Tottenham face Aston Villa at Villa Park on Sunday, as they attempt to get their season back on track after only winning two of their previous seven games.
When Spurs faced Villa in November at White Hart Lane, the Lilywhites ran out 3-1 winners thanks to goals from Mousa Dembele, Dele Alli and Harry Kane with Jordan Ayew grabbing a consolation for the visitors.
Spurs have suffered a series of disappointing results recently. A poor performance led to a defeat at West Ham, whilst Arsenal managed to comeback to snatch a draw despite being down to 10 men and then Dortmund played Spurs off the park on Thursday night.
Mauricio Pochettino will be hoping his side can return to winning ways against the Premier League’s basement side. He welcomes back Danny Rose, Dele Alli and Eric Dier, who were all rested for Thursday’s trip to Germany whilst Harry Kane will come back into the starting XI after starting on the bench on Thursday.
Tottenham’s opponents on Sunday, Aston Villa, have been enduring a terrible season. After winning on the open day, they did not win again until mid-January and sacked ex-Spurs manager Tim Sherwood in October.
Under current manager Remi Garde, Villa are seemingly certain to be relegated, with the Midlands-based side currently nine points from safety and enduring a shocking run of form. Villa have lost their last four league games, conceding 15 goals and only scoring two.
Manager’s thoughts
Mauricio Pochettino
“This is a very big game and you know it’s always difficult to play against a team that’s at the bottom,”
“Villa play to survive and they are in a very difficult position at the moment.
“We need to show respect and show that we deserve to stay where we are in the table.
“It’s always about mentality. Villa will be a danger, they will compete and we need to have the right mentality and motivation – and our motivation is to stay high in the table.” (Spurs Website)
Remi Garde
“Tottenham is a strong team – and a club that has improved a lot over the last 10 years.
“I look at the table over the past 10 years and it’s been a very good run for them.
“It’s going to be difficult for us. And I think it will be difficult for them, of course, to win the title because the race will be very tough.” (Aston Villa website)
My Prediction
Villa 0-4 Spurs
