Aston Villa host Tottenham in this round of the League Cup. Both teams are expected to make massive changes due to fitness concerns over numerous amount’s of players. Aston Villa progressed into this round by beating Rotherham 3-0, while Tottenham automatically qualified due to their Premier League position last season.
Paul Lambert may give starts to Steer, Sylla, Bennett, Helenius and Kozak who are yet to start in the Premier League this season, Lambert has mentioned that he will prioritise the League over the League Cup. Tottenham manager Villas-boas plan’s to do the same, he was furious at the scheduling of the Tottenham game, which resulted in the team play 3 games in 6 days. He mentioned that no one from Sunday’s game will feature tonight due to fitness concerns.
Team News:
Aston Villa have several injury concerns ahead of this game. Christian Benteke will miss this game due to a hip injury suffered in last weekends Norwich game. While Agbonlahor, Delph, Luna and Clark have all picked up slight knocks and may also miss out. Westwood remains a doubt. Okore, N’Zogbia and Gardner all remain out through long-term injuries.
Tottenham will rotate the squad, but only Rose and Defoe remain serious injury doubts.
Match Facts:
The two clubs have met four times in the League Cup, with Aston Villa winning on the last two occasions in 1987 and 1994.
Aston Villa haven’t beaten Tottenham since September 2008, they have played 9 times since then.
They have only conceded one goal to date – Olivier Giroud’s winner for Arsenal.
Predicted Lineups:
Steer
Lowton-Vlaar-Baker-Bennett
Weimann-Sylla-El Ahmadi-Tonev
Helenius
Kozak
Kane
Lamela-Chadli-Lennon
Sandr0-Holby
Naughton-Kaboul-Chiriches-Walker
Friedel
Predictions:
Aston Villa 0-2 Tottenham
Tottenham are favourites for a reason, I change the entire Spur’s first team and it’s still really strong. Aston Villa might’ve had an extra day of rest but if a young, inexperienced defence has to face Lamela, Chadli and Lennon it’s never going to be easy. I hope Aston Villa can get a good result and continue their League Cup run, but it’s going to be massively difficult. Aston Villa even play worse at home!