Premier League preview: Stoke v Tottenham

Tottenham will look to continue their impressive run of form at Stoke City on Sunday.

Harry Redknapp’s men may be on the verge of elimination from the Europa League after a loss to PAOK on November 30, but the defeat is a rare blemish on a remarkable recent run.

They are unbeaten in their last 11 English Premier League outings, 10 of which they have won after consecutive losses to start their campaign.

Winger Gareth Bale has been instrumental of late, scoring four times and assisting just as many in his last five league appearances.

It led to Redknapp praising the Welshman, who was again in top form in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Bolton.

“Gareth’s got everything. He’s got pace, he’s six-foot-two, an athlete, he can do the lot,” he said.

“He’s learning the game all the time and how to hurt defences with his movement. He’s difficult to mark, comes in off the line and gets into little pockets. He doesn’t just stand on the line and get marked out of the game, he looks to mix his game up.”

“He’s a top-class player, a complete footballer. (He’s an) amazing talent.”

A win at the Britannia Stadium would give Tottenham, who are seven points adrift of league leaders Manchester City, a fourth straight win away from home in the Premier League, something they have never previously achieved.

With several players pushing for starting spots, Redknapp had the luxury of using Dutch midfielder Rafael van der Vaart as a substitute on Saturday.

Much of Tottenham’s recent good form can be attributed to the centre of the park, where former West Ham United midfielder Scott Parker has been a key in supporting Luka Modric.

Third-placed Tottenham will be tested by Tony Pulis’ improving side, who are unbeaten in their last three outings in all competitions.

After struggling early in the season, Stoke recorded a win over Blackburn Rovers and a 1-0 victory at Everton on Sunday to move into eighth.

Striker Peter Crouch takes on his former club having netted twice in their last league meeting at White Hart Lane in April.

His height is sure to again be used with five of the 14 goals Stoke have scored this league campaign coming from headers.

But despite the aerial threat, Redknapp’s in-form side will undoubtedly be confident of securing another victory in the trip to Stoke.