(Sporting Alert) — Jermain Defoe has been passed fit and starts tonight for Tottenham in the Capital One Cup third round tie with fellow EPL side Aston Villa.
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Defoe, who missed the weekend’s league game was doubtful for the game, but starts the game and lead the attack.
New summer signings Erik Lamela and Vlad Chiriches also win starting places, alongside veteran goalkeeper Brad Friedel and midfielder Lewis Holtby.
Forward Roberto Soldado is on the bench, with Jan Vertonghen, Zeki Fryers, Paulinho and Sandro all starting.
Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert, in the meantime, made a massive seven changes to the side that last featured with new signing Libor Kozak starting for the injured Christian Benteke.
Brad Guzan, Ciaran Clark and Andreas Weimann are all on the bench.
Aston Villa v Tottenham
Aston Villa: Steer, Lowton, Vlaar, Baker, Bennett, El Ahmadi, Sylla, Albrighton, Bacuna, Tonev, Kozak.
Subs: Guzan, Clark, Helenius, Weimann, Bowery, Johnson, Robinson.
Tottenham: Friedel, Walker, Chiriches, Vertonghen, Fryers, Paulinho, Sandro, Lamela, Holtby, Defoe, Kane.
Subs: Gomes, Soldado, Naughton, Townsend, Dembele, Dawson, Chadli.
Referee: Jon Moss (W Yorkshire)