Tottenham travel to Villa Park in Saturday's tea-time kick-off on a high after their sizzling 9-1 demolition of Wigan last weekend.

England striker Jermain Defoe hammered home five as Spurs took Wigan to the proverbial cleaners in an awesome display of attacking prowess and clinical finishing.

True Wigan were atrocious, but in those 90 minutes the Lillywhites showed just why they are genuine top-four contenders, and sit only eight points behind leaders Chelsea.

Of course consistency must play its part and coach Harry Redknapp was particularly keen to stress that the win would amount to little should his side lose to fifth place Villa.

Martin O’Neil’s men sit just three points behind Spurs, and having lost just one of their last eight matches will be confident that they can account for the visitors, especially on a ground the North Londoners traditionally struggle.

Team News:

Aston Villa coach Martin O’Neil could be tempted to give winger Stewart Downing his home debut after he appeared as a substitute in the 1-1 draw at Burnley. He also managed 75 minutes for the reserves in midweek having been side-lined for seven-months with a broken foot.

Defender James Collins faces a late fitness test on a troublesome groin, however, Carlos Cueller is more than able to deputise, whilst upfront it is a straight choice between John Carew and Emile Heskey.

Spurs welcome back Robbie Keane after he was rested during the Wigan demolition and coach Harry Redknapp has not ruled out making changes to his team despite the 9-1 win.

Captain Ledley King, Croatian Luka Modric, goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini and Giovani Dos Santos are all sidelined.

Probable Starting XI's; Star Man:

Aston Villa (4-3-3): Friedel, L Young, Cuellar, Dunne, Warnock, Milner, Petrov, A Young, Downing, Agbonlahor, Carew.

Tottenham (4-4-2): Gomes, Corluka, Assou-Ekotto, Woodgate, Dawson, Palacios, Huddlestone, Lennon, Kranjcar, Defoe, Keane.

ExtraFootie's Prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Tottenham. Goals right at the start of each half secured a 2-1 win for Spurs in the same fixture last season, however, this time around we fancy Villa to nick it as the battle for fourth spot intensifies.