Tottenham vs Leicester preview: Top-four contenders meet at White Hart Lane

A look ahead to the Premier League fixture at White Hart Lane

Shinji Okazaki celebrates scoring against Tottenham in the FA Cup (Getty Images)

It’s a big game for…

Toby Alderweireld: Jamie Vardy is anticipated to return for the Foxes after minor groin surgery, and the explosive striker could cause Tottenham’s defence a whole host of problems. Spurs centre-back Alderweireld has formed an impressive partnership with Belgian compatriot Jan Vertonghen since arriving in the summer as the duo have helped add grit and composure at the back. Opponents don’t come trickier to deal with than Vardy so Alderweireld will have to be on his toes at all times.

Best stat…

Leicester City certainly haven’t been goal-shy when visiting White Hart Lane in recent years, as they’ve netted 12 times in their last 5 visits in league and cup competition.

Remember when…

The two sides played out a 4-4 thriller at White Hart Lane in the 2003/04 season. Goals from Michael Brown, Robbie Keane and Jermain Defoe helped Spurs rush into a resurgent 3-1 lead after Gary Doherty’s own goal, which was incredibly pegged back by Leicester as they took a 4-3 lead – former Tottenham players Les Ferdinand and Ben Thatcher amongst the scorers. Defoe scored his second late on to ensure a dramatic draw.

Player to watch…

Riyad Mahrez: The Algerian international has earned rave reviews for his dazzling displays this season - and rightly so. Mahrez has been involved in 20 of Leicester’s 37 goals scored this season (13 goals, 7 assists) and has given Premier League defences a thoroughly torrid time. Mahrez scored Leicester’s equaliser in the reverse fixture this season with a smart finish into Hugo Lloris’ far post, and he will look to replicate such a feat as Leicester push on their astonishing title charge.

Past three meetings…

Tottenham 2 (Eriksen, Kane) Leicester 2 (Wasilewski, Okazaki), FA Cup, January 2016

Leicester 1 (Mahrez) Tottenham 1 (Alli), Premier League, August 2015

Tottenham 4 (Kane (3), Schlupp OG) Leicester 3 (Vardy, Morgan, Nugent), Premier League, March 2015

Vital information…

Kick-off time: 8:00pm

TV: Highlights on MOTD, BBC 1, Wednesday 13^th January 10:45pm