Good afternoon! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for today's London derby between Tottenham Hotspur and Queens Park Rangers at White Hart Lane. Both sides experienced contrasting fortunes on the opening day and will be looking to improve on their respective performances this afternoon, so we should have an intriguing battle on our hands in North London. Let's start with a look at the hosts...

Spurs began the season with three points, but the performance of the team will not have filled the supporters with too much optimism. Mauricio Pochettino's side were fortunate to grab the win, relying on a stoppage winner from debutant defender Eric Dier to steal the points. Tottenham certainly rode their luck at times, with West Ham missing a penalty, but they can also consider themselves unfortunate to have had a man sent off after just half an hour.

While the performance wasn't great, Pochettino won't be too disheartened overall. It is tough to truly analyse your team when they have been forced to play with 10 men for more than an hour, but the way Spurs coped under those conditions was a major positive. The North London outfit showed great character to keep the Hammers at bay until West Ham also had a man sent off on the hour mark. There is no doubt that Sam Allardyce's side had the chances to win the game, but Spurs managed to hang on and nick the win in the dying stages.

Their Europa League campaign also started with a victory in midweek as Spurs came from behind to beat AEL Limassol 2-1 in Cyprus. The return leg takes place this coming Thursday, so that may be in the back of Tottenham's minds today. However, with two away goals and the home leg to come, they will be confident of progressing into the group stages this season, so should be able to give today's match their full attention.

The worry for Pochettino will be how his squad cope with the toll of some many trips abroad and midweek games. Spurs do have a big squad to cope with that, but last season they struggled under the same conditions, winning just five of their 12 matches that followed European duties. That certainly had a major impact on their push for a Champions League place, and it is one of the tasks that Pochettino will have to address in the coming months. We will get some idea of whether they are suffering a European hangover today, but being so early in the season it shouldn't have too big an impact yet.

Speaking of Pochettino, this will be his first home match in charge of Spurs, and much is expected of the former Southampton boss. He impressed while at the Saints, and Tottenham fans are hoping that he will bring a similar style to White Hart Lane this season. Spurs were criticised for being nervous and playing some bad football under Tim Sherwood, so Pochettino not only needs to win, he needs to win with style.

The White Hart Lane crowd will need to give him some time, though. If Pochettino can get the best out of the likes of Eriksen, Lamela and Soldado then Spurs have a squad capable of challenging for the top four, but that is a big ask considering how much the latter two struggled in their debut campaigns. White Hart Lane can often be a very nervy stadium too, with the crowd quick to turn on those they feel aren't pulling their weight. Despite that, Spurs have actually only lost two home matches in 2014 so far, with Manchester City and Arsenal emerging triumphant.

Despite a wealth of attacking talent at their disposal, it was arguably the defence that was the most impressive unit for Spurs last season. The 2013-14 campaign was considered something of a failure for the Lilywhites, but it was right up there with their best ever Premier League seasons. They broke a number of records, including equalling the most amount of clean sheets they had ever managed in a single Premier League season, keeping 14. They already have one this time around, and will be confident of making it two from two this afternoon.

Attempting to prevent that will be a QPR side desperate to bouncing back from a hugely disappointing opening day defeat. Manager Harry Redknapp will have thought that his side had been dealt a nice hand with getting Hull at home on the opening day, but QPR slumped to a 1-0 defeat to get their campaign off to a poor start.

There were positives to take from the defeat, though, not least the number of chances they created. The finishing will have been a concern, but Redknapp will know that, if his side can continue to make that many chances in games, they should be able to score enough goals to stay up. Indeed, QPR should have grabbed a draw late on when they were awarded a penalty but, just as Mark Noble did for West Ham against Spurs, Charlie Austin uncharacteristically missed to blow the chance of a point for his side.

Perhaps the major concern for Redknapp will be that the defeat came at home. It is their form at Loftus Road that will prove key to their chances this season, as they generally struggle on the road. Even in gaining promotion from the Championship last season, QPR only had the 10th-best away record in the division, losing more matches than they won. That is certainly something that they will need to sort out this time around, but it is in the home matches that they will be expecting to pick up the bulk of the points.

Of course, outings at White Hart Lane used to be home games for Harry Redknapp, who is returning to the stadium for the first time since his acrimonious departure two years ago. Having led Spurs to the top four and Champions League, Redknapp was controversially axed by the club - and don't think he has forgotten that. He won 98 of his 198 games in charge of Spurs, boasting a win percentage of 49.5%.

He is not the only former Tottenham manager in the QPR dugout, however, with coach Glenn Hoddle also having spent a couple of years at the helm a decade ago. Hoddle is likely to get a rousing reception from the home fans this afternoon, but very much for his playing days rather than his managerial ones. He is arguably the club's greatest ever player, and it should be an emotional return to his old stomping ground today. Incidentally, Hoddle scored for Spurs in a 1-1 draw with QPR in the 1982 FA Cup final before going on to score the winner in the replay.

Redknapp and Hoddle will be under no illusions how hard it will be to keep QPR in the Premier League this season. On paper, they have all of the experience and quality required to deal with it, but that didn't help them two years ago. They have bought more astutely in this transfer window than they have in others, but they are still expected to be there or thereabouts come May. Their recent Premier League record does not make pleasant reading either, winning just four of their last 40 matches.

It is from corners that QPR's main weakness seems to lie, which is surprising considering the experience and size of the defenders they have back there. They conceded a joint league-high 11 goals from corners in the Championship last season, and of course Hull's winner last weekend also came from the same source. If they are undone again today then they could be heading for their worst start to a season for almost 20 years. They have not lost their first two games of a campaign since 1995-96.

TEAM NEWS: Right, the teams are in for both sides, and the big news is that Redknapp has handed debuts to new signings Leroy Fer and Mauricio Isla. They replace Faurlin and Simpson in the starting lineup, while Matt Phillips also comes in for Charlie Austin. Spurs, meanwhile, bring in Jan Vertonghen for the suspended Kyle Naughton and Nacer Chadli for Aaron Lennon. Full team news for both sides coming right up...

TOTTENHAM STARTING XI: Lloris; Dier, Kaboul, Vertonghen, Rose; Bentaleb, Capoue; Chadli, Eriksen, Lamela; Adebayor

TOTTENHAM SUBS: Friedel, Davies, Dembele, Holtby, Lennon, Kane, Soldado

QPR STARTING XI: Green; Caulker, Ferdinand, Dunne; Isla, Barton, Mutch, Fer, Traore; Remy, Phillips

QPR SUBS: Murphy, Simpson, Wright-Phillips, Onuoha, Faurlin, Hoilett, Zamora

What can we make of those two lineups then? Well, with Naughton suspended after his red card against West Ham it was always expected that Vertonghen would make his return in the middle, pushing Dier out to right-back. That is where the youngster filled in when Naughton was sent off last weekend, and he popped up and scored the winner. Rose gets the nod at left-back ahead of new signing Ben Davies, who is still awaiting his first league start for the club.

Further forward, the holding duo of Bentaleb and Capoue are expected to be the first choice pair for much of the season. They do a good job in protecting the back four and serve as a decent link from the defence to the talented attackers in front of them. It is a position that Spurs have plenty of depth in, though, with the likes of Sandro also capable of filling in there.

Lamela once again gets the nod to start in the three just behind the striker, and the Argentine will be desperate to show Premier League crowds what he can do. He suffered a torrid debut campaign and is still considered a big flop, but he has bags of ability and has been in fine form during pre-season. He also impressed in the Europa League on Thursday, so will be hopeful of finally carrying that form into domestic duties. Eriksen remains Tottenham's most dangerous player, while Chadli gets the nod over Lennon, who was fairly ineffective against West Ham last weekend.

Adebayor, meanwhile, appears to be the number one striker at White Hart Lane now, and it is a big vote of confidence from Pochettino for him to start this match. Both Soldado and Kane scored in the Europa League on Thursday, while it was also Kane who threaded the ball through for Dier to score last weekend. On form, then, you could argue that the young English striker deserves to be included, but Adebayor will at least know that there is plenty of competition for that lone striking role.

QPR's defence will be charged with stopping the Tottenham attackers, and on paper it looks like a backline capable of doing that. Ferdinand and Dunne are about as experienced as they come, while Caulker is a very exciting proposition for the Premier League newcomers. They will deploy a 3-5-2 formation again, with Isla and Traore as wing-backs who will drop in to help the defence if needs be.

QPR's midfield also looks like a formidable one, with Barton, Mutch and Fer all having proved themselves more than capable at this level. Barton actually created more goalscoring chances than any other Premier League player on the opening weekend, laying on six for his teammates. Mutch has a good eye for goal, and fellow new boy Fer impressed with Norwich last season. QPR have spent big money on Fer, who makes his debut today, but he looks to be worth it.

Up front, the main dangerman is Loic Remy, who looks increasingly like he will be staying at the club. A move to Liverpool fell through earlier in the summer, and interest in his services has seemingly waned since. He scored an impressive 14 goals in 26 appearances for Newcastle last season, so will be crucial for QPR if they can keep hold of him. Alongside him is Phillips, who replaces Austin in the side this afternoon. It was, of course, Austin who missed that late penalty in the last match and the striker wasn't down as a fitness worry before this match, so his exclusion from the squad is interesting.

PREDICTION: We're 10 minutes from kickoff at White Hart Lane, which means that it is time for a prediction! Spurs didn't deserve to win their match against West Ham last time out, but they will have gained a lot of confidence from getting the three points anyway. I can;t really see past a home win in this one, despite QPR's lineup looking strong. The visitors won't make it easy for the hosts, but I think Spurs could run out 2-0 winners.

You can take a look at what the Sports Mole sofa thought of this match here:

Neither of these two sides have a great record in recent London derbies. Last season, Spurs only managed to score nine goals in their 10 matches against opposition from the capital, while in their last year in the top flight QPR picked up just nine points from the same amount of derbies. In addition to that, the Hoopes have only won one of their last 16 away London derbies, drawing three and losing 12.

Their record at White Hart Lane is not much better. QPR have won just three of their last 26 visits to the home of Tottenham in all competitions. The last of those came more than 20 years ago, way back in May 1994. Spurs meanwhile, have won four of their last six matches against QPR, with Harry Redknapp winning one and losing one while in the Tottenham hotseat.

There is one more Premier League match kicking off at 1.30pm, with Hull hosting Stoke at the KC Stadium. You can follow that game live here, while I will also be keeping you up to date with major events from Humberside.

KICKOFF: Here we go then! Spurs get us underway at White Hart Lane as they look to maintain their perfect start to the season in their first home match of the campaign.

Bright start from Spurs as they get an early sight of goal. Adebayor picks the ball up just outside the box and slips it inside for Lamela, whose shot is deflected wide for a corner.

Spurs are looking to assert their authority on this match in the opening exchanges. Eriksen gets on the ball for the first time and almost picks out a lovely pass into the box, but it rolls all the way through to Green.

Better from QPR now as they gain their own foothold in the game, keeping possession for the first time as they slowly work their way upfield. Still no chances as both sides continue to feel each other out.

Dier races down the right flank to join in with a Tottenham counter-attack and whips a dangerous ball into the box that is just a yard or so in front of Adebayor at the front post. It runs through to Green, but it was a decent ball in from last weekend's match winner.

Vertonghen is unfortunate to be penalised for a foul on the halfway line despite getting all of the ball. It was a bit of a lunge on Remy, but he made the challenge successfully and is unlucky to concede the free kick. Anthony Taylor was right there, though.

CHANCE! Spurs come forward again with pace as Lamela breaks forward from midfield. His pace to Chadli is slightly overhit, forcing the midfielder wide, but he still manages to dig out a cross that Adebayor meets with a good header that goes over the top.

First blood to Spurs in this London derby! It is again a quick break from the hosts as Bentaleb wins the ball in midfield before driving forward. He slips a pass to Adebayor, who cuts back and picks out Chadli at the back post. The Belgian has far too much room to take the ball down and coolly lift the ball over the keeper. Very good finish from the midfielder, who has already justified his inclusion.

Spurs are looking really confident right now. They are pressing high and winning the ball before breaking quickly and in numbers. QPR are struggling to deal with that at the moment, and that is allowing the likes of Lamela to really grow into the match. The £30m man is looking dangerous.

CHANCE! Yet again Spurs counter to great effect. They surge forward from a QPR corner, with Vertonghen the unlikely man to lead the charge. He looks to pick out a teammate at the back post, but his pass it cut out. The ball falls to Adebayor on the edge of the area, but his effort is tame and easy for Green.

QPR haven't seen much of the Tottenham goal so far, and that is evident here as Phillips wins the ball and immediately looks to shoot from all of 35 yards out. He drags it a long way wide, and should have looked to build an attack instead of going for goal himself.

QPR must be in the strange situation of almost being afraid to attack right now. Spurs are looking so menacing on the break and getting so many men forward so quickly that the visitors may be better served just taking the sting out of the match right now.

CHANCE! Huge chance for QPR to level the scores! A single long ball forward beats the whole Tottenham defence as Phillips races through on goal. He takes it down brilliantly before cutting inside to beat one defenders. With only Lloris to beat he tries a little chip, but puts far too much on it and sends it over the bar. He really should have scored there.

Pochettino won't be happy with how easily Phillips broke free there, but on the whole he will be delighted with how his side have started this match. They are looking very bright, and the fans seem to like what they are seeing as well. So far, so good for the hosts.

Rio Ferdinand comes through to hack down Lamela in a dangerous place, and he is fortunate not to be given a yellow card. Incidentally, that is the first foul Ferdinand has committed in 27 Premier League games.

OFF THE BAR! Oh my word, what a strike this is from Eriksen. From the resulting free kick, the Dane steps up and hammers a vicious, curling effort towards goal from 30 yards. Green is beaten, but the ball smashes off the underside of the bar and bounces out. So unlucky for Eriksen, it was a superb try.

QPR have a free kick at the other end now, but Barton's delivery isn't quite as dangerous. Spurs deal with it comfortably, but for once are not able to launch a counter-attack.

QPR's midfield has been overrun so far in this match, which is surprising considering the players they have in there. The likes of Fer and Barton may not be as talented on the ball as Eriksen and Lamela, but they are good at breaking up play usually. They haven't been able to do that so far.

The man is a goal machine! Dier gets a second goal in as many games for his new club, stooping to flick a header in at the near post. It was poor defending from the visitors, who were static as Dier ran to the near post. It was still a good finish from the 20-year-old, who could not have dreamt for a better start to his Spurs career.

Harry Redknapp's return to White Hart Lane isn't quite going to plan so far. The 3-5-2 formation doesn't seem to be working against this quick and incisive Spurs attack, and Redknapp may well be thinking of switching things up already.

Is there any way back for the visitors? It is hard to see one right now, it must be said. They have created one glorious chance, but other than that it has been all Spurs so far. Tottenham look a lot more likely to add to their lead than QPR do to halve it.

Tottenham really are in complete control at the moment. They are dominating possession, playing the game at their own pace, and still looking dangerous when they come forward. QPR are struggling to get the ball right now.

That is what they paid all that money for! Chadli puts the ball in the net, but this goal is all about Lamela. The Argentine turns his man brilliantly before drifting with the ball out to the left. He digs out a pinpoint cross for Chadli, who plants his header into the bottom corner. It is terrible marking once again from QPR, but take nothing away from Lamela's play there.

What a first half this has been for Spurs so far, and what a way for Pochettino to announce himself to the home crowd at White Hart Lane. They have looked very impressive so far, although it must be said that QPR haven't helped themselves much.

UPDATE: Over at the KC Stadium. Hull, who beat QPR last weekend, are down to 10 men against Stoke. Incidentally it was Chester, who scored the winner against Harry Redknapp's side, who got the straight red card, so a mixed start to the season for him.

UPDATE: Just as I say that, 10-man Hull take the lead! Nikica Jelavic has put the hosts ahead at the KC Stadium, and now they will be looking to hold out with their numerical disadvantage for the rest of the match.

CHANCE! A big chance for a fourth for Spurs! Eriksen drifts into the box without being picked up, and Rose finds him with a long throw. The Dane's control sees the ball roll into the path of Adebayor, whose effort from close range is blocked behind for a corner.

There will be one additional minute of this for QPR to endure before half time.

Wow, what an opening 45 minutes that was for Spurs. The hosts have simply blown QPR away with some lightning-quick counter-attacks and incisive attacks. The visitors have not been able to cope with Tottenham, who enjoyed a very comfortable half. The 3-0 scoreline by no means flatters them, and it could even be more.

The deadlock was broken after just 12 minutes when Nacer Chadli expertly finished Adebayor's cross having been left unmarked at the back post. It was 2-0 on the half-hour mark as Dier continued his brilliant start to the season with a second goal in as many games, flicking a header in at the near post. Once again the marking was questionable, and that was the same story for the third as Chadli planted his header into the corner after great work by Lamela.

It could have been more for the hosts too. They have hit the underside of the crossbar through a fantastic Eriksen free kick from 30 yards. The keeper was beaten by the Dane's powerful and curling free kick, but the sensational effort cannoned off the woodwork before being cleared.

Despite being on the back foot for pretty much the entire half, QPR did manage to create a good chance of their own with the score still 1-0. One long ball forward beat the entire Spurs defence, but Phillips could not make the most of it, lifting his shot well over the ball with only the keeper to beat.

Spurs have been quite brilliant so far, and it will be interesting to see if they can keep that intensity up in the second half. QPR will surely be more solid after the break, but with the match already won Tottenham could be tempted to take their foot off the pedal. If they don't, they could really make a statement here. The way things went in that first half, a 5-0 or 6-0 scoreline is not unrealistic.

QPR SUB: Redknapp has opted to make a change at the break, which isn't a great surprise. Nedum Onuoha is the man coming on, replacing Richard Dunne. That could potentially see a departure from the 3-5-2 formation which really didn't work in that first half.

KICKOFF: QPR get this second half underway, and it does look like they have reverted to a back four. Can they make this scoreline a bit more respectable, or are they in for another torrid 45 minutes?

SHOT! Terrible from Phillips as he keeps the ball in deep inside his own half before being easily muscled off the ball. Dier plays it back to Lamela on the edge of the box, but the midfielder's powerful shot goes well over.

CHANCE! Big chance for the visitors as Caulker rises unchallenged in the box to latch on to a floated corner. He attacks it well and should at least get his header on target, but he plants it a few yards wide.

Despite that chance for QPR, Spurs have quickly reassumed control in this match. QPR are looking more solid at the back, but they are losing the midfield battle and not troubling Tottenham's defence anywhere near enough.

Lamela is looking like a new player right now, oozing confidence and playing with a swagger. If he can perform this well all season then Spurs have a new player on their books.

CHANCE! Big chance for Spurs as Adebayor wins the ball back inside the QPR half. The hosts immediately race forward and have a three-on-two situation. Ferdinand is left with both Adebayor and Lamela to deal with, but just about does enough to squeeze the latter out after Adebayor's pass. Lamela's one-footedness hurt him there.

Eriksen almost sneaks in behind the defence and nearly latches onto a long pass forward. It was dangerous play from Traore, who let the ball bounce through, but Green was alert to come and claim it ahead of the Danish playmaker.

This is so comfortable for Spurs right now. They are in complete control of the ball, dictating the tempo of the game with ease. QPR are struggling to muster any sort of attacking threat, while Spurs look dangerous every time they come forward.

SHOT! Again Spurs win the ball back in a good position and Eriksen fires a powerful shot a few yards over the bar. The visitors have gifted the hosts the ball inside their own half far too often this afternoon.

TOTTENHAM SUB: The first Spurs change of the afternoon comes on the hour mark as Dembele replaces Bentaleb in midfield.

It should be said that QPR have improved in this second half, but Spurs are in no danger of throwing this lead away. The improvement has come at the back, where they are looking a lot more solid since switching to four at the back.

YELLOW CARD! Nasty one for Capoue as he is caught late from Fer. The debutant was looking to pounce on a poor clearance from Kaboul, but he arrived late and high on the Tottenham man. Fer was certainly making a genuine attempt for the ball, but he can have no complaints at a yellow.

Spurs have their fourth, and it is Adebayor who has got amongst the scorers. It was once again a quick break that caught QPR out, with Rose being slipped in down the left flank. The full-back played a low first-time ball into the box for Adebayor, who coolly slid it into the bottom corner. Again, though he was unmarked. What are these QPR defenders doing?!

QPR have continually shot themselves in the foot in this match, giving the ball away and failing to get back in time. All four goals have come from a Tottenham player being unmarked in the middle, and that will annoy Redknapp even more than the scoreline. Incidentally, this would be enough for Spurs to go top of the league as things stand.

QPR SUB: The visitors make a change as Fer, who is on a yellow card, is replaced by Faurlin. Not a happy debut for the new signing.

TOTTENHAM SUB: Spurs make a change of their own as Harry Kane comes on to replace Chadli, who departs having netted twice. Again, Soldado is left on the bench.

Spurs may not be done here. They are playing with supreme confidence and knocking the ball about really nicely. I certainly wouldn't bet against them scoring one or even two more goals here today.

It has been a pretty miserable afternoon for Remy so far. He hasn't had any joy up front today, mainly because he hasn't been given the service. We know he can be a very dangerous player given the chances, but he hasn't had an opportunity to show what he can do today.

QPR SUB: He may get a bit more support now, though, as Bobby Zamora replaces Phillips for the final 15 minutes or so.

Half a chance for Spurs as Lamela predictably cuts inside onto his left foot. He still isn't closed down quickly enough, with his shot being deflected on the way through. Kane is sniffing about for scraps and almost gets a chance as he sneaks in to shoot from close range, but Green is there to thwart the sub.

Redknapp will be wondering just what has gone wrong here. The formation seemed out of place and they have been dominated in every area of the field, but they have the players to ensure that doesn't happen. Their problems for so long as been getting the talented individuals to play well as a team, and that certainly hasn't happened today.

SAVE! Finally, Lloris has something to do! The ball breaks to Caulker on the edge of the box and he squeezes an effort towards goal that is easy for the keeper to hold.

TOTTENHAM SUB: He appears to be third in the pecking order now, but Roberto Soldado will get a run-out here. He replaces Adebayor and will look to add to the goal he scored in midweek.

DISALLOWED GOAL! QPR think that they have a consolation goal, but it is quickly ruled out. Barton's corner came off the hand of Rose and looped into his own net, but Onuoha is penalised for a foul on the full-back.

Rose is almost slipped through the middle by a fine pass, but Caulker just about gets his foot to the ball to make a vital challenge.

UPDATE: Stoke have finally made the breakthrough against 10-man Hull, levelling the sides through Ryan Shawcross. It is now 1-1 at the KC Stadium going into the final five minutes or so.

CHANCE! Another chance for QPR to get a consolation goal here as the ball break to Zamora inside the area. The angle is slightly against him, but he doesn't even get his shot on target, blasting it over the crossbar.

Now it's Remy's turn to fire well off target as he picks the ball up on the left flank before cutting inside. He eyes up the far corner to curl one in, but sends it a long way high and wide.

There will be a minimum of two minutes added time at the end of this match. The final whistle cannot come soon enough for the visitors.

Remy again tries to get on the scoresheet in the closing stages as he cuts inside once more. This time his shot is better, but it deflects off Capoue and goes behind for a corner.

CHANCE! What a huge chance at the end of this match as Caulker is again given a free header from a corner. This time he is no more than six yards out, but he still can't turn it on target, glancing his header wide.

The referee finally puts Queens Park Rangers out of their misery, blowing for full time with Spurs 4-0 winners at White Hart Lane. It was a thoroughly deserved victory for the hosts and, in truth, they may be a little annoyed that they didn't manage to score more goals. Still, it is a great way to start their season at home, and is enough to send them top of the early Premier League table.

Spurs were 3-0 but half time following a rampant opening 45 minutes that saw Chadli net a brace and Eric Dier notch his second in as many games since joining the club. Adebayor added the fourth in the second half to complete the rout, while Eriksen also hit the underside of the crossbar with a fabulous free kick in the first half.

As for QPR, they were soundly beaten today and can have no complaints at the emphatic nature of the scoreline. Having said that, they did create quite a few good chances, but their finishing when they did get into good positions was terrible. They never looked in danger of troubling Tottenham as far as the scoreline is concerned, but Caulker and Phillips were both guilty of missing glorious opportunities.

Right, that is all we have time for this afternoon! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for what was an impressive show of strength from Spurs as they cruise to a 4-0 win over London rivals QPR. I will leave you with our match report, and be sure to stick around for reaction, analysis and player ratings. If it is more live football that you're after then you can find our coverage of Sunderland vs. Manchester United here. From me, though, it is goodbye for now!