!

SPURS SUB! Eriksen is replaced by Winks for the home side.

LIVERPOOL SUB! Stewart replaces Lallana for Liverpool.

BOOKING! Matip (Liverpool) is booked for delaying a throw-in.

So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with the two teams sharing the points in a 1-1 draw. Milner opened the scoring from the penalty spot, but Rose levelled for the hosts in the 72nd minute. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to stick with us for coverage from the 3pm kickoffs in England's top flight. Super start to the weekend!