Unai Emery has had an impeccable start to the season so far, bringing Aston Villa to the forefront of the Premier League. Results falling perfectly their way could see Villa fly up the league, even putting pressure on the Premier League leaders. The perfect time to face an off-form Tottenham Hotspur under Ange Postecoglou. Read on to find out more about how Villa and Spurs’ form compare, see how the Australian’s side are likely to play and find out our predictions for the clash at the top of the table.
Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur’s Form So Far
After several seasons of disappointing football, the white half of North London were incredibly happy with Ange Postecoglou in the earliest stages of the season. However, the last two matches could see some doubt sneaking in. Red cards for Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie in recent weeks show a breakdown in discipline at the club, with consecutive losses to Chelsea and Wolves proving the cracks are certainly beginning to show.
Looking to take advantage of this are Aston Villa. Only one loss in the league since the start of September is a real sign of the consistency that Unai Emery is bringing to Villa Park, as the club sit fifth in the Premier League just three points behind Manchester City. However, the majority of this great form has come at home, with Emery’s side needing to find more consistency on the road to really challenge at the top of the table.
Tottenham Hotspur Tactical Preview
Whilst seasons past have seen the North London side playing relatively passive football, that is far from the case with their Australian manager. Postecoglou has a heavy focus on vibrant and engaging football, using both high and wide wingers alongside full-backs who are given the license to bomb on. Creative interplay is a real threat from Spurs this season, with active defenders breaking up passing lanes being the key to getting a good result here.
Defensively, the Lilywhites combine the use of sturdy centre-backs with a hard-working press from the front and in midfield. In this match, however, The Villans won’t have too much to be concerned about. Cristian Romero, Spurs’ most vital central defender, is missing due to a suspension, giving Villa’s front line a potential weak point to target in their rivals’ back line.
Aston Villa Injury Concerns
Emery is one of the luckier managers in the Premier League at the moment in terms of injuries. There are only two players that are definitely ruled out for the fixture with the London club, with Tyrone Mings and Emiliano Buendia both expected back next season after long-term knee injuries.
Thankfully, these are the only real injury concerns that the manager has to deal with. Assuming there are no issues on international duty, Diego Carlos will return to the side after a knock and Jacob Ramsey’s ankle injury should have subsided in time. Whilst the international break can always cause issues, Villa couldn’t ask to be in much better shape for the weekend ahead.
Aston Villa Predicted Lineup vs Tottenham Hotspur
Emi Martinez starts in goal, retaining his position as the first choice between the centre-back pairing of Ezri Konsa and Pau Torres. Lucas Digne and Matty Cash provide some creativity and defensive solidity from the wing-back positions. A fairly narrow midfield structure sees Boubacar Kamara and Douglas Luiz both holding defensive midfield roles to protect the back line.
John McGinn and Youri Tielemans play in a more attacking and playmaking role, supplying chances to the front line of Moussa Diaby and Ollie Watkins. There is a chance of seeing Leon Bailey in the eleven to provide some more width, but against a Spurs side that likes to expand the pitch a more sturdy and narrow structure seems ideal.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Aston Villa Predictions and Odds
Whilst Spurs do have the ability to play excellent football, losing out on their talisman – Cristian Romero – is sure to provide them with a lot of structural issues to deal with. Given Villa’s away form a home win looks likely, but don’t be surprised if Unai Emery finds a major weakness in the North London side’s back line to take all three points.
According to bookmakers, Tottenham are narrow favourites at 27/20 with SBK promotional offer, with Villa coming in slightly further out at 15/8.
