Preview: Spurs in bounce-back mission on AVB's birthday week
AVB’s men had been doing so well until they hosted West Ham United before the international break. They suffered destruction when the public least expected it. Before that 3-0 demolition in front of their own supporters, Tottenham had conceded only two goals – in a 1-0 loss away to Arsenal and a 1-1 draw at home to Chelsea.
They ended Matchday 7 outside the European zone, prompting the media to question whether the club would suffer yet another Champions League qualification heartache this season. It is of course too early to predict anything. However, having narrowly missed out on the Top Four in May 2013, Spurs will be eager to put the shocking defeat to West Ham behind and resume their Premier League campaign with a bang.
A repeat of September’s 4-0 triumph over Aston Villa in the Capital One is on Tottenham’s mind. In the past couple of years, the Villains have hardly troubled Spurs. The best they could achieve was a 1-1 draw in May 2012.
The possible return of Belgian striker Christian Benteke could be key this Sunday. At the other end of the field, Jermaine Defoe or Roberto Soldado will try to steal the show. But the spotlight will be on Andros Townsend who could build on his great performance for England during the World Cup qualifiers.
Where to watch the match – live stream, start time, TV channels, live scores
Watch Aston Villa vs Tottenham Hotspur live on Thursday, October 17, 2013:
In Canada at 11:00 ET on: Sportsnet World, TalkSport Radio, Sportsnet World Online
In UK at 16:00 BST on: Sky Go UK, BBC Radio 5 Live, Sky Sports 3D, Sky Sports 1/HD, NOW TV powered by Sky, Sky Sports 1 Ireland
In USA at 11:00 ET on: NBC Sports Network, NBC Sports Live Extra, SiriusXM FC, TalkSport Radio, Mun2, DirecTV
For full live listings and live scores of the game, visit the Aston Villa-Spurs match page.
