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Aston Villa host to Tottenham Hotspur this afternoon within the Premier League early kick off in what must be an fascinating encounter between two groups in strong type.
Unai Emery’s Villa come into the match sitting fourth within the desk, one spot and 5 factors forward of Spurs although the north London aspect have a recreation in hand. Villa have received three of their final 4 league video games convincingly and even held Ajax to a goalless draw away from residence within the Europa Convention League final day trip. They’re a staff stuffed with confidence with an ready goalscorer in Ollie Watkins who ought to show a menace to the guests this afternoon.
Tottenham, in the meantime, will do all they’ll to upset Villa’s stream. Ange Postecoglou has an nearly full squad to select from together with his key personnel – the likes of James Maddison, Rodrigo Bentancur and Micky van de Ven – all again forward absences by means of damage. Spurs left it late towards Crystal Palace of their earlier outing however shall be hoping for a extra well-rounded efficiency after they take to the sphere at Villa Park.
Observe all of the motion under plus get the newest odds and ideas for the match proper right here:
Pre-match interviews
Ange Postecoglou is first to talk to Sky Sports activities.
“We all know it’s a giant recreation and it’s a staff straight above us, they’re an excellent aspect and these video games are an excellent problem – there’s loads of soccer nonetheless to be performed,” he says.
“They attempt to condense the pitch. If we will form of play the sport of their half it negates that a little bit bit.”
Relating to his choice to interchange Werner with Brennan Johnson, the Australian says: “I believe we’d like the stability immediately and Brennan has performed properly for us not too long ago”.
Chris Wilson10 March 2024 12:30
Some pre-match stats
Villa frontman Ollie Watkins has been straight concerned in 26 Premier League objectives this season, which is probably the most of any participant within the competitors to this point.
Spurs in the meantime are on a membership document run of scoring in 38 consecutive matches, which stretches again to 4 March 2023 (a 1-0 defeat to Wolves).
Chris Wilson10 March 2024 12:24
Chris Wilson10 March 2024 12:15
Workforce Information
The house aspect make three modifications to the aspect that began the 0-0 draw towards Ajax.
John McGinn, Leon Bailey and Matty Money all begin for the hosts, taking the place of Moussa Diaby, Morgan Rogers and Tim Iroegbunam.
Spurs make three modifications to the staff that began the comeback win towards Crystal Palace.
Pedro Porro begins for the primary time in a month after a muscle damage, whereas Brennan Johnson and Pape Matar Sarr additionally come again in. Emerson Royal, Rodrigo Bentancur and Timo Werner drop to the bench.
Chris Wilson10 March 2024 12:10
Workforce Information
Right here’s how the 2 sides line up this afternoon.
ASTON VILLA XI: Martinez; Konsa, Lenglet, Torres; Digne, Money, McGinn, Douglas Luiz; Bailey, Tielemans; Watkins.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, van de Ven, Udogie; Sarr, Bissouma, Maddison; Kulusevski, Son, Johnson.
Chris Wilson10 March 2024 12:04
A reminder of the groups’ positions
Earlier than the groups are launched, a reminder of every aspect’s league place.
Villa sit in fourth – within the final Champions League qualification place – whereas Spurs sit 5 factors behind them in fifth.
The house aspect have 55 factors and Spurs have 50, although the North London aspect have a recreation in hand. Each side have a cushty lead on Manchester United and West Ham, who’re in sixth and seventh on 47 and 42 factors respectively.
Spurs’ subsequent three video games are towards Fulham, Luton and West Ham, whereas Villa face West Ham, Wolves and Manchester Metropolis.
Chris Wilson10 March 2024 11:58
Odds and predictions
Villa are favourites for the sport with the bookies, with a house win provided at 31/20. A draw is obtainable at 3/1, whereas an away win is at 8/5.
Villa are additionally favoured within the prime 4 race, priced at 4/5 in comparison with Spurs’ 11/10.
Chris Wilson10 March 2024 11:50
How the groups fare head-to-head
Villa have crushed Spurs in three successive Premier League conferences for the primary time since between 1994 and 1996. Villa received residence and away final season, and received 2-1 away in November 2023, with objectives from Pau Torres and Ollie Watkins.
Spurs shall be hoping to keep away from back-to-back away league defeats towards Villa for the primary time since 2004.
Chris Wilson10 March 2024 11:45
One notably pertinent query for these two groups regards what number of locations the Premier League will obtain for Champions League qualification.
Presently, the highest 4 sides all qualify for Europe’s premiere cup competitors – although fourth positioned has to win a play-off spherical – and it has been this manner for a number of years.
Nonetheless, with the Champions League being expanded to 36 groups from subsequent 12 months, two of the additional 4 locations shall be awarded to nations whose groups carry out greatest on this season’s European competitions.
England at present sits third within the race, behind Italy and Germany, which might imply Serie A and the Bundesliga obtain a fifth Champions League place subsequent season.
Chris Wilson10 March 2024 11:40
How the groups are enjoying
The house aspect have received 4 and misplaced one in all their final 5 league video games, that loss coming at residence towards Manchester United. Villa drew 0-0 away at Ajax in midweek within the first leg of their Europa Convention League spherical of 16. They sit on 55 factors, 5 forward of Spurs.
Spurs have received three, drawn one and misplaced one in all their final 5 video games. Postecoglou’s aspect drew away at Everton in early February, and misplaced 2-1 to Wolves on 17 February. They’ve a recreation in hand on Villa, and two video games in hand on Manchester United, who sit under them on 47 factors.
Chris Wilson10 March 2024 11:33
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