Prediction: Tottenham vs Aston Villa

Verdict: Aston Villa double chance

Best Odds: 3/5

Bookmaker: Dachbet

In what could prove to be an action-packed affair from north London on Sunday afternoon, Tottenham will welcome Aston Villa to the capital.

Tottenham

Starting with the hosts, while Tottenham might have continued to receive a string of plaudits since they appointed Ange Postecoglou over the summer, Spurs do mark their return on Sunday afternoon seeking a recent boost. Heading into November’s international break with an infamous last-gasp collapse away at Wolves as they slumped to a 2-1 loss, the former Celtic boss has seen his squad suffer back-to-back Premier League defeats. However, still with their sights firmly set on clinching a Champions League return this season, the Lilywhites will know the importance of finding some defensive resolve. Including an action-packed 4-1 defeat at the hands of London rivals Chelsea on November 6th, Tottenham have recorded just a pair of clean sheets from their previous 10 appearances across all competitions. Although Spurs might mark their return battling it out in the top-four chase, Postecoglou will be more than aware that his side faces a stern examination on Sunday afternoon.

Team News

Shown a straight red card during Tottenham’s 4-1 loss against Chelsea on November 6th, Spurs will once again be without defensive talisman Cristian Romero here. However, serving his own respective suspension against Wolves earlier in the month, full-back Destony Odogie will make a full return on Sunday afternoon.

Dealing with a stacked injury list in north London, Spurs are expected to be without both James Maddison and Micky van de Ver until the New Year. Likewise, Ivan Perisic and Richarlison will also not feature this weekend.

Aston Villa

As for the visitors, heading into November’s international break with a routine 3-1 romp against Fulham, Aston Villa are in the midst of a history-making purple patch. Riding a remarkable wave of momentum, it is no secret that Unai Emery’s side are looking to punch a famous Champions League ticket this season. Appearing to breeze their way to the knockout stage of this year’s Europa Conference League, the one-time Arsenal boss could be smelling the chance to spring a heavyweight statement here. Signing off October with another 3-1 win against Luton, Villa have won five of their last six appearances across all fronts. Likewise, on a stellar flurry that is highlighted by a 6-1 victory against Brighton, Sunday’s guests have suffered just a single defeat from their last nine outings – a run that stems back to September 27th. Picking up a 2-1 win when they last met Spurs back on May 13th, Emery’s high-flying squad will be seeking a repeat performance here.

Team News

All still dealing with respective long-term knee injuries, Aston Villa will travel to the capital on Sunday afternoon without the trio of Tyrone Mings, Kortney Hause and Emi Buendia. Likewise, central defender Diego Carlos is not expected to feature this weekend.

Finding the net against Fulham prior to November’s international break and already notching six Premier League strikes this season, attacking talisman Ollie Watkins will spearhead Emery’s charge in north London. The England international will be joined in the final third by summer recruit Moussa Diaby.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last met back on May 13th, Aston Villa picked up a 2-1 victory in the Midlands.
• Likewise, Emery’s side have won two of their previous three trips to north London.
• Tottenham mark their return from November’s international break having lost their final two Premier League appearances by an aggregate score of 6-2.
• Spurs have recorded just a pair of clean sheets from their previous 10 showdowns across all competitions.
• Aston Villa have won five of their last six appearances across all formats.

Conclusion

While Aston Villa might make the trip to north London tipped as an underdog with the bookmakers, Emery’s high-flying squad will be smelling the chance to spring an upset here. With Tottenham heading into November’s international break with back-to-back Premier League defeats, Sunday’s hosts are also dealing with a public injury crisis. With Villa currently sitting just a single point adrift of breaking into the top-four, Villa will also be excited by a stellar record against the Lily Whites. Including a 2-1 victory when the two sides last met back on May 13th, it should also be noted that Emery’s side have won two of their previous three trips to north London.

Verdict: Aston Villa double chance

Best Odds: 3/5

Bookmaker: Dachbet