Nabil Bentaleb: 'Midfield battle key against Stoke City'

Nabil Bentaleb has claimed that the midfield battle will be key when Tottenham Hotspur travel to the Britannia Stadium to meet Stoke City on Saturday afternoon.

The likes of Steven N'Zonzi and Glenn Whelan have been key to Stoke's success this season, and Bentaleb admits that the pressure is on him to get the better of his rivals in the middle of the pitch.

"We know Stoke are a really strong side and we have to be on it on Saturday," the Algerian international told the club's website. "They have qualities in central midfield and we have to be on our toes and make sure we battle.

"We have to impose our style, take charge of the game and take control in all areas of the pitch. This is going to be key for us to keep the ball.

"We know it's a difficult test for us, but we have to finish the season well. We have three games left and we have to give everything in those games – that starts from Stoke."

Spurs currently occupy sixth place with three games remaining.