Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur vs Aston Villa

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 3/1

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Following contrasting outcomes in their midweek Carabao Cup engagements, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa face off in North London on Sunday with both sides eager to strengthen their bids for a top-four Premier League finish.

Spurs pulled off a thrilling upset over reigning league champions Manchester City, with Ange Postecoglou’s side showcasing their resilience and tactical flexibility to secure progression. In contrast, Villa suffered a frustrating exit, falling to Crystal Palace at home, highlighting some inconsistencies they’ll want to address as they return to league action.

Tottenham Hotspur

Postecoglou’s tenure at Tottenham has been marked by his clear intention to revive a winning culture, and his mid-September remarks about his second-year track record underscored his long-term confidence. Spurs’ midweek EFL Cup win over Manchester City reflected that ambition as Timo Werner rediscovered his scoring touch, and Pape Sarr added a memorable 25-yard strike to dash City’s quadruple aspirations. The victory not only boosted morale but also solidified Spurs’ credentials under Postecoglou’s leadership.

However, the North London club’s Premier League form has been inconsistent. Their recent defeat to a previously winless Crystal Palace, where Spurs failed to create meaningful opportunities, underscored lingering issues, leaving them in eighth place and facing a five-point gap behind Arsenal and Aston Villa, who currently occupy the fourth and fifth spot, respectively.

Nevertheless, Spurs’ home form has been exceptional, boasting five consecutive wins across all competitions. This streak includes victories over AZ Alkmaar, Qarabag, Brentford, and West Ham, making their home turf a fortress that could challenge Villa’s European ambitions on Sunday.

Team News

The cup victory over Manchester City did come at a cost, with Micky van de Ven succumbing to a hamstring injury that will keep him sidelined until after the international break. His absence is a blow for Spurs’ defence, but Radu Dragusin is expected to step in as his replacement at the back.

Despite also being withdrawn early in midweek, Cristian Romero and Timo Werner are likely to recover in time for the clash with Aston Villa. There is further optimism around captain Son Heung-min, who could make a return from his thigh issue to bolster Spurs’ attack on Sunday.

On the other hand, Djed Spence remains a doubt due to a groin problem, while Wilson Odobert is ruled out with a “serious” hamstring setback.

Aston Villa

Unai Emery, set to face a likely frosty reception due to his former Arsenal ties, will lead his Aston Villa side into Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with a strong record on the road this season. Though Villa faced disappointment midweek in the cup with a 1-0 home loss to Crystal Palace, despite Palace missing key players Eberechi Eze and Adam Wharton, they have been resilient in league play. They’ve gone seven games unbeaten in the Premier League and are currently level on points with Arsenal, trailing only on goal difference.

Villa’s away form has been particularly impressive, boasting five wins and a draw in their six matches on rival grounds this season, with at least two goals scored in each of those outings.

Last November, Villa claimed a 2-1 victory at Tottenham, but Spurs responded with a commanding 4-0 win at Villa Park in March, breaking a run of three consecutive defeats in this fixture. Emery’s men will be eager to replicate last season’s away success, especially with a Champions League spot within sight again.

Team News

Aston Villa are set to have a nearly full-strength squad for Sunday’s clash against Tottenham, with Ross Barkley as their only confirmed absentee. Tyrone Mings and Boubacar Kamara both successfully returned from their knee injuries in midweek, though they are likely to be rested on the bench as Emery brings back his preferred starters.

With a Champions League fixture against Club Brugge on the horizon, Emery is expected to field his top XI domestically, prioritizing the Premier League push. Jhon Duran’s impressive form keeps him in contention for a starting role, yet Villa’s star striker Ollie Watkins, rested midweek, is set to lead the line up front.

Conclusion

Indeed, the context of Spurs and Villa’s EFL Cup results adds a layer to Sunday’s matchup, with Tottenham facing a rotated Man City and Villa clashing with a full-strength Crystal Palace. Spurs’ recent home form under Postecoglou has been formidable, creating an electric atmosphere at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, while Villa’s attacking prowess on the road has been undeniable, with goals flowing freely away from home.

This encounter has all the ingredients for an exhilarating showdown, with each side bringing offensive flair and vulnerabilities in defence that could result in an entertaining, high-scoring draw – sure to keep neutrals thoroughly engaged.

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 3/1

Bookmaker: Olympusbet