Aston Villa v Tottenham preview

Emmanuel Adebayor: The Spurs striker scored twice against Bolton on Wednesday to complete a 4-1 win

Alex McLeish: The Aston Villa boss has come under intense pressure with his side just three points from the drop zone

Tottenham can consolidate their chances of UEFA Champions League qualification with a win at Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday.

Spurs appear to have halted a poor run of form following two convincing wins over relegation duo Blackburn and Bolton.

They face another side fighting against the drop, with Alex McLeish's Villa above the trapdoor by just three points.

Time may be on the Villans' side with just two games remaining, but it will be an uncomfortable fortnight ahead, with a final-day encounter with Norwich City looming.

Tottenham's recent history at Villa has been solid, having won in two of their last three visits and the North London club will be desperate to add another victory this weekend.

Wednesday's 4-1 win at the Reebok Stadium was essential given Newcastle's 2-0 win at Chelsea, as it meant that Harry Redknapp's side maintained their grip on fourth place, staying above the Magpies on goal difference.

But it also closed the gap on third-placed Arsenal to just a point, and - with the Gunners facing mid-table sides West Brom and Norwich in their final two games - the race for third may not be over.

Indeed, third place will become even more important should Chelsea win the Champions League later in May, as Tottenham, Arsenal and Newcastle cannot qualify for the competition if they finish fourth and the Blues succeed against Bayern Munich.

Spurs' return to form has coincided with Roy Hodgson taking over as the new England manager and consequently ruling out Harry Redknapp from the post.

Although Redknapp has denied suggestions that the speculation affected his players, his coaching staff has revealed that they felt it had been a contributing factor to their poor form.

Before the wins over Blackburn and Bolton, Tottenham had not won in four games and had not scored in four away matches.

Endured

But that form is nothing compared to what Aston Villa fans have endured in recent months; with a 1-0 win over Fulham being the only victory they have had since January.

McLeish has come under increased pressure from the club's supporters as they hover nervously over the relegation zone.

If they fail to beat Spurs, attention will turn to results elsewhere as they will hope that West Brom and Stoke can win at Bolton and QPR respectively, before focus turns to Monday's showdown between Blackburn and Wigan.

Their battle against relegation has not been helped this week following the antics of trio James Collins, Chris Herd and Fabian Delph, who have been disciplined following a nightclub fracas on Tuesday.

The club have since released a statement explaining that everyone is "completely focused on Sunday's game against Spurs at Villa Park."

Team News

Stephen Ireland could return to Aston Villa's starting XI for the clash with Tottenham after missing games against Bolton and West Brom with a hip and hamstring problem.

Collins is a doubt having missed training due to a groin injury, with Carlos Cuellar potentially retaining his place in the centre of defence.

Andi Weimann may be given a start by McLeish, with the striker challenging Gabby Agbonlahor and Emile Heskey for a place in the team.

With Tottenham left-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto ruled out for the season, Redknapp is likely to name an unchanged line-up.

That would mean another start for Danny Rose who has had to play in an unfamiliar full-back role due to the Cameroonian's absence.

Kyle Walker has signed a new contract with the club and will be on a high after scoring at home to Blackburn last week.

Possible Starting XIs:

Aston Villa: Given, Hutton, Cuellar, Dunne, Warnock, Lichaj, Ireland, Clark, N'Zogbia, Heskey, Agbonlahor

Tottenham: Friedel, Walker, Kaboul, Gallas, Rose, Lennon, Sandro, Modric, Bale, van der Vaart, Adebayor

Sky Bet Odds: