Redknapp has been absent for the past three weeks following minor heart surgery but that hasn’t stopped his team from picking up points. They have won seven of their last eight in the league, meaning they have made their best start since 1990.

With memories of last season’s Champions League adventure still fresh in the mind, Tottenham are desperate for a return to Europe’s premier competition.

They currently sit in fifth place, on the cusp of that magical fourth spot, but with six points separating Newcastle in third and Liverpool in seventh, competition for the Champions League places is set to be intense.

Villa boss Alex McLeish, meanwhile, will be quietly satisfied with his start to life in the Villa Park hot seat. The Scot knew he needed a decent start following his controversial move from city rivals Birmingham over the summer, so eighth place after 11 games represents a respectable opening.

However, the trip to White Hart Lane – a ground where they have won just once in ten years – sees the start of a tough run of fixtures from now until Christmas. Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea all lie on the horizon, meaning those early season points could prove more valuable than first thought.

Tottenham will be hoping that Rafael van der Vaart will recover from a hamstring injury in time to play. The Dutchman has scored six goals in his last six games and is understandably 4/1 joint favourite to net first. If van der Vaart doesn’t make it then Jermain Defoe may get a rare start. Defoe has hit three goals in Tottenham’s last four home games against Villa and is 9/2 to do so again.

Unsurprisingly, with their dazzling array for forwards, goalscoring has not been a problem for Redknapp’s men. They have hit 20 goals in their past eight league games – so over 2.5 goals at 8/13 looks a good option while four or more goals is priced at 7/4.

Villa meanwhile will again be relying on Darren Bent and Gabriel Agbonlahor to supply them with goals. Former Sunderland hit man Bent – now an England regular – has five goals this season and has scored four in six league matches against Spurs. Agbonlahor also has five goals and earned recall to Fabio Capello’s squad for last week’s friendly double header with Spain and Sweden, only for a hamstring injury forcing him to pull out. Villa will hope he has recovered in time for Monday. Bent is priced at 15/2 to score first, while strike partner Agbonlahor is 10/1.

Despite being unbeaten against London clubs in 2011, Villa have yet to win away this season and their price of 6/1 reflects this. The draw is priced at 3/1, with a Tottenham victory 8/15. Value bets may be found in Spurs scorecasts, with Tottenham 2-1 Aston Villa priced at 18/1.

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There is plenty to play for in the opening match at 1.30pm with the Tangerines desperate to get back on the winning trail in their bid to avoid the drop but there will not be too many who argue with the fact that Arsenal are the favourites in the match betting – although they are as short as 4/11.

The Gunners are not second in the Premier League table by fluke but there form has dipped since suffering that shock Carling Cup final defeat to Birmingham City at Wembley.

Arsene Wenger’s men have won only one match since then – 5-0 against Leyton Orient in the FA Cup fifth round replay – while they have been knocked out of both domestic competitions, losing to Manchester United in the FA Cup quarter-finals and to Barcelona in the last-16 of the Champions League.

Although there is no disgrace in those defeats, the Premier League form has also suffered with successive draws against struggling sides – Sunderland, West Brom and Blackburn – two of which were at home, which has seen them fall seven points adrift of leaders United, although they do have a game in hand.

Ian Holloway has targeted two more wins to guarantee Premier League football next term and the Tangerines do have home advantage for five of their remaining seven games, with the next four on the bounce taking place at Bloomfield Road.

It sounds like a case is being made for a shock home win on Sunday but with just one win from the last eleven matches, and only two in the calendar year, it is difficult to talk up a side that was also comprehensively beaten 3-0 last time out at Fulham.

Such was the manner of the performance at Craven Cottage that Holloway sent his players out ‘for a beer in midweek’  – sounds like an excuse for another poor performance.

The Gunners know that they cannot afford any more slip-ups in the run-in if they are to end their barren spell in terms of silverware and are fancied to make the running against a defence that has leaked 63 goals this season – and 27 at home – and should be backed in the Half Time/Full Time market at 10/11.

Arsenal beat Blackpool 6-0 in the reverse fixture early in the season and another convincing scoreline is expected with the visitors available at 10/11 in the handicap betting (-1).

The other game sees the home side anxiously looking over their shoulder and Aston Villa have that and a revenge mission on their minds and can justify 5/6 favouritism against Newcastle, who are available at 16/5.

Gerard Houllier has endured a difficult time since taking the hotseat at Villa Park but has home advantage (six of the last seven matches between the two has ended with a home win, while the other was drawn) and a fully-fit squad to choose from – a luxury that opposite number Alan Pardew does not have.

Newcastle of course lost Andy Carroll in the transfer window but now Leon Best has been ruled out for the rest of the season, Stephen Ireland is ineligible and there are suspensions for Kevin Nolan, James Perch and Cheik Tiote.

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1) Premier League defenders need to learn how to defend again. It was a Premier League record with 36 goals and no goalless draws, but it was evident at some games that people do not know how to defend as not one side kept a clean sheet.

2) Dimitar Berbatov is awesome, when he can be bothered. He may be criticised as lazy from some quarters, but when he does turn up the Bulgarian is one of the best forwards in the Premier League. He had not scored since his hat-trick against Liverpool on September 19th, but went on to equal the Premier League record with five goals in one game.

3) While Berbatov (7/2 to be top Premier League goalscorer) will get all the headlines, it has to be noted that Wayne Rooney was also impressive. He set up the Bulgarian early on, set up Park Ji-sung and also scared Pascal Chimbonda witless, which resulted in him producing the awful backpass that presented Berbatov with his third. Sir Alex Ferguson described Rooney and Berbatov as “a good combination” and if they continue to click like this then Chelsea’s hold on the title may not last long (United 7/4 to win title).

4) Sol Campbell has not lost it and is still a very good defender – who knew? He may be 36 and seen as somewhat of a mercenary by a section of fans, but he performed heroics against Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka with tackles, blocks and near-perfect positioning. Chris Hughton could not wish for any more from him.

5) Mick McCarthy will not let his side’s give up (Wolves 10/11 to stay up). Firstly, he must have been delighted to not see his side concede in the first minute like they have twice recently, and their spirited fightback in a classic game against Sunderland showed a side that are going to fight until the last ball of the season is kicked. You would expect nothing less from a team managed the brash Yorkshire man.

6) Bolton are an adjusted side now who are capable of finishing in the Premier League top four – that is according to Zat Knight. It is true that Bolton (33/1 to finish in top four) have gone four games unbeaten, but now face a huge challenge of their top credentials when they face Manchester City next weekend. We will wait and see if Knight’s bold predictions are correct but I can imagine most football fans had to hide a smirk when hearing what the defender had to say.

7) Avram Grant seems safe for another week after the win over Wigan, but Paolo Di Canio was watching from the stands on the “Save Our Season” day and has spoken about wanting some involvement in the club.

FA Cup miracles still seem to exist. FC United had performed miracles to overcome Rochdale in the last round and led Brighton (600/1 to win FA Cup) for a long period. But it looked like their story would be over for this season as they went down to 10 men on 69 minutes, conceded with five minutes to go and then conceded a stoppage-time penalty. But Sam Ashton pulled out a wonder save to keep them in the FA Cup – where they will play last year’s FA Cup finalists Portsmouth in the third round if they can win the replay.

9) Foreign officials are not as bad as everyone feared. No major catastrophes or controversies in any of the Scottish games refereed by imported replacements. Though I bet many were not prepared for the weather when they agreed to stand in.

10) Fans will still turn up and shovel snow off the pitch just as long as they are given a warm drink and a bacon roll. It is tradition to see fans down the football ladder desperately clearing pitches and one that should never end!

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Tottenham

Boss Harry Redknapp will be hoping for big things from San Siro hat-trick scorer Gareth Bale, and there will surely be a hat-full of goals with the attacking flair on show.

Inter do not possess the best record against English sides on their travels – winning four, losing seven and drawing one match over the years and a 2-2 draw looks a good bet for the Group A clash (Spurs 13/8, Draw 12/5, Inter 8/5 – Match Betting).

Werder Bremen and FC Twente shared a 1-1 draw last time out with both sides desperate for three points. With so much at stake and goals at a premium for both sides, the Germans are fancied to claim their first win of this year’s competition by a solitary goal.

In Group B, high-flying Lyon travel to Benfica but history is not in their favour as no French side have ever beaten the Portuguese giants on their own patch – infact Lyon have only won once in European competitions in Portugal.

Records are there to be broken but Benfica have not leaked many goals and this one could be Lyon’s trickiest test so far, with a low-scoring draw looking good value.

Hapoel Tel Aviv have yet to break their duck in this season’s Champions League but they will have their work cut out against Schalke 04, who beat them 3-1 in their previous meeting.

Spanish legend Raul netted twice and is 5/1 to score the first goal in a match which will surely see defeat for an Israeli side that have scored just two goals but conceded eight in their first three matches, with Schalke, at 21/20, tipped to take the points.

Group C sees Manchester United face Bursaspor (Bursaspor 19/5, Draw 13/5, Utd 8/11 – Match Betting) and the Red Devils can concentrate on matters on the pitch with the resolution of the Wayne Rooney saga.

The England international will be absent through injury but, despite being away from home, United will not be fazed by a side who have yet to score a goal in the competition.

The Turkish outfit have offered little going forward in the group and will struggle to get past a United defence (6/5 to keep a clean sheet) that has yet to concede a European goal this term.

Rangers are the surprise team in the group and have yet to taste defeat, but Valencia will be a lot tougher at home and a Spanish win by two goals to nil looks decent value (5/1).

Walter Smith’s men have looked solid but it will be another backs-to-the wall effort for the Gers to try and get anything from this fixture and it surely only a matter of time before they finally slip up in Europe this season.

Group D looks a two-horse race and the top two meet on Tuesday in Copenhagen, with Barcelona looking to keep up their excellent record in Denmark. The Spanish giants have won all their previous matches in the country and will look to add another success against aside just one point behind them in the standings.

But the Danes are no mugs and will draw confidence from Rubin Kazan’s 1-1 result with the Catalans earlier in the campaign.

Finally, Panathinaikos travel to face Rubin Kazan with both sides in need of three points. They played out a goalless draw last time but the Russians, very strong on home soil, are favourites (8/13) and are tipped to win this one.

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Barcelona

Although the Spanish international striker (7/4 First or Last Goalscorer, 2/5 Anytime) has faced the Rojiblancos before while he was at Valencia, this will be his first match against Sporting in the colours of the Blaugrana.

The World Cup winner spent four years at El Molinon, initially with the ‘B’ team before making the grade, and his career has since taken him through Real Zaragoza and Valencia – who received 40 million euros from Barcelona this summer.

Villa told El Guaje: “Of course it will be a special game. I had to face Sporting with Valencia in the past, and that is great news for me, because that means that Sporting are in the first division.

“I wish them all the best – but after the match against Barcelona!

“People know how I feel about Sporting. I grew up playing there, but it is clear that I will give everything for my current club to help them win the game.”

There are rumours in Spain that Sporting will rest several key players at the Nou Camp and accept their fate against a Barcelona side without Lionel Messi through injury.

The Argentina star hurt ankle ligaments in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Atletico in Madrid, so Villa and the rest of the senior stars will be expected to step up in his absence.

The Barca striker was unable to add to his three goals for the club at the Vicente Calderon when he found Atletico keeper David de Gea in top form.

He said: “What is important is that the team wins, but it is true that I was a bit annoyed at not scoring.

“The coach told me he was happy with me and goals will eventually come, and I think exactly the same way.”

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The Spaniards take on Holland in the showpiece final on Sunday evening in Johannesburg hoping to shake off the tag as the great under-achievers in world football and back-up their success at Euro 2008.

Spain came into the tournament as favourites but doubts were cast over their title credentials when they suffered a 1-0 reverse to Switzerland in their opening group fixture.

However, they bounced back to beat Honduras and Chile and top Group H to progress to the last 16 in South Africa.

Three 1-0 victories over Portugal, Paraguay and Germany followed to set up Sunday’s showdown with the Dutch as the Spanish put in solid, if unspectacular performances.

They do possess a plethora of talented attacking players but have had to rely on a resolute defence to see them through to the final as goals have been at a premium, and Xavi hopes that things will change against the Netherlands on Sunday.

“It is clear we have not scored many goals,” he said. “But we are feeling very comfortable with the way we are playing, and we are creating plenty of opportunities. Usually when you do that, you tend to get goals.

“But we are not converting the chances to our normal percentage. Let’s see if we can lift that because it will be particularly important.”

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has a lot to think about ahead of the match, with a striking dilemma to solve.

Liverpool forward Fernando Torres, who scored the winning goal for Spain at Euro 2008, has not really ignited at the World Cup and was dropped for the semi-final win over Germany in favour of Pedro.

But his experience may see the former Atletico Madrid man back in the fray for the final with Pedro dropping back to the bench.

Whatever side the Spanish tactician decides to put out, Xavi believes that the 2010 squad will be worthy winners of the World Cup if they can edge what looks set to be a very tight affair.

“Football around the world is very even at the moment, very balanced. It’s the minor details that can be decisive,” he added. “If there is a change in the world order I hope it’s in favour of Spain. It’s time for Spain to take its place at the top and I think this generation of players fully deserves that.”

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The Swiss captain said his team, who need to win by two clear goals to make it through to the last 16, were focusing on that target.

A draw might even be enough for the Swiss, depending on the result of the game between Chile and Spain, and Frei – the country’s record goalscorer – said he was 100 per cent fit and looking forward to the final Group H match.

He said: “We practice very hard. We score goals in our training units as well. We scored two goals against Greece both in the home match and in the away match [in qualifying] so I think we have got a very good argument for scoring two goals.”

“Over the past qualification round we conceded very few goals,” he added, acknowledging the strength of the team’s defence but saying: “We can also score lots of goals. We just have to make sure we do score and we feel comfortable about that.

“All the players are hot. They want to get the second victory. They want to give a sensational performance tomorrow in order to reach the round of 16 with glory,” added Frei, who has netted 40 international goals.

Frei said it would be foolish to underestimate Spain regardless of their defeat to the Swiss.

“It would be disastrous not to look at Spain as a favourite. Just take a look at the players they have. Take a look at the football they play. I’m sure they are going to put their foot down.”

Defender Steve Von Bergen believes Switzerland can bounce back following the 1-0 defeat by Chile in Group H.

Von Bergen said: “We are angry at the moment but we are still in with a great chance, provided we beat Honduras.

“We were completely thrown by the red card against Chile. We let ourselves be pressed too far back at the start, although we went out there intending to attack. It is hard work with 10 men.”

Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld said he intends to monitor the clash between leaders Chile and European champions Spain.

Hitzfeld said: “I will be well informed about what is happening in Pretoria. It could be that I will modify my tactics depending on the score. I feel that anything can happen in that game.”

Honduras have lost both matches and Hitzfeld said: “They have moments of confusion in defence and we have to take advantage of that.”

Switzerland opened with a victory against Spain only to lose to Chile after Valon Behrami’s red card.

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Cole has been out of action for two months since fracturing his ankle in a clash against Everton in February and although he has not played any practice games since he returned to training, Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that he will be part of the squad for the trip to White Hart Lane. He has returned quicker than expected – he had been initially pencilled in to return at the end of April – and Ancelotti has been quick to praise Cole’s commitment and the Stamford Bridge medical staff.

The return of Cole will be seen as a boost for both Chelsea and England. Chelsea are hoping to secure the double this season and are currently four points ahead of Manchester United at the top of the Premier League. Three points against Spurs will take them one step closer to their first league title since 2006. They are 10/11 to beat Spurs and 1/8 favourites to win the league.

Chelsea are also in line for the double after their 3-0 success against Aston Villa last weekend secured an FA Cup final appearance against Portsmouth on May 15. They are 1/4 to lift the famous trophy. However, Ancelotti has been quick to tell his players to forget all aspirations of winning the double and has urged them to retain their focus.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Ancelotti stated;

“My work is very easy, because they know what they need to do. We never speak about the double. That’s not the right way to prepare at all.

“It is not a formality we will win the title. We have to play very important and difficult games and we have to pay attention.

“Now, the title is not so sure for us. We have to fight again. We are working to win both the league and the FA Cup. We are involved in both and in a very good position, but nothing is decided.”

Ancelotti is aware that Spurs will be a tricky prospect and they impressed him during their 2-1 defeat of Arsenal in midweek.

Meanwhile, Joe Cole is focusing on club over country for the time being, although he has not given up hope of being recalled to Fabio Capello’s England squad ahead of the World Cup.

Both Coles have suffered with injuries this season and patchy form has seen Joe drop out of the England reckoning. However, he knows that you can’t talk your way into the England squad and he is focused on playing his best for Chelsea, helping them to secure a historic double. After that, he has admitted what will be, will be.

Speaking about the prospect of playing in the World Cup, he stated; “I just want to work hard for my team-mates and whatever happens happens. It’s obviously something I’d like to play in but at the moment I’m just concentrating on helping Chelsea win the title.”

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Roberto Mancini

City face Manchester United at Eastlands on Saturday with both sides looking for the points for different reasons. City are hoping to consolidate their current standing of fourth in the League whilst United will be hoping to keep the pressure on Chelsea at the top of the table.

United will be hoping to bounce back against their local rivals after picking up a disappointing point in a goalless draw at Blackburn last Sunday. This has seen United’s title odds lengthen to 13/2 after Chelsea posted a 1-0 success against Bolton at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday evening. The Blues are now 1/8 to secure their first League title since 2006 as they are now four points ahead of United at the top of the table.

Tottenham Hotspur kept up the pressure on City in the race for fourth by beating local rivals Arsenal in the North London derby on Wednesday evening. Their 2-1 success propelled them to fifth in the table, one point and one place behind City.  In the process, they severely dented Arsenal’s title hopes as the Gunners now lie six points behind Chelsea. They are 20/1 outsiders to win the League.

Many see the race for fourth being between City and Spurs, with some citing the clash at Eastlands between the two sides on May 5 as being pivotal in the battle for the final Champions League spot. However, both City and Spurs face tough run-ins, meaning that Liverpool and Aston Villa could mount a late surge if they can improve their consistency. Those two sides are 20/1 and 25/1 to finish fourth respectively. Meanwhile, Spurs are 2/1 second favourites to secure Champions League football for next season, with City 4/9 favourites.

City have scored 14 goals in the last three games and Roberto Mancini feels that goal difference could be crucial in the final reckoning. City have a current goal difference of 28, whilst Spurs have 27, and Mancini is hoping to retain this advantage.

Speaking to the Manchester City website, Mancini stated; “We know that it is vital we have a good goal difference because that could possibly decide who finishes in fourth place.

“We have been scoring a few goals in recent weeks, which is good. There is no reason we cannot continue to keep scoring if we play in the manner we have been of late, no matter the opposition.”

The big news ahead of Saturday’s Manchester derby is the potential return of Wayne Bridge. The left-back has missed the last five matches after undergoing a hernia operation and could bolster City’s back line. Meanwhile, England fans will be waiting to see if Wayne Rooney is on the team sheet after missing the last few games with an ankle injury.

Manchester City are 17/10 to get the win they need to consolidate fourth place whilst United are 11/8 to increase the pressure on Chelsea with a three point display. The draw is 12/5.

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