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Tottenham vs Stoke City: 5 key matchups

By Rucker Haringey

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 20: Victor Wanyama of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates scoring his sides first goal with his team mates during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace at White Hart Lane on August 20, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 20: Victor Wanyama of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates scoring his sides first goal with his team mates during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace at White Hart Lane on August 20, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 20: Kyle Walker of Tottenham Hotspur in action during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace at White Hart Lane on August 20, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 20: Kyle Walker of Tottenham Hotspur in action during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace at White Hart Lane on August 20, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /

3. Kyle Walker vs. Marko Arnautovic

I have to confess, that there’s something I really fancy about Stoke forward Marko Arnautovic. It’s quite possible that he’s clinically insane, but he plays with a real edge that I can’t help but admire.

Kyle Walker isn’t exactly the most even-keeled football player on the planet either. He’s certainly been known to lose his cool a time or two over the years. Fortunately for Spurs fans, those mental lapses have decreased significantly since Mauricio Pochettino’s arrival.

The man who keeps the coolest head in this match will give his side a giant advantage. It’s hard to imagine Stoke’s attack really causing Tottenham many problems unless Arnautovic can get some time and space on the ball. It’ll be Walker’s job to make sure that doesn’t happen.

Danny Rose’s absence also puts Walker under more pressure on the offensive end of the pitch. He becomes the fullback the club will rely on to bomb forward and create width via transition opportunities. He’ll need to pick his spots carefully to make sure Arnautovic doesn’t punish him on the counter.

This should be one of the most enjoyable matchups to watch on Saturday. These two highly competitive, highly athletic players will give their fans something to talk about.

Next: 2. Ryan Shawcross vs. Harry Kane

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