Prediction: Aston Villa vs Tottenham

Verdict: Aston Villa double chance

Best Odds: 8/15

Bookmaker: Dachbet

In what could prove to be a season-defining affair from Villa Park on Sunday afternoon, Tottenham will travel to the Midlands.

Aston Villa

Starting with the hosts, while Aston Villa might have eventually been forced to settle for a 0-0 stalemate away at Dutch giants Ajax in midweek, Unai Emery’s men are enjoying a history-making flurry this season. Last seen in Premier League action snatching a dramatic 3-2 victory away at relegation scrappers Luton, the former Arsenal boss finds the mood in his camp at a red-hot high. Opening this weekend’s fixtures holding a five-point buffer in the top-four chase and with a famous Champions League ticket at the top of their agenda in 2024, Aston Villa have won all of their previous three domestic appearances by an aggregate score of 9-5. Really finding a clinical edge in the final third, Emery’s men will also be excited by a rampant record against Sunday’s guests. Including a 2-1 win when they travelled to north London for their reverse Premier League meeting on November 26th, Villa have won all of their previous three showdowns against Tottenham.

Team News

All still dealing with respective long-term knee injuries, Aston Villa will once again be without the likes of Emi Buendia, Boubacar Kamara and England international defender Tyrone Mings. Likewise, 22-year-old midfielder Jacob Ramsey remains a major doubt here with an ankle issue.

While Ezri Konsa might have picked up a Europa League red card away at Ajax earlier in the week, the one-time Brentford defender is free to feature here. Already notching 16 Premier League strikes this season, the red-hot Ollie Watkins will spearhead Emery’s charge on Sunday afternoon.

Tottenham

As for the visitors, making an immediate return to winning ways last week as they secured a turnaround 3-1 victory against Crystal Palace, Tottenham will be desperate to use that late flurry as a platform to build on. Still with their sights set on booking a Champions League return this season, Ange Postecoglou’s men have continued to receive a string of plaudits. However, while Spurs might have lost just one of their previous seven Premier League appearances, they are seeking some welcomed stability on the road. Signing off 2023 with an action-packed 4-2 defeat at the hands of Brighton, the former Celtic boss has seen his squad muster just a single victory outside of north London since the end of October. Losing all of their previous three Premier League meetings against Aston Villa, Tottenham face what is certainly a must-win showdown on Sunday afternoon.

Team News

Dealing with a recent knee injury, Tottenham will once again be without the services of Brazil international Richarlison on Sunday afternoon. Likewise, former Fulham starlet Ryan Sessegnon is not expected to feature for the remainder of the season.

Finding the net against Crystal Palace last weekend and notching a first Premier League goal since opening the New Year, attacking talisman Heung-Min Son will lead Spurs’ charge at Villa Park. Forming an eye-catching partnership at the heart of Tottenham’s midfield, Yves Bissouma will once again partner ex-Juventus star Rodrigo Bentancur.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Aston Villa and Tottenham met for their reverse Premier League meeting on November 26th, Emery’s men picked up a 2-1 victory in north London.
• Villa have won all of their previous three Premier League meetings against Spurs by an aggregate score of 6-2.
• Tottenham have recorded just a single victory from any of their previous six domestic showdowns on the road.
• England international Ollie Watkins has notched 16 Premier League goals so far this season.
• All of Tottenham’s last nine Premier League appearances have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

Opening this weekend’s fixtures holding a five-point buffer in the Champions League chase, Aston Villa will know the importance of making another statement here. Winning all of their previous three Premier League appearances, Emery’s men will also be excited by a rampant record against Sunday’s guests. Including a 2-1 victory when they travelled to north London for their reverse meeting on November 26th, Villa have won their last three showdowns against Spurs by an aggregate score of 6-2.

Verdict: Aston Villa double chance

Best Odds: 8/15

Bookmaker: Dachbet