Tottenham vs Stoke Preview, Team News, Likely Line-Ups, Key Man & Predicted Score

Tottenham entertain Stoke City at White Hart Lane on Sunday afternoon looking to close in on the top four.

Spurs were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by West Brom on Boxing Day which has left them sitting eighth in the Premier League table and five points off fourth-placed Liverpool, so Tim Sherwood will be hoping to get back to winning ways this weekend.

Sherwood has called for patience as he tries to implement his own style of play on the team but goals continue to be hard to come by at home with the north Londoners only managing to score more than one in a game in two of their last 11 league games at the Lane.

However, they should have a good chance to improve upon that record on Sunday as Stoke have conceded 15 in their last five away games, including 5 against Newcastle on Boxing Day.

Team News

Spurs welcome back midfielder Paulinho after he served a three-match ban following his sending off against Liverpool. The Brazilian should come straight back in and could partner Christian Eriksen in midfield after the Dane scored a stunning free-kick against WBA.

Aaron Lennon will face a late fitness test on a stomach injury but Sherwood has confirmed the winger has a good chance of featuring.

However, Jan Vertonghen, Mousa Dembele, Andros Townsend, Sandro and Younes Kaboul are all likely to miss out through injury, while Kyle Walker is suspended after picking up his fifth booking of the season.

Stoke will be without midfielder Glenn Whelan and defender Marc Wilson after the pair were sent off against Newcastle.

Goalkeeper Asmir Begovic is out for up to six weeks after breaking a finger in training last week so Thomas Sorenson will continue in goal, while Robert Huth continues to recover from a knee injury.

Likely Line-Ups

Key Man

Emmanuel Adebayor: The striker has been excellent since returning to the side and Stoke will have to pay him close attention this weekend.

Predicted Score

Tottenham 2-0 Stoke: Spurs should have too much for the Potters to handle and we can see them securing a comfortable win.

What would be your preferred team and what’s your score prediction? Share your views below.