Spurs seek to stifle Liverpool who could select Super Mario

Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham team take on Liverpool at White Hart Lane, with Mario Balotelli in line for a possible debut, after his Premier League return.

Spurs are 8/5 to follow up their fine form, while the Reds, who have endured a patchy start, are slight outsiders at 13/8. Having beaten Southampton 2-1 on the opening day, Liverpool were defeated 3-1 by Manchester City last time out.

It is clear that Brendan Rodgers is still trying to bed in new signings and adjust to life without Luis Suarez. Although Daniel Sturridge has one goal to his name already this season, Balotelli could line up in attack next to him, with Raheem Sterling in attack just behind.

Back Balotelli to net on debut anytime at 15/8 anytime, or to score last at 13/2. Sturridge is the same price in both markets, while Sterling is 11/4 to add to his sole goal tally this term.

Fellow new Red Adam Lallana, meanwhile, is also set for his debut, after returning to fitness. The England attacker is 7/2 to net anytime.

Liverpool go into this encounter having gained an aggregate score of 9-0 against Spurs last term, including smashing them 5-0 in London but, before then, Tottenham had beaten the Reds in their last six home games in all competitions.

For the hosts, look to Emmanuel Adebayor for goals. The Togo striker got a double against Liverpool in 2011 in a 4-0 thrashing, after their opponents had two men sent off, and he is 10/1 to net twice or more again, or 15/8 to score anytime. Unlikely source Jan Vertonghen also bagged a brace against the Reds recently, two seasons ago, and the defender is a tempting 7/1 for a goal anytime again.

Spurs can also take confidence from the fact that they have won their last five home games, scoring 18 times. They are 15/4 to stick to their average and net three or more again.

In terms of availability to Pochettino, he hopes that Roberto Soldado will be fit, while he can call on new signing and centre back Federico Fazio.

For the Rodgers’ side, the likes of defenders Glen Johnson, Alberto Moreno, Martin Skrtel and Jose Enrique may all be out, and the Northern Irishman can no longer turn to Daniel Agger, who has been sold for £3m to Brondby.