Tottenham Hotspur travel to the Bet 365 Stadium as they look to extend their unbeaten run thus far and gather some momentum as the teams regroup after an early International break. While Spurs are on 5 points after 3 games with a couple of draws against the tricky Merseyside teams, Pochettino will understand his troops have failed to gel properly as of yet. His main protagonists from last season, namely- Harry Kane and Dele Alli have yet to come up with a performance of any note. So the Argentine will be looking to get his house in order before the fixtures start coming thick and fast onto them.
On the other hand, Stoke have been extremely underwhelming thus far. Mark Hughes’s revolution is proving to be very hard to attain and his start to the season depicts as such. The Potters lie at the bottom of the table after three game weeks and have to start turning things around if they are to come anywhere close to their season objectives.
They will be facing an uphill task as they need to beat last year’s 3rd placed team to notch up their first win this season. We briefly look at 3 areas Hughes needs to focus on if they are to beat Tottenham Hotspur.
Get Shaqiri on the ball
Shaqiri has been sorely missed in the last two matches as Stoke have missed his creative spark in the attacking third. Hughes will be hoping to have the former Bayern Munich man back from his injury. His ability to conjure moments of brilliance out of seemingly dead situations count among the best in the League and he will be vital to their hopes of getting something out of this match.
Make use of Bony’s strengths
Wilfried Bony secured a deadline day move from Manchester City and he will look to get involved in the action after being on the fringes of the team at the Etihad. His physique will be important as he will look to impose himself upon the settled Spurs defence. His partnership with Arnautovic and Shaqiri will be vital to the Potter’s expected turnaround.
Take the initiative
Stoke have lacked any sort of invention going forward, especially from midfield. With the likes of Alli and Kane out of sorts, the Potters will be better off trying to dictate the pace of the game. The duo of Allen and Imbula has the potential to bring a balance in the centre of the park and they should be allowed to express themselves. Stoke have been circumspect in their matches so far and it is time they are freed of their shackles.
