Premier League: Stoke City v Tottenham match preview

A look ahead to this weekend's fixture at the Britannia Stadium

Christian Eriksen is expected to start for Tottenham

Sixth-placed Tottenham head to the Britannia in the hunt for a first away victory since February. Tim Sherwood’s side will be buoyed by their convincing 3-0 victory over the Potters at White Hart Lane earlier this season, as well as their recent run of goalscoring form; they have found the net 11 times in their last three matches.

At the other end of the pitch things are less positive. Spurs haven’t kept a clean sheet since their 1-0 win over Cardiff over a month ago, and face a stern test against a Stoke side who have been rejuvenated in the second half of the season. Mark Hughes’ men have lost just two of their last ten Premier League matches, and haven’t lost at home since title favourites Liverpool beat them 5-3 in January.

A victory for Spurs will mean they momentarily close the gap on rivals Arsenal to four points. Stoke will be hoping for a win to maintain their status in the top half of the table, and avoid the possibility of being overtaken by Tony Pulis’ resurgent Crystal Palace.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 3pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Tottenham 3 (Soldado, Dembele, Lennon) Stoke 0, Premier League, December 2013 Stoke 1 (Nzonzi) Tottenham 2 (Dempsey, Adebayor), Premier League, May 2013 Tottenham 0 Stoke 0, Premier League, December 2012

STATS…

All five matches between these two at the Britannia have ended 2-1, Tottenham with three victories to Stoke’s two.

Spurs have failed to find the net in three of their last four away games this season.

Stoke have won their last four Premier League games at the Britannia, but have never won five on the bounce at home.

Tottenham have scored 11 goals in their last three home matches, but have conceded 11 goals in their last three league away games.

Tim Sherwood has the best win percentage of any Tottenham manager in the Premier League (58%).

ODDS…

Stoke to win: 3.25

Tottenham to win: 2.44

Draw: 3.5

TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 10.30pm