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From the Desk

Who holds the key to this weekend's match-up between Aston Villa and Tottenham ? espnstar.com looks at the key battles that may prove decisive.

Gabriel Agbonlahor vs Jonathan Woodgate
Since cementing a spot in the Villa first eleven under Martin O'Neill, Agbonlahor has come on leaps and bounds for both club and country.

The young striker's biggest assets are his pace and his cool finishing - so watch out for him playing on the shoulder of the last defender and looking to pick up the knock-downs from either Emile Heskey or John Carew.

Having put on more weight and muscle in the close season he is no longer a push-over and uses his body well to shield the ball and turn defenders.

Comfortable on the ball he has more to his game than just goals so look out for him dropping deeper or switching to the flanks in order to get involved.

Woodgate has had his injury problems but remains one of the Premier League's most accomplished defenders.

A rare combination of strength, pace and skill the former Real Madrid man is a ball-playing centre back with great vision and a calm demeanor.

He reads the game so well that he can often anticipate danger before it arrives and has the knack of being in the right place at the right time to make a clearance or last-ditch tackle.

Stiliyan Petrov vs Tom Huddlestone
Petrov is one of the unsung heroes of this Villa team as he quietly goes about his business in the centre of the park.

An intelligent and confident player he can dictate play with a wide range of passes and his off-the-ball movement creates space and opportunity for others.

A player who always seems to have time on the ball he links well with Villa's wide men and is a genuine threat from free-kicks around the opposition's box.

Huddlestone has quietly improved his game over the past couple of seasons to become an effective deep lying midfielder - providing cover for his back four and helping launch a lot of the Spurs' attacks.

Improved fitness has allowed him to stamp his authority on the game for the full ninety minutes and he has the vision and ability to play a raking long ball to his fleet-footed forwards.

His physical presence means he is difficult to knock off the ball and he has the confidence to play his way out of trouble.

With a powerful shot he is always looking for an opportunity to let fly and his height means he can be a threat from corners and free kicks.

Richard Dunne vs Jermaine DeFoe
Richard Dunne is enjoying a great run of form since his switch from Man City earlier this year and gives Villa a physical and commanding presence at the back.

Dunne is one of those players who gives 100% for every minute of every game and his commitment and dedication have made Villa a much harder side to beat this season.

He is a good organiser and will ensure that Villa keep their shape even when on the back foot. A physical player who relishes a tough battle Dunne is strong in the tackle and will not be pushed off the ball easily.

Look out for him getting forward at corners and free kicks where he can be a big threat.

Jermaine DeFoe is a striker on top of his game - as his four goals against Wigan last week proved. He is also one of the best finishers in the game so expect Villa to try and cut off the supply line to the quicksilver forward.

A well-balanced player he has pace, quick feet and makes intelligent runs in behind defenders.

He can also shoot with either foot and has the good habit of always getting his shot on target - forcing the keeper to make a save.

Look out for him trying to isolate Dunne and then running at him with pace. With confidence sky-high look out for DeFoe making a big impact on the game.