Then match was pretty much a dead runner for Villa but Saturday’s game will be important for both teams. Spurs saw their hopes of claiming a Champions League place checked by Harry Kewell’s solitary goal against
Villa’s sole goalscorer in the corresponding fixture last year, Gareth Barry, will return to the side after serving a suspension, but both Kevin Phillips and recently departed Eirik Bakke are out. Spurs manager Martin Jol has a selection dilemma of his own, with Mido and Nourredine Naybet on international duty, so Jermaine Defoe could join Robbie Keane in attack. Right-back Paul Stalteri is suspended so Stephen Kelly will be given an early opportunity to impress new