By Gabriel Agbonlahor

1st Nov, 2023 | 4:48am

Maddison and Saka cited in 'huge' Tottenham claim - expert

Gabby Agbonlahor has insisted Tottenham playing just once a week gives them a “definite” advantage over their challengers for the Premier League title.

The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested their lack of games will allow the likes of Heung-min Son and James Maddison to play through injuries.

Tottenham lead the Premier League after 10 games, having won eight and drawn two so far in the 2023-24 campaign.

Spurs are out of the League Cup after their second-round loss at Fulham and are not in European competition following their eighth-place finish last season.

The Lilywhites have played just 11 times this term, and are the only club in the current top nine not to be involved in Europe.

Ange Postecoglou’s side are next in action against Chelsea next Monday (6 November).

Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “Fewer games is definitely an advantage.

“You get more rest when playing once a week. Look at Son and Maddison, they’ve had injury problems this season but they’re still playing.

“They’re playing Saturday but they probably don’t have to train all week. They can get their treatment, and their recovery and come back into the side again in the following weekend.

“Arsenal are having to play Saka and Martinelli twice a week, every week.

“It is huge for Tottenham, and can only be a good thing going forward for Spurs.

“The only negative is for the fringe players, who aren’t getting the consistent minutes.”

In other news, Tottenham in advanced talks to agree deal with Aston Villa man.