No surprise Lamela is dropped

A surprise for many no doubt but Erik Lamela has done little against Premier League opposition to warrant a place in the side, indeed I advocated in an article after the Newcastle United game that he must be dropped. He performs against weak opposition but in the Premier League where it matters he has been a disappointment.

What was interesting for me was that our most creative player, Roberto Soldado, is given a start alongside Emmanuel Adebayor, or will he be playing as the secondary striker, central attacking midfielder.

Eric Dier is clearly in need of a rest, being unable to overlap last week on the right so Kyle Naughton, fit again, gets an opportunity to stake his claim at right-back.

Aston Villa play a lot of square balls, a bit like we were doing last season, without much incisive passing. This is a game Tottenham should win but can Spurs be trusted at the moment. We'll find out soon.

Tottenham XI vs Aston Villa: Lloris, Naughton, Kaboul, Vertonghen, Rose, Capoue, Chadli, Eriksen, Mason, Adebayor, Soldado

Tottenham subs: Vorm, Fazio, Dembele, Stambouli, Lamela, Townsend, Kane