Prediction: Tottenham vs Stoke

8th April 2011

Tottenham need to quickly forget the disappointing defeat in Madrid as the win in this match is crucial if they want to keep their top 4 finish hopes alive, but Spurs remain the hot favourites against Tony Pulis’ Stoke, with the Potters utterly disappointing on the travels this season.

What looked like a very successful season for Spurs is threatening to turn into a big disappointment after the heavy defeat to Real in the Champions League quarter-final, and in order to save this season Tottenham need to secure top 4 finish. Nothing went into Tottenham’s favour on Tuesday night and they were very unlucky to lose by such a big margin, but Spurs are now set to return to their Premiership campaign and try to catch either Chelsea or Manchester City. Harry Redknapp will be looking for a response from his players following the dismal performance in Madrid, which should result in a good performance against Stoke. Harry Redknapp is likely to make a couple of changes to the starting line-up, so we should see Jermaine Defoe and Aaron Lennon from the start, with Crouch and Jenas dropping to the bench. Tom Huddlestone could also play a part following the lengthy absence through injury, but King, Woodgate, Hutton and Pienaar remain sidelined.

Stoke are enjoying another successful season in the top flight, with Tony Pulis continuing to lead the Potters to what would have been regarded as unimagined heights just few years back. Once again, the Potters have virtually ensured survival more than few rounds before the end of the league campaign, which can mostly be attributed to their impressive performances at Britannia Stadium, while they have also impressed in the FA Cup and will be vying with Bolton for the place in the final. Stoke have continued to struggle on the travels this term, but nobody is worried by the run of four straight away defeats in which they failed to score a single goal, especially when taking into account everything the Potters have achieved this term. With FA Cup semi-final clash with Bolton due next weekend, it is perfectly clear that Stoke players will have one eye on that game. John Carew is unlikely to be risked as Tony Pulis wants him fully fit for the Bolton game, while Mahamadou Sidibe continues to miss out.

Conclusion

Tottenham desperately need a morale boosting win to make amends for the defeat at Santiago Bernabeu and it appears they will have no problems recording it. Stoke are utterly disappointing on the travels and I really don’t think they can shock Tottenham at White Hart Lane, especially as they will be more concentrated on the Bolton match due next weekend.

Verdict: Home win Tottenham (1)

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: William Hill