There's an entertaining Premier League clash in store this Sunday as Tottenham host Aston Villa in North London.
It's a game that sees two of the league's most exciting managers, Ange Postecoglou and Unai Emery, go head-to-head in an affair that could have ramifications in the battle for the top four.
Match Preview
Tottenham Recent Form
It's tough to predict what you'll get from Spurs in any given game currently as they are just as capable of being defeated by Crystal Palace in the league as knocking Man City out of the League Cup.
They have won three and lost two of their last five in all competitions.
Prior to the surprise loss against Palace last week, they beat West Ham 4-1 in the league and AZ 1-0 in the Europa League.
Tottenham Injury News
Spurs received a huge blow during the Man City match as Micky van de Ven had to be withdrawn due to a hamstring issue. He missed two months of action due to a problem with his hamstring last season.
Djed Spence and Wilson Odobert will likely miss out, but there's a chance Heung-min Son and Cristian Romero will be passed fit. Romero had to be taken off against City also, but his injury is not believed to be serious.
Last Tottenham Lineup
Here's how Tottenham lined up against Man City.
Aston Villa Recent Form
While Spurs progressed in the League Cup midweek, Aston Villa suffered a surprise elimination after losing 2-1 to Crystal Palace at home. It was Villa's first defeat in 11 matches since the second game of the season against Arsenal.
In their last five games, they have won two, drawn two and lost two with the victories coming versus Fulham in the Premier League and Bologna in the Champions League.
Aston Villa Injury News
After a lengthy injury list in the first period of the season, Emery now has a full squad to worth with. Tyrone Mings and Boubacar Kamara recently made their long-awaited returns from serious knee injuries.
Last Aston Villa Lineup
Here's how Villa lined up against Crystal Palace.
Tottenham vs Aston Villa - who is the referee and VAR?
Referee: Craig Pawson
Assistants: James Mainwaring, Wade Smith
Fourth official: Peter Bankes
VAR: David Coote
Assistant VAR: Richard West
Tottenham - Player To Watch
Son has been struggling with a thigh injury recently but Spurs will be desperate to get him back for this huge game. They are, simply a much, much better team with him in the final third.
Aston Villa - Player To Watch
Jhon Duran scored again midweek but Ollie Watkins will likely be restored to the starting XI for Villa's Premier League duties.
Tottenham vs Aston Villa - Prediction
Villa are fourth while Spurs are in eighth at the moment, but this looks like two evenly matched sides on paper, while Postecoglou's side hold the home advantage. This could be an entertaining score-draw.
Scoreline prediction - Tottenham 2-2 Aston Villa
Tottenham vs Aston Villa - Betting Tips
Over 2.5 Goals and Both Teams to Score
- In four of Tottenham's last six home games, there has been over two goals scored
- In five of Aston Villa's last six away games, there has been over two goals scored
- Tottenham have scored in four and conceded in five of their last six home games, while Aston Villa have scored in four and conceded in six of their last six away games
