David James insists that he is “confident” that Aston Villa will get a result against Spurs with one key aspect set to give them the edge.
Villa Park is set to host a vital game on Sunday. Unai Emery’s side host Tottenham in a key battle for Champions League qualification.
Spurs sit five points below Villa in fifth but also have a game in hand on the side. Emery needs to ensure that the visitors do not walk away with three points to keep the Champions League still in their hands.
Villa beat Spurs earlier in the campaign with a 2-1 in the capital. Now, the club will be aiming to complete a famous double and increase their chances of finishing in the top four.
Former Villain James is confident that the hosts will secure the result on the weekend as he points to one critical factor.
Spurs’ style ‘will suit’ Aston Villa
Under Ange Postecoglou Spurs play a very open style of play. This has rewarded them multiple times this campaign with the club on the verge of returning to the Champions League.
However, at times, it has also impeded them. Counter-attacking play has seen them lose to Wolves twice this season as well as to Chelsea, with the manager insistent on a high line.
James believes this style may well suit Villa and give them the edge to beat Spurs on Sunday.
He told Lord Ping: “I’m confident that Villa will get a result against Tottenham. I like what Ange is doing at Spurs; I think he’s doing a great job there and I love the football he is playing, but I think that open brand of football will suit Villa.
“United can be a horrible team to play against. I watched them against Manchester City and they made things very difficult for fifty-five minutes playing turgid football, so I can understand why Villa found things difficult against them a few weeks ago.
“Tottenham won’t play like that. It will be an open game and I don’t think the travelling back from Amsterdam will have an impact on their performance. Villa are used to that Thursday-Sunday churn. They have the players to handle two games in a week.”
Unai Emery must get a result
While the season does not rely on this game, it would certainly make things a lot easier if Villa were to get a result.
The club could go eight points clear of Spurs with a win and all but secure the Champions League barring a massive collapse.
While a defeat would not be the end of the world, it could make Villa rely on other English club’s performances in Europe to secure a fifth Champions League spot.
With Villa Park being a fortress throughout the season and Ollie Watkins being in fine form, the Birmingham side should get the job done on the weekend.
