Michael Owen states his prediction for Tottenham v Aston Villa
Former Liverpool FC striker Michael Owen is backing Tottenham to make a winning start to the new Premier League season
Michael Owen is confident Tottenham Hotspur will beat Aston Villa in their season opener against Aston Villa at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Spurs will welcome the promoted side to north London as Mauricio Pochettino’s men look to establish an early lead over Arsenal and Manchester United in the top-four race.
Tottenham finished in third place in the Premier League table last term, while Spurs reached their first-ever Champions League final thanks to a thrilling victory over Ajax in the last four.
However, Mauricio Pochettino’s side lost 2-0 to Premier League rivals Liverpool FC in the Madrid showpiece following goals from Mohamed Salah and Divock Origi.
Aston Villa secured promotion to the Premier League last season thanks to a 2-1 victory over Derby County in the Championship play-off final at Wembley in May.
The Birmingham side have signed a staggering 12 players in the summer transfer window as Villa look to put together a side capable of consolidating their top-flight status.
Former Liverpool FC striker Owen is tipping Tottenham to ease to victory in a high-scoring game with Villa in north London on Saturday afternoon.
“Like everyone else I’m looking forward to seeing Dean Smith’s new-look Villa side and they have impressed in pre-season scoring plenty of goals on the road,” Owen told BetVictor.
“Mauricio Pochettino cut a frustrated figure when asked about Spurs’ transfer targets last week and he is likely to have to do without Dele Alli following a recurrence of the hamstring injury which ruled him out of a number of games last season.
“With Heung-min Son suspended and uncertainty, at the time of writing, surrounding the future of Christian Eriksen – who has less than 12 months left on his current Spurs contract – this will be a real test for the hosts but one I expect them to pass. But only just.”
Tottenham have finished in the top four in the last four seasons under Pochettino.
Spurs have signed Lyon midfielder Tanguy Ndombele and Leeds youngster Jack Clarke this summer.
