After a chastening defeat at the hands of Borussia Dortmund in the Europa League in midweek, Tottenham travel to Villa Park in search of three precious points as they look to keep the pressure on Leicester City who lead Spurs by five points.
Tottenham did seem to have one eye on this fixture as the side that took to the field against the Bundesliga did not feature a lot of first teamers, though the result was expected, the margin of defeat surely leaves a lot for Spurs to overcome in the return leg next week.
Mauricio Pochettino now must focus on taking Spurs as close to Leicester as possible and playing Aston Villa surely must be a given three points but the way this Premier League season has panned out, nothing can be guaranteed this season.
Villa are in dire need of a result, at least to show the fans that they have some fight left for next season which surely will take place in the Championship. Tottenham though should be bringing back a lot of their first team players and we predict the line-up for Spurs in this crucial game.
Hugo Lloris
Lloris couldn’t really do much against Dortmund but a night out against Aston Villa should be easier for him and the back four.
Ben Davies
The defender didn’t have a great match against Dortmund but should still keep his place in the side for the Premier League clash.
Kevin Wimmer
Wimmer was one of those players who didn’t get much right in the game in midweek but with Vertonghen out, he has to play for Tottenham.
Toby Alderweireld
It isn’t a surprise that Tottenham have struggled at the back in certain games since Jan’s injury but they must trudge on and Alderweireld would be hoping for a decent clean sheet in this game.
Kyle Walker
The right-back was rested in the Europa League clash but should return to the starting line-up for this game.
Moussa Dembele
Dembele did not play the full 90 minutes and he will be looking to leave a mark, in a positive way against Villa.
Eric Dier
Dier was another player who didn’t even feature in Germany and surely must play against the Premier League’s bottom club.
Christian Eriksen
Eriksen needs to step up in this crunch phase of the Premier League and who knows, this game can rekindle his and Spurs’ charge for the title.
Erik Lamela
The Argentine was a bit of a miss in the last game even after coming on in the second half and surely will be looking to do better in this game.
Dele Alli
Dele Alli didn’t play in the game against Dortmund and his fresh legs will be important for Tottenham in this important clash.
Harry Kane
Harry Kane did not start against Dortmund and played just 14 minutes for Spurs. He should be fresh and would be looking to get a goal in or two against a hapless Villa side.
