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Recovery. Things looked dire for Tottenham Hotspur sixty minutes in to their match last week, losing 1-0 to an Aston Villa that had previously gone 531 minutes without scoring. But things turned around, thanks to a Christian Benteke red card, Nacer Chadli goal, and Harry Kane last-minute deflected free kick goal Tottenham was able to earn a crucial 2-1 road win. The team is now in 9th place, only four points away from fourth place. Harry Kane has been spectacular, scoring again in the midweek vs. Asteras, but will the young starter finally get his chance for his first league start today?
In the way today is Stoke City, sitting 13th place in the table. Stoke's style has changed under Mark Hughes, but the results have not, as the team has struggled for goals and been resolute defensively so far this season. The Potters have struggled on the road of late, earning just one point in their last three road matches. Stoke does have scoring threats though, as Mame Biram Diouf and Peter Crouch could test an inconsistent Spurs defense.
As for the Prediction League, Caley, Mechanick, and Ryan dropped perfect predictions last week to keep things tight up top. 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 |
| Michael Caley | 7 |
| Mechanick | 6 |
| Ryan | 6 |
| Brett Rainbow | 5 |
| Ben Daniels | 5 |
| Salmon Chase | 5 |
| Skipjack | 4 |
| Kevin | 4 |
|
Ed |
4 |
| Dominic Wood | 3 |
| Uncle Menno | 3 |
| Bryan A. |
2 |
This week's predictions:
Uncle Menno: Call me crazy, but I'm feeling optimistic about this one. 3-1 Spurs, and Vertonghen eats Peter Crouch's nachos.
Kevin: Stoke City sucks, 3-0 Spurs
Mechanick: Poch not starting Kane is the only thing that stops this game from being more lopsided. 1-0 Spurs
Ryan: A cappella with sock puppets? Genius! 2-1 Spurs.
Bryan A.: This is the worst things have ever been. We are the worst footballers to ever football. 2-1 Stoke.
Ed: Blehhhhhhhhhh. 0-0 Draw.
Salmon Chase: I don't like doing this anymore, it gives me anxiety. 2-0 Spurs
Ben Daniels: I have a really bad feeling Charlie Adam is going to injure Ryan Mason. But we've still got Harry Kane. Hopefully. 2-1 Spurs.
Dominic Wood: 3-1 Spurs. I need a pick me up.
Michael Caley: 3-1 Spurs. I think we're going wide-open attacking again.
Skipjack: 3-2 Spurs. Swing low, sweet chariot.
Brett Rainbow: 2-0 Spurs.