Prediction: Aston Villa vs Tottenham

Prediction: Tottenham win

Best Odds: 17/20

Bookmaker: bet365

The Premier League is back in business once again as the winter break comes to an end. The game we’re going to be taking a look at today will see Aston Villa go head to head with Tottenham Hotspur, with both sides having a lot to be excited about in the coming months. Villa have a very real chance of winning silverware in the form of the Carabao Cup in a few weeks time, whereas Tottenham are also mixing it up in multiple competitions right now.

Aston Villa

Dean Smith has been able to bring a new sense of pride and optimism to this Villa side that wasn’t really there in the first few months of their return to the Premier League. Despite their numerous injury concerns they’re still pushing hard to avoid the drop, knowing that they could go on to establish themselves as top flight regulars once again if they can stay away from the trap door. For now, though, instead of focusing on Wembley, they need to take things one step at a time in the league.

Team News

Heaton, Steer, McGinn, Wesley and Davis have all been ruled out through injury with Konsa and Drinkwater both being doubts ahead of this huge Villa Park showdown.

Tottenham

With the news of Manchester City’s European ban hitting the headlines, it has quickly become clear that Jose Mourinho now believes there’s a very good chance his side could make their way back into the Champions League next season. He seems to have steadied the ship after a questionable start to life in North London, and now, there’s a sense of optimism at the club that the Portuguese boss could do some big things with them.

Team News

Kane, Sissoko and Foyth are all still out of action ahead of the trip to the Midlands. Davies and Lamela are doubts whereas Alli is currently being investigated for a social media post which could lead to him being dropped for this one.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting back in August, Tottenham beat Aston Villa 3-1.
• Aston Villa have won two, drawn two and lost two of their last six games.
• Tottenham have won four and drawn two of their last six games.
• Aston Villa have scored eight goals and conceded 12 in their last six games.
• Tottenham have scored 10 goals and conceded five in their last six games.

Conclusion

Villa are going to create plenty of opportunities here, causing Tottenham a whole string of problems in the process. They’ll attempt to go straight for them instead of holding back which is going to be a ‘fight or flight’ type of moment. Alas, Tottenham have been able to impose themselves on teams in the last few weeks, more so than they have in quite some time. We think Mourinho’s men are going to come away with the win, but of course, Villa aren’t going to make it easy for them.

Prediction: Tottenham win

Best Odds: 17/20

Bookmaker: bet365