Tottenham vs Stoke preview: Spurs failed to pick up a point against the Potters last season

A look ahead to the Premier League fixture at White Hart Lane

(Getty Images)

It’s a big game for…

HUGO LLORIS: Having played his first 90 minutes since the end of last season for Tottenham Hotspur’s Under-21 side on Monday, Spurs’ shot-stopper has put himself in contention to face Stoke.

If he were to start on Saturday, Lloris will have to deal with the physical style of football that the Potters bring to the table through set pieces. Saturday could prove a potentially disastrous introduction back into first team football for the France captain.

Best stat…

47: The amount of headed goals that former Tottenham Hotspur and current Stoke City striker Peter Crouch has scored in the Premier League. Crouch could add to his record 47 headed goals if the Potters choose to challenge Hugo Lloris, who could make a return from injury on Saturday, in the air.

Remember when…

Clint Dempsey scored this outrageous goal against Stoke City back in 2013. Dempsey’s corker and a late Emmanuel Adebayor finish fired Spurs into fourth place, albeit temporarily.

Player to watch…

IBRAHIM AFELLAY: Brought to the Britannia Stadium on a free transfer from Barcelona, Afellay’s neat footwork and ability on the ball had Stoke fans grinning from ear-to-ear on Sunday. Despite the 1-0 defeat to Liverpool, Afellay proved to be the exciting prospect that will have Stoke fans on their feet for years to come.

Past three-meetings…

Stoke City 3 (Adam, N,Zonzi, Vertonghen OG) Tottenham Hotspur 0, Premier League, May 2015

Tottenham Hotspur 1 (Chadli) Stoke City 2 (Krkic, Walters), Premier League, November 2014

Stoke City 0 Tottenham Hotspur 1 (Rose), Premier League, April 2014

Form guide…

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR: L

STOKE CITY: L

Vital information…

KICK-OFF TIME: 3pm

TV: Highlights on BBC1