Stoke City can move further up the Premier League table this weekend with victory against Tottenham Hotspur.
However, Stoke have not enjoyed the best form in recent weeks despite picking up a win against Southampton and drawing against Sunderland at home. Their 2-0 defeat to Swansea City last weekend prevented them from leapfrogging West Ham United in the Premier League table. They can still manage that with three points this weekend, depending on other results.
Tottenham’s performances have dropped off recently. They have only managed to win two of their last six league games and face a fight to stay in the top six of the league table. The fixture against Stoke has always been an entertaining one and a game that Spurs’ fans will be desperate to win on Saturday afternoon.
Team News
Geoff Cameron could return for Stoke this weekend after recovering from a hamstring injury. Victor Moses and Bojan Krkic are out for the season.
Kyle Walker may yet be able to return to the Tottenham squad before the season is over but he will definitely not appear this weekend. Ben Davies is Spurs’ only other injury concern.
Interesting Statistics
- Stoke have conceded more goals from set-pieces this season than any other team.
- This fixture has seen six red cards the last six times it has been played at the Britannia.
- Tottenham have won four of their last five league games against Stoke at the Britannia.
- Harry Kane’s goals have won 22 league points this season, more than any other player.
Key Players
Stoke City – Charlie Adam
Adam has put in some good performances in recent weeks and is one of Stoke’s in-form players. He has made 26 appearances for the club this season and has scored five goals. According to Squawka.com, he has created 30 chances for his team-mates but only one of these has resulted in an assist. The Scotsman has only been able to complete 484 passes this season although this does mean he has a passing accuracy of 77%. He has won just over half of the duels he has been involved in with his greatest success being in taking on opponents. Against Tottenham on Saturday, fans will be relying on Adam to spur Stoke on to victory.
Tottenham Hotspur – Harry Kane
Harry Kane has been in phenomenal form for Spurs this season. He has made 31 appearances and has scored 20 goals in the league. According to Squawka.com, he has attempted 75 shots at goal and has an accuracy of 59%. Kane has also contributed chances to his team mates, creating 27 and making four assists. He has completed 584 passes and has a passing accuracy of 75%. However, Kane has only managed to win 40% of his duels. Kane has been banging in the goals this season and will undoubtedly hope to do so against Stoke on Saturday.
Prediction
Stoke have enjoyed a recent home victory over Southampton recently but this will be another challenge they must overcome. Unfortunately for Stoke fans, I think Tottenham will just edge it and win 1-0.
