Back to back victories over relegation-threatened Blackburn Rovers and Bolton Wanderers have put Tottenham Hotspur back in the driving seat to secure fourth place in the English Premier League.
Spurs can consolidate their place with victory over another struggling side in the shape of Alex McLeish's Aston Villa on Saturday.
A fourth-placed finish does not guarantee Champions League football will be returning to White Hart Lane next season as Spurs could lose out should Chelsea defeat Bayern Munich in this year's Champions League final later this month.
However, that is a chance that Harry Redknapp's men will be willing to take as they strive for a top four finish.
Spurs, of course, suffered a dreadful loss of form but have begun to show signs of recovery firstly with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Blackburn at the weekend while and looked to have regained their swagger in midweek as they crushed Bolton Wanderers 4-1 at Reebok Stadium.
Spurs will hope the keep the momentum going with victory over Villa and bookmaker Paddy Power has chalked the Lilywhites up at a tasty 20/21 (1.95) to defeat Vila this weekend.
Alex McLeish's men have looked increasingly nervy in recent weeks, with just one win coming in their last 10 matches, and Villa sit just three points clear of the relegation zone at this stage.
They are priced up at 3/1 (4.0) with Paddy Power to stop the rot with a much-needed home win on Saturday while the same firm go 12/5 (3.40) on the spoils being shared.
Villa have looked particularly toothless this term, especially since losing Darren Bent to injury and the 23/10 (3.30) quote from Paddy Power for Harry Redknapp's men to win to nil carries plenty of appeal, especially as it looks as if Spurs might just be returning to form in the nick of time to salvage their season.
Another bet which sticks out is the 5/1 (6.0) on offer from Paddy Power for Spurs to win both halves.
That definitely looks to represent outstanding value should Spurs continue to display the kind of prowess in front of goal that saw them smash four past Bolton Wanderers on Wednesday evening and punters should snap up the value with vigour.
Bet of the Day
| BET |
OF THE |
DAY |
| BEST BET |
VALUE BET |
| Tottenham Hotspur to beat Aston Villa at 20/21 (1.95) with Paddy Power |
Tottenham Hotspur to win both halves at 5/1 (6.0) with Paddy Power |
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Willie Duncan is a freelance sports journalist. Willie, from Edinburgh, has covered Scottish football for over 10 years and he specialises in football betting markets from across Europe. You can also follow Willie on Twitter here.
