Spurs travel to Stoke-on-Trent after a disappointing opening leg in Champions League qualifiers. Stoke City suffered a setback on opening day but fans will be ready to show their support at Brittania Stadium come kick-off. Tottenham looked to be off to a promising start after their 0-0 draw with Manchester City afforded many promising signs from the players. However, Harry Redknapp made 4 unfortunate changes for the next match against Young Boys for Champions League qualifiers and Spurs had to scramble to come back after going down 3-0 in the first half. Redknapp will likely reset his starting 11, knowing he needs to get 3 points from this match.
Stoke played well last weekend, but gave up 2 first half goals that proved too much to overcome. Striker Kenwyne Jones injured his ankle in the first 10 minutes after a challenge by Jody Craddock. However, the 8-million-pound hitman has been cleared for Saturday's match, though boss Tony Pulis confirms he thought the striker had broken his leg.
English Premier League, Matchday 2: Stoke City vs. Tottenham Hotspur
Date: 21 August, 2010 - 16:00 CET
Venue: Brittania Stadium - Stoke-on-Trent
Referee: Chris Foy (Merseyside)
Stoke City: Goalkeeper: Thomas Sorensen
Defenders: Abdoulaye Faye, Robert Huth, Ryan Shawcross, Danny Higgenbotham
Midfielders: Rory Delap, Dean Whitehead, Gary Whelan, Matthew Etherington
Forwards: Mamady Sidibe, Ricardo Fuller
Manager: Tony Pulis
Injured: Liam Lawrence
Booked: -
Tottenham:
Keeper: Gomes
Defenders: Michael Dawson, Verdan Corluka, Ledley King, Benoit Assou-Ekotto
Midfielders: Aaron Lennon, Luka Modric, Gareth Bale, Tom Huddleston
Forwards: Peter Crouch, Jermaine Defoe
Manager: Harry Redknapp
Injured: Woodgate, O'Hara
Booked: -
Some light showers are expected in Stoke for the afternoon, but the temperature will be around 15 degrees.
Chris Foy from Merseyside will officiate this match.
Last meeting: 20.03.2010 Stoke City - Tottenham 1:2
Wins Stoke City: 14
Wins Tottenham: 29
Draws: 13
Tottenham seem to be down on their luck after drawing (with an uncountable number of good chances) against Manchester City then going down 3-2 to BSC Young Boys. The Brittania is always a tough venue to play but I believe Redknapp will take no chances here if he is to make an honest run for the top four. The players will display a good work ethic and should ultimately get three points from Stoke City.
Tip: Tottenham +0 (draw no bet) in the Asian Handicap market.
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