Good evening! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for this Monday night fixture as Stoke City host Tottenham Hotspur at the Britannia Stadium. Both sides still have something left to fight for this season, although it is undoubtedly a bigger match for the visitors as they look to capitalise on a rare slip-up from Leicester at the top of the table. First things first, though, let's take a look at the teams...

STOKE STARTING XI: Given; Cameron, Shawcross, Wollscheid, Muniesa; Whelan, Imbula, Shaqiri, Afellay, Arnautovic; Bojan

STOKE SUBS: Haugaard, Bardsley, Ireland, Joselu, Adam, Diouf, Crouch

TOTTENHAM STARTING XI: Lloris; Walker, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Rose; Dier, Dembele, Lamela, Eriksen, Alli; Kane

TOTTENHAM SUBS: Vorm, Davies, Trippier, Wimmer, Mason, Chadli, Son

What can we make of those two teams, then? Well the first thing to note for the hosts is that there is a change in goal, with Haugaard having received criticism in the last couple of games. He has conceded six goals in his two Premier League outings following Butland's injury on international duty, and his selection in the first place ahead of the much more experienced Given was something of a surprise. However, Given is chosen for tonight's game, with Haugaard dropping to the bench.

There is two changes at the back too as Cameron and Muniesa come in on either side of Shawcross and Wollscheid, who remain the centre-back partnership despite shipping four goals last time out. Pieters picked up a yellow card in that defeat against Liverpool which means that he is suspended tonight, and Muniesa has overcome a knock he suffered in training to start. Cameron, meanwhile, replaces Bardsley in the side.

There is also a return to the starting XI for Glenn Whelan, who has been suffering from a back injury of late but is deemed fit enough to starting alongside club-record signing Imbula at the base of midfield this afternoon. Further forward, Shaqiri, Afellay and Bojan all retain their places from that defeat at Anfield last weekend, although the latter is expected to play in a more advanced role as the main striker, with Crouch dropping to the bench.

Crouch is replaced in the starting lineup by Marko Arnautovic, whose return from a knee injury is welcome news for Mark Hughes. Arnautovic has arguably been Stoke's best player this season - certainly in the attacking third. He is their top scorer with 10 and has directly contributed to 15 Premier League goals this season - more than any other player has ever managed in a single Premier League season for the Potters.

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As for Spurs, they seem very much settled on their first-choice starting XI now, and Mauricio Pochettino names an unchanged side to the one that beat Manchester United last weekend here tonight. That means that Lloris, as ever, tends the goal behind the Belgian duo of Alderweireld, who scored in that win over United, and his compatriot Vertonghen, who has slotted straight back into the starting lineup following his return from injury.

Both Tottenham full-backs will be eager to prove that they are worthy of a place in Roy Hodgson's squad over the closing months of the season, and they are both expected to be on the plane to France having enjoyed successful campaigns. The width and attacking impetus they give Spurs has been important to Pochettino's side enjoying such a good season so far, and they can afford to be a little freer going forward knowing that Dier will be there sitting at the base of midfield and covering for them.

Dembele also thrives in that destroyer mode, but he has more license to roam and can be a real threat when carrying the ball forward. Most of the creativity comes from the trio just behind the striker, though, with Lamela finally starting to justify his hefty price tag and Eriksen once again enjoying a good campaign. The most impressive of those three is Dele Alli, though, with the youngster having hit the ground running in his debut Premier League season to become a key player for club and country.

The main man in this Tottenham side remains Harry Kane, though. He has backed up his remarkable campaign last term with an even better one this time around, hitting 22 league goals already with five games still left to play. He is currently level in the scoring charts with Leicester's Jamie Vardy, although Vardy will miss at least one game through suspension following his red card against West Ham last time out, while Kane also has tonight's game in hand.

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There are plenty of threats for Stoke to worry about in that Spurs side, then, and there is no doubt that the hosts will go into this match as underdogs. They have a reputation for being a very difficult team to play against, particularly here at the Britannia, but Spurs need a win and Stoke don't come into this match in particularly good form.

The Potters looked ready to really push for European football when they strung together three consecutive wins in February and March, but they have since only managed one victory in their last five outings - a 2-1 triumph at Watford on March 19. They have lost to Southampton and Liverpool in that time, both of whom are around Stoke in the table and also challenging for the European places.

They are still very much in the race, with only six points separating the Potters from West Ham in sixth, but it will take a significant improvement in form over the closing stages of the season for them to close that gap. They actually face the Hammers on the final day and Mark Hughes will be desperate to ensure that his side still have something to fight for, although they still have to face Manchester City, a Sunderland side fighting for survival and a seemingly rejuvenated Crystal Palace before then.

It is not the easiest end to the season for Stoke, then, but it certainly could be worse and even if the Potters don't manage to secure European football for next season, Mark Hughes will at least be hopeful that they can show progress from last season. On that occasions they finished ninth - the position they currently occupy - with 54 points. Stoke need eight points from their final five games to surpass that tally this time around.

The positive for Stoke is that three of their final five games, including tonight, come here at the Britannia Stadium, where they have won seven of their last 13 league games, including victories over the likes of Chelsea and both Manchester clubs. Indeed, none of the other four teams currently in the top five have come away from the Britannia with a win this season, which should act as a warning sign for Spurs tonight. Despite that, Stoke only have the 10th best home record in the league this season, amassing just one point more here than they have away from home.

The Potters shipped four goals in a defeat to a much-changed Liverpool side last weekend, and they defensive record is becoming an increasing concern. They haven't been helped by the season-ending injury suffered by Butland, but even before then their standards were slipping a little. They have not kept a clean sheet in their last five outings and have only managed one in 13 in all competitions. In their 15 matches directly up to and including Boxing Day, Stoke kept 10 clean sheets, but in their 19 since then have managed only two.

Clean sheet or no clean sheet, it is a milestone night for Stoke tonight as they celebrate their 300th game in the Premier League, and the 150th here at the Britannia Stadium. It is safe to say that many people did not expect them to hang about for this long in the top flight, but Tony Pulis built some solid foundations for the club and Mark Hughes has built on that so that they now go into a season thinking of challenging for Europe rather than avoiding relegation.

Tottenham will be intent on spoiling that party in order to extend their own, however, and they go into the game knowing that only a win will really do. They were thrown a lifeline yesterday by West Ham of all teams as they held Leicester to a controversial 2-2 draw at the King Power Stadium, ending the Foxes five-match winning streak. It is the first time since March 1 that Leicester have failed to win a league game, meaning that it is also the first time since then that Spurs have had a chance to close the gap at the top of the table.

It is a chance that they need to take. Victory would still leave them five points behind Leicester with only four games remaining, but with Vardy suspended that could affect the Foxes too. Spurs will need to keep up the pressure, though, and with Leicester only eight points away from securing the title whatever Pochettino's side do, they will know that they can't afford to drop any more points this season. Whatever happens, it has been a superb campaign for Spurs, but should they overhaul Leicester it would go down as one of the greatest in the club's history.

They finish the season against West Bromwich Albion (h), Chelsea (a), Southampton (h) and Newcastle (a), which is not the most straightforward of run-ins but also not unrealistic to say that Spurs could win all of those matches. Even if they don't catch Leicester, Tottenham will take huge satisfaction from finishing above Arsenal, which looks like it will now happen. They are five points clear of the Gunners - a gap that will grow to eight with a win here - and are also edging ever closer to guaranteed Champions League football next season.

They certainly deserve to test themselves among Europe's elite having been so impressive in all aspects of their game throughout the season. They boast the best defensive record in the division and only Manchester City have scored more goals than Spurs, while they goal difference is also significantly better than any other team in the division. They are in decent form coming into this match too, going five league games without defeat and having lost just one of their last 12.

There have been nine wins in that 12-game run, although the two draws have come in their last five outings while Leicester have been winning week after week, which has allowed the Foxes to just edge further clear. Another draw would not do tonight, but they have only won one of their last five away games in all competitions, and that came against the now-relegated Aston Villa. Two of those winless matches have come in the Europa League, though, and it is a different story in the Premier League.

Spurs have lost just one of their last 15 Premier League away games stretching back to the opening day of the campaign, when they were beaten 1-0 by Manchester United courtesy of a Kyle Walker own goal. West Ham are the only visiting side to have won a league game here since then, with Spurs winning eight and drawing six of their last 15. Indeed, only Leicester have picked up more away points in the Premier League than Spurs this season, while Tottenham have the best defensive record on the road with only 13 goals conceded from 16 outings.

The fact that they have only lost twice on the road all season means that they are still stuck on 199 Premier League away defeats. One more will see them hit the unwanted milestone of 200, which only two teams have ever reached before. Everton (200) and Newcastle (204) are the only sides to have lost more Premier League away games than Spurs down the years.

PREDICTION: Right, we're 10 minutes away from kickoff at the Britannia Stadium, which means that it is time for a prediction! Spurs desperately need a win in this one and, while the Britannia has been a bit of a graveyard for the top teams this season, they should have the quality to get one. Victory is much more important for the visitors than it is for the hosts, so I can see them picking up a 2-1 win.

Rather than betting on the result, the smart money may be on a red card this evening. This fixture averages a red card every 1.9 games in the Premier League - which is more frequent than any other in the division that has been played at least 10 times. There have been seven reds in the seven meetings here, with only one of those not seeing a sending-off.

Spurs have only lost five of the 15 Premier League meetings between the two teams, and on four of those occasions they have finished the game without their full complement. They have won seven of those 15 games, but are currently on a three-match winless streak which includes the Potters doing the league double over them last season.

Chiriches was the man sent off on Tottenham's most recent visit here at the end of last season. It was an afternoon to forget for Spurs as they fell to a 3-0 defeat at the Britannia on that occasion, with two of those goals having already gone in before they were reduced to 10 men. They won't have particularly fond memories of the reverse this season either having gone into half time 2-0 ahead but then conceded twice in the final 12 minutes as Stoke rescued a draw.

Right, we're very nearly to go here! The players are out at the Britannia on a huge night for the visitors in particular. Stoke aren't a team to roll over, though, so this is a very intriguing contest.

KICKOFF: Here we go then! Spurs get us underway in a must-win game for the visitors tonight!

Spurs win an early free kick which Lamela curls into the box, but Stoke pass that first defensive test easily to get the ball clear.

Spurs are forced into their first piece of defending as a long ball forwards finds Alderweireld isolated against Bojan. The Belgians keeps a close eye on the ball to hook it out of play, though.

There hasn't been much in these opening exchanges at all. Most of the play has been in that middle third with no real chances for either side so far.

CHANCE! Just as I say that, we do have a chance! Lamela slides a pass to Kane, who has escaped the attention of Shawcross. The striker looks to be in, but he can't take the ball in his stride and by the time he finally does get a shot away, the defender is there to make a block.

I mentioned the disciplinary record in this fixture in the past, and it has been a lively opening in that respect too. There have been a few physical challenges go in already.

Brilliant from Kane to give his side an early lead! Dembele slides a pass out to the striker on the left flank and he is wide enough for there not to be much danger at first. However, he is allowed to come inside and you can tell what he wants to do. Stoke let him do exactly that as he curls a cracking finish into the bottom corner from the edge of the box. Given had no chance.

That is now 23 goals this season for Kane as he regains sole control in the scoring charts. The Spurs fans greet that goal with a chorus of 'Leicester City, we're gunning for you'.

Another shooting chance for Spurs as Kane finds Alli, but the youngster can't keep his shot down and it deflects well over the crossbar.

Stoke go in search of a reply as Arnautovic picks the ball up with his back to goal. He immediately looks to turn and hit an early shot, but his effort deflects behind for the hosts' first corner of the game.

A small concern for Alli here as he stays down following a sliding challenge from Shawcross. That one hurt the youngster, but he will try to run it off.

This really is a physical game at the moment, and it will be interesting to see how that develops. Stoke are looking to get in amongst Spurs to stop them playing, but this Tottenham team won't shy away from a battle like that.

Incidentally, Shay Given, who Kane scored that goal against, is starting his first game since playing for Villa against Southampton in May 2015. He conceded six goals on that occasion...

44 - Since the start of last season Harry Kane has scored 44 Premier League goals, only 10 fewer than Aston Villa in the same period. Hot. — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 18, 2016

Pochettino will be pretty happy with what he has seen from his side so far. They have been on top for the most part and are refusing to be bullied by Stoke as well.

Good chance for a break for Spurs as Walker carries the ball forward down the right. He has blue shirts racing up in support, but he overhits the pass and Alli fires the rebound off target.

Stoke are starting to see a little more of the ball in the Tottenham half now as they look to get themselves back into the match. Nothing for Lloris to do as of yet, though.

SAVE! Lloris is finally called into action, and it is good play from Arnautovic to test the keeper. He works space for a shot from range and drives a powerful effort towards goal. It is straight at Lloris, though, and he beats the ball away.

CHANCE! Another half-chance for Arnautovic moments after that shot as he gets into the box this time to use his aerial threat. He tries to just glance a backward header into the bottom corner, but it skims narrowly wide.

CHANCE! This is Stoke's best period of the match, and they have another good chance here. A cross from the left deflects into the path of Bojan just inside the area, but he gets his shot all wrong when he should do better.

Spurs have been on the back foot for the last five minutes or so, but they almost hit Stoke on the break here. Eriksen is chasing the ball and a poor defensive touch almost sets him in. However, Whelan is alert to mop up the danger, knocking the ball back to Given.

Referee Neil Swarbrick has been lenient so far tonight. He could have shown a few yellow cards already, but has so far kept them in his pocket. The decisions are questionable, but at least he is being consistent - which is more than what could be said for Jonathan Moss in the Leicester match yesterday.

CLOSE! Spurs have a few sights of goal in a good attack, with first Kane sending an enticing low ball across the face of goal before Walker saw an effort blocked. The ball bounces out to Dembele, who has time to line up and shot and send a piledriver narrowly too high. That wasn't far away at all.

Really good chance for Spurs to break again as Walker is released into acres of space down the right. He carries it forward, but the final ball is disappointing and easy for Given to gather.

Spurs weathered that flurry from Stoke and now seem to be back in control of the game, although they haven't really threatened a second since Kane curled home that fine opener. A one-goal lead is never a safe one in this division.

Shaqiri releases Arnautovic down the right channel as the winger moves into a central role. He is completely isolated, though, and can only turn the ball into the box where no red and white shirts are waiting to take advantage.

OFF THE BAR! Huge chance for Spurs to grab a second before half time! Lamela feeds a pass in to Alli, who flicks it brilliantly into the path of Eriksen. The Dane only has the goalkeeper to beat, but tries to pick out the roof of the net and his shot smacks against the crossbar when he really should have scored.

Should Stoke get back into this match then that miss could prove to be very costly indeed. A 2-0 lead for this Spurs side is almost game over - although Stoke have recovered from that deficit against them already this season.

SHOT! Half a chance for Kane again as he is found in the right channel by Alli, but this time the striker drags his shot well wide of the far post.

We will have just the one minute of added time at the end of this first half.

The referee blows for the end of the first half, and it is Tottenham who have the lead at the interval. As things stand they are on course to close the gap on leaders Leicester to just five points, although they will feel that they should be further ahead. The visitors have been on top for the majority of the game and, with the exception of a three-minute spell around the half-hour mark, they will feel that they have been in control of this game for the most part.

It was Harry Kane, of course, who got the only goal of the contest so far with a beautiful finish into the bottom corner. The striker chased what was a bit of a nothing ball down the left channel before giving the ball back inside for Dembele. The Belgian returned the favour, and Kane was allowed to cut inside from the left flank before leaving Given no chance when picking out the bottom corner.

It should be 2-0 to Spurs in truth, but Christian Eriksen squandered a glorious chance towards the end of the half. Lamela and Alli combined to send the Dane clean through on goal with only Given to beat, but Eriksen went for power and height on his finish, sending it smashing against the crossbar. It has to go down as a big miss, and had he scored then it would be a very long way back for Stoke.

Stoke did create a few decent openings during their purple patch around the half-hour mark, with Arnautovic stinging the palms of Lloris with a powerful strike from range before glancing a backward header narrowly wide moments later. Bojan then collected a loose ball just inside the penalty area, but got his finish all wrong, firing it well off target.

KICKOFF: Stoke get us back underway for the second half at the Britannia Stadium, and the hosts have made a change at the break as Joselu replaces Bojan, who picked up a knock in that first half.

Bright start to the half for Stoke and they have a shot in the opening minutes as Afellay unleashes an instinctive effort on the volley, but it flies well off target.

SHOT! Another effort from Afellay, but again he doesn't make the most of it. The attacker picked up a loose ball just outside the area after Arnautovic's free kick had only been cleared that far, skips past a defender but then snatches at his effort and drags it wide.

CHANCE! Chance for Spurs at the other end as Kane sweeps a pass into the path of the surging Rose. He gets the wrong side of the defender and only has Given to beat, but when trying to cut inside he slips at the vital moment and Stoke survive.

Stoke made a really bright start to this second half, but it is Tottenham who are back on the front foot now. The full-backs in particular are getting forward well in the opening stages of this half.

Stoke come forward well down the right flank as Cameron brings it into the Spurs half before finding Bojan. The Spaniard knocks the ball past Rose and looks to collect it on the other side, but he just can't keep it in play.

CHANCE! Another chance for Spurs here as Eriksen controls a high ball by knocking it down to Alli inside the area. The youngster is under pressure, but will still be disappointed with his finish as he fires it well over the bar.

SAVE! A loose pass from Arnautovic immediately sees Spurs hit Stoke on the break. Again it is Walker bombing forward down the right, latching on to Kane's pass. His cross goes through to the back post for Lamela, who drives a powerful effort towards goal that Given turns behind. He may have been better off looking for Kane in the middle there.

SHOT! Kane is never afraid to have a go at goal and here is another one as he attempts a rather ambitious left-footed strike from 25 yards. He drags it wide of the far post, but you can't blame him for shooting whenever he gets in range considering his form.

YELLOW CARD! The first yellow card of the day finally arrives for Imbula for a foul on Dier and then kicking the ball away.

Chance for Stoke to break down the right flank through Cameron, but his cross is poor and sails straight into the arms of Lloris. Stoke haven't been good enough coming forward tonight.

Afellay just hasn't got his shooting boots on tonight. Again he fails to catch on right from outside the area, this time dragging it wide with his left foot.

SHOT! It's not just Afellay who is wayward either. Joselu this time is teed up on the edge of the box, but he fires an effort a long way over.

Game over? Spurs double their advantage with another brilliant goal, with both the assist and the finish being top class here. Eriksen sends a magnificent disguised pass through to Alli, who finds himself in on goal with only the keeper to beat. The youngster keeps his composure to outwit Given, dinking his finish over the veteran to send the visiting fans wild.

Stoke have come from two down to draw with Spurs once already this season, but it is hard to see them doing so again tonight. It should be game over now.

WHAT A MISS! Oh my word, it really should be 3-0 here! Alli is once again sent clean through on goal and again it looks as though he has kept his composure, taking the ball around Given. He even takes time over his finish with an empty net in front of him, which makes what follows even more incredible as he hits the post!

Spurs are just slicing through Stoke at will right now. They come forward again on the counter, with Alli sending a pass down the left channel for Lamela to race on to. He has Kane in support and only Given to beat, and the Argentine unselfishly squares it to the striker, who applies the simple finish.

If it wasn't game over before, it most certainly is now. This is a real statement from Spurs - they will not give up the chase for the title!

The gap will be five points at the end of this match, then, and the manner of this victory will increase Tottenham's confidence even more. Had Leicester not got that late equaliser against West Ham then some may even have given Spurs the edge after tonight!

STOKE SUB: Stoke make a change here as Charlie Adam replaces Whelan for the final 15 minutes or so.

Alderweireld tries to get in on the act with an effort from range, but he slices his shot and it flies comfortably wide.

YELLOW CARD! Adam has only been on for three minutes, but he is straight in the book for an untidy challenge on Lamela.

Well, he's been responsible for maybe the miss of the season, but then he goes and does something like this. Eriksen is again the creator for the youngster's second as he chips a ball into the middle that Alli watches all the way and volleys into the bottom corner. He made that finish look easy.

TOTTENHAM SUB: That will be Alli's last action as he is replaced by Nacer Chadli.

TOTTENHAM SUB: Another switch for the visitors sees Ryan Mason replace Dembele.

TOTTENHAM SUB: A third and final change for Spurs late on sees Lamela replaced by Son Heung-min.

There will be three minutes of added time at the end of this match.

The referee blows for time on a seriously impressive result and performance from Spurs tonight. No other team in the top five had won here this season, but Spurs have blown Stoke away at the Britannia, coming away with a 4-0 victory that could have been more. It is a huge statement in the title race, and this Spurs side are not to be written off just yet!

Dele Alli and Harry Kane for the goals for Spurs, sharing evenly with two apiece. The first came after just nine minutes when Kane cut inside from the left and curled an inch-perfect finish into the bottom corner from the edge of the box. They then scored three in the space of 14 second-half minutes as Alli struck either side of a second for Kane, and the midfielder should have had a hat-trick when he somehow hit the post with the goal gaping after he had rounded Given. It did not prove costly, though, and he atoned for it later by steering a fine volley in to cap off the scoring.

That is all we have time for this evening! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for tonight's match as Spurs send out a message in the title race with a 4-0 drubbing of Stoke at the Britannia. I will leave you with our match report, and be sure to stick around for reaction from both camps. From me, though, it is goodbye for now!