Credit: Imago

Cameron Smith

Fri 1 May 2026 14:30, UK

Aston Villa will be desperate to return to winning ways on Sunday as they welcome Tottenham to Villa Park.

Unai Emery’s side were far from their best on Thursday, slipping to a 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final.

That away loss made it two straight defeats for the Villans and, more worryingly, means they have won just three away games in all competitions since the end of January.

Needing six points from their final 12, they now host relegation-threatened Tottenham, who are fresh from their first win of 2026 against Wolves.

With one eye potentially on the second leg against Forest, Emery may see this as the right time to ring the changes and give his side a lift.

Unai Emery to give Tammy Abraham chance vs Tottenham

Having lifted the Europa League four times with Sevilla and Villarreal, Emery’s continental record is exceptional.

For those on the pitch, however, it was another occasion when they fell short on the big stage.

Striker Ollie Watkins was also poor at the City Ground, despite beginning to find some form after a difficult season.

He won just one of five ground duels and failed to claim a single aerial duel, with Nikola Milenkovic and Morato dominating him for long spells.

Having started every game since the 2-0 win over Lille in March, this may be the moment to give Watkins, 28, a rest, with January signing Tammy Abraham pushing for an opportunity.

The towering forward has made only one start since returning to the club, but has still made an impact with two goals – a late equaliser against Leeds and a stoppage-time winner over Sunderland.

With only 219 minutes under his belt, he looks ready for a start, and Villa could have used his height as they pumped crosses into the box late on Thursday.

Ian Maatsen could also replace Lucas Digne, whose costly handball for Forest’s opener left the officials with no option but to award a penalty.

Jadon Sancho could complete the trio of changes, with Emery set to bring him in after his recent appearances off the bench following injury.

There is a question mark over Amadou Onana after he left the field before the hour mark on Thursday with a calf issue, but he will start if ready.

Aston Villa must capitalise on Tottenham wounds

It has been a dismal season for Tottenham.

Just a year after winning the Europa League, the Lilywhites have gone through two managers and now sit in the Premier League relegation zone with four games remaining.

Spurs have also lost six of their last 10 league matches against Villa, while Emery’s side have won 2-1 in both meetings across league and cup this season.

Despite beating Wolves for their first win of the campaign last time out, the mood remains bleak at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Star man Xavi Simons faces a lengthy spell out after being stretchered off, while Dominic Solanke will miss the rest of the season.

Roberto De Zerbi’s side are in desperate need of a win, and Villa must use that pressure to their advantage as they look to move within touching distance of a Champions League place and build momentum before the European second leg.