Three Things What I want to See from Tottenham against Stoke

Tottenham Hotspur have a chance to rebound from a tough week and advance to the semifinals of the League Cup, beyond winning these are things we want to see from Spurs.

Tottenham Hotspur have been grinding out results until the last week or so. Now, with an opportunity to play a team not competing for Champions League places, but still in a meaningful game, Spurs can get right. These are the three things we at HotspurHQ would like to see from Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday evening at bet365 Stadium versus the Potters.

Positive Possession

While Tottenham Hotspur have made it very clear this season that you do not need to have a lot of possession to have a good result, we have seen the last week it does help. Liverpool and Leicester City both got a bit fortunate thanks to the volume approach. Tottenham for the first time since Europa League ended have an opportunity to play from the front foot for 90 minutes.

Stoke will try to possess the ball some, but only average 48% possession per match in the Championship. The Potters will play with a deep backline of likely three defenders and concede possession, looking to break and pound Spurs defensively.

Tottenham need to get their passing boots on and knock the ball around the park well. More importantly than possessing the ball, they need to turn that possession into something positive like good chances and ultimately goals. Stoke are not likely to push up the field enough to allow for a lot of counterattack. While the through ball may be open some, that comes in the space of half-field, possession offensive, which we need to see from Spurs.

Spurs Suffocating Defense

While Japhet Tanganga is out injured and Joe Rodon is not available, the defense we have seen them play along with Davinson Sanchez is what we want to see against Stoke. What Spurs have done in Europa League in particular, is work to deny the attackers the ball.

The defenders were often stepping up and cutting passes. This approach did cost Spurs a goal against LASK with Sanchez misreading the play, but sometimes you must add a little risk to the equation. The benefit of trapping Stoke in by denying possession greatly outweighs the risk against a team that is quite beat up.

Of course, to have a suffocating defense where the backs can step and cut out passes you need pressure across the board. This should be an opportunity for some of the non-regular starters to go out and show what they can do. And if any of them aspire to play more, it starts with strong team defense.

Bring Dele Back

The first two points were quite general and can occur as much with attitude and approach as anything else. However, this last point is about getting the best out of the team and giving Spurs the best chance to succeed. The reality is Tottenham need Dele Alli.

The game this past Sunday against Leicester City was screaming for Dele and his piercing runs through the defense from midfield. On a day where Spurs really needed effective movement Dele was not available. Spurs will need that movement Wednesday and not only should Dele be in the team, but we also want to see him start the match. With Lo Celso seemingly hurt, Lamela not back yet, and Tanguy, well being Tanguy, Tottenham need Dele Alli.

While we understand Dele Alli was often the finisher not the creator of many of the magical moments he has had with Spurs a finisher is what this team needs. With so much of the offense coming from either Harry Kane or Heung-Min Son, someone is going to have to step up and score double figures this season. No better place to start than Wednesday at Stoke and no better person then Dele.

Those are three things we would like to see accompany a victory. What do you want to see from Spurs on Wednesday evening?