V's 
Sunday 9th February KO 1.30pm
White Hart Lane N17
Match Links: http://www.wiziwig.tv/broadcast.php?...33&part=sports
Match Officials: Referee: Mark Clattenburg. Assistants: S Beck, D Bryan. Fourth Official: P Dowd.
MATCH PREVIEW
After Liverpool v Arsenal on Saturday, the Liverpool v North London theme continues. The outcome of that game at Anfield may have a bearing on this one too.
It's not often Spurs fans would hope for an Arsenal win, but even they'll see that if Liverpool have lost to the Gunners, then the race for fourth will have become every bit as tight as the hunt for the title. As a result, Spurs and Everton's clash will have been thrown into even sharper focus.
This may even prove to be the most significant league meeting of the two since Spurs, then in second place, lost at home to league leaders Everton on a Wednesday night in April 1985. Everton, buoyed by the win, went on to win the eighth of their nine titles.
The worry now may be that injuries have already put a small squad under pressure. Everton need all their tried and trusted big-game players fit and ready week, in week out.
Spurs also have more points than at this stage of their last campaign, 44 compared to 42, yet somehow there's a feeling that they've underachieved.
It seems as though the Gareth Bale transfer still casts a shadow over the Lane. Proof positive that even £85m is no compensation for a player who at his best is a genuine world beater. Paulinho, Eriksen and on occasion Chiriches have shown their worth, but Chadli, Capoue, Soldado and Lamela have a lot to do before they look any more than expensive squad players.
Spurs have spent £100m but still look four or five players short of the top teams. It's as though there's a glass ceiling over London N17 through which the club just cannot break.
Maybe Tim Sherwood's more aggressively attacking style is the answer? Or maybe it will just expose their weaknesses? As usual at Spurs, nothing is straightforward.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Tottenham have won just two of their last 13 Premier League matches against Everton.
They first met 110 years ago this week, with Spurs winning an FA Cup tie at Goodison Park. Sunday's game will be the 167th meeting between the clubs. Tottenham lead by 60 wins to Everton's 55, with 51 draws.
Tottenham
Spurs are two points better off than at the same stage last season, when they went on to record the most points (72) by a team finishing fifth in a 38-game top-flight campaign.
They have scored in all eight Premier League games under Tim Sherwood, winning five, drawing two and losing once. Only the current top three clubs have earned more points in the same period.
However, Spurs have only earned 11 points from their last 10 home fixtures (W3, D3, L4).
Tottenham have gained the fewest points (2) in home matches between the top seven teams this season.
They are yet to lose a league game from a winning position this season.
Everton
Everton's tally of 45 points after 24 matches is their best since 1986-87, when they had 47 points.
The Toffees have conceded a league-high six penalties this season.
Roberto Martinez' side have kept just one clean sheet in their last 10 league matches, although their overall record of 25 goals conceded is bettered only by Chelsea and Arsenal.
Leighton Baines has yet to register a Premier League assist this season; he trails goalkeeper Tim Howard, who has one assist.
Kevin Mirallas has scored in three of his last four league appearances.
TEAM NEWS
Tottenham winger Andros Townsend is in contention to face Everton after an eight-week lay-off with a hamstring injury.
Mousa Dembele should also be available after missing the draw with Hull because of an ankle injury.
Everton's Gerard Deulofeu is fit after a hamstring injury, while loan signing Lacina Traore has overcome a similar problem and could make his debut.
Seamus Coleman is set to return to the starting line-up after injury.