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Match preview
Following Manchester United’s victory on New Years’ Eve, can Tottenham Hotspur climb back into the top four?
In their first game post-World Cup break, Antonio Conte’s team battled back to earn a draw at the Brentford Community Stadium.
Harry Kane’s header followed by Pierre-Emile Højbjerg’s strike salvaging a point after Spurs had been 2-0 down.
This though means Tottenham have conceded first in nine consecutive matches, dating back to a 2-0 victory over Everton in mid-October.
Having won just two of their last five Premier League outings, Spurs’ form certainly need to improve.
Aston Villa meantime, before the hiatus, won their first two matches under Unai Emery, beating both Manchester United and Brighton.
This all leaves the Claret and Blue Army in 12th, with the visiting supporters hopeful if not confident of a memorable trip to the capital.
Will Aston Villa spring a New Years’ Day surprise at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium?
Tottenham Hotspur team news
Hugo Lloris will return in goal; he was only on the bench on Monday, after featuring in the World Cup Final eight days earlier.
In less good news, Rodrigo Bentancur, Ryan Sessegnon and Richarlison are all sidelined.
In Bentancur’s absence, Yves Bissouma will partner Pierre-Emile Højbjerg.
Cristian Romero is unlikely to feature, following his own World Cup exploits, but Ben Davies will return to the back three.
Matt Doherty could continue to get the nod at right-wing-back, chosen over Emerson.
Bissouma and Harry Kane are one yellow card away from a suspension.
Predicted XI (3-4-3): Lloris; Lenglet, Dier, Davies; Doherty, Bissouma, Højbjerg, Perišić, Kuluševski, Son Heung-min; Kane.
Aston Villa team news
Aston Villa could have their first-ever World Cup winner back in goal, with Emi Martínez back in place of Robin Olsen.
Elsewhere, Matty Cash could displace Ashley Young at right-back, while Danny Ings may return up front.
Other than that, the XI is likely to look familiar, with Unai Emery trying to perfect the very compact 4-2-2 he showcased with Villarreal last season.
Summer signings Diego Carlos is still out long-term, but the World Cup break allowed Boubacar Kamara to regain fitness.
Leon Bailey, John McGinn and Jacob Ramsey are walking the yellow card tightrope.
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Martínez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne; Kamara, Douglas Luiz, McGinn, Bailey; Ings, Watkins.
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Tottenham Hotspur vs Aston Villa: Match statistics
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