TOTTENHAM NOT PREMIER LEAGUE TITLE CHALLENGE PRESSURE SAYS POCHETTINO

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has said the pressure of leading Tottenham's title charge is nothing compared to when he was first appointed head coach.
The Tottenham boss, however, believes the team's recent dip pales in comparison to when he first took over in 2014, as Spurs dropped to 14th after losing five of their opening 12 matches.
"Is the Aston Villa game now crucial? Crucial was last season when we were 14th in November," Pochettino said.
"We have been in a good run. There is no doubt about the team. Sometimes you expect you cannot perform always the same. Football is difficult.
"I am happy with team and now we need to lift the players because it was a big hit for us [against Dortmund].
"We need to finish strongly. If not maybe we have a problem but always you try to fight. The whole season has been good."

Spurs, however, are confident that Dele Alli can overcome a small ankle problem to be available while Eric Dier is set to face a late fitness test, also due to an ankle problem.
"I think we need to show respect to Aston Villa, we are wrong if we do not," Pochettino said.
"The players are not machines. We come from a very busy period and we play a lot in different circumstances.
"They are a proud team and if they have a chance to survive in the Premier League, Sunday is important. We need to put this idea in the mind of the players."