The Fighting Cock talks Spurs as ex-Sherwood clubs clash

While Aston Villa linger in limbo between the departure of Tim Sherwood and the seemingly inevitable appointment of Remi Garde, there is still work to be done. Rumor has it that Garde may even be in attendance on Monday, so players should have some extra motivation to impress the incoming manager. They'll be facing a tough task, however, as Tottenham Hotspur will come into the match with plenty of confidence after thrashing Bournemouth 5-1 last weekend. To gain a little more perspective on Spurs, we spoke with Bardi from The Fighting Cock.

I'm a big fan of Harry Kane, even without the goals. Suffering through a frustrating scoreless streak to begin the season, he was always lively and put in a shift for his club. That work seems to have paid off, with a breakout hattrick against Bournemouth. And as Villa fans will remember from Christian Benteke, a goal or two can signal a run of scorching form from prolific goal scorers. What took Kane so long to get himself back amongst the goals?

The problem with Kane was Kane. He stopped doing what came naturally to him last season and started overthinking everything. He was either over playing, or underplaying. He never seemed to trust his instincts.

Hopefully with a hattrick to his name he will just get back to be being the Kane of last year.

Spurs are only 5 points behind Man City, who they beat 4-1, with their sole defeat coming Manchester United on the opening day. For Villa fans, that record is beyond any of our wildest dreams, but I know other teams around the league have slightly higher standards. So what's your verdict on how Tottenham have started the season?

We've started pretty well, there have been a few games where we let the lead slip like at home to Stoke and away to Leicester, but on the whole I am happy. We are playing, in the PL anyway, with a purpose and belief. November will be a crucial month for us, after you we play the scum away, then Chelsea and West Ham at home. I know it's a SKY cliché but this is a season defining run of games.

Let's talk about Pochettino. Can he lead Spurs to a top-4 finish? What does he have to achieve with the club in order to consider this season a success?

I've got the point with the top four myth that it doesn't really bother whether we finish there or not. I just want to see Spurs progress from last years solid foundations, if that takes backs into the top then great, but being happy with the team, the players and our style is more important. I would rather win the Europa League than finish top four, ultimately though I would swap pretty much anything to finish above "them."

One player who's stood out to me watching Spurs is Eric Dier, who is still only 21 and has loads of potential. Has he been the most impressive player for Tottenham, or would your vote go to someone else in the squad?

Dier has been superb and is a player that coaches and youngsters should at. An English player who learned how to play on the continent. Technically gifted, determined and fierce on the pitch, he has been a revelation and an instant hero.

Dele Alli has been great also, the boy has so much confidence and the skill to back it up. However the player who has had the biggest impact is Toby Alderweireld, he has sorted our back four out and is bringing the best out of the occasionally moody Jan Vertonghen.

We never get to talk about Europe around here, but Spurs give us a rare opportunity to do just that. Halfway through the group stage in the Europa League, it's all very tight in Group J. 4 points from 3 games sees Spurs level with Anderlecht, trailing leaders Monaco by a point. Do you think Spurs can get out of the group and into the knockout stage?

A lot will depend on our mind-set. We have Monaco and Anderlecht at home next, two wins there should see us through, but, we've been rather lax in the competition so far. I would love to win this competition in all honesty, European nights and Spurs go hand in hand.

Hypothetical: Villa hire a new manager, and he decides to put the entire squad up for sale. Who would Spurs target at the Villa yard sale?

This is a difficult question. You've sold all your best players and have filled those slots with either cast offs from other teams, or unknown imports.

I would like to see how Pochettino would manage Jack Grealish, the Spurs boss has been responsible for 9 of the last 16 England debutants, so I think Poch would be the right man for his career progression.

Everyone else I wouldn't go near, sorry.

No need to apologize Bardi, you're far from the only one who would pass the Villa yard sale by completely at this stage. Regardless, our thanks to Bardi and The Fighting Cock for helping us out!