Tottenham v Stoke: Potters to frustrate hosts at the Lane

Traditionally, Stoke don’t fare too well on the road but White Hart Lane hasn’t been the most unhappy of hunting grounds for them in recent seasons.

In four previous Premier League visits, the Potters have picked up four points and never failed to score; not bad when you consider the fact that their main objective is to keep their heads above water, while Tottenham’s focus is at the other end of the table. A very respectable 5/4 is on offer for Tony Pulis’ side to avoid defeat in this one.

They make the journey to north London having not conceded in two successive away matches and their notoriously stringent defence have allowed just two goals in their last five matches. That sort of form makes the dizzying 9/2 for them to keep Spurs at bay here a tempting prospect, but Andre Villas-Boas’ men are sure to provide Ryan Shawcross and co their sternest test since they paid Manchester United a visit in late September.

A freak loss at Everton – they conceded twice in the final minute of a match they were all but certain to win – is the only blemish on an otherwise flawless six-game Spurs winning streak across two competitions.

They’ve ran in 13 goals in that time but could only manage one against a resolute Swansea side last week and with attrition undoubtedly Stoke’s most noteworthy characteristic they’re capable of frustrating the hosts even longer than the Swans did. They’re certain to make AVB’s men work hard for anything they get out of the game and the 5/6 that says they’ll be under 2.5 goals scored in this one is an excellent price.

With both sides in terrific form of late, a draw is a very likely outcome and 1-1 can be backed at 7/1, while the draw and under 2.5 goals combination pays out at a pleasing rate of 3/1. Given Stoke’s battling qualities coupled with a semi-decent record in this fixture, this is probably the best bet of the lot.

All odds and markets accurate as of publication’s time and date