Following 1-0 defeats on the opening weekend, Stoke and Tottenham face-off tonight as White Hart Lane welcomes the Premier League back for the 2015-16 season.
The Hotspurs lost to Manchester United in the first game of the campaign by virtue of an unlucky own goal, now responsible for an unwanted record of the Premier League’s opening goal being one put in the wrong net for the first ime in 23 years. Mauricio Pochettino can take positives from Old Trafford though, dominating large parts of an even game and limiting United to a single shot on target. New signing Toby Alderweireld was the only new face in the Tottenham XI and had a good game next to his compatriot Jan Vertonghen.
Stoke began this season once more hosting Liverpool at the Britannia, although after 77 days, the performances and outcome were very different. Despite the loss, Potters fans are filled with optimism for this coming campaign. There has been a turning-point in their football culture and philosophy ever since Tony Pulis departed and Mark Hughes walked through the door. The era of ‘Stokelona’ has arrived. Maybe a lazy comparison to make, but not helped by the fact this Stoke side contains three former Barcelona players. No longer will the likes of Ryan Shotton and Kenwyne Jones be running around the Britannia turf – five Champions League winners however, will. The biggest signin made is former Bayern Munich and Inter Milan player, Xerdan Shaqiri. After initially rejecting the chance to sign for Stoke earlier in the summer, a deal was struck this week for around £12 million on a four-year contract.
Key battle – Diouf vs Alderweireld
Alderweireld dealt with any threat that United posed strongly at Old Trafford. The threat of Mame Biram Diouf, the former United player is a different proposition all together. While Rooney’s intelligence and Memphis Depay’s pace were tricky problems, the raw physicality of Diouf will provide an stern test of Alderweireld’s strength.
Team News
Danny Rose returns following a slight injury last weekend as Mauricio Pochettino has a fully fit squad to choose from. Back in the fold is also Hugo Lloris as the Spurs’ captain returns from a broken wrist. Ryan Mason could return at the heart of midfield at the expense of Eric Dier while the Mousa Dembele – right-wing experiment looks set to continue.
Totthenham Hotspur expected XI: (4-2-3-1) – Lloris, Walker, Vertonghen, Alderweireld, Rose, Mason, Bentaleb, Dembele, Eriksen, Chadli, Kane
Mark Hughes is unlikely to make many changes to the side that featured last week. The defence is expected remain the same. while Marco van Ginkel and Glenn Whelan should continue in central-midfield. Shaqiri’s debut will have to wait, as he serves a suspension that carried over from his time in Italy.
Stoke City expected XI: (4-2-3-1) Butland, Johnson, Cameron, Muniesa, Pieters, van Ginkel, Whelan, Walters, Adam, Afellay, Diouf.
Head-to-head
Tottenham and Stoke have faced each other 81 times in competitive matches, the Lilywhite’s claiming the bragging rights with 42 wins compared to 21 for the team they host tonight. 18 of the matches have ended in draws.
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Prediction
After doing the double over Tottenham last season, Stoke will be looking to make it three wins in a row against the Londoners. However, in front of their home fans for the first time and also boasting a settled squad, Tottenham may be slight favourites. An evenly matched contest is anticipated but the Spurs may raise their game at White Hart Lane and edge the points.
Tottenham 2 Stoke City 1
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