What should have been the season's curtain raiser for both clubs could now be recast as a campaign-defining game for Spurs.

Victory in a fixture postponed due to August's riots would see Tottenham draw level with Manchester United - just three points shy of leaders Manchester City - and confirm them as equal partners in a three-way race for the title.

The game will also offer an important indicator as to whether Spurs have deep enough playing resources to sustain a challenge.

Injuries to key players mean Harry Redknapp will be denied the luxury of fielding his strongest XI. While no-one can doubt the quality of his first-choice side, it remains to be seen whether the supporting cast are good enough to keep Tottenham in the hunt.

They will meet substantial resistance in the shape of an Everton side that badly needs a response to a limp performance against Bolton in their last league game.

David Moyes' men will be determined to rediscover the discipline and organisation which has seen them repeatedly punch above the club's declining financial weight in the Premier League.

Their manager also has an impressive record against Redknapp.

All points to a tight affair at the Lane.

Head-to-head




• Everton manager David Moyes has only lost three of 15 league matches against teams managed by Harry Redknapp.



• Spurs have beaten Everton just once in their last eight Premier League games - a 2-1 victory at White Hart Lane in February 2010. .



Tottenham


• Spurs have won 13 of their first 19 league games - the only time they won more was in 1960-61 (17) when they won the league.



• Tottenham have scored in 18 consecutive Premier League games - their best record in the league era.



• Harry Redknapp's side are unbeaten in eight home league games since August's 5-1 defeat by Manchester City.



• They have kept seven clean sheets in the league this season - one less than they kept during the entire 2010-11 Premier League campaign.



• Spurs have conceded 999 Premier League goals.



Everton


• David Moyes is one short of his 150th Premier League victory as Everton manager. He will become the fourth manager to reach this milestone in the division after Sir Alex Ferguson (486), Arsene Wenger (337) and Harry Redknapp (220).



• The Toffees have won more games away from home in the Premier League (four) than at Goodison (three) this season.



• Everton have failed to win any of their nine league games against top-half clubs this season (two draws and seven defeats) - the worst record in the division.



• Tim Howard is in line to make his 250th Premier League start.