Tottenham vs Sunderland preview: Jermain Defoe returns to former club

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

Sunderland's Jermain Defoe celebrates his first goal (Getty Images)

It’s a big game for…

Christian Eriksen: The Denmark international has been uncharacteristically shy in front of goal this season, scoring twice in 18 Premier League appearances. This statistic looks particularly damning as both were in the same game against Swansea, as well as both being directly from a free kick. Eriksen has scored in his last two appearances against Sunderland, and will look to show a cutting edge in front of goal to relieve some of the weight off of Harry Kane’s shoulders.

Best stat…

5: Sunderland have conceded more goals from penalties than any other side this season with 5. They’ll need to sure up in defences if they are to earn anything from the game.

Remember when…

Jan Vertonghen had a goal wrongly ruled out for offside in last year’s 2-1 victory for Tottenham, despite the fact he received the ball from Nacer Chadli more than a metre inside his own half. On reflection, the decision to rule out the goal was ridiculous as Sunderland defender Patrick Van Aanholt is clearly playing Vertonghen onside. Oh well, one for the bloopers DVD…

Player to watch…

Jermain Defoe: The former Spurs striker has been firing in the goals as of late for Sam Allardyce’s men, scoring 5 in his last two Premier League appearances. Defoe has been pinpointed as the spearhead of Sunderland’s dash to safety – and you would back him to cause his former suitors a problem upon his return to White Hart Lane.

Past three meetings…

Sunderland 0 Tottenham 1 (Mason), Premier League, September 2015

Tottenham 2 (O’Shea OG, Eriksen) Sunderland 1 (Larsson), Premier League, January 2015

Sunderland 2 (Johnson, Kane OG) Tottenham 2 (Chadli, Eriksen), Premier League, September 2014

Form guide…

Tottenham: LWWWDL

Sunderland: LLLLWW

Vital information…

TV: BT Sport 1, 12:45pm KO. Highlights on MOTD, BBC1, 10:25pm