90sSpursBook
Erik Edman
Villa boss Tim Sherwood is given his much anticipated testimonial against former side Spurs at White Hart Lane next Saturday. Spurs' season finished following a 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford last month meaning that all remaining games, including today's at Burnley, are being played in the style of a testimonial.
Fortunately for the neutrals Villa need the points so there will be at least one set of fans and players with something tangible to play for.
Last season the two sides met on the final day of the season with Sherwood taking charge of Spurs for the last time. First half goals from Paulinho, Baker own goal and Adebayor saw Spurs run out comfortable winners. The only incident of any note in the second period was an outspoken fan being invited, by Sherwood, to the touchline to don the infamous gillet (or 'life preserve' to Biff's associates in Back to the Future) dictate team matters temporarily.
Spurs come into this game in 6th position level on points with Liverpool. Joking aside a 5th (or likely 6th place finish depending on the FA Cup winners) would secure qualification to the Europa League directly into the Group Stage rather than having to enter into the 3rd qualifying round, of which the 1st leg is on 30th July, which the team who finish 7th will have to do. What level of motivation this provides to a tired looking Spurs team remains to be seen.
Hugo Lloris and Jan Vertonghen could well be back for Spurs. We would assume that Poch will 'shuffle the pack' in attack after a lacklustre performance at Turfmoor today.
Villa, lurking just above the drop zone but with recent wins against Sunderland and West Brom to generate some confidence, will know whether they will meet Liverpool or Blackburn Rovers, in the FA Cup Semi-Final and this could act as an added energiser or a distraction at White Hart Lane. They made a decent fist of their game at Old Trafford yesterday but ultimately came away with a 3-1 defeat. Under Sherwood Villa have played with a more offensive set up looking to get Weimann, Agbonlahor and Benteke causing problems. Spurs old boy Alan Hutton is likely to be starting at right back.
This will be the first time in 2 years that Spurs have had successive home league games kicking off at 3pm on a Saturday.
COYS
Last time out: Villa 1 (Weimann) -2 Spurs (Chadli, Kane) - 2 Nov 2014
Last time at WHL: Spurs 3 (Paulinho, Baker OG, Adebayor (pen) - 0 Villa - 11 May 2014
Recent form: Spurs have won 10 and drawn 3 of last 13 games against Villa in all competitions. Villa's last victory over Spurs was in Sept 2008 (2-1 at White Hart Lane)
From the archives:
Nov 1994: Spurs 3-4 Aston Villa
It was the same day that the National Lottery was played for the first time and Spurs had a new manager in Gerry Francis. Francis had taken over from Ossie Ardiles whose idealist football had won many hearts but not many points. The new manager picked a far more cautious side dropping Barmby to the bench and Dumitrescu from the matchday squad but watched on as Spurs conceded three goals in the opening 30 minutes (Dalian Atkinson and Graham Fenton 2) before the Lilywhites pulled level in the second half through Sheringham, Klinsmann and Barmby. However, Villa had the last laugh when Dean Saunders - a regular thorn in the side for Spurs - netted a late winner.
Spurs: Walker, Kerslake (Nethercott), Mabbutt, Calderwood, Campbell, Anderton, Popescu, Caskey (Barmby), Howells, Sheringham, Klinsmann
A Villa: Bosnich, King, Barrett, Ehoigu, McGrath, Richardson, Parker, Houghton, Atkinson (Lamptey), Fenton, Saunders
Fortunately for the neutrals Villa need the points so there will be at least one set of fans and players with something tangible to play for.
Last season the two sides met on the final day of the season with Sherwood taking charge of Spurs for the last time. First half goals from Paulinho, Baker own goal and Adebayor saw Spurs run out comfortable winners. The only incident of any note in the second period was an outspoken fan being invited, by Sherwood, to the touchline to don the infamous gillet (or 'life preserve' to Biff's associates in Back to the Future) dictate team matters temporarily.
Spurs come into this game in 6th position level on points with Liverpool. Joking aside a 5th (or likely 6th place finish depending on the FA Cup winners) would secure qualification to the Europa League directly into the Group Stage rather than having to enter into the 3rd qualifying round, of which the 1st leg is on 30th July, which the team who finish 7th will have to do. What level of motivation this provides to a tired looking Spurs team remains to be seen.
Hugo Lloris and Jan Vertonghen could well be back for Spurs. We would assume that Poch will 'shuffle the pack' in attack after a lacklustre performance at Turfmoor today.
Villa, lurking just above the drop zone but with recent wins against Sunderland and West Brom to generate some confidence, will know whether they will meet Liverpool or Blackburn Rovers, in the FA Cup Semi-Final and this could act as an added energiser or a distraction at White Hart Lane. They made a decent fist of their game at Old Trafford yesterday but ultimately came away with a 3-1 defeat. Under Sherwood Villa have played with a more offensive set up looking to get Weimann, Agbonlahor and Benteke causing problems. Spurs old boy Alan Hutton is likely to be starting at right back.
This will be the first time in 2 years that Spurs have had successive home league games kicking off at 3pm on a Saturday.
COYS
Last time out: Villa 1 (Weimann) -2 Spurs (Chadli, Kane) - 2 Nov 2014
Last time at WHL: Spurs 3 (Paulinho, Baker OG, Adebayor (pen) - 0 Villa - 11 May 2014
Recent form: Spurs have won 10 and drawn 3 of last 13 games against Villa in all competitions. Villa's last victory over Spurs was in Sept 2008 (2-1 at White Hart Lane)
From the archives:
Nov 1994: Spurs 3-4 Aston Villa
It was the same day that the National Lottery was played for the first time and Spurs had a new manager in Gerry Francis. Francis had taken over from Ossie Ardiles whose idealist football had won many hearts but not many points. The new manager picked a far more cautious side dropping Barmby to the bench and Dumitrescu from the matchday squad but watched on as Spurs conceded three goals in the opening 30 minutes (Dalian Atkinson and Graham Fenton 2) before the Lilywhites pulled level in the second half through Sheringham, Klinsmann and Barmby. However, Villa had the last laugh when Dean Saunders - a regular thorn in the side for Spurs - netted a late winner.
Spurs: Walker, Kerslake (Nethercott), Mabbutt, Calderwood, Campbell, Anderton, Popescu, Caskey (Barmby), Howells, Sheringham, Klinsmann
A Villa: Bosnich, King, Barrett, Ehoigu, McGrath, Richardson, Parker, Houghton, Atkinson (Lamptey), Fenton, Saunders
