A fascinating clash looks in store at Villa Park as two of the Premier League’s wannabe top four sides go head-to-head. Aston Villa have been in irresistible form at home of late but Martin O’Neill’s side face the very real problem of trying to stop a Tottenham team led by striker Jermain Defoe who are riding on the crest of a wave after hammering nine goals past Wigan last weekend.

Quick Check

Aston Villa

  • Winger Stewart Downing is in line for his home debut after finally recovering from long-term injury.
  • Defender James Collins is hoping to return after missing the last two games with a groin strain.
  • Villa have taken 13 points out of a possible 15 from their last five league matches at home.
  • Martin O’Neill’s side has suffered just one defeat in their last eight games.
  • The last eight encounters between the two team have been decided by one goal or less.
  • Full back Wilfred Bouma is sidelined by a persistent toe problem.
  • Villa’s defence has conceded in their last seven matches.
  • Defender Curtis Davies is still sidelined by long-term injury.
  • There have been three or more goals in the last five meetings between the two sides.

Tottenham Hotspurs

  • Defender Sebastien Bassong is hoping to be available after a hamstring strain.
  • Striker Jermain Defoe has scored 17 goals in his last 17 games for club and country.
  • Defoe has scored 11 league goals this term, just three shy of his previous best for a season.
  • Tottenham’s 9-1 win over Wigan last weekend was their biggest ever in the Premier League.
  • Croatian Luka Modric is still struggling to recover from a broken leg.
  • Goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini is expected to miss the rest of the campaign after a serious motorbike accident.
  • Spurs have kept clean sheets in just two of their last 15 games.
  • Harry Redknapp’s team have conceded in 16 of their last 17 matches on the road.

Expert Advice

No one will be in more confident of getting their name on the score sheet this weekend than Tottenham ace Defoe after his five-star show against Wigan and the England star looks capable of causing all sorts of problems to Villa. With midfielders Aaron Lennon and Niko Kranjcar also on top form, it could be a long afternoon for the home side’s defence. But Martin O’Neill’s men, with England winger Stewart Downing now fully fit, have their own weapons going forward and they will fancy their chances against a Spurs team notorious for leaking goals away from home. While selecting a winner could be tough, a high-scoring affair looks on the cards and Betsson’s price of 2.95 for there to be over 3.5 goals appears a value bet.

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