Stoke v Tottenham preview: Potters eye league double over Spurs

Stoke can complete a first-ever league double over Tottenham with victory at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday.

Goals from Bojan and Jon Walters helped them to a 2-1 win at White Hart Lane earlier in the season and can strengthen their place in the top half with a repeat result on home soil.

The Potters have won just one of their last six and fell to a 2-0 defeat at Swansea last time out.

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Tottenham continued their inconsistent recent form as they lost at home to Manchester City last weekend meaning they have won two, drawn two and lost two of their past six games.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side still have a very faint hope of reaching the top four but are more likely focusing on staying ahead of Southampton for a top six finish and Europa League qualification.

Team news

Jack Butland will keep his place in goal as Stoke manager Mark Hughes continues to give the England Under-21 international first-team experience.

Hughes's plan was always to give Butland at least two games towards the end of the season and, as a result, established number one Asmir Begovic has taken the opportunity to have what the manager described as "a slight procedure" which rules him out of this weekend.

Defender Geoff Cameron returns to the squad after missing the defeat at Swansea with a hamstring problem.

Tottenham have midfielders Mousa Dembele (thigh) and Andros Townsend (foot) back in contention.

Right-back Kyle Walker will play no part at the Britannia Stadium as he continues his rehabilitation from a foot injury.

Left-back Ben Davies will be out for the rest of the season after undergoing a shoulder operation last month.

Opta facts

There have been six red cards in the last six Barclays Premier League games between Stoke City and Tottenham Hotspur at the Britannia Stadium.

Spurs have won four of their last five Premier League matches at the Britannia Stadium.

Tottenham have lost just one of their last five Premier League away matches (W2 D2 L1).

Harry Kane’s goals have won more points (22) than any other Premier League player this season.

Despite only scoring 10 goals, Christian Eriksen’s goals have won more PL points (13) for his side this season than Sergio Aguero’s (11) or Diego Costa’s (8) goals.

Merson's prediction

I never bet against Stoke at home, even though they are playing Tottenham, and I am going to go for a 2-0 win to Stoke as they are a good team when playing at the Britannia.

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0 (12/1 with Sky Bet)

Betting

Tottenham are Sky Bet’s marginal favourites at 7/5 despite seeing their Champions League hopes all but ended last weekend, with Stoke 9/5 outsiders while the draw is priced at 12/5. Spurs were pushed out to 250/1 for a top-four finish after their Manchester City defeat but they remain odds-on for a top-six finish, with Southampton 11/8 to finish ahead. The Potters, meanwhile, are expected to secure another top-half finish with odds of 5/2 on them finishing outside the top 10. Harry Kane heads the first goalscorer market at 9/2 but has drifted out to 100/30 to finish the season as the Premier League’s leading scorer, having slipped two behind Sergio Aguero in Sunday’s loss. Stoke’s side of the goalscorer market is wide open, with Mame Biram Diouf leading the way on 13/2 from Peter Odemwingie, Peter Crouch and Jon Walters at 7/1 apiece.

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