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Setback. Spurs were looking rosy in the 36th minute of Thursday's Boxing Day match against West Brom, as Christian Eriksen hit a beautiful free kick to give Spurs the lead. But Tottenham fell apart after that, conceding within just two minutes, limping on the way to to a drab 1-1 draw. Defensively Spurs were a nightmare, as both Vlad Chiriches and Michael Dawson struggled mightily (albeit with no defensive midfield cover). The defense will have to improve as Kyle Walker misses out through suspension.
Today sees Tottenham host Stoke City. The Potters sit in 12th place on 21 points. Mark Hughes' side has a bad taste in their mouths after their 5-1 drubbing against Newcastle United on Boxing Day. The game was marked by red cards for Marc Wilson and Glenn Whelan, disqualifications that will see them miss today's match. Reserves like Andy Wilkinson and former Spurs player Wilson Palacios may be counted on to replace them. Even more midfield responsibility may come on Charlie Adam to lead, while Peter Crouch will be looked on again to carry the scoring load against the vulnerable Spurs' defense.
As for the Prediction League, only Ashlock foresaw the draw against West Brom. The rules remain the same in the Prediction League--one point for a correct prediction and a bonus point for getting the score correct. Here are the current standings:
| Name | Score |
| Mechanick | 15 |
| Uncle Menno | 13 |
| MCofA | 12 |
| The Sleeper's Sleep | 12 |
| Ed | 12 |
| Ryan | 11 |
| Skipjack | 11 |
| Petrilli | 11 |
| Ashlock | 11 |
| Kevin | 10 |
| Lennon's Eyebrow | 9 |
| The Roosevelts |
8 |
This week's predictions:
Ed: 2-1 Spurs. Stoke-On-Trent is the birthplace of Wedgewood pottery, thus making it a wholly appropriate setting for Mark Hughes to once again get fired. ZING
Kevin: Trying to be optimistic. Trying. Trying. Can't do it. 2-1 Stoke.
Mechanick: I keep thinking Spurs step up defensively. I have no idea why. 1-0 Spurs.
Ryan: That's why her hair is so big, it's full of secrets. 1-1 Draw
The Roosevelts: 1-1 Draw, because I'm not putting effort into this
Ashlock: In a continued effort to show just how much he doesn't care, Tim Sherwood names a central midfield pairing of Luka Modric and Wilson Palacios to start. FA officials inform the club that Modric is registered for Real Madrid, despite Sherwood's assertions to the contrary. Mark Hughes, however, happily allows Palacios to suit up for Spurs. 1-1 Draw.
Lennon's Eyebrow: I have no confidence in anything good ever happening again. But it's Stoke so whatever. 2-1 Spurs.
Petrilli: It's also revealed the Britannia has extensive water damage and must be condemned. Spurs 2-1.
Uncle Menno: We are still injured, TURRIBLE at home, and Crouchy's gonna have his nachos. 2-2 Draw.
MCofA: Numbers are stupid. They say Spurs 1 Stoke nil. I'm stupid too. Spurs 1 Stoke 0
The Sleeper's Sleep: (Sung to the tune of the National Geographic theme)
Stoke Stoke Stoke STOKE Stoke, Stoke Stoke Stoke STOKE Stoke STOKE Stoke STOKE STOKE.
(Stoke, Stoke)
Stoke Stoke Stoke STOKE Stoke, Stoke Stoke Stoke STOKE Stoke STOKE Stoke STOKE STOKE,
Stoke Stoke Stoke Stoke,
STOKE STOOOOOOOOOOKE!
2-1 Spurs.
Skipjack: 1-1 Draw. Joke about Cthulhu and cosmic horror goes here
