Filed under: Aston Villa, Tottenham, Premier League, Football, Match Previews
PREMIER LEAGUE: VILLA PARK, SUNDAY DECEMBER 26, 2010. KICK-OFF: 1730 GMTHarry Redknapp is always guaranteed a hostile welcome at Aston Villa in the wake of his altercation with supporters a few seasons ago.
Despite the unfriendly nature of the hospitality, Redknapp still loves visiting a ground where he has not lost in his last nine visits with Tottenham and his former club Portsmouth.
He will want to maintain that statistic to further emphasise his belief that Spurs are genuine title contenders at the start of a period which will help shape their destiny this season.
Unfortunately for Redknapp his side are being hampered by their vulnerability on the road. They have only won once in all competitions away from White Hart Lane and that will have to improve over the second half of the season if they are to be involved in the shake-up for the Premier League title.
Only a season ago, Villa were considered genuine challengers along with Spurs for a Champions League place, but they have fallen away dramatically since the end of the last campaign.
A freak run of injuries has not helped manager Gerard Houllier's bid to stabilise matters and dressing room unrest has also conspired against the Frenchman and he needs to steady the ship quickly.
They have won just twice in 11 games and while Houllier can rightfully point out to numerous winning positions being frittered away, Villa are still looking over their shoulders anxiously at the relegation zone.
Key Match-up: Eric Lichaj v Gareth Bale: When Brazilian right back Maicon, regarded as one of the best in his position in the world game, can be humbled by the brilliance of the Welsh international, then spare a thought for Villa's young American full back. Lichaj is only playing because of injury to first choice Luke Young and he will not have come up against anybody like Bale in his short career.
He can at least console himself with the fact that if Bale is in the mood to dominate, there appears no one in the game that can live with him at the moment. Lichaj has pace so can afford to mark tightly and deny Bale space to operate. He will also rely heavily on support from midfielders ahead of him to try to limit the supply to the Spurs winger.
Form Guide: Villa have not won on Boxing Day since 1999 and Tottenham have won just twice in 18 league visits to Villa Park.
Odds: Aston Villa 15/8, Tottenham 13/8, Draw 21/10
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Source: http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2010/12/25/aston-villa-tottenham-premier-league-villa-park/
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