Harry Redknapp has kept faith with the same line-up for the third game running as Spurs bid to capitalise on Arsenal only drawing at home to Norwich City yesterday and go third in the Premier League at struggling Aston Villa.

Kyle Walker is included, despite suffering a toe injury in the midweek 4-1 win at Bolton Wanderers, while Scott Parker is back in the matchday squad after missing the last two matches but has to settle for a place on the bench.

Villa go into the contest just three points clear of the drop zone and manager Alex McLeish’s problems were added to in the week, with three players disciplined for their part in a nightclub fracas.

Chris Herd starts despite his involvement in that incident, while another one of the trio, James Collins, is on the bench.

McLeish makes just the one change from the side that drew 0-0 at West Bromwich Albion last time out, with the fit-again Stephen Ireland replacing Gabby Agbonlahor, who has bruised ribs.

The discontent with McLeish was visible approaching Villa Park, with banners and posters openly calling for the former Birmingham City boss to be axed, and the mood will not improve if the hosts fail to win as that will ensure they finish the season with the club’s worst ever home record of just four wins.

Aston Villa: Given; Hutton, Cuellar, Dunne, Lichaj; N’Zogbia, Herd, Clark, Warnock; Ireland; Heskey. Substitutes: Collins, Delfouneso, Guzan, Bannan, Weimann, Gardner, Carruthers.

Tottenham Hotspur: Friedel; Walker, Gallas, Kaboul, Rose; Lennon, Modric, Sandro, Bale; Van der Vaart; Adebayor. Substitutes: Parker, Saha, Dos Santos, Defoe, Cudicini, Livermore, Nelsen.