Credit: Imago

Cameron Smith

Sun 3 May 2026 7:00, UK

Aston Villa head into the final weeks of the season with their European ambitions in the balance and a pressing need to rediscover form against Tottenham.

It has been a punishing week for Unai Emery‘s side, who suffered a second straight defeat on Thursday night.

A Chris Wood penalty gave Nottingham Forest a first-leg win in their Europa League semi-final, days after Fulham inflicted a 1-0 league loss.

Villa are still battling for a return to the Champions League, but with Thursday’s second leg looming, momentum is slipping at the worst possible time.

Against a struggling Tottenham side at Villa Park, victory feels essential.

How to watch Aston Villa vs Fulham

After a poor run throughout February and early March, Villa got back to winning ways on the eve of the recent international break, beating West Ham 2-0 on home soil.

However, they have since slipped, with just one league win picked up since then – a 4-3 triumph against Sunderland.

Those in attendance at Villa Park on Sunday will be able to catch the action via TNT Sports 1, or TNT Sports Ultimate with the appropriate Ultra HD hardware.

Due to Villa’s Europa League commitments, TNT chose a rather unorthodox kick-off time, with the Villans unable to play on Saturday in the usual 12:30 slot.

Alongside the TV coverage, BBC Radio WM and major UK radio stations will provide live coverage and analysis of the clash.

Aston Villa must take advantage of Tottenham and build momentum

It has been a dismal season for the visitors, who have burned through two managers in Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor, before Roberto De Zerbi’s arrival with just a handful of games to spare.

The Italian picked up his first win at the helm last time out – Tottenham’s first of 2026 – though the mood is still low around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with the Lilywhites still in the relegation zone.

Given Villa’s continental ambitions, they head in as favourites, and must make this count as they chase a Champions League spot.

With the final rounds of the season approaching, the Midlanders desperately need momentum.

Alongside their ambitions in the league, they risk missing out on another chance to make a big statement in Europe, with Emery’s side trailing Nottingham Forest before Thursday’s second leg.

Starting with the visit of Spurs on Sunday, the Villans need to prove exactly why it is that they are now a force to be reckoned with, and get back to winning ways on home soil.