The big news prior to the match was Stoke's coup of one of the most talented young players in the world of football as they acquired the services of former Bayern Munich star Xherdan Shaqiri. The Swiss international made a u-turn on his decision having previously turned down a move to the Potters and completed a club record move.
Mark Hughes expressed his delight having signed a world class player and insisted that the club paid the right price given the player's talents.
"Of course financial considerations come into a deal, they always do, but we are hardly blowing our rivals out of the water with our financial might," he told reporters.
"We can pay the going rate when we need to, but this transfer is not about money, it's about playing.
"Xherdan has been with two big European clubs but he hasn’t played as many games as he would have liked. That’s what we can promise him, and for a young player that is what is important."
Hughes accepted that his side got a bit lucky with the deal but is excited with what he brings to the team.
"Sometimes circumstances have to fall for you and you need that little bit of luck. We probably had a similar situation with Bojan when he came. We were the right club at the right time," he said.
"He [Shaqiri] looked really excited this morning and, as you'd expect when you bring in a player of his quality, almost everybody’s level went up at training."
Team news
Shaqiri does arrive to the Premier League with a lot of expectations but will carry with him suspension which he earned in the Coppa Italia during his time at Inter Milan, one he will have to honor in England. Stoke will also be without star man Bojan Krkic who is still recovering from his knee injury, whereas captain Ryan Shawcross has also been ruled out with a back injury. Peter Odemwingie will also be on the sidelines as he nurses a hamstring injury whereas the likes of Marko Arnautovic (thigh) and Marc Wilson (knock) are doubts.
Mauricio Pochettino on the other hand will have a fully fit squad at his expense with Hugo Lloris poised to start between the posts.
Player to watch out for
Big things are expected from last year's young player of the year Harry Kane. Despite having a phenomenal season the youngster experienced a dry spell in the final two months of the season and will be hoping to open up his goal scoring account in the match against Stoke.
Team sheets for Tottenham vs Stoke City
Tottenham's Starting XI:Lloris , Walker, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Davies; Dier, Mason; Chadli, Dembele, Eriksen; Kane.
Stoke City's Starting XI:Butland; Johnson, Cameron, Muniesa, Pieters; Whelan , van Ginkel; Walters, Afellay, Arnautovic; Diouf.
Tottenham's subs: Vorm, Rose, Trippier, Alli, Bentaleb, Carroll, Lamela.
Stoke City's subs:Given, Ireland, Joselu, Adam, Sidwell, Crouch, Wollscheid.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
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