Villa v Spurs preview

Villa will be without periodically sidelined central defender Martin Laursen and midfield machine Gavin McCann for the visit of player-collecting Tottenham Hotspur. The game is live on Sky Sports' Premiership Plus at 5:15pm.

Apart from this, David O'Leary is likely to field a similar team to the one that got humiliated at Upton Park on Monday night.

It looks like Lee Hendrie could start with Davis in central midfield, although so-good-they-named-him-twice Djemba-Djemba could be in line for a first start of the season.

Gareth Barry's poor showing in East London could see him give way for Patrik Berger's first league start, depending on whether O'Leary wants to change the side that severely dented his managerial credentials earlier this week.

An unchanged defence and attack is highly likely, although Stuart Taylor may be in the line for his first Villa appearance after signing from Arsenal in the summer.

Tottenham have about 347 players to choose from this week, so it's yet again another selection headache for Martin Jol.

Edgar Davids is facing a late fitness test on a groin injury, while defenders Michael Dawson and Noe Pamarot will both miss the game with a hamstring and knee injury, respectively.

Striker Mido is suspended so Rasiak is likely to retain his place up front with Jermaine Defoe.

Our guest Spurs writer, Paul, thinks they will nick a win, but I feel a draw is the more likely result. Despite this, the lads may improve their game after Monday's performance and single goal win might be on the cards. Whatever, it'll be a close and action packed game. Villa better be on their toes.

Any comments? Email luke@astonvilla.biz.