Premier League Preview: Tottenham v Norwich City

Manager Andre Villas-Boas is looking to go one better against Norwich City on Saturday as Tottenham aim to maintain their solid start.

Both Premier League encounters between the two ended 1-1 during the last campaign, while Chris Hughton’s men edged a League Cup clash in October 2-1 thanks to two late goals in the last six minutes.

Tottenham boss Villas-Boas is now looking to redress that balance when the sides meet again this weekend.

“Our motivation has to be winning against a team we couldn’t beat last season, a team that was difficult to play against,” he said.

“They are well organised, well managed and it’s not going to be an easy game. We have to be responsible, as we were against Swansea (a 1-0 win in their last home league clash).”

Tottenham have not beaten Norwich in their last three Premier League meetings, but they will take heart from their solid defensive form at home – having not conceded at White Hart Lane in three league games.

Villas-Boas will be without Gylfi Sigurdsson (dead leg) and Etienne Capoue (ankle), while Aaron Lennon (ankle) is also a doubt.

Hughton’s men have enjoyed a mixed start to the season, gaining a win, a draw and a defeat from their three games so far.

And while Norwich have won just once in their last 11 away league games, Hughton is optimistic about his side’s chances after their 1-0 victory over Southampton in their last match before the international break.

The Norwich boss could hand close-season signing Gary Hooper his competitive debut after his recovery from injury, while he has also been buoyed by a lack of further fitness setbacks during the international break.

“We’re on the back of a good win and we have everyone back from international duty in good shape,” Hughton said.

“It’s always a nice feeling when you go into that break on the back of a win. Confidence is good at the moment.

“Everyone’s come through the international break well, which is a relief.”

Elliott Bennett (knee) is the only confirmed absentee for Norwich, with defender Ryan Bennett in contention for a place.