Aston Villa are set to be boosted by the return of striker John Carew after a knee injury for Saturday's trip to Tottenham (5:30pm).

The Norway international has been back in training this week and manager Martin O'Neill hopes to have him available for the clash at White Hart Lane.

Stephen Warnock is continuing to struggle with the shin injury he picked up during the FA Cup victory against Brighton last month.

He is facing a race against time to be fit for the Carling Cup final against Manchester United at Wembley on February 28.

Captain Stiliyan Petrov retains his place in the side despite still being troubled by an Achilles problem.

Villa (from): Friedel, Cuellar, Collins, Dunne, Luke Young, Downing, Milner, Petrov, Ashley Young, Heskey, Agbonlahor, Carew, Sidwell, Delfouneso, Davies, Delph, Beye, Guzan.