Credit: Tung Manh Phan/Breaking Media

Cameron Smith

Sat 2 May 2026 9:00, UK

Aston Villa will look to revive their form on Sunday when Tottenham Hotspur make the trip to Villa Park.

It has been a poor week for Unai Emery’s side, who have slipped to back-to-back 1-0 defeats against Fulham and Nottingham Forest.

In both matches, Villa were well below their usual standard and offered little in attack.

With six points needed from their final four games to secure a top-five finish, the hosts will see struggling Spurs as an opportunity to respond.

Tottenham sit 18th in the Premier League, but arrive buoyed by their first win of 2026 and intent on springing a surprise.

Form guide

Villa’s form in 2026 has been far from ideal, with last weekend’s defeat at Craven Cottage meaning Emery’s side have won just one of their last eight league away games.

They have though, lost only twice at Villa Park this calendar year and will aim to make it three consecutive home wins when Spurs visit.

It has been a dismal year for the Lilywhites, who have already gone through two managers, Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor.

Now under Roberto De Zerbi, Spurs are trying to spark a survival bid after Joao Palhinha’s goal secured their first league win of 2026 against Wolves.

Aston Villa (last six games all comps): LLWWDW

Tottenham (last six games all comps): WDLLWD

Head-to-head

With 78 Spurs wins to Villa’s 62, the visitors do carry a slight edge, though this is slightly more even since the Premier League’s inception.

Tottenham are not as far ahead in Premier League-era wins, but the gap in goals scored better reflects the gulf in quality between the clubs until Villa’s recent rise to European level.

This season, Emery’s side have won both meetings 2-1, in the league and cup.

However, the travelling Spurs contingent need not look too far back for happier memories in B6, having won 4-0 there in both 2022 and 2024.

Team news and predicted lineups

Heading into Sunday’s bout, Emery may look to make changes in a bid to build momentum, while also keeping one eye on the upcoming return leg against Nottingham Forest.

Striker Ollie Watkins struggled in both defeats, in the league and in Europe, reflecting the inconsistent season the England international has endured.

As a result, the Spaniard could turn to Tammy Abraham for only his second league start since rejoining the club in January.

Despite limited minutes, the 28-year-old has delivered valuable goals against both Leeds and Sunderland at Villa Park, and an opportunity for him could provide the boost Watkins needs heading into the closing stages of the Europa League.

Jadon Sancho and Ian Maatsen may also come in for Emi Buendia and Lucas Digne after both failed to impress at the City Ground, as was the case for much of Villa’s squad on the night.

For Tottenham, disaster struck against Wolves, with star man Xavi Simons stretchered off and ruled out for the best part of a year with an ACL injury.

Dominic Solanke is also sidelined following the win at Molineux, joining Dejan Kulusevski, Mohammed Kudus, Wilson Odobert, Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie on the injury list.

With that in mind, French forward Mathys Tel could step in for the absent Simons as De Zerbi looks to replicate the Dutchman’s game-changing influence.

Aston Villa predicted XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen; Onana, Tielemans; McGinn, Rogers, Sancho; Abraham

Tottenham predicted XI: Kinsky; Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Spence; Bentancur, Bissouma, Bergvall; Kolo Muani, Richarlison, Tel

Tottenham player to watch: Mathys Tel

Had Xavi Simons been fit heading into the weekend, he would undoubtedly have been the man for Villa to watch after his recent form.

However, Spurs are without any real difference-makers, with De Zerbi likely to turn to the aforementioned Tel, who scored on his debut against the Villans in 2025.

The Frenchman has struggled throughout his time in North London, a situation compounded by the club’s broader difficulties.

However, the young forward will be eager to work under De Zerbi, finally getting the chance to impress from the start as Tottenham look to avoid relegation.

We say: Aston Villa 2-1 Tottenham

Heading into the weekend, the simple fact is that Emery’s side need to get the job done.

A win would put them within touching distance of a Champions League spot, while momentum is absolutely essential ahead of the continental second leg.

With Tottenham vulnerable, Villa have the ability and quality to bounce back from recent disappointments and get back on track in both remaining competitions.