BrainBetting.com

Jermain Defoe of Tottenham celebrates his goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Birmingham City and Tottenham Hotspur at St. Andrews Stadium on January 30, 2010 in Birmingham, England.

This is a crunch EPL clash between a couple of CL ‘pretenders’ and victory would be worth its weight in gold at White Hart Lane. Both sides have realistic ambitions to finish in the top four this season, currently Spurs are in possession of it. It's been difficult for them to put together a string of victories, but at least they’ve been consistent and hard to beat. In midweek, they progressed into the 5th round of the FA Cup by winning 3-1 away against Leeds in a replay. That was always going to be a tough test, but they passed it with flying colours and played really well. Key striker, Jermaine Defoe scored a hat-trick whilst wingers David Bentley and Gareth Bale produced surprisingly good displays. Perhaps the midweek game might have taken a little bit out of the players, but I don’t think it will affect them too much.

Villa will come here looking to avoid defeat, but ideally they would love a victory to put the pressure on their rivals. I think home advantage could be vital and as long as Spurs take their chances then I can see them winning. A draw wouldn’t be a bad result for either side, but Harry Redknapp has never been one to settle for a point and will demand his Spurs teams pick up victory. Ledley King was rested in midweek so should return here and I expect Villa to come under some strong pressure. The fixture between the two sides earlier in the campaign ended 1-1, but it was a fortunate draw for Villa. I just don’t think they’ll enjoy playing a team like Spurs who are a very good technical outfit so my preference lies with the Londoners.

Bet: Tottenham win @ 2.05

Steve Wyss