Saturday's early kickoff pits two of the main aspirants to Manchester City's crown head to head. Tottenham Hotspur versus Liverpool promises to be an intriguing match up and is probably the most eagerly anticipated fixture of the season to date. Coming into the game question marks hang over both clubs. Liverpool's winning run has come against largely inferior opposition and as such Spurs represent the first litmus test of their title credentials. One of Liverpool's shortcomings last season was an inability to collect points away from home against other members of the "big six". Can they rectify this?

In attempting to do so they come face to face with a Spurs side oscillating between being considered as true title contenders and being, well, Spurs. Victory at Old Trafford was heralded in some quarters as the dawn of new era for Spurs. However, much like Sam Allardyce's England tenure, the new era was short lived lasting until the very next game where defeat at Watford raised the same old doubts about mental fortitude. Last Season's 4-1 victory in the corresponding fixture was Spurs at their best, can they replicate that performance, and result, against a much improved Liverpool side? 

Tottenham's Achilles heel so far has been an inability to deal with the aerial threat posed by their opposition. All of the goals that they have conceded this season have come via headers. Given that Liverpool ranked third last season for headed goals, with 12, Pochettino will be eager to cut off the aerial supply chain by limiting the attacking influence of Liverpool's fullbacks. Conversely, Klopp's gambit of absolving his attacking trident from defensive duties could leave his team vulnerable to the attacking instincts of Danny Rose and Kieran Trippier. Like in Napoleonic warfare outflanking the opposition could prove key to success.

Liverpool may also be wary of the threat Lucas Moura poses to their high defensive line. Space is exactly what the Brazilian thrives on and although a somewhat erratic talent, on his day, his pace makes him a handful for any defence. Particularly so, since in Christian Eriksen Spurs possess the perfect scalpel to surgically dissect Klopp's rearguard. If the Dane can find even a modicum of space in the mosh-pit of Liverpool's heavy metal midfield he could be a game changer.

Elsewhere, question marks hang over the ability of the ever-leaden-footed Eric Dier and the increasingly molasses like Moussa Dembele to cope with their more energetic counterparts. Liverpool will look to capitalise on control of the middle third to exploit any spaces between Tottenham's midfield and defence, from which the Merseysiders will hope to unleash their feared attacking trio. Pochettino's midfield strategy to counteract the efficacy of Klopp's refined version of gegenpressing is therefore a key tactical battle worth watching as the game unfolds.

On the injury front the EPL's answer to Lindsay Lohan, Hugo Lloris and, England's Mr. Invisible, Dele Alli are ruled out, while, heir to Darren Anderton's "sicknote" title, Erik Lamela and the ever more superfluous Moussa Sissoko are both considered doubtful. On the plus side, relieved draft dodger, Heung Min Son could be in contention for a recall after his successful Asian Games exploits. Meanwhile, on the Liverpool front, Harry Kane's perfect attacking foil, Dejan Lovren, part time footballer, Adam Lallana, and Mr. Perrie Edwards, Alex Oxlaide Chamberlain are all set to miss the showdown, with a doubt hanging over Simon "at least I'm not Karius" Mignolet's fitness (and ability!).

The game should be a fascinating tactical dogfight between Kloop and Pochettino and pose a number of intriguing questions. How will Liverpool's high line cope against more attack minded opposition? Will Spurs' defence adapt to the amoeba like fluidity of Liverpool's attacking trident? Who will win the midfield battle? There are many more. Regardless, the game between high quality, though flawed, teams has all the ingredients of an exciting encounter and is definitely worth checking out.