Head-to-Head: Jermain Defoe vs Harry Kane

Two strikers at opposite ends of their careers meet at the Stadium of Light on Sunday lunchtime when Sunderland take on Tottenham Hotspur. 

Jermain Defoe is a seasoned Premier League frontman with 130 top-flight goals under his belt, whilst Harry Kane burst on to the scene at White Hart Lane last season and is desperate to prove that he is more than just a one-season wonder.

The 32-year old Sunderland man has scored five times so far this season –  Premier League strikes coming against Leicester and Swansea complemented by a hat-trick at home to Exeter in the Capital One Cup. In contrast, Kane is yet to get off the mark for Spurs, though he did score a well-taken chip in England’s 6-0 win over San Marino last weekend.

Of course, Defoe knows what it is like to be in Kane’s shoes and lead the line for Spurs. In two spells in North London spanning nine years and 363 appearances, the England international found the net 143 times; only four players have ever scored more Tottenham goals. Now back in the Premier League after an ill-fated spell at Toronto, Defoe’s striking instincts will be crucial if Sunderland are to beat the drop this season.

Kane enjoyed a fairytale breakthrough season last time out; braces in victories over Chelsea and Arsenal, a goal after 79 seconds on his England debut and the first Spurs striker to reach 30 goals in a season since Gary Lineker in 1991/92. This time around, however, he has found it tougher going and remains goalless in the Premier League so far. If Tottenham are to have a serious crack at making the top four, they need Kane back at his best.

The battle between the two poachers will be an interesting watch on Sunday; check out the stats below to see who comes out on top.