When these two met in September, Tottenham extinguished Liverpool's early-season optimism by sauntering to a 4-0 win with a brutally dominant display at White Hart Lane.

It took Spurs just 90 minutes to expose any hopes the visitors had of mounting a title challenge as being hopelessly misplaced. At the same time, Harry Redknapp's side offered fresh evidence that they could be real contenders.

Events have conspired to set up a similar back story as the two teams prepare to meet at Anfield.

After a humbling defeat at Bolton a fortnight ago, Liverpool have shown signs of improvement. Having disposed of the two Manchester clubs in the cups, they powered to a convincing win in the league at Molineux. Those results, along with the return of Luis Suarez from suspension, will naturally raise hopes among the Reds faithful once more. A Champions League place is their central aim.

But that optimism will again be tested by a Spurs side whose ambitions have blossomed into the firm reality that, while still outsiders for the title, they are the only genuine challengers beyond Manchester. Victory at Anfield would embolden Tottenham even further, while dragging Liverpool back towards square one again.

Head-to-head



• Spurs are looking to complete a Premier League double over Liverpool for the second consecutive season.



• Liverpool have won just one and lost four of their last five Premier League meetings with Tottenham.



• Tottenham's 2-0 win last May was their only Premier League victory in 17 visits to Anfield.



Liverpool



• Liverpool are unbeaten in the league at Anfield this season but have been held to seven draws - the club's most ever at this stage of a top-flight campaign.



• Jamie Carragher has scored three Premier League goals for Liverpool - equal to the number of own goals he has scored for Spurs against Liverpool.



• Their tally of 14 Premier League goals at home is their fewest at this point in a season since 2001-02.



• Craig Bellamy has scored in each of his last four Premier League starts - a total of five goals.



• Kenny Dalglish has won five and lost five games against Spurs as a Premier League manager.



• Daniel Agger is in line to make his 100th Premier League start.



Tottenham



• Tottenham have scored in their last 22 Premier League games, the longest run by any club within a single season since 2007-08.



• Harry Redknapp has won just two of 28 Premier League visits to Merseyside.



• Spurs' tally of 49 points from 23 games is their best ever in the Premier League.



• Emmanuel Adebayor has scored three goals in his last three Premier League games against Liverpool.



• Gareth Bale is set to make his 100th Premier League appearance.



• Spurs have drawn 199 games in the Premier League era.