Spurs v Stoke - Mauricio's preview

Having brilliantly negotiated the group stage of the Champions League, Mauricio Pochettino knows we now kick-off a crucial spell of Premier League action against Stoke on Saturday.

It's the first of seven matches between now and the FA Cup third round with Stoke followed by Brighton (home, 13/12), Manchester City (away, 16/12), Burnley (away, 23/12), Southampton (home, 26/12), Swansea (away, 2/1) and West Ham (home, 4/1) before we face AFC Wimbledon in the FA Cup.

Top spot in Group H of the UCL was secured with a win against Borussia Dortmund in Matchday Five and we wrapped the group stage up with a fine 3-0 win against APOEL in MD6 on Wednesday night.

"It was so positive for so many reasons, I'm so happy about the performance, the result and we finished (the group) how we wanted to finish," said Mauricio

"Now, we're focused on the Premier League.

"We need to win, we must win games and start to compete again for a place in the top four and this is an important game against Stoke."

One thing Mauricio can be confident about is that this group of players is capable of putting together winning runs.

At this time last season, we won six on the trot in the Premier League either side of Christmas and New Year. We followed that up with a run of 12 wins in our last 13 matches.

"Of course we are capable and we have that trust," added Mauricio. "It's important that we increase our level in the Premier League. It was fantastic to finish the way we finished in the Champions League but now our responsibility is to be focused and try to perform how we want to perform in the Premier League.

"Every game is tough and Stoke will come with the motivation of playing at Wembley. They are a strong side. The Premier League is so competitive and we are all fighting to win matches. They beat Swansea (last time out) and will come here at a good level."