Source: SKY_Sports
Aston Villa v Spurs preview
Aston Villa host Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday knowing three points are vital towards their UEFA Champions League quest.[LNB] Martin O'Neill's side have struggled for points lately as their aims for a top-four finish have faltered with just one win in their last six.[LNB]Defeat in their last league fixture by Manchester City, coupled with the disappointing draw at home to Stoke, has allowed fifth-placed Arsenal to cut the gap on Villa to three points.[LNB]With trips to Liverpool and Manchester United beckoning, O'Neill will be determined to go into the double-header with a positive result this weekend.[LNB]The Villa tactician took his squad to sunny Dubai to recharge their batteries and the warmer climate has brought a brighter note on the fitness front - with both Steve Sidwell and Wilfred Bouma potentially available for the Spurs clash.[LNB]Midfielder Sidwell has been nursing a hamstring complaint, while defender Bouma has been a long-term casualty with an ankle problem, but both could be included in the squad.[LNB]Skipper Martin Laursen remains the only major concern for the Midlands outfit, after the Danish defender suffered a setback in his bid to return to action from his knee injury.[LNB]Spurs team-newsTottenham boss Harry Redknapp has enjoyed an impressive spell of late as his side look to climb into the top half of the table for the first time this season.[LNB]Spurs' recent form has seen them hammer Middlesbrough 4-0 at White Hart Lane and Robbie Keane's late equaliser against Sunderland last Saturday kept momentum going for the North London club.[LNB]Aaron Lennon's sublime form has caught the attention of England boss Fabio Capello and the winger will be proving his international credentials against Villa duo James Milner and Ashley Young, who are the 22-year-old's direct rivals for inclusion in the next Three Lions squad.[LNB]Fellow Englishman Ledley King, whose chronically injured knee has marred his chance to forge a career in the national set-up, should start in the heart of defence as he bids to feature in all Spurs' remaining league fixtures [LNB]Spurs have allowed young right-back Chris Gunter to go on loan to Championship side Nottingham Forest due to the impending return of Alan Hutton, although Sunday's match has come too soon for the defender who has been out with a foot injury.[LNB]Jermain Defoe remains the only long-term absentee with the 25-year-old striker unlikely to play a part in the remainder of the season with a broken foot.[LNB]Possible starting XIs:[LNB]Aston Villa: Friedel, Luke Young, Knight, Davies, Cuellar, Ashley Young, Petrov, Barry, Milner, Heskey, Agbonlahor.[LNB]Tottenham: Gomes, Chimbonda, King, Woodgate, Corluka, Modric, Jenas, Palacios, Lennon, Pavlyuchenko, Keane.[LNB]
