Spurs to lose more ground in top four tussle
Tottenham Hotspur now find themselves out of the top four in the Premier League as they welcome Aston Villa down to north London for the early afternoon kick-off on New Year's Day. Antonio Conte's charges have been really erratic all season long in terms of performances, but the visitors are unlikely to just let them work their kinks out. Read our preview here:
Skipp to the end
Spurs came from two down to snatch a draw away at fellow capital club Brentford, with everything written about them this term being true of their display in that game. Ponderous in defence and ineffective in midfield, it took Harry Kane once again to instigate a turnaround. Conte is still set to be without Brazilian pair Richarlison and Lucas Moura, but arguably, it is Rodrigo Bentancur's absence in the middle that will be more keenly felt. Oliver Skipp will deputise in a rare start for the 22 year old, and an impressive individual showing will go some way to convince doubting supporters of his long-term future at the club.
Cout-ness personified
A 3-1 home defeat last time out to Liverpool probably wasn't a fair reflection of the encounter, with the hosts under new boss Unai Emery giving a decent account of themselves. Phillippe Coutinho came on late in proceedings against his former employers, and the playmaker will be pushing for a start in the 4-2-2-2. His teammates will also be bolstered by the return of World Cup and Golden Glove winner Emi Martínez between the sticks.
Betting tip
Parimatch have odds of 3.90 for a draw that will see Tottenham looking more over their shoulders than back up the standings.
