The Dugout Discussion – Stoke City vs Spurs

Rounding off the first wave of fixtures this Gameweek, Stoke City attempt to curtail Tottenham Hotspur’s title charge at the Britannia Stadium. The Potters suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Liverpool last time out, while Spurs lost just once in their last 12 fixtures.

Stoke’s attacking recruits have come up short in home fixtures this season, charting fifth-bottom for attempts (189), bottom for shots inside the box (91) and joint-fifth-bottom for shots on target (53). Conversely, their rearguard has provided a solid foundation, conceding the seventh-fewest shots inside the box (98) and the fourth-fewest big chances (18). Moreover, the fact they’ve conceded the fewest attempts from set plays (35) in home ties could be significant given that they’re pitted against the team ranked top for set-play goals (17).

Aside from recording nine goals in their previous four outings, Tottenham ranked top for attempts (70), top for big chances (11) and top for shots on target, limiting the clean-sheet prospects of the hosts. Looking strictly at their attacking prowess away from White Hart Lane, no team has managed more attempts (233) or shots on target (88) in road clashes than the Lilywhites, portending a high-tempo contest at Stoke.