Tottenham Hotspur vs. Stoke: Key Issues and Decisions That Will Shape EPL Game
When Tottenham Hotspur host Stoke City on Sunday afternoon, they face an opponent that has often troubled them. The Potters' unique style of football is particularly effective against teams with a soft underbelly.
That is an accusation that has often been levelled at Spurs, and this season they have shown little signs of becoming tougher.
If Stoke carry their aggressive style to White Hart Lane, Tottenham will find themselves quickly on the back foot.
That aggression walks a fine line, though, and Stoke have received several red cards against Spurs in recent seasons.
Spurs broke a run of discouraging results in the Premier League with a win over Aston Villa in their most recent fixture, and it remains to be seen whether that fortunate victory can spark their season.
Sitting just three points outside the top four despite having played quite poorly in the majority of their matches, Spurs can vault up the table if they can improve.
It may come as a surprise to Spurs fans, but Stoke will move above them in the table if they can win at White Hart Lane.
Can Stoke Spring a Surprise?
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Stoke have won just three league matches this season. One came against then-struggling Newcastle, another was a fortunate 2-1 win over Swansea City, but their first of the season came against Manchester City 1-0 at the Etihad.
Stoke have developed a knack for upsetting the supposedly bigger teams, and Mark Hughes' team is constructed to be both hard to beat and capable on the counter-attack.
Mame Biram Diouf's winner against City was a touch fortunate, but it was also emblematic of the threat that Stoke pose. Spurs must guard against that threat while not being too defensive.
It is a difficult balance and one that Mauricio Pochettino has been mostly unable to strike this season.
Spurs Must Remain Aggressive
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Against Aston Villa, Mauricio Pochettino selected a slightly more aggressive lineup than he has preferred this season so far. Instead of his usual attacking line of three behind a single striker, he played Roberto Soldado behind Emmanuel Adebayor, with Christian Eriksen and Nacer Chadli on the flanks.
Spurs' wide men were posted deeper than usual, and Eriksen struggled to impose himself. Chadli too was quiet until Pochettino tinkered at half-time.
Pochettino's new approach failed to get the desired result against Aston Villa. Having said that, he should persevere with a slightly more attacking lineup.
Spurs have struggled to control most of their home matches this season and been embarrassed for that by inferior teams.
Both West Brom and Newcastle began the match with a defensive approach but were encouraged by Spurs' anaemic attack.
Tottenham must attack early and attempt to impose themselves upon Stoke.
If not, they risk inviting Stoke forward.
Will Eriksen Return to a Central Role?
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Against Aston Villa, Christian Eriksen was deployed in a wide role in an experimental move that should be deemed a failure.
Eriksen is Spurs' best outfield player and should not be wasted in a role that does not suit him.
He drifted into the middle to try to get into the game against Villa, but instead he confused the midfield and exposed his full-back. Pochettino was forced to replace him with Erik Lamela only to rue that decision once Christian Benteke had been sent off.
If Pochettino persists with his tweaked system, Eriksen should be the man behind the striker. If the manager feels particularly ambitious, he could play the Dane as one of the holding two in midfield. That would add skill to Spurs' engine room but significantly reduce their ability to compete physically.
A match against Stoke is probably not the time to experiment in that way.
Instead, Eriksen should be restored to his usual role of advanced playmaker. He combined well with Roberto Soldado against Man City from that position, and that partnership should be given the chance to develop.
How Will Pochettino Deploy His Defence?
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Mauricio Pochettino's biggest decision against Stoke may be who he selects in defence.
Younes Kaboul continues to be a liability, and his performance against Aston Villa was particularly poor. His impressive display against Arsenal now seems a long time ago.
Unfortunately, Federico Fazio seems to be adapting slowly to the English game. A red card in his Premier League debut against Manchester City was followed up by another sending off in the Europa League against Asteras Tripolis.
Fazio has looked imperious in the air and calm when dealing with faster players but seems to come to pieces when players get in behind him.
Stoke are likely to offer up a physical battle against Spurs, so the strong Fazio seems the perfect man to partner Jan Vertonghen, but if the Potters can break with pace, they'll present a real threat.
The return of Kyle Naughton at right-back should ease Fazio's fears somewhat. The fact that he has twice been sent off with Eric Dier outside him is no coincidence.
Dier is an excellent young player but lacks the instincts and manoeuverability of a natural full-back. Naughton will provide Fazio with the cover that he needs to avoid panic.
Pochettino should keep faith with his countryman at centre-back, safe in the knowledge that a fit-again Naughton will provide added protection.
Can Erik Lamela Deliver in the Premier League?
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Erik Lamela's second season in the Premier League has already been far more successful than his first. Lamela has become one of Spurs' more important players, but he is yet to really deliver a starring performance.
While he has been the match-winner in European and cup games, he hasn't really left his mark on a Premier League game.
His chance could come against Stoke.
The Potters are likely to sit deep and defend hard. Lamela, with his close control and propensity to dribble at opponents rather than around them, is likely to draw plenty of attention from the Stoke defence.
Pochettino might be best served holding Lamela back, preserving him as an impact substitute for when Stoke's defence tires. He has visibly improved Spurs three times in the last two weeks from the bench. Against Brighton, Asteras and Aston Villa, Lamela helped Spurs find victory.
Spurs are now on their best run of the season, and Lamela is a big part of the reason why. He has already redeemed himself after a disappointing (injury-shortened) debut season, but now he is ready to take the next step.
