Preview: Villa vs Tottenham

Tottenham face the tough New Years Day journey to Aston Villa with the news still ringing in their ears that star striker Dimitar Berbatov wants toleave the club. Two great wins over Reading and Fulham have built some momentum for Spurs, but Villa themselves are battling away for European football.

Injuries and Suspensions

John Carew is rated as doubtful after picking up an injury against Wigan. Zat Knight is back after being suspended but he may not even start after Curtis Davies' impressive performance in Villa's last game.

Michael Dawson returns from injury whilst Didier Zokora is back from a three-match ban.

Squads

Aston Villa (from): Carson, Taylor, Mellberg, Laursen, Knight, Davies, Bouma, Gardner, Petrov, Reo-Coker, Barry, Young, Berger, Osbourne, Maloney, Moore, Agbonlahor, Carew, Harewood.

Tottenham (from): Robinson, Cerny, Chimbonda, Kaboul, King, Lee, Lennon, Jenas, Huddlestone, Zokora, Malbranque, Berbatov, Keane, Defoe, Bent, Taarabt, Boateng, Tainio, Rocha, Dawson, Stalteri, O'Hara.

Eyefootball Premiership Predictor

ASTON VILLA 1-0 TOTTENHAM

It'll be Villa's day as Tottenham's momentum fails to filter into their away performances. Martin O'Neill's side are looking great this year but Carew will be missed. Nevertheless, a home win.

Goalscorer: Ashley Young