Big games are coming thick and fast for Paul Lambert and Aston Villa.
The Villans have already faced Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool and will face Manchester City in the Barclays Premier League clash on Saturday.
But before that, they have a tough task ahead to see off the challenges from Tottenham Hotspur in the Capital One Cup tonight.
There is no shortage of motivation for the Villa players as they are heading into this match on the back of a crucial 1-0 victory over Norwich.
Spurs travel to Villa-Park on Tuesday for the third round clash on the back of a 1-0 victory over newcomer Cardiff City. However, with barely 48 hours passed since that match, Andre Villas-Boas has every right to complain and moan about the fixture congestion.
However, both the managers are not taking the competition too seriously. Lambert clearly stated that he is already focusing on the clash with City, while the Portuguese more-or-less echoed on similar lines.
“This is an impossible game for us to play, but hopefully our team spirit and motivation can get us through,” he said.
“It (the Capital One Cup) is not our absolute number one priority but I don’t think we have been given a fair chance to play in this competition this year.”
Team News
Star striker of Villa, Christian Benteke will miss out for this tie after suffering a hip injury in the last match. Forward Gabriel Agbonlahor and midfielder Ashley Westwood are also doubtful with ankle and knee injury and are highly unlikely to be risked.
Jed Steer could come into the side in place of Brad Guzan in goal while there are also expected to be starting places for the likes of Nicklas Helenius and Yacouba Sylla.
Villas-Boas could make few changes as well and very few who featured against Cardiff are likely to start at Villa Park.
Jermain Defoe is a doubt due to a groin strain while Brad Friedel, Erik Lamela, Lewis Holtby, Sandro and Vlad Chiriches could all make the starting line-up berth for Spurs.
Key Man
Erik Lamela – The Argentine hasn’t taken the league by storm as many had expected but he could make a strong impression tonight in the cup games.
Prediction: Aston Villa 1-2 Spurs
What’s your prediction for the game?
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