Aston Villa vs Spurs Preview: Team News, Likely Line-Ups, Key Man & Predicted Score

Tottenham take on Aston Villa at Villa Park on Sunday looking to close the gap on the early pace-setters.

The north Londoners head into the game sitting seventh in the Premier League table so need a positive result against Villa in order to keep pace with the top four.

After an excellent start to the season, Spurs suffered a shock 3-0 defeat to West Ham before the international break so Andre Villas-Boas will look to get back on track this weekend.

The two teams have already met this campaign with Tottenham running out comfortable 4-0 winners in the third round of the Capital One Cup last month.

Paul Lambert’s men drew 0-0 with Hull City last time out but took maximum points against Manchester City the last time they played at Villa Park so should be confident heading into this game.

Team News

Villa are sweating on the fitness of striker Christian Benteke with the Belgian set to undergo a late fitness test on a hip injury. However, the hitman trained with his country during the week and is expected to feature on Sunday.

Lambert has reported no other injury concerns after the international break but Jores Okore and Charles N’Zogbia remain out with long-term injuries.

Spurs will continue to be without Aaron Lennon, Etienne Capoue and Danny Rose, but Younes Kaboul could return.

The defender will undergo a late fitness test and could be in the squad, but is unlikely to start as AVB is expected to stick with Michael Dawson and Jan Vertonghen at the heart of his defence.

Roberto Soldado could be recalled to the starting line-up in place of Jermain Defoe, while Andros Townsend, Christian Eriksen and Gylfi Sigurdsson should all start in attack.

Likely Line-Ups

Key Man

Andros Townsend: The exciting winger has had an excellent couple of weeks, capping two superb display’s for England by signing a new long-term deal at Tottenham. We think he’ll be the one to watch in this game.

Predicted Score

Aston Villa 1-1 Tottenham: Villa will prove to be a difficult side to beat at home and we think they can take something away from this game.

What would be your starting team and what’s your predicted score? Share your views below.