“Same confidence”: Ho targets response after West Ham | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur return to league action on Sunday against Aston Villa, with Martin Ho using Friday’s press conference to reflect on how rotation disrupted his side’s rhythm in their last outing rather than dwelling on the result itself. Spurs will be hoping to carry their positive league form into the weekend.

Ho made wholesale changes for the League Cup tie against West Ham, explaining that the reshuffle affected the team’s connection and flow on the pitch. He was keen to stress that Sunday’s return to league football brings back “the same confidence as we had going into this one”, rather than any lingering doubt from that disrupted performance.

There were still positives to take from the rotation. Alice Sombath completed a full 90 minutes for the first time since joining the club, while Matilda Nilden and Selma Panengstuen both made their first starts, with Shakira Martinez also handed another opportunity.

Ho viewed those minutes as valuable in assessing the depth of his squad, regardless of the result, while also giving several players an important chance to build match fitness.

Looking ahead to Sunday’s opposition, Ho was complimentary of an Aston Villa side who remain without a win this season despite impressive performances against Chelsea, Manchester City and Brighton.

He praised Villa’s summer recruitment and suggested the influence of new arrival Bryan Sorensen on the coaching staff has changed the way they approach games and set up on the pitch. Ho expects a competitive test from a side he believes has shown more than its results suggest so far.

Team news is straightforward for Spurs, with Jess Naz, Maite Oroz and Clare Hunt all continuing their spells on the sidelines as long-term absentees.

Sunday’s game will be officiated by Lisa Benn, with Nicoleta Bria and Zeyad Ahmed as assistants and Alice Parker as the fourth official.

Kick-off at Brisbane Road is at 2pm BST on Sunday, with Tottenham looking to return to winning ways in league action.