Aston Villa V Tottenham Hotspur Betting

Aston Villa V Tottenham Hotspur

Sunday, 26th December – 17:30 (GMT)
Venue: Villa Park
TV Coverage: Sky Sports HD1

Aston Villa

If we’re to believe the papers, which is never a smart move, then January could see Villa hosting their very own fire-sale, with Gerard Houllier eager to offload all of the deadwood left behind by former manager Martin O’Neill. While he was praised highly for some of his shrewd purchases of players, it isn’t until you really delve through the Villa ranks and discover who is no longer involved in first-team affairs that you unravel where the whole Randy Lerner (Aston Villa owner) Martin O’Neill relationship really went wrong, with the club’s acquisitions of  several talented individuals not enough to overshadow the large number of flops which entered Villa Park via O’Neill’s say-so, nor did it help balance the books.

Just a few days before the start of the season, Martin O’Neill left Aston Villa high and dry when Lerner refused to continue sanctioning moves for unproven but potentially talented youngsters. As a result, Lerner was left without a manager and with a squad which had reached its peak and was about to enter its twilight. No matter who he appointed as O’Neill successor, it was an impossible task as the fans, who had gotten used to competing for a top-four finish, would expect more of the same from their side this season. Instead, Villa are currently going through a transitional period, with several of the squad surplus to requirements and Houllier having yet to really stamp his mark on the team. And that is where the fire-sale comes into play, as any funds for new players will need to be funded by Houllier himself, meaning he needs to chuck out the scrap before the fans are treated to fresh faces.

The club find themselves starring at the possibility of a relegation battle this season if the Frenchman isn’t able to offload some of Villa’s waste product at reasonable prices, especially if Houllier can’t avoid making daft signings like he did at Liverpool, when introducing donkey’s like Biscan, Cheyrou, Le Tallec and Djimi Traore to Merseyside.

For the first time in a long while, Gerard Houllier had something to celebrate in his most recent managerial task, when leading his side into battle against locals West Brom. They made heavy weather of the task mind, but a 2-1 victory ensured Villa’s run without a win of four games came to an abrupt end, while it also helped to ease the pressure on the veteran, who caused a civil war within the terraces following his Anfield antics. The two week break without any competitive football has probably done wonders as well, with the storm allowed to calm, but it could also prove a double-edged sword as that momentum gained from that hard-fought derby win has been lost courtesy of the wintry conditions which has plagued the English game for the last fortnight.

In terms of Sunday’s meeting with Tottenham Hotspur, Villa fans have high hopes of celebrating another win even though their team are currently struggling near the bottom of the table, although there’s little chance of them ending the year in the relegation zone. Home comforts has been about the only thing Villa supporters have been able to rely on this season, with the Villains having lost just one of their opening nine league matches at Villa Park this season – Arsenal the exception, but the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea have left Villa’s tepid arena without full share of the spoils, so while Houllier is struggling to pick a starting XI he remotely has any confidence in, at home, Villa’s misfits have at least been difficult to beat.

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has a reputation for being a bit of a wheeler dealer in the transfer market, a man never shy when it comes to spending someone else’s money, but for once the vastly-experienced manager may opt against recruiting winter reinforcements, instead opting to follow the age old adage of ‘If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it’. However, although a four-point gap between them and the Champions League spots is far from alarming, it does at least prove that there is still a lot of work to be done before Spurs are regularly claiming a top-four finish, while those who do claim the club’s strength in depth is a solid enough reason as to why they just might stun everyone by clinching their first Premier League crown, clearly have a different team in mind, as without some key and important figures this season Spurs haven’t quite been able to keep pace with the title protagonists, a race which has been dictated more by who slips up less rather than who’s the outright best.

Without trying to sound too contradicting, as it wasn’t so long ago we were highlighting the possibility of Spurs perhaps springing a surprise this season by dashing the hopes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Man Utd and Man City and clinching their maiden Premiership crown. After all, it has been one of those season’s where a string of wins would be enough to catapult you right up the table, while in Tottenham’s case would be right in the championship equation. We certainly aren’t ruling them out. Away from home they’ve been more compact and definitely more competitive than they’ve been in previous seasons, while offensively few pack more of a punch than Spurs. However, we think Harry would be foolish to ignore this latest transfer window, which is a window of opportunity to bolster his ranks not only to keep the competition for places fierce, but to add some much needed cover, as the ranks have been depleted through injuries this season and as a result has cost the team valuable points.

We have no doubt Redknapp will go shopping in January, above all else a centre-half will be top of Harry’s wish-list. Ledley King and Michael Dawson have spent the majority of the season on the sidelines, while William Gallas and Younes Kaboul have also had their knocks, and so Spurs have been crying out for more cover in that area. Tom Huddlestone has been sorely missed in the centre of midfield, with Wilson Palacios not a fan-favourite, while Sandro has looked out of his depth. On the plus side, Michael Dawson is now fully fit, as is striker Jermain Defoe, with only Rafael Van Der Vaary now a major absentee for Spurs as they seek to end an encouraging 2010 in style by extending their unbeaten run in the league (Currently 6).

White Hart Lane has always been a tough venue for an opponent to play their football in, as it has been this season in fairness, Only Wigan Athletic, of all the teams, have beaten them in their own backyard in a league contest thus far, with Man City and Chelsea being held to draws and Liverpool and, fittingly, Aston Villa being put to the sword in 2-1 defeats. However Spurs have added a new dimension to their package in that no longer are they overawed on their travels. Few will boast victories at Stoke and Fulham this season, although the same can’t be said for Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium even though Spurs’ 3-2 was sensational.

For punters, Spurs are a dream as they give their absolute all in every match, whatever the competition and whoever the competitor. Although circumstances may dictate every now and then, Redknapp allows his players to play to their strengths, which to all intensive purposes is one thing; their lightening-quick attack. Harry once said this season, I think it was against Inter Milan, that he’d never been so confident in his opponent not having enough nous about them to withstand his side’s ferocious offensive line containing player of the moment Gareth Bale, the nippy and quick Aaron Lennon and creative maestro Luka Modric. The three compliment the ruthless finishing of Roman Pavlyuchenko and the pace and smart runs from Jermain Defoe to make Spurs a formidable attacking outfit in every single match they contest.

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Last 5 Matches

Aston Villa

Premiership: Aston Villa 2-1 West Brom
Premiership: Liverpool 3-0 Aston Villa
Carling Cup: Birmingham City 2-1 Aston Villa
Premiership: Aston Villa 4-2 Arsenal
Premiership: Blackburn Rovers 2-0 Aston Villa

Tottenham Hotspur

Premiership: Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 Chelsea
Champions League: FC Twente 3-3 Tottenham Hotspur
Premiership: Birmingham City 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur
Premiership: Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Liverpool
Champions League: Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 Werder Bremen

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Head-to-Head

2010/2011: Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Aston Villa
2009/2010: Tottenham Hotspur 0-0 Aston Villa
2009/2010: Aston Villa 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur
2008/2009: Aston Villa 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur
2008/2009: Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Aston Villa
2007/2008: Aston Villa 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur
2007/2008: Tottenham Hotspur 4-4 Aston Villa
2006/2007: Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Aston Villa
2006/2007: Aston Villa 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur
2005/2006: Tottenham Hotspur 0-0 Aston Villa
2005/2006: Aston Villa 0-0 Tottenham Hotspur

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2010/2011 Premier League Statistics

Aston Villa

League Position: 15th
Win-Draw-Lose: 5-5-7 (Home: 4-4-1)
Form: DLLLW (Home: DWDLW)
Goal Difference: 19-28 (Home: 14-10)
Top Scorer: Stewart Downing (5)

Tottenham Hotspur

League Position: 5th
Win-Draw-Lose: 7-6-4 (Away: 3-2-3)
Form: WWWDD (Away: WLLWD)
Goal Difference: 25-22 (Away: 11-13)
Top Scorer: Rafael Van Der Vaart (6)

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Match Odds:

Aston Villa – 3.20 Bet365
Draw – 3.40 BetFred
Tottenham Hotspur – 2.40 StanJames

Aston Villa V Tottenham Hotspur

Kick-off: Saturday 28th November – 17:30 GMT

Venue: Villa Park

TV Coverage: ESPN

Aston Villa

League Position: 5th

Recent Form: DDLWD

Martin O’Neill has asked his players to get tough in the brain as he feels his youthful squad still lacks the mental strength required to really compete at the highest level on a consistent basis. His objective for the season is simple, break into the top four and everyone at the club will reap the rewards. Their position of fifth and their points tally of 22 from a possible 39 means they are on course for a serious top four assault but will need to battle on gamely in the big encounters, and Saturday’s clash with nine-star Tottenham should provide everyone with a clear indication of just how serious Villa are this season.

We mustn’t disregard the fact that Villa have already shown up a few of the big boys already, beating both Liverpool (3-1), and Chelsea (2-1), both were stunning results in their own right. They gave Liverpool a good spanking at Anfield, one of the toughest venues on the Premiership circuit, while they had to claw back a one goal deficit against Chelsea to record their second successive victory over a ‘Top Four’ team.

However, against this years top four contenders, Villa have yet to get the better of any, drawing with both Man City (1-1) & Everton (1-1), although we suppose Everton are pretty much out of the running this season. Against City, Villa weren’t all that great, and it took an old City player to get on the score sheet and earn what was still a decent point. However, when it comes to these ‘Wannabe 4′ clashes, Villa need to start notching up the three points as the games do potential become six pointers, what with everyone so closely grouped.

At the moment, Villa are playing a chasing game with Spurs, despite being right behind them in the table. Villa are sat in fifth, a prominent position, but are three points adrift of Tottenham in fourth, the position they are desperate to get their hands on, so a win on Saturday is the only result that would lift them back into the top four. Even then, Villa would need to win big, which, considering Tottenham’s latest scoring spree, could be unlikely.

Villa have performed a whole lot better when playing in front of their home fans, although, God only knows why as it’s like a library at Villa Park at times. Their record at home stands at 4-1-1, with their only home defeat coming on the opening day of the season, perhaps when the players were too fresh and not battle hardened. It’s now been five home fixtures since Villa last tasted defeat, with four being victories, and Villa’s last two home outings ended in winning results – Chelsea (2-1) & Bolton (5-1).

Tottenham Hotspur

League Position: 4th

Recent Form: WLLWW

Tottenham fans will be on cloud nine this week(I’ve been dyeing to use that all week) after thumping Wigan Athletic 9-1 at White Hart Lane last Sunday. The venue may well be different and the opponents maybe a whole lot better but the objective is the same, to register all three points as they continue their surge up the table and into top four contention. For the time being, Tottenham are currently in one of the four spots everyone else wants to be in, whereas their opponents are hovering just outside so it’s down to Spurs to keep Villa at bay and possibly extend their advantage over a chasing Aston Villa. 

There is no getting away from how poor a side Wigan were on Sunday as they were nothing short of atrocious. However, we can’t take nothing away from Tottenham’s performance as they were superb from start to finish. With the exception of the Wigan goal, a dubious goal at that, Spurs were rarely troubled and virtually the entire game was spent in the Wigan half. The Spurs midfield dominated proceedings, with Huddlestone shipping out precise balls to both wingers, and then Aaron Lennon, who was lethal down the right, skinned his marker with ease, time and time again. The Wigan defence simply couldn’t handle the sheer pace and trickery of Lennon and it’s safe to say that is the best we’ve seen of Aaron Lennon to date. Hopefully he’ll push on with another stylish display against Villa on Saturday in front of the ESPN cameras. 

Jermaine Defoe did a bit of alright, too, scoring just the five goals. After 45 minutes without a goal, although not without plenty of wasted chances, Defoe found himself scoring goals for fun in the second half, tearing apart a fragile Wigan defence. His movement in combination with Aaron Lennon’s superb deliveries down the right was a delight to watch and those two could have a blossoming relationship forming.

Their stunning victory on Sunday was their second on the spin after they beat Sunderland 2-0 just before the break. However, their last away outing did end in misery when they went down 3-0 losers at Arsenal, so Harry Redknapp will expecting a much better display from his confident Spurs side at Villa Park, yet another tough venue to visit. On the road this season, Tottenham have an away record of 3-1-2, with all three of their away victories coming over teams near the very bottom. What’s more, The Tottenham defence still looks vulnerable and Gomes in the Spurs goal hasn’t kept a clean sheet on the road all season.

Tottenham’s attacking play last Sunday was a sheer delight to watch but we, amongst plenty others, still have reservations about their quality at the back. A big boost has been the return of Johnathan Woodgate but Spurs have recruited too many injury prone defenders to really enable a back four to gel. This has shown in their defensive record this season, especially when playing on the road. Wherever they may end up, Tottenham have never been afraid to attack, but this aggressive style of play leaves them exposed at the back and they’ve come unstuck on plenty of occasions thus far, and it could lead to their demise at Villa Park if they aren’t careful.

Head-to-Head (Last 10):

Aston Villa W: 3 Tottenham Hotspur W: 3 Draws: 4

This fixture is an even as they come in regards to recent encounters, although, an interesting trait from last season was that both sides managed to record away victories, with Villa winning 2-1 at White Hart Lane but falling to defeat by the same scoreline back at Villa Park.  

Villa’s recent record over Spurs at Villa Park isn’t the best, with Villa winning just one of the previous four matches against Spurs on home soil, that coming two seasons ago in a 2-1 win. 2-1 appears to be a popular scoreline it would seem.

Match Verdict:- Aston Villa to WIN – 2.55 Expekt

This is probably Villa’s biggest game of the season to date as a win would be huge considering it’s over a team who want to put their name into the top four equation, also. In the big games thus far, Villa have come up smelling roses, with victories over both Liverpool & Chelsea. Spurs, on the other hand, have only their opening day win over Liverpool to shout about, although, have suffered defeats at the hands of the remaining three top four in Arsenal, Chelsea & Manchester United. Spurs have been found wanting in the big games this season, whereas Aston Villa have come up trumps. A big game, one which should feature plenty of goalmouth action, but one we feel will go the way of the home side.

Match Odds:

Aston Villa – 2.55 Expekt

Draw – 3.40 Boylesports

Tottenham Hotspur – 3.00 SKyBet

SoccerBetting Value Tip: Draw/Aston Villa (Half-Time/Full-Time) – 6.00 WilliamHill