Redknapp willing to change a winning team

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Harry Redknapp has claimed he is not afraid to change a winning team as his Tottenham side travel to Villa Park for Saturday’s clash of the great pretenders.

Spurs thrashed Wigan 9-1 in their last game, with captain Robbie Keane and Jermaine Jenas both warming the bench for that encounter.

But Redknapp is not opposed to changing his team around again, despite that crushing victory.

“It’s possible that I’d make one or two changes, it’s a different game and winning at home is different to playing away. You’ve only got to look at results over history.

“There will be no danger of complacency as it’s a very tough game. You are never going to get an easy game there, so it’s an evenly matched game between two teams trying to get into Europe.

“You don’t have a lot of time to dwell. When I was driving home from the Wigan game I was already thinking about the Villa game. We have a very tough week with Villa, Manchester United in the Carling Cup and then Everton.”

Redknapp feels Spurs and Villa, along with Manchester City will be the teams pushing to break into the top four this season.

“Man City will still be favourites, they’ve got a fantastic squad of players, but us and Villa are still trying to push into that area.

“One or two feel they have a chance to push the top four and break into that group.

“We could go second with a win. That would be nice, but it’s where you finish at the end of the season – 25 points at this stage is a good total, but we’ve got to keep building on that now.”

Redknapp also praised the attitude of Jermaine Jenas, who found himself on the bench against Wigan, 10 days after starting for England against Brazil.

“It was a difficult week for me. Look at JJ. he played against Brazil, then I didn’t play him, but his attitude has been terrific and the way he has conducted himself has been first class.

“It wasn’t easy for him after playing against Brazil, but showed me what a fantastic professional he is.”

The Spurs boss has also been encouraged by the form of Jermain Defoe, but knows what a tricky opposition he will face in Aston Villa’s newly formed back four.

“Jermain’s been sharp ever since he came back from injury earlier this year and I said before the game he can carry on from the training ground. If we can get one or two from him at Villa, I’ll be delighted.

“But Martin O’Neill has made some good signings. The three defenders – Richard Dunne, James Collins and Stephen Warnock – were terrific, no gambles, absolute certs to be Premier League successes, and they look stronger this year with pace and counter-attacking abilities.”

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