Stoke v Tottenham Betting Tip 1 – 26 April 2014

Premier League Tips

After just one defeat in their last eight Premier League games, Stoke have given themselves a great chance of finishing in their highest ever position in England’s top flight. That solitary defeat came away to Chelsea, and although they would have been disappointed in not getting anything from the game, the other seven results show the improvement that Mark Hughes has managed to get out this squad in his first season in charge. Ahead of the visit of Tottenham this Saturday, Stoke have only lost two league games at the Britannia all season – only the top four have lost less. They’re unbeaten at home since the second week of January (a run of five wins and one draw) and have already beaten Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal. If Hughes can rectify their form away from home, where they have won just twice in 18 games, it’s not unrealistic to think that the can finish even higher next season.

As I mentioned in last week’s preview before their clash with Fulham, the Champions League is basically gone for Tottenham now, they have to focus on finishing in that final Europa League spot, holding off the challenge of Manchester United. They have played a game more than United but have a cushion of six points which Tim Sherwood will be hoping is enough to meet his objective of getting the club back into Europe. The 3-1 derby success at home to Fulham was routine enough and provided them with their third successive home win. It’s a contrast between earlier in the season where their home form was much worse off compared to away from home. They have went four games without recording a victory on their travels, only avoiding four successive away defeats by scoring in the 94th minute to rescue a 3-3 draw against West Brom a fortnight ago.

I’ve spoken about the change in Stoke’s approach to the game and how it has changed since Hughes took over. For a long time under the previous manager, Tony Pulis, the accusation was that they were only successful because of their physical style and bullying opponents. Hughes has turned that around and although they are still aggressive, possession has improved and they look more dangerous from open play.

Spurs have not kept a clean sheet in the league since the beginning of March when they beat Cardiff 1-0 at home. It’s not completely surprising though as when Sherwood was given the job he made a point of saying he would play a more attacking system compared to Andre Villas Boas and he’s been a man of his word. It’s one of the reasons why they have the worst goal difference of the current top eight and why they could yet miss out on a European spot.

I was very surprised to see such a discrepancy between the two sides in terms of the prices. Stoke are one of the best sides in the league at home whilst Tottenham have been erratic in recent weeks. Plenty will point to Spurs having more to play for but that’s often overplayed. Stoke are in excellent form at present and will be hard to beat. If you prefer a safer bet then you can back them +1 at 4/7, however I think them to win straight out is very good value.

Stoke 9/4 @ Betvictor