Tottenham Hotspur host Aston Villa in a crucial Premier League match on Sunday 26 November at 2 pm (UK time) as the Lilywhites look to bounce back to winnings ways after back-to-back defeats to Chelsea and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The season began brightly for Spurs, sitting unbeaten at the top after 10 games under Ange Postecoglou. However, a string of setbacks moved them to the fourth spot in the English top-flight standings. Their defence, exposed in the high line against Chelsea, faces challenges as they aim to regain momentum.
Aston Villa, just one point behind in fifth, have showcased resilience and skill, bouncing back from an early 5-1 loss to Newcastle at St James' Park. The international break provided recovery time, and they go into this match against Tottenham after a convincing 3-1 victory over West London club Fulham. With both teams eyeing a climb up the table, this encounter promises high stakes and intense competition.
Spurs vs Aston Villa Recent Meetings
The recent encounters between Tottenham and Aston Villa unveil an evolving storyline in their football rivalry. Aston Villa secured a 2-1 victory on May 13, 2023, in the Premier League, showcasing their ability to overcome the North London side. In the preceding encounter on January 1, 2023, Aston Villa triumphed 2-0.
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However, Tottenham dominated in the fixture on April 9, 2022, with a resounding 4-0 win. The 2021 encounters saw a tight competition, with Tottenham winning 2-1 on October 3 but suffering a 1-2 defeat on May 19. These historical results set the stage for a closely contested battle this weekend, with both teams eager to secure a top-four spot this season.
Tottenham vs Aston Villa Squad Updates
Young defender Destiny Udogie returns to the squad after serving a one-match ban for his red card in the tie against Chelsea, providing a boost in defensive options. However, they face notable absences, including Cristian Romero, James Maddison, Micky van de Ven, Ryan Sessegnon, Manor Solomon, and Ivan Perisic. The availability of several players remains doubtful, adding uncertainty to the starting lineup. Regarding Aston Villa, Jacob Ramsey, John McGinn, and Diego Carlos are vying for a spot, but the return date for Emiliano Buendia remains uncertain.
Players to Keep an Eye On
1. Heung Min Son (Tottenham)
Son's dynamic speed, precise finishing, and knack for setting up scoring chances consistently pose a threat for Tottenham. With 8 goals and 1 assist to his name so far this season, the Spurs captain is one to keep an eye on. His flair and goal-scoring capabilities, make him a pivotal player capable of altering the course of the game at any moment.
2. Kulusevski (Tottenham)
Kulusevski's versatility and technical prowess make him a player to watch for Tottenham. Whether cutting inside with his dribbling skills, delivering precise crosses, or stretching the defence, Kulusevski contributes significantly to Tottenham's attacking strategies.
3. Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
Watkins, Aston Villa's sharpshooter, possesses a goal-scoring instinct and a knack for being in the right place at the right time. With 6 Goals (and 5 Assists) to his name, Watkins is not only scoring goals, he is creating chances for his teammates, which makes the England striker a force to be reckoned with.
4. Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa)
In the heart of Aston Villa's midfield, Douglas Luiz brings stability and creativity. His ball-winning capabilities and distribution skills make him a linchpin in Villa's transitional play. Luiz's defensive contributions and ability to dictate the tempo could play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the match. Keep an eye on his influence in the midfield battle.
After Aston Villa's league double over Tottenham last season, including a notable 2-0 win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Spurs will be determined to reverse their fortunes in this fixture. The team news highlights both sides' challenges and aspirations, setting the stage for an intriguing battle at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
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