Top-four chasing Spurs can leave Aston Villa with nervy last day

It is nine games ago since Aston Villa last triumphed in the Premier League, so even lengthy 3/1 odds about them beating Tottenham this weekend don’t massively appeal.

Villa have been on an abysmal run, with drab, low-scoring efforts contributing to much unrest amongst the support, with regards to Alex McLeish’s management of the club.

In contrast, Tottenham fans will be delighted to learn that Harry Redknapp is remaining at their club, as a long-speculated approach from the FA never materialised.

Spurs appear to have gotten over a run of poor form, now recording back-to-back victories to rekindle hopes of a top four finish.

Tottenham have not lost to Villa in the past six meetings of the sides, in a run which has included four wins, making the 10/11 odds about an away success here look generous.

Redknapp’s men will also be spurred on by the prospect of catching third-place North London rivals Arsenal, and bettering their neighbours may never prove more significant.

Arsenal currently occupy third place, a point ahead of Spurs, but as the fourth-placed side would miss out on next year’s Champions League should Chelsea win this year’s competition, the incentive to overhaul Arsene Wenger’s men becomes great.

A terrific away record will stand Spurs in good stead for another success on their travels too, as they take on a team who have the third worst record on their own patch in the Premier League.

Only already-down Wolves and relegation-threatened Bolton have garnered less home points than Villa, who themselves aren’t yet safe from the drop.

They face a tricky trip to Norwich in the aftermath of this match, and anything but victory in this game would make that a very nervy journey to East Anglia.

However, the nature of their recent performances makes a Villa win appear far-fetched on Sunday, and Spurs look good to further extend a seven game unbeaten streak against their hosts.