…Anything less than a win tomorrow against Aston Villa will go down as a disappointment for the home side after their excellent win at Old Trafford. But have their Europa League travails thrown a spanner into their preparations?
Spurs must bounce back from a poor draw at Panathainikos on Thursday, whilst Villa face the first of back to back Premier League matches in London, with their form still stuttering.
Andre Villas-Boas has dismissed concerns over his team after they surrendered a 1-0 lead to draw in Greece despite being the superior side throughout.
What will be a concern is that most of his first team have played another match, without three points to show for it, meaning that he will be unable to rest players in the later Europa League group matches as qualification is far from assured.
Aston Villa followed up their League Cup victory over Manchester City by snatching a draw at home to West Brom last weekend. There are differing opinions on how Villa’s season will pan out, but the next two games, away at Spurs then Fulham, should give an indication of how much trouble they may be in this year.
Spurs again are likely to be without Assou-Ekotto and Naughton at left back, meaning Jan Vertonghen will continue his impressive stint on the flank. The Belgian has formed an imposing partnership with Gareth Bale down the left side, and Villa will need to be wary of the threat.
Michael Dawson scored but did not generally impress in his Europa league start in Greece, meaning Caulker is likely to partner Gallas in the centre of defence. Emmanuel Adebayor should be fit for the match, but will probably start on the bench as Jermain Defoe’s impressive start to the season will make him first choice.
Paul Lambert has to decide whether Darren Bent’s equaliser off the bench is enough to earn him a starting place this weekend. Bent, who may still have scores to settle at White Hart Lane, would have to displace either Agbonlahor or Benteke.
There are ongoing concerns about his relationship with new manager Lambert, who took away the captaincy from him at the beginning of the season. Stephen Ireland and Richard Dunne are both still out, but Villa are without fresh injury problems this week.
Last year Villa’s performance was amongst the worst seen at White Hart Lane, with McLeish sending Heskey and Hutton out as his wingers. Paul Lambert had a better time there last season, with his Norwich team picking up and excellent 2-1 victory.
The last time Villa did manage a win at Spurs, Darren Bent got the consolation goal for the home side. Spurs have been strong in the league of late, but are still not dominating teams at home, Sunday’s match may be closer than expected, though Villas-Boas’ side will be disappointed if they fail to pick up their 4th consecutive league win.
image: © wonker
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