Arguably the best fixture of the opening Premier League campaign takes place at White Hart Lane where Harry Redknapp’s much improved Tottenham side host last season’s runners-up Liverpool. Spurs have made a number of new additions to their side whilst balancing the books with the sale of Darren Bent.

It’s difficult to know who Harry will start with up front as he has a good collection and variation of forwards to choose from but England’s two -goal hero Jermain Defoe is sure to feature. Defoe looks razor sharp at the moment and will be keen to impress after returning from injury. He scored 3 goals in 8 league games after arriving back at the Lane and Harry’s comments about him possibly scoring 20 goals this season is completely realistic.

Spurs will be without centre-halves Jonathan Woodgate and Michael Dawson but new boy Sebastien Bassong is likely to partner the experienced Ledley King in defence. They will have their work cut out trying to stop Fernando Torres who has scored in all three of his previous league appearances against Tottenham.

Liverpool will miss the playmaking skills of Xabi Alonso but will still be solid and extremely dangerous after winning their last 5 league matches on the road. Rafa Benitez’ side are used to playing away on the opening day of the season and apart from last season have an excellent record against Spurs. This includes three clean-sheets in their last 4 visits to White Hart Lane and only 1 defeat in the last 10 league meetings with the North Londoners. That defeat came in a smash and grab raid last season despite Liverpool being by far the more dominant side.

Harry has his work cut-out trying to halt Tottenham’s record of just two opening day wins from the last 12 but their record at White Hart Lane under him is very good. No side conceded less at home last season, so don’t be too surprised if there are few goals in this one. After all, during 2008/09 Spurs’ home games averaged just 1.63 goals a game, the lowest number in the top flight.

I would expect my old club Liverpool to take the points but would be wary of Tottenham’s record at White Hart Lane under Harry so I’m covering my Premier 10 options with a draw and an away win this weekend.

Alan Hansen’s Premier 10 pick: DRAW & AWAY WIN

Read the rest of Alan’s previews below:

Tags: Alan Hansen, Liverpool, Premier 10, Tottenham

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