LONDON // After several seasons of near misses, Tottenham Hotspur finally cracked the Big Four's monopoly on the Champions League qualifying positions last season, finishing fourth at the expense of Liverpool, who had finished in that position four times in a row previously.
But Harry Redknapp, the Spurs manager, thinks that it will be much harder for his club to repeat last season's success. Before the campaign began Redknapp was concerned that his squad could be stretched for a trophy push at home and in Europe. Already, Spurs have lost games against Wigan Athletic and West Ham United - teams they would expect to beat - and had to rely on late goals to defeat Wolves.
Today's game against Aston Villa at White Hart Lane will reveal much about the strength in depth of the Tottenham squad after the exhilaration of a 4-1 rout of Dutch team Twente on Wednesday. "In previous seasons when we have come up against teams who have just played a Champions League game you always fancy your chances a bit more," Redknapp said. "Now teams will be thinking in the same way about us.
"It's made even harder when you are hit by a few injuries and are left short in certain areas as we are at the moment at centre-half and, to a degree, up front because Jermain Defoe is out of action." He said the Champions League leads to "a juggling act" and suggested Villa will "be hoping to take advantage of our involvement in Europe and push themselves up higher in the league". The predicament of Ledley King, the centre-back, is a prime example of the problems caused by Champions League games for Spurs, whose squad lacks the experience and depth of quality of England's other Champions League competitors - Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal.
King's chronic knee condition means he should play only one game a week. But after getting through 90 minutes against Twente, he could be called on again today because of injuries. Villa, who have finished sixth for the last three seasons, have their own Champions League aspirations and they have recovered well from the setback of the manager Martin O'Neill quitting five days before the season started, followed by a 6-0 thrashing at Newcastle.
Last week's 2-1 away win at Wolverhampton Wanderers put them fifth in the table. They welcome back fit-again centre-back Richard Dunne for the clash in London but will be without the striker Gabriel Agbonlahor, who has a groin injury that could keep him out of action for two weeks. Agbonlahor has had an injury-hit start to the season after scoring 16 goals last term. The better news for Villa is that Ashley Young is on the verge of signing a long-term contract with them.
Young, who has just under two years left of his current contract, has started the season in sparkling form. He has effectively switched from the wing into a second striker role behind Emile Heskey. When asked about Young's new contract, Gerard Houllier, the manager, said: "The good news should come early, sooner rather than later." Tottenham were linked with trying to sign Young during the summer.
6pm, Abu Dhabi Sports 6
Previews
Birmingham City v Everton
David Moyes, the Everton manager, believes his team are involved in a relegation battle. Everton are bottom of the league after failing to win any of their first six games. Few expect them to remain there for long, but Moyes is not afraid to use stark terminology. He said: "If you are in the bottom three you are in a relegation battle, whether it is after two games of the season or 32. It is still the same. If you are in the bottom three you have got to get out of it."
6pm Abu Dhabi Sports 4
Stoke City v Blackburn Rovers
Tony Pulis is hoping his Stoke players will stop making life difficult for themselves when Blackburn visit the Britannia Stadium today. Stoke have trailed at half time in every one of their top-flight games so far this season, managing only one goal in the opening 45 minutes – against Tottenham in August. Pulis said: "The players have got good character and they never give up. It's just finding that formula where we can get on the front foot."
6pm, Abu Dhabi Sports 6
West Bromwich Albion v Bolton Wanderers
Eddie Newton, West Brom's assistant manager, has hailed the "different dimension" Peter Odemwingie has brought to the side. The Nigeria forward has been an instant hit following his arrival from Lokomotiv Moscow, scoring three goals in five games. "Peter brings a positivity to the changing room, he is very positive as a man, very positive," said Newton. "He has got loads of pace which threatens the defence and he is very clever in his movements."
6pm, Abu Dhabi Sports 7
West Ham United v Fulham
Mark Hughes has given his Fulham side the thumbs up as he prepares for his seventh league game in charge. Fulham are unbeaten and would be much higher than seventh in the table had they not drawn five out of their six games so far. Hughes told the club's website: "I'm very pleased with the start that we have made. I think Manchester United are the only other team not to lose a game so far – so we're in very good company in that respect. It's very satisfying."
6pm, Abu Dhabi Sports 8
Wigan Athletic v Wolves
Roberto Martinez, the Wigan manager, has praised Charles N'Zogbia for fighting his way back into the team. The midfielder was on the verge of a move to Birmingham City in the summer but it broke down. Martinez said: "The moment the [transfer] window closed I could see a completely different outlook regarding Charles's situation. He earned the respect of his teammates and that is what is important. It is not about individuals, it is about the team."
3.45pm, AD Sports 3 & 5