Tottenham start the season at home for the first time in almost a decade as they host newly-promoted Aston Villa in a late kick-off on Saturday night. Aston Villa’s summer spending spree will come under the microscope as they kick off their Premier League campaign at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Can they spring an upset? Here’s the Big Game Focus. Bet on the Premier League here.
Tottenham had a successful season last year by their own standards. A Champions League final and a top-four finish for the fourth consecutive season is something they should be proud of. With a few signings this summer, Mauricio Pochettino’s men will be aiming higher this season, starting on Saturday against newcomers Aston Villa.
Villa won promotion to the top flight after three seasons in the Championship. Dean Smith’s men might be in for a long night when they face one of the best teams in the Premier League. The visitors have enjoyed a run of five preseason wins on the bounce. However, victories over Minnesota United, Shrewsbury, Walsall, and Charlton Athletic can hardly be considered a barometer for their top-flight potential. Can they rattle Spurs?
Betting preview
Spurs have won five of the last six encounters against Aston Villa. Spurs also have the experience and quality over their newly-promoted opponents. Therefore you can back a Home Win at odds of 1.30.
Three of the last six meetings between these two have seen three or more goals scored. Spurs’ depth in attack means this is likely to be a high scoring affair. Four of Villa’s last five matches have seen Over 2.5 Goals. That being so, you can back Over 2.5 Goals at odds of 1.65.
Harry Kane has scored four goals in five appearances against Aston Villa. Therefore, odds of 1.70 for Harry Kane as Anytime Goalscorer are attractive.
Team news
Son Heung-min and Juan Foyth, though injured, are suspended for the first two games of the season, while Dele Alli is out until September with a thigh injury. Ben Davies is still some weeks away from a return after undergoing surgery on a groin complaint. The game is likely to come too soon for Eric Dier and Serge Aurier. Victor Wanyama will be assessed.
Dean Smith has small concerns over Jed Steer, Anwar El Ghazi and Ezri Konsa but all three should make the match day squad.
Possible line-ups
Spurs: Lloris, Walker-Peters, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Rose, Sissoko, Ndombele, Lamela, Eriksen, Lucas, Kane
Aston Villa: Heaton, Guilbert, Mings, Engels, Targett, Hourihane, McGinn, Grealish, Jota, El Ghazi, Wesley