Prediction: Tottenham vs Aston Villa

Verdict: Tottenham win

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Unibet

Looking to open 2023 with a statement in north London, top-four contenders Tottenham will host Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon.

Tottenham

Starting with the hosts, while Tottenham might have marked their return from the World Cup break with another second-half comeback away at Brentford, that flurry doesn’t cover a largely downbeat run. Eventually playing out a 2-2 draw in west London, Antonio Conte’s side have now claimed just a pair of Premier League victories from their last six attempts. With that run stemming all the way back to October 15th, the former Chelsea boss is calling on his side to find some stability in the New Year. With their sights still firmly set on securing another Champions League finish this season, Spurs will also be hoping to gain some much-needed resolve at the back. With Brentford causing their leaky defence a string of issues earlier in the week, Tottenham have failed to record a single clean sheet in their last six top-flight showdowns. Desperate to lay down a marker in north London this weekend, Spurs should be smelling a chance here.

Team News

Picking up a knock while away with Brazil at this winter’s World Cup, Richarlison is not likely to feature over the next couple of weeks. However, in what could be a real boost for Conte’s side, Cristian Romero is expected to make his return here.

Already mustering 13 Premier League strikes this season, Harry Kane will once again spearhead Tottenham’s charge on Sunday afternoon.

Aston Villa

As for the visitors, marking their return from the World Cup break with a 3-1 loss at home against Liverpool, Aston Villa will know that they face a tough test on Sunday afternoon. Despite getting Unai Emery’s tenure off to a flying start last month as they secured back-to-back Premier League victories, the one-time Arsenal boss could still be firmly looking over his shoulder at the drop zone. Winning just three of their last nine top-flight matchups – a run that stems back to September 16th – Villa have also gained a reputation for their inconsistencies on the road. In fact, Emery’s new squad have mustered just a single victory outside the Midlands from their last nine top-flight appearances. It should also be noted, along with suffering a 4-0 drumming when they last faced off with the Champions League contenders back in April, the Clarets lost back-to-back meetings against Spurs last season.

Team News

Playing a crucial role as Argentina claimed a third world crown out in Qatar this winter, Emiliano Martinez is expected to make his Aston Villa return on Sunday afternoon. However, Diego Carlos and Jacob Ramsey will once again miss out here.

Finding the net in Villa’s 3-1 loss against Liverpool last week, Ollie Watkins should once again lead Emery’s attack in north London.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last faced off back on April 9th, Tottenham picked up a thumping 4-0 victory at Villa Park.
• In fact, Spurs have won eight of their last nine meetings against Aston Villa – a run that stems back to April 2015
• Tottenham have won just a pair of their previous six Premier League showdowns.
• Likewise, Sunday’s hosts have failed to record a single top-flight clean sheet on that six-match run.
• Aston Villa have managed to record just a sole Premier League victory on the road from their last nine attempts.

Conclusion

Frustrated to have settled for a single point away at Brentford earlier in the week, Tottenham will be seeking an immediate response here. Desperate to extend their stay in the Champions League spots, Conte’s side should be boosted by their eye-catching record against Sunday’s opponents. Cruising their way to a 4-0 romp when they last faced off against Villa back in April, Spurs have now won eight of their last nine showdowns against the relegation outsiders. Likewise, with Emery’s new squad bagging just a single Premier League victory away from Villa Park in their last nine attempts, the ex-Arsenal boss could face a tough return to north London here.

Verdict: Tottenham win

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Unibet