Team news & expected line-up against Stoke

“Can they do it on a cold, winter night at Stoke?” In the transfer market, this question seems to arise every time a talented continental player is considered by an English club. Despite the obvious weather improvement this time of year, it sums up Spurs’ season that the answer to this question is still pending for many of our summer signings. With only 3 games to go, chances are running out to impress.

The Potters come in to Saturday’s contest looking to end a transitional season on a high-note. Mark Hughes was brought in to replace Tony Pulis, with promises not just of improved results, but an improved system.

Despite a rocky beginning, the changes promised by Hughes are starting to take effect. With 15 points from their last 10 (4-3-3), a mid-table finish looks likely for Stoke. Considering that Hughes is gradually bringing the club away from the long-ball tactics used under Pulis, this season should feel a success for the Potters’ fans. However, a poor run-in, and Stoke may do the unthinkable; finish below newcomers Crystal Palace, and their manager-of-the-year candidate…Tony Pulis.

Tottenham are riding high coming into Saturday’s match, albeit on the shoulders of Harry Kane. Young Kane has been a revelation in his first 3 starts, posting a goal in each. He has made the kind of incisive, goal-poaching runs which were largely missing from Spurs’ early season performances. With 7 points from their last 3, Spurs are looking to match last season’s point total with wins in their last 3 matches.

MATCH-UP RECENT HISTORY
The reverse fixture, in December, saw Tim Sherwood garner his first win after taking over for AVB. It was a comfortable 3-0 win for Spurs, with Soldado, Dembele, and Lennon getting on the score sheet. The win must feel part of another lifetime for Sherwood, as in recent weeks it has looked increasingly likely that he will be replaced in the summer.

However, with recent reports that Van Gaal could fill the vacant Man Utd post, Sherwood must be hoping that 3 strong wins to end the season could put him back at the top of Daniel Levy’s managerial totem pole.

The corresponding fixture last year saw Spurs run out 2-1 victors, at the time keeping their Champions League hopes alive. Clint Dempsey was the integral figure, with a goal and an assist to his name.

MATCH FACTS
· The Potters have won their last four home league games - they have never won five consecutive Premier League home matches.
· Only Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool have a better away record than Tottenham this season (30 points).
· Stoke have only won three of their 11 Premier League games against Tottenham (D2, L6).
· Tottenham have scored more goals in their last five games (14) than Stoke have managed in their last 10 (13).
· All five of Stoke's home Premier League games against Tottenham have ended with a 2-1 scoreline, Stoke winning twice by that margin and Spurs three times.

INJURY NEWS
Michael Dawson returns for Spurs after being out with a hamstring problem.

Jan Vertonghen, however, looks set to start his return on the substitute’s bench after just returning to training from his ankle injury. A fellow doubt is Moussa Dembele, whose ankle may keep him from the squad altogether.

Etienne Capoue (ankle), Kyle Walker (pelvis), and Erik Lamela (back) remain out.

EXPECTED LINE-UP
Lloris; Naughton, Dawson, Kaboul, Rose; Lennon, Paulinho, Chadli, Eriksen; Kane, Adebayor

Stoke have made strides in recent weeks, and the Spurs backline has been prone to a howler. That being said, Tottenham have proved to be a bogey team for Stoke since their return to the top flight.

 

This game could go ever way ! Stoke on a high winning last four home games yet spurs a bogey team for the potters and capable of beating lower ranked sides such as stoke. Fancy us lillywhites to take the points but wont put any money on it ! In eriksen we trust, and I hope our defence holds up against the potters big men. Coys.

 

The season is over anyway another fruitless campaign and after a 100mil revamp is not good enough. We will probably get the life sucking europa league again which we wont win and will hinder the Prem games. And unless we make some drastic changes to the team getting rid of the calamitous defenders, the visionless midfielders and the inept strikers we will finish even worse next season. Especially as were gona sell Lloris, Jan for sure and probably other of our better players. God knows whos gona be appointed manager but i already feel sorry for them because they are on a hiding to nothing unless some major changes are made. Yes we should be playing for pride last few games of the season but i dont think a number of our players have any idea what that is.

 

Stoke away will not be an easy one by any means id prefer a 4-5-1 for this kind of game but I expect tim to put out a 4-4-2 especily with kane playing well lately. with stokes arial threat id have daws and kaboul at the back and with the charlie adam thing id definitly like sandro and pauli in the middle which might make for an interesting battle in the midfield. Eriksen to star again where ever he plays.

 

Sad to say it, but I ain't that bothered any more this season. I do hope we win but if we don't it's irrelevant.

 

Irrelevant. anyone would think we were in the drop zone with no chance of survival. is it that bad that some of us dont care anymore. why bother then. enjoy the game all.