Aston Villa v Tottenham Hotspur Odds & Match Preview

Aston Villa v Tottenham Hotspur Odds & Match Preview

Villa’s European Dream Rolls On as Struggling Spurs Head to the Midlands
Premier League – Gameweek 37 | Friday 16 May 2025 | Villa Park | Kick-off: 7:30pm (UK time)

Champions League Within Reach for High-Flying Villa

It’s crunch time in the Premier League and Aston Villa are just two matches away from completing a remarkable campaign that could see them rubbing shoulders with Europe’s elite next season. Friday night under the lights at Villa Park will see Unai Emery’s in-form side host a floundering Tottenham Hotspur, and the significance of three points here cannot be overstated.

Villa sit level on points with Chelsea, who currently occupy fifth – the final Champions League qualifying spot. And while the Blues still have to face Manchester United and Nottingham Forest, Villa’s fate may well hinge on their performance here. A win would not only heap pressure on their London rivals but also move them a step closer to making history.

Meanwhile, Tottenham have endured a season to forget. With just one league win in their last 10 outings and their Europa League final looming next week, Ange Postecoglou’s men arrive in the Midlands more in hope than expectation.

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Home Fortress: Villa’s Phenomenal Form at Villa Park

Few teams in the Premier League have managed to match Villa’s consistency at home. In fact, they’ve not lost at Villa Park in their last 20 outings, racking up 14 wins during that run – including each of their last seven matches on home turf.

Their most recent outing saw them edge out Bournemouth 1-0, albeit in a performance best described as ‘efficient’ rather than exhilarating. Only six shots were mustered all game, three of which came during first-half stoppage time. Still, as Emery will no doubt say, it’s the result that counts – especially at this stage of the season.

Villa have been particularly tight at the back, keeping clean sheets in their last two league matches and shutting out their opponents in five of their last eight. With just three goals conceded in that span, they’ve built their success on defensive discipline, and it’s no surprise they’ve won seven of their last eight matches while scoring 16 times in the process.

Spurs Spiralling as Focus Shifts to Europe

If Villa are surging, Spurs are sinking. Ange Postecoglou’s first season in charge has unravelled in alarming fashion. Their recent 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace was their 20th loss of the campaign – and they could reach 21 defeats on Friday, which would set a new low for the North London club in the Premier League era.

Tottenham sit 17th in the table with 38 points, and although they are safe from relegation, their domestic campaign has been defined by inconsistency, injuries and, quite frankly, mediocrity.

The Australian manager has been quick to point out that a lengthy European campaign has drained his squad, with eyes now firmly fixed on the upcoming Europa League final. With key players set to be rested and others out through injury, Spurs’ side on Friday is expected to be a patched-up and rotated eleven – hardly ideal against one of the league’s most relentless home sides.

They’ve lost four of their last five away games, conceding 13 goals in the process, and managed to score just four times on the road during that run. In other words, don’t expect a Spurs resurgence at Villa Park.

Team News – Villa Hit by Suspension, Spurs by Surgery

Villa will be forced into at least one change, with Jacob Ramsey suspended following his red card against Bournemouth. To make matters more complicated, Marcus Rashford – who could have stepped in – remains doubtful due to a hamstring strain.

Nonetheless, Unai Emery has options. Ollie Watkins is expected to lead the line, supported by John McGinn, Marco Asensio, and the lively Morgan Rogers. In midfield, Amadou Onana and Boubacar Kamara should anchor the centre of the park, while Ezri Konsa and Pau Torres provide cover at the back. Matty Cash and Lucas Digne will likely operate as the full-backs, offering width and delivery from the flanks. Emi Martinez, of course, will start between the sticks.

Spurs, on the other hand, are severely depleted. James Maddison is out for the season, and Dejan Kulusevski recently underwent surgery. With the Europa League final just days away, Ange Postecoglou is expected to keep his big guns in reserve.

Expect to see Guglielmo Vicario start in goal behind a likely back four of Pedro Porro, Kevin Danso, Ben Davies, and Djed Spence. The midfield trio may consist of Archie Gray, Yves Bissouma, and Pape Matar Sarr, given Lucas Bergvall is sidelined.

Up front, Son Heung-min, Richarlison, and Brennan Johnson could form the attacking trio – though it’s likely none of them will play the full 90 minutes as the club’s attention turns to midweek silverware.

Predicted Lineups

Aston Villa (likely XI):
Martinez will take his usual place in goal, supported by a back four of Cash, Konsa, Torres, and Digne. Kamara and Onana are expected to sit in midfield, with Rogers, Asensio, and McGinn supporting Ollie Watkins in attack.

Tottenham Hotspur (likely XI):
Vicario starts in goal, with Porro, Danso, Davies, and Spence across the back. Gray, Bissouma, and Sarr are likely to operate in midfield, with Johnson, Richarlison, and Son forming a rotated forward line.

Score Prediction – Can Spurs Resist?

All signs point to a home win – and perhaps an emphatic one. With Champions League football dangling within reach, Villa will be motivated, focused, and backed by a roaring home crowd. Spurs, by contrast, will have one eye on their European final and little incentive to risk their best assets.

Prediction: Aston Villa 4-1 Tottenham Hotspur

Given Villa’s formidable home record and Tottenham’s tendency to capitulate on the road, a comfortable win for the hosts looks the most likely outcome. Postecoglou may be forgiven for sacrificing this fixture with silverware up for grabs next week – but don’t expect much sympathy from Villa Park.

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Just don’t be surprised if Spurs’ minds are already in midweek – while Villa’s hearts, legs, and lungs are fully locked on securing a place in next season’s Champions League.