English Premier
2012-05-06 - Aston Villa vs Tottenham Hotspur
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Match Preview :
Tottenham can go above Arsenal into third spot with a win at Aston Villa in the Premier League on Super Sunday. Harry Redknapp's side appear to have halted a poor run of form following two convincing wins over relegation duo Blackburn and Bolton.
And now they face another side fighting against the drop, with Alex McLeish's Villa above the relegation zone by just three points. But Aston Villa have time on their side with just two games to go but it will be a bumpy ride with a final-day encounter with Norwich City to come.
Tottenham's recent history at Villa has been good, having won in two of their last three visits and the North London club will be desperate to get another win unde their belt. In midweek they beat Bolton 4-1 at the Reebok Stadium was important given Newcastle's 2-0 win at Chelsea, as it meant that Harry Redknapp's side maintained their grip on fourth place, staying above the Magpies on goal difference. Now they can go third after Arsenal drew against Norwich last night in a 3-3 thriller.
Third place will be more important as should Chelsea win the Champions League later in May, and the likes of Tottenham, Arsenal and Newcastle cannot qualify for the competition if they finish fourth and the Blues succeed against Bayern Munich.
Meanwhile, Tottenham's return to form has coincided with Roy Hodgson taking over as the new England manager and consequently ruling out Harry Redknapp from the post. Although Redknapp has denied suggestions that the speculation affected his players, his coaching staff has revealed that they felt it had contributed to it. That was because before the wins over Blackburn and Bolton, Tottenham had not won in four games and had not scored in four away matches.
However, that form is nothing compared to what Aston Villa fans have endured in recent months; with a 1-0 win over Fulham being the only victory they have had since January. McLeish has come under increased pressure from the club's supporters as they are lying just above the relegation zone. If they fail to beat Spurs, attention will turn to results elsewhere as they will hope that West Brom and Stoke can win at Bolton and QPR respectively. Then they will also look to the Monday game between Blackburn and Wigan.
Their caused has not been helped by action taken against James Collins, Chris Herd and Fabian Delph, who have been disciplined following a nightclub fracas on Tuesday.
Team News :
Aston Villa Team News :
Stephen Ireland could return to Aston Villa's starting lineup today after missing games against Bolton and West Brom with a hip and hamstring problem. Collins is a doubt having missed training due to a groin injury, with Carlos Cuellar most likely to keep his place in the centre of defence.
Andi Weimann may be given a start by McLeish, with the striker challenging Gabby Agbonlahor and Emile Heskey for a place in the side.
Tottenham Team News :
Redknapp is likely to name an unchanged line-up as left-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto being already ruled out for the rest of the season. That means that Danny Rose will start again in an unfamiliar full back role due to the Cameroonian's absence.
Meanwhile, Kyle Walker has signed a new contract with the club and will be in high confidence after scoring at home to Blackburn last week
Possible lineups
Aston Villa : Given, Hutton, Cuellar, Dunne, Warnock, Lichaj, Ireland, Clark, N'Zogbia, Heskey, Agbonlahor
Tottenham : Friedel, Walker, Kaboul, Gallas, Rose, Lennon, Sandro, Modric, Bale, van der Vaart, Adebayor
Predictions :
Take Tottenham to win and go third in the standings.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Aston Villa 0-2 Tottenham
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Tottenham to win.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Go for Tottenham and give the 3/4 ball here.
