Rare start for Defoe

Jermain Defoe started only his second match in the last 12 for Tottenham as replacement for African Nations Cup striker Mido as the North London team looked to cement fourth place in the Premiership after two defeats in a row, including an FA Cup exit.

With Paul Stalteri suspended after his sending off at Liverpool last week, Stephen Kelly was brought in again at fullback while Villa boss David O’Leary called up Lee Hendrie, a goalscoring substitute last week against West Ham, to replace midfielder Eirik Bakke who has returned to Leeds after a loan.