Tottenham vs Aston Villa: Premier League match preview

A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at White Hart Lane

Tim Sherwood returns to the Lane (Reuters)

With their chances of a top-four finish all but over for another year, Tottenham will feel their biggest challenge will be staying motivated for the run-in. Contrast that with a renewed Aston Villa side buoyed under new manager Tim Sherwood.

The away side won 3 out of 4 games last month and a stunning Christian Benteke hat-trick last week will fill them with confidence going into the fixture.

Tottenham will be without Kyle Walker and Hugo Lloris for Saturday’s game but Jan Vertonghen awaits a late fitness test to determine his availability.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 3:00pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Aston Villa 1 (Weimann 16) Tottenham 2 (Flecther 31, 90, Gomez 79), Premier League, November 2014

Tottenham 3 (Paulinho 14, Baker o.g 35, Aebayor pen 38) Aston Villa 0, Premier League, May 2014

Aston Villa 0 Tottenham 2 (Townsend 32, Soldado 69), Premier League, October 2013

STATS…

Tottenham have won their last five PL meetings with Aston Villa, netting two or more goals in each game.

Aston Villa have scored just six goals in their last 12 Premier League matches against Tottenham and never more than once in a game.

Tottenham have gained 10 points from losing positions at home this season, more than any other side.

Aston Villa have gained no points from losing positions away from home in the Premier League this season; the only team not to do so.

White Hart Lane is the highest scoring stadium in the Premier League this season (51 goals).

ODDS…

Tottenham to win: 1.61

Aston Villa to win: 6.00

Draw: 4.20

TV: Highlights on Match of the Day at 10:30pm