Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has admitted he sees Tottenham Hotspur as his side's main rivals to break into the much coveted top four this season, and NOT Liverpool!

Villa were serious contenders for a UEFA Champions League spot last season only for a dramatic loss of form and injuries to key personnel, such as Martin Laursen, in the home stretch to end their hopes.

However, having spent over £40million on no fewer than six recruits in the summer O'Neill believes his side are better equipped this time round and are ready to knock one of the so called 'Big Four' of their f***ing perch.

While the Ulsterman is in buoyant mood of his side's chances, he is more than aware of the threat posed by Harry Redknapp's Spurs, who hammered in nine past Wigan last weekend and are the visitors to Villa Park on Saturday.

"Tottenham are very strong, they have a chance to challenge that top four because they have the wherewithal to do it," O'Neill told The Daily Mirror.

"It will be a tough ask (to finish in the top four) this season again but it's our aim.

"That's what we want to do as we'd love to be playing Champions League football eventually. I am hoping we can hang in and get a few results so supporters stay with us, thinking something may happen."

Meanwhile, O'Neill admits his side need to improve technically and has pointed to the winning mentality ingrained in current Premier League leaders Chelsea as the benchmark for his young side to aspite too.

"We need to improve technically, which is obviously very important, I want the whole side to be comfortable on the ball. I want players to not be overly concerned about receiving the ball under pressure," he contined.

"Look at Chelsea - they are so strong. I think they have a great mentality, work ethic and they are physically very strong. Now they have been there for four or five years, it is almost burned into them that winning football games is what it's all about."