5 Things Tim Sherwood Should Not Do on His Return to Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur's greatest manager (in a statistical sense, counting only Premier League fixtures) returns to White Hart Lane on Saturday at the helm of his new club, Aston Villa. 

Struggling against relegation, the Villans needs points. Tottenham, without any real goals remaining this season, seem to be the perfect opposition. 

Sherwood has a point to prove and a grand old English club to save. Returning to his former stomping ground, the 46-year-old knows what he has to do.

He told hard truths about Spurs during his short spell as manager, and regardless of the progress that has been made under Mauricio Pochettino, the flaws Sherwood identified remain.

If he knows what he must do, Sherwood also knows what he shouldn't do.

Abandon His Attacking Instincts

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Tim Sherwood's surprisingly high winning percentage as Spurs manager was fuelled by an attacking mindset.

His teams lacked structure, conceded goals at a great rate and were beaten just as heavily as his predecessor's.

The great difference between Tottenham under Andre Villas-Boas and under Sherwood was the focus of the team. Sherwood's team was there to entertain and to score goals.

He has, to an extent, carried that same philosophy into his new role at Aston Villa. The 3-3 draw with Queens Park Rangers underscored its strengths and advantages.

A motivated opposition is capable of picking the gaps and countering a Sherwood team.

Sherwood knows Tottenham's motivation is likely lacking ahead of this fixture.

As long as Sherwood keeps his team aggressive and ready to attack, they will have a good chance in this fixture.

Criticise Tottenham (again)

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Tim Sherwood has made no secret of his disappointment at being sacked as Tottenham manager just five months into his 18-month contract. 

When he followed Andre Villas-Boas out of the exit door, he became a willing critic of the new regime. 

The most recent example of this attitude came when Sherwood, as reported by the Mirror, slammed his former employers for approaching other managers before informing him that he would not continue in his role. 

He has accused the club of "telling porkies" about whether they were interviewing candidates for the managerial role while he was still in charge. 

Though Sherwood is seemingly right to point out that his old bosses went behind his back, it isn't the first time something like that has happened.

Sherwood is no fool and if he wants to continue in football, he must stop burning bridges. 

If Villa go down and prospective employers are given reason to fear his out-of-control mouth, where will Sherwood be able to turn for his next job?

Stop Talking About the Injury Crisis

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Tim Sherwood has complained that the current injury crisis at Aston Villa is something the likes of which he has never seen before.

Some may feel that he is overplaying the situation in order to gain sympathy.

There are two key things here.

The first is that Villa's injury crisis is significant. The absence of that many first-team players surely makes his job more difficult.

The second, and more important point, is that Sherwood is spelling out this injury crisis to the fans and media in order to make himself immune to criticism.

Sherwood is out for himself and aiming to build a career in football management. Having taken a difficult but doable job in charge of Aston Villa, he is seeking to enhance himself in the eyes of the football world.

Pointing out just how difficult his job is is classic Harry Redknapp behaviour. Redknapp is the progenitor of Sherwood and will likely provide the road map for his career.

Abandon His Comedy Career

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Gilets, over-exaggeration and claiming credit for things he had nothing to do with—Tim Sherwood has been a regular source of comedy since becoming a Premier League manager.

His return to Tottenham comes on a strictly business occasion. He comes to win, but he cannot abandon his amusing antics entirely.

When Villa drew 3-3 with QPR, Sherwood produced a moment of hilarity. He threw his jacket to the ground in disgust only to reveal a second identical jacket beneath.

Sherwood's last appearance at White Hart Lane provided another moment of comedy. On that occasion, he handed his managerial seat to an aggressive critic of his from the stands.

If Sherwood can dig out another gem this week, he will be sure to keep his name relevant for at least a few more weeks.

At the end of the day, Sherwood is arguably more interested in self-promotion than saving Aston Villa from the drop. With that in mind, the continuation of his comedy capers is simply essential.

Allow Tottenham to Dictate the Pace of the Game

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Tottenham's goalless draw with Burnley was the exact sort of game Aston Villa can't afford to have when they travel to White Hart Lane.

Villa need three points and will not get them if Spurs' listless side is able to set the tempo.

At Turf Moor, Spurs set the meandering pace. They were unable to win the game, but Burnley never really looked likely, either.

A slow, unattractive game like that will suit Spurs. They have the superior talent, and in a slow-motion shootout, they will probably be the favourites.

Villa's scoreless run earlier in the season came in matches that lacked tempo and drive.

Sherwood must set up his team to take the initiative. If he does, they will surely take the points back to Birmingham.