Tottenham vs. Everton: Date, Time, Live Stream, TV Info and Preview

The race for fourth place and a likely berth in the Champions League is officially on, as Liverpool, Everton and Tottenham all do battle for the coveted spot, while Manchester United remain somewhat in the background but lurking.

And that's why the matchup between Everton and Tottenham is so vitally important, as the Toffees come into this game just one point clear of Spurs.

When last these teams met, they played to a scoreless draw, but with more on the line this time around, expect each side to be a bit more bright. Let's break down this crucial Premier League clash.

When: Sunday, February 9, at 8:30 a.m. ET

Where: White Hart Lane, London

Watch: USA; NBC Sports Live Extra; Sky Sports 1 (U.K.); Sky Go (U.K.)

Chances: Tottenham (38 percent), Everton (35 percent) and draw (27 percent), according to Bloomberg Sports

Key Storylines

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Interestingly enough, Tottenham are just as good at home (18 of a possible 36 points) as Everton are on the road. With White Hart Lane not providing a distinct advantage for Spurs this year but the Toffees being far better at home, it's hard to glean an advantage based on the venue.

Tottenham may take solace in the fact that players such as Romelu Lukaku, Darron Gibson and Arouna Kone remain unavailable for the Toffees, according to Mike Whalley of ESPN, though Seamus Coleman and Gerard Deulofeu return to action for the club and young loanee Lacina Traore could make his Everton debut.

Manager Roberto Martinez had the following to say about Traore, via Whalley's report:

"

Lacina is progressing really well. I just need to assess if it’s wise or not to give him playing time. He’s fully fit from a medical point of view. It’s just a matter of giving him the right playing time over the next two or three weeks.

The last thing we want is to have Lacina push himself, get a little bit stretched trying to get used to the physicality and tempo of the Premier League, and suffer as a result. We’re going to make sure he’s fully fit when he’s on the pitch.

He’s been working really well. He’s been a breath of fresh air on the training pitch. He’s got an incredibly hungry approach to everything he does. So we’re really excited to see him fully fit and on the pitch.

"

Meanwhile, Tottenham come into this game on a pretty poor run of form, having lost to Manchester City, 5-1, and drawn against Hull City, 1-1, in their last two matches. But it should be bolstered by returning mainstays, as Sky Sports reports manager Tim Sherwood will have Mousa Dembele and Andros Townsend available to play, while Jan Vertonghen and Younes Kaboul are both fit.

Erik Lamela likely won't play, however.

For Spurs, scoring from open play may not even be required, as their opponents have proven willing to give up penalties this season. From OptaJoe:

Of course, relying on earning a penalty would be folly. But Everton's defense is stout (25 goals allowed, third in the Premier League), so Spurs will likely take the tallies however they can get them.

Prediction

Not much distinguishes these teams, and Tottenham haven't proven to have much of a home advantage this year, so that doesn't give them much of an edge, either. Everton have scored more goals (37 to 31) and conceded less, but Tottenham certainly have more talent on paper.

This just feels like a draw. Expect the Toffees to come out buzzing early, but Tottenham to slowly seize control as the game wears on. In the end, each team will probably win a half, but neither will win the game.

This contest will finish in a 1-1 draw.